4 comments/ 9645 views/ 5 favorites Flirting the Fence Ch. 30-39 By: sensanin Hey Everyone! So here are the next few chapters. As always the characters are over 18. Also I do not condone violence against women in any context. Hope you enjoy! -S *** Chapter 30 Day "I-I-" Day heard Beth stutter. "Mr.West?" Ricky said from outside the door, giving two brisk knocks before entering. "Here are those-Oh!" Day released Beth's chin, turning to shoot knives and daggers and all sorts of weapons at Ricky with his eyes. "Ricky!" Beth said breathlessly, her voice coming out in a squeak. "Come in!" Day pulled Beth more firmly onto his lap, and motioned for Ricky to leave. "Get out". Day watched Ricky raise a surprised eyebrow before waving the report at him. "It's 5, and you said you wanted these reports on your desk by 5". Day wanted to reach across the room and strangle Ricky, but settled for narrowing his eyes instead. "Well, hurry the fuck up!" With deliberate ease, Ricky sauntered over to Day's desk, taking his sweet time not even concerned that Day was seriously considering firing his ass just to get him out of the room faster. It seemed nothing was on his side, because at the same moment Beth's phone began to ring. Just like a rabbit Beth hopped out of his lap and scrambled to get his phone. "Hello? Hello!" Beth said into the phone happily. Day stretched, rubbed the back of his neck and sat back patiently. They would have the talk sooner or later, and at that time he would tell her his feeling and she would do the same. Day was a patient man, when he needed to be. "Not tonight mom, I-" Day heard Beth say, tuning his ears over to her conversation. "Uh huh. Well I- yeah, yeah. Fine, dinner tomorrow. No! Not at my house! Well, I haven't found a place to live, that's why. I can pay mom it's-no, I'm not going to ask my friend! No!" Beth protested vehemently, her conversation really beginning to interest Day. "Ok! Ok! Tomorrow, 7:30 at Mary's diner; you like that place and it's relatively cheap. Yup, love you too. See you then. Ok? Ok! Bye!" Beth said angrily hanging up the phone just as Ricky closed the door. Day gave her a second to collect herself, content to wait. Plus he got to see her peeved, which made her cheeks looked flushed, and gave her this whole make-out session look. Day smiled, thinking that he liked the peevish side of Beth too. "You ready to head home?" Day said purposely using the word home. Day watched Beth turn to him, and blow hair out from her face. "And I didn't say, "I love this man"; I said, "I love this can". Which was the drink; I was just a little tipsy and forgot it was out of a glass". Beth said rising and grabbing her purse. Yeah right! Day thought, rising himself. And I'm fucking Dumbo. Once again rolling his shoulders and hearing the crack, Day waited for her to say the words he longed to hear, the words she had already said. He would wait for as long as it took. Besides, Day thought staring at Beth's ass as she made her way to the door, he had ways to make her say it. Chapter 31 Beth Beth slid into the passenger seat in Day's sedated SUV. It wasn't like she hadn't been in his car before, but knowing that he was loaded, Beth wondered why he was still driving a 2008 GMC and not a 2013 tesla; he could probably afford it. "Why are you driving an old SUV? You could probably have any car out there". Beth asked turning to look at Day's profile as he navigated them out of the underground parking garage of his building. Yes, HIS building! To say she had been surprised would have been like saying an elephant's butt was small. The man owned the whole freakin' building! And Ricky had even told her, he'd built it too! Beth couldn't begin to understand why he insisted on having one floor for his business (that wasn't even at the top!), and simply leasing out the rest. But then everything about Day shocked and surprised her. "Because it was the first car Shontell and I bought". Day said turning into rush hour traffic. Beth bit her lip to keep her saucy retort to herself. Turning away from Day she flipped on the radio to some mindless station and decided to stare at New York city passing by her window. Beth knew that Day's wife, Shontell, had died a little over nine months ago, and in the time she had been with him, she'd realized he didn't even see it as that far in the past. Continually, Day brought up Shontell, at times comparing her to his late wife. Beth knew he didn't do it purposely, but it still pissed her off nevertheless. She wiggled in her seat trying to find a comfortable position as her ire rose. Shontell this, and Shontell that! God I'm sick of hearing about that woman! Beth thought biting her lower lip. The alcohol probably wasn't helping, and the two conversations she'd just had, probably weren't helping her state of mind either. On top of Day's obsession with his late wife, which Beth couldn't help being mad and jealous about, there was the conversation she'd had with her parents she had to mentally deal with and also the slip of tongue she'd had with Day. "Beth!" She heard Day say loudly, jarring her from her thinking. "Yeah?" Beth mumbled still staring out the car window. "Why are you so fucking sulky?" Day snapped at her. Beth whipped her head around, narrowing her eyes at him. "Well, excuse the hell out of me!" Beth snapped back. "I'm just not all that fond of being reminded of your dead wife every two fucking seconds!" Beth bit her lip, angry that she had been so callous. "That's not fair, I''m-" She began. "Well, at least she had the balls to admit she loved me". Beth heard Day mutter under his breath. Beth opened her mouth like a fish out of water before her full blown rage kicked in. "Let me out of this car! Let me out, RIGHT FUCKING NOW!" Beth yelled pulling at the handle. "Calm the fuck down Beth, you're acting crazy". Day said, reaching across to make her stop pulling the handle. "Crazy?! Crazy?!" Beth said, her voice so high it was hurting her own ears. "Fuck you Day! Mr.High-and-Mighty, Mr. I-like-to-keep-my business-life-and-personal-life separate, yet you want me to come to a meeting after we just fucked. I swear to God Day, you don't know what you want, and you can't even realize how lucky you are to have what you have. You are suck a fucking hypocrite, telling me to move on when you haven't even TRIED!" Beth yelled at him, her hands moving erratically. Beth watched his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel, before he veered off to the side and into an ally, stopping the car. Day cut the engine, and unbuckled himself getting out of the car. Beth was right behind him, skirting the car and coming around to continue yelling at him. "Fuck!" She heard Day yell before she saw him punch the side of his car. Beth jumped back, a little shocked at the dent he left. She continued to stare at the dent as Day drew back and hit the car again. "Are you an idiot?!" Beth yelled at him. She watched as Day turned around, his fist bloody, his jaw tense. "What do you want Beth, huh? What do you fucking want from me?!" Day screamed at her. Beth stared at him for what felt like a long time. Right from the get go the relationship was doomed, Beth thought shaking her head. The writings had been on the wall, but she'd ignored them, didn't want to acknowledge them. "Nothing, I don't want anything". Beth said lowly, keeping her voice even. With practiced calm, Beth rounded the car, and reached through the door for her purse. Grabbing it she walked back around, and began heading down the street. "Beth!" Day said, grabbing her upper arm. "Day, just... don't". Beth said yanking her arm out of his grasp and continuing down the street. In a part of her mind Beth hoped he would chase her, hug her, reassure her, but rarely do those things ever happen. "Where are you going? You don't have clothes; you don't have a place to live. Get back in the car Beth". She could hear Day saying behind her, his voice sounding pissed off. But Beth just kept walking, head held high. The writing had been there, it could never have worked out. Beth reminded herself, turning the corner, still waiting for Day to sweep her into his arms. How sad, she thought walking through the throng of people, she'd gotten involved with the wrong man again. Only this time, she'd given him her heart too. Chapter 32 Day "Fuck!" Day yelled slamming his fist into the car again, as he watched Beth turn the corner and continue walking. He paced for a second, contemplating whether to chase after her or wait for her to come to him. Day decided on the later. He was too riled up, feeling too homicidal to have a logical discussion with anyone right now. Throwing open the driver's side door, Day climbed in and reached for his cellphone. Scrolling through his contacts he found Mrs. Johnson's number and hit dial. Punching the steering wheel, Day brought the phone up to his ear, hearing the ring. "Hello?" Mrs. Johnson asked suspiciously from the other side of the call. "Mrs. Johnson, it's Day". He said, trying to make sure his tone was even, hoping he didn't betray any of the rage flooding his system. "Oh! Day, I'm so glad you called; I was wondering when you would be back". Mrs. Johnson said. Day could hear Brian in the background watching some asinine cartoon. "I'll be back late tonight Mrs. Johnson. I was wondering if Brian could stay with you for the night?" Day asked, trying not to bite a hole through his lip. He didn't like the woman, she was a racist and a bigot, and hadn't treated Beth with any more respect now that they had started living together. In fact, she purposely stayed in her apartment whenever Beth was out and about, and she'd accosted Day at least two times about how he shouldn't be with a white woman. But as angry with Beth as Day was, he knew she might go back to the apartment, and not seeing Brian there she might freak out. As much as Day hated to admit it to himself, he trusted Beth a lot more than Mrs. Johnson. "Also, if Beth comes by can you please send Brian home with her". Day said as an after thought, trying not to grind his teeth as her name came out of his mouth. "The white woman?" He heard Mrs. Johnson ask in an outraged voice. Day punched the steering wheel again, his anger skyrocketing. "Yes, the fucking white woman!" He screamed over the phone. Trying to calm down Day, took a few breaths and turned on the AC. "I'm sorry Mrs. Johnson, It's been a hectic day, but I should never have raised my voice or cursed at you; I sincerely apologize". Day said quietly, switching the phone to his other ear. The line was quiet for a moment before he heard Mrs. Johnson's voice. "It's all right Day, I understand". Day felt like the world biggest asshole in that moment, but he was still too raw to remedy the situation any further. "Thank you". He said curtly before cutting the line and stuffing the phone into his pocket. I need a fucking drink, Day thought navigating the car back into traffic. Ten minutes later he found a shady looking bar called Lotus Bomb, with a bouncer in front of it. No doubt a strip club, but Day didn't really care, in fact he wanted to have a woman grind her ass against his dick, maybe that would make him feel better. Parking his SUV in the parking lot, Day grabbed his wallet, and shuffled to the front door. He had a small staring contest with the bouncer before the guy let him in, free of charge with no "your name's not on the list" bullshit. Day walked slowly but confidently through the semi-lit club, watching as half naked waitresses served drinks and two girls practically fucked each other on the stage. He made his way to the bar, where he popped down on one of the leather stools and signaled the bartender. "Welcome to the Lotus Bomb, what can I get for you this evening?" The bartender asked, her eyes rimmed with black liner, and her lips puffed up and smeared with red. "The strongest thing you have". Day grumbled pulling out his wallet and handing her his credit card. The woman took it, and placed it to the side, beginning to make his drink. "Rough night?" She asked with genuine curiosity. "You got no fucking idea". Day growled, as she put a napkin in front of him and then placed the drink on top. "Well, hopefully we can make your night better". The woman said coyly, smiling at him. Day looked at her and noticed her smile didn't reach her eyes. In fact she looked pretty fucking miserable to him. Turning his head down, Day heard her run his card and relaxed into what was going to be a very, very long night. Chapter 33 Beth With surprising quickness, Beth was able to hail a cab, but when the cabbie asked her where she was going Beth's only response was "just drive". Fifteen minutes later and Beth had cleared her head, the earlier adrenaline gone from her system with a significant amount of the alcohol with it. At the moment she was just tired and really had to pee. Leaning forward Beth gave the driver the address to Day's house and sat back, thinking about how she was going to approach the situation. Even as they arrived in front of Day's apartment building Beth still didn't exactly know what she was going to say. "That'll be 35 even, Ma'am". The driver said, looking at her over his shoulder. Reaching into her purse, Beth pulled out two twenties and handed them to the driver. She got out of the car, not bothering for change, and stood staring at the building for a second, dredging up the courage to go inside. "You sure you'll be alright Miss? This isn't the best part of town". She heard the cab driver say behind her. Beth turned and leaned down to address the man. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Thanks!" It's now or never! Beth thought stomping up the steps and using the keys Day gave her to open the security door. Four flights later and Beth had decided what she would not do. I won't yell, or scream, or cry. Beth said again and again in her head. Turning the key, Beth pushed open the front door and stepped inside. "Day? Brian?" Beth called out loudly, only to receive her echo in return. "Where are they?" Beth muttered under her breath, beginning to search the apartment. When she didn't find anyone, she began to worry. Pulling out her cellphone, she searched for Day's number, but when she couldn't reach him she really began to panic. Scrolling through her contacts Beth found Ricky's number; Day had given her his assistants number in case she couldn't get him for some reason. Thank god for small mercies, Beth thought, hitting the dial button. Beginning to pace the living room Beth called Ricky, listening to the ring. "Hello?" Ricky answered on the third ring. Beth sent a small prayer up. "Ricky? Is Day with you?" Beth asked, skipping the pleasantries. "Beth? Uh, no Day's not here; why? You two have a fight?" Ricky asked loudly. In the background Beth could hear what sounded like the TV. "Something like that". Beth said, switching the phone to her other ear. "Look Day's not back yet, and neither is Brian. Can you please just call Day and find out where he's at? And if he has Brian?" Beth asked, her voice slightly high with her worry. Calm down Beth, Calm down. She told herself over and over again, beginning to measure her steps. "Uh yeah, sure. I'll call Day, but you might want to check with Mrs.Johnson. She usually watches Brain when Day's not home. I think her apartment's 4D? I know it's the one at the end of the hall". Ricky said to Beth, as if trying to remember. "But don't worry Beth, I'm sure Day's fine. I'll call you back once I find him, okay?" Beth nodded vigorously even though Ricky couldn't see her. "Okay. Bye". "Bye". Ricky said softly before cutting the line. Beth stopped pacing, and smoothed her skirt and her hair, trying her best to compose herself. I'm fine, I'm fine. She said over and over again, trying to trick herself into feeling something she wasn't. Exiting the apartment, Beth took her keys and went down the hall to apartment 4D, loudly knocking on the door. Within a few seconds an old black woman cracked the door open, glaring at her. "What do you want?" The woman snarled at Beth. Beth blinked a few times, a little thrown by the obvious hostility coming off of the woman. "Um... Excuse me ma'am, I'm so sorry for disturbing you. My name's Beth McNash, and I'm a friend of Days. I was wondering if Brain was here?" Beth said politely, her hometown manners kicking into high gear. The old woman looked Beth up and down, like she was some sort of disgusting cow, and then curled her upper lip. "No!" In the background Beth could hear one of Brian's favorite cartoon, followed by the pitter patter of little feet across the floor. "Are you sure? I was told that Brian would be here, and it's time for his bedtime, so I should really get him back to the apartment". The woman raised her eyebrows and drew back like Beth had slapped her. "Well I ain't been told that! So you just go on back to where ever you came from and leave these boys in peace!" The old woman said sharply before slamming the door in Beth's face. On the other side of the door, Beth could hear Brian's muffled voice and the old woman responding to something. Irritated beyond belief, Beth began to knock again, this time with much more force. She heard the sliding of a chain before the door was yanked wide open. "Lord child! Have you lost your mind! Knockin on my door like that!" The old woman chastised, making Beth wince a bit. But her next comment really threw Beth. "You shouldn't even be here! Our kinds don't mix! And all you want to do is steal one good black man because you bored with your white man. Well, I won't allow it! Day's a good boy who don't need to get mixed up with some rich white girl who gonna get him sent to jail because she said he "raped her"!" The woman yelled at Beth, her cheeks turning red, and her dentures moving around in her mouth. Beth's hand went to her throat, shocked that she had just heard such blatant racism. Standing just to the side of the old woman was Brian, and he was looking a bit scared and worried. Beth motioned for the child to quickly come to her, and Brian went without hesitation just barely eluding the old woman's hand. "How dare you!" Beth spat, for lack of anything better to say. "You give that boy back! Ya'll always causin trouble! You only bring trouble! Brian, now you come on here!" The old lady called loudly, never moving from the threshold of her home. Beth turned and quickly went back down the hall, trying to ignore the racist comments coming from the old woman. About halfway down the hall, Beth began to hear footsteps behind them, and the shouting getting closer. Beth jiggled the knob to make sure it was locked and then ushered Brian down the steps. "BITCH!" Beth heard the old woman yell from the 4th floor, as she raced down. "I'm calling the cops! I'm calling the cops!" They made it outside and by some luck the cab was still waiting there. Beth grabbed Brian's hand and rushed over, knocking on the passenger window. She watched as the window rolled down, and the cabbie smiled sadly at her. "Need a ride?" he asked. "God, yes!" Beth sighed loudly, turning and opening the back door and ushering Brian in. "Mommy, where are we going?" Brian asked, looking around the cab. Beth paused staring at the child. He just called me mommy! Beth thought, wanting to cry. Dragging Brian closer to her Beth hugged him; "Somewhere safe" she said, wanting to cry but somehow managing to hold it together. "1140 Astoria Blvd Queens". Beth said to the cabbie, still holding Brian close to her. Beth was going to the only other safe place she knew of, Ty's house. Chapter 34 Day "Joder! What the hell man?" Ricky yelled at Day as he approached him. A very drunk Day tried to lift his head, but only managed a to roll his head, wearing a loopy grin. "Waza you here?" Day asked frowning. Mentally he realized that his voice didn't sound exactly right, it was strange, like he could picture what he wanted to say in his mind but it came out sounding like shit. Flirting the Fence Ch. 30-39 Blinking slowly Day tried to think of a time he had been this drunk and couldn't remember. He was always the responsible one, the guy who drove people home, the guy that the cops couldn't arrest when they got pulled over. Yup, no if but when it happened a lot; racism was still alive and breathing in America. Day heard himself laugh out loud but couldn't control his self, everything was starting to blur together but things were going slowly, and he was tired. Fuck was he tired. "Get your shit together man!" Day heard Ricky scream at him before he felt a hand knock him upside his head. Day wobbled for a second, before the floor began to rush at him. "Joder!" Ricky yelled again. Day closed his eyes content to just float through the next... well however long he would feel like this. Somewhere in the back of his daze he could hear Ricky talking with his bartender. "How the fuck could you let him get this drunk?!" Ricky yelled at her. Day frowned, beginning to open his mouth and defend the friendly bartender when his stomach was suddenly in his throat and he felt the taste of bile coating his tongue. Quickly he closed his mouth and swallowed. "Me? Don't fucking curse at me! Who do you think you are?" She yelled back at him. Day rolled his head to gaze blearily between the two, leaning heavily on Ricky. "Me?! Me?!" Ricky yelled back at her, gesturing angry. "Quién te has creído que eres? Usted ha perdido su mente? ¿Cuál es tu nombre? ¿Cuál es tu puto nombre?" Ricky yelled at her in Spanish, leaning across the bar while he slammed down his fist. Day swung his head over to the waitress, watching as she recoiled, fire burning in her eyes as her hand reared back and slapped Ricky clear across the face. At the sound of flesh hitting, some of the haze cleared from Day and he stumbled away from Ricky and off the bar stool, moving further down the bar and leaning heavily against it. Trying to maintain consciousness, Day looked at Ricky who seemed to be in shock, the entire right side of his face red and angry looking. Then it seemed the once nice bartender, who had listened sympathetically to Day and given him some useful advice (not that he could remember any of it now) seemed to call forth her inner harpy and unleash it. "¿Cómo te atreves! Cabron! Hijo de las gran mil putas! Raspate pal carajo!" She screamed at him nearly climbing over the counter, about to kill him. Day watched as she dug her nails into Ricky's shirt, shaking him back and forth. The club was quiet as the two fought, even the strippers had stopped stripping and gyrating to watch the sceen. Day watched as Ricky regained himself, and pulled her even closer, her breasts nearly crushed to his chest. "Vete al infierno! ¿Cuál es tu nombre? ¿Cuál es tu puto nombre?" Ricky screamed again and again, as Day watched who he assumed was the manager walking over to them. Still drunk of his ass, Day couldn't do more than watch the sceen and try not to throw up all over himself and the bar. "Vete a la verga ruco! Raspate pal carajo! Raspate pal carajo!" She yelled, shaking him harder. Then much to the surprise of everyone, she began to fall forward, still shaking Ricky. Day opened his eyes wide, watching as she banged Ricky's head against the floor, the manager standing over her, a horrified expression on his face. "What is your fucking name?!" Ricky yelled sitting up and grabbing her hips. "Ashley! My fucking name's Ashley, you asshole!" Ashley the bartender yelled, face to face with Ricky, not realizing that she was sitting astride him, her black skirt riding up dangerously. "Ashley". Ricky breathed, looking her dead in her eyes. Day couldn't have guessed what would happen next, as he moved to get Ricky and get the hell out the the club. But then Ricky was kissing Ashley the Bartender and Day was falling head first into a black, dreamless sleep. Chapter 35 Beth "Thank you so much! Just... Thank you". Beth mumbled to the cab driver giving him a generous tip and ushering Brian out of the car. "Uh, here miss". The driver said turning and presenting Beth with his business card. "If you ever need to be picked up, call me" he said giving her a brief nod. Beth nodded, giving him a small smile before whispering a soft "thank you" and getting out of the cab. Moving to stand on the sidewalk in front of Ty's townhouse, Beth reached down and picked up a wobbly and utterly exhausted Brian. "Miss.Beth, 'cause your gonna be my new mommy, I can call you mommy right?" He asked around a yawn, laying his head against her shoulder and curling into her arms. Beth couldn't respond, she was far too strung up with the events of the day to deal rationally with the fragile emotions of a child. "Close your eyes sweetheart and try to get some rest". Beth whispered against Brian's head, beginning to make her way up the step to Ty's front door. Juggling Brian, Beth rang the doorbell and waited for Ty to answer, knowing she would be up because she had insomnia. Only a few second later Ty whooshed the door open, a concerned frown marring her face. "What's wrong? Who do I need to kill?" She said loudly startling a sleeping Brian. Beth soothed the child, with gentle words of reassurance and glared at her friend. Ty's eyes widened but she just moved aside and ushered them in. "We can put him in the guest room". Ty said, leading Beth up the stairs to the guest room. Beth's arms were so tired she was surprised she didn't drop Brian on the way up the stairs. It was only by some miracle that she safely got him in the bed, and then made her way back down the stairs to the basement with Ty. Flopping down on one of the couches in the basement, Beth kicked off her shoes and shook out her hair luxuriating in the feeling of finally being able to rest. But right on the heels of that was a feeling of utter disgust, with herself, with Day, with everything! Beth popped her eyes open, rubbing her arms and remembering how Day had taken her in the middle of the day. When it had happened she had been a little peeved, but it had also made her feel desired, sexy! Now she just felt dirty and disgusted, she wanted desperately to take a shower, to wash off the taint from the day. "I want a shower". Beth said, leaning forward and making a move to get up. "Not before you tell me what the hell is going on!" Ty said, plopping down next to her and handing her a drink. "Water?" Beth asked hopefully. "You smell like you've had enough to drink". Ty said in a biting tone, making Beth raise her eyebrow. "If I recall correctly, you used to be able to out drink me just about every time we went out". Beth shot back, taking a large gulp of her water. As soon as the liquid hit her throat, she realized how thirsty she was and downed the whole glass. "Thirsty?" Ty smirked, grabbing the glass and getting up to refill it. "And anyway, that was then and this is now; I have a kid and a husband to worry about. And it seems I'm not the only one with a family..." Ty trailed off returning to the couch and handing Beth the newly refilled glass. Taking a sip, Beth turned to Ty and leaned her head against the back of the couch. "He's Day's son; his name's Brian". Beth said, taking another sip. "Cute kid, but that doesn't answer my question". Ty said, taking a sip of her own drink and staring at beth over the rim. "You didn't ask a question". Beth countered sourly, surprising both Ty and herself. "Testy, testy" Ty clucked, leaning forward and setting her glass of the coffee table. "You know what I fucking mean Beth!" She snapped turning back to Beth with a hard expression on her face. "You show up at my fucking door at fucking 9 at night with a goddamn kid and think I won't ask questions? You think, what, I'm just going to grin and say, "yes Beth, whatever you say Beth"? Well, fuck you! I've been putting up with your shit a lot lately, but you need to have a come to Jesus moment and figure out what the fuck you're doing with this guy!" At the end of her rant, Ty was standing over Beth with her hands waving and her voice far above a whisper. A few seconds later and they both heard footsteps coming down the stairs before Ty's husband burst through the room, wearing a thunderous expression. "Why are you fucking yelling?!" He whispered furiously at his wife. Ty crossed her arms defensively and nodded over to Beth. "Your girlfriend's lost her mind". Ty said reaching back for her water and downing it in one swallow. "Look," Ty's husband began, "I don't care what the fuck's going on, but Tyra you better calm the fuck down or you're gonna wake up your son, and I am not going to be there to put him back to sleep!" He said, meeting his wife's gaze. Beth hung back, watching the two who seemed so alike, except perhaps that Ken was an Asian-American man and Ty was an African-American woman, the two could have been twins; they just fit like that. "Ok, ok, I'll be quiet; don't have a heart attack". Ty said going over to Ken and ushering him out of the room. Just before he left, Beth watched him lean down and whisper something to Ty before giving her a sound smack on the butt. Beth watched Ty turn around with flaming red cheeks and return to the couch to sit with Beth. "Alright, so now that that's out of the way, tell me what happened and how I can help". Ty said, looking very serious. "I love ya Ty, sorry I've been such a pill lately". Beth said with a watery smile, but Ty just waved it away.Taking a deep breath Beth began to explain her problem. "Well, I decided to go to Day's work after I left you and..." Chapter 36 Day Day groaned, slowly coming to conscience at the sounds of pots banging and a light feminine voice issuing orders. Beth? Day wondered, reaching over for the alarm clock and promptly falling off the couch and banging his head against the side of the coffee table. "Fucking asshole!" Day screamed as pain tore through his head, momentarily blinding him in its intensity. Right after he got himself up, he would break that fucking table in half! Groaning, Day heard feet pattering across the floor to him. Not bothering to open his eyes because of the immense pain he felt he just smiled up at the person standing close to him. "Sweetheart, can you give me a little help?" Day slurred, trying to recall why his voice sounded so weird, like he could taste each letter. "Get your shit together Day" he heard Ricky snap at him, before he felt ice cold water splash his face. "God dammit!" Day screamed rolling into the damn coffee table again, but thankfully not busting his head this time. "That should help". He heard a female voice laugh as he sputtered, trying to sit up and wipe the ice cold water from his face. Day had murder in his eyes as he looked up at Ashley the waitress from the night before. "Fucking bitch". Day muttered under his breath, earning himself a smack upside the head from Ricky and a pout from Ashley. "Watch your mouth Day, that's my fucking woman!" Ricky snapped at him, making Day turn his head and glower at his very-soon-to-be-ex-employee/friend. "Oh leave him be Ricky, he's just mad because he wasn't able to get Beth to wet his dick yesterday". Ashley said flippantly, walking back into the kitchen. Day's mouth hung open after her. What the fuck he thought, shaking his head. "Is she really a lady?" Day asked Ricky, astonished that those words could come out of a woman's mouth. Ricky just laughed and followed after her, ignoring Day entirely. Day finally gathered himself and stood, swaying slightly on his feet. Fuck, he thought grabbing the arm of the couch to steady himself, he felt like he was on a boat with a thousand little elves hammering with murderous intent in his head. Slowly with deliberate steps Day made it to the kitchen, where thing 1 and thing 2 were groping each other like tweens in heat. Plopping down hard on a stool adjacent the kitchen island, Day rubbing his face, blinking rapidly to clear the drunken fog from his mind. As he became more steady and more cognizant, his mind echoed Ricky's words, "get your shit together". Straight on the heels of his mental pep talk was a scary thought that infiltrated his mind; Brian. "Where's Brian?" Day asked aloud, startling the two out of their grouping-fest. Wait, wait, I called Mrs.Johnson and... and... asked her to take Brian! Day screamed into his mind, giving himself a headache. "He's with Beth". Ricky said, plopping a tall glass of water and a tall glass of... something, in front of Day. Day eyed the conception warily, casting Ricky a sidelong glance, before downing the heinous concoction and following it up with the water. The whole thing nearly made him throw up, but only by sheer force of will did he keep it all down. "What did you say?" Day asked, gagging slightly. Ricky sat down of the stool next to him, as Ashley the waitress leaned against the island and smiled at the two beginning to dig into her bowl of sugary cereal. Ricky turned to Day, grimacing slightly, "Brian's with Beth". Day turned to Ricky his expression growing dark. "And how the fuck do you know that?" Day said lowly, softly. Ricky leaned back, putting a little space between himself and Day. "I spoke to her yesterday night, she went home and was worried about Brian and you. I'm pretty sure she has him now". Ricky said, leaning across the Island and holding his mouth open until Ashley gave him a bite of her cereal. "Get a fucking room" Day muttered, rising from the stool, beginning to feel a little better. He didn't really have anything pressing today except a meeting at 2. Searching around the apartment Day found the stove top clock, 11:49am. Rubbing the back of his neck he searched himself for his wallet, patting his pockets. "Your shit's over there"-Ricky said pointing to a small side table by the door-"but I wouldn't drive if I were you". Ricky cautioned as Day went to the door to grab his stuff. "I'm not; I'm taking a cab". Day said checking to make sure he had enough cash. He'd been to Ricky's house before and knew the distance to his own home, Day could roughly estimate the cost of the cab. "And why the fuck aren't you at work?" Day grumbled over his shoulder at Ricky, beginning to straighten his appearance as much as he could. "It's my day off". Ricky said around a mouthful of cereal. Day just shook his head as he clicked his phone on. His battery was dangerously low, as he scrolled through the dozen of missed calls, texts, and voice messages he'd gotten while he'd been passed out. "Whatever", he mumbled opening the door and stepping out into the hall. "Be careful with Beth Day!" Ashley the waitress called after him as he shut the door and made his way to the elevators. Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me! Day yelled at himself over as he entered the elevator car, slamming his fist into the wall and scaring the woman on the other side half to death. "Excuse me". Day mumbled, turning away from the woman who was looking at him, like he would beat her. Fuck me, Day thought again. Chapter 37 Beth "Look! Look!" Brian cried excitedly startling Beth out of her intensive typing session. Smiling softly Beth looked leaned back and looked down at a little Brian playing in the small space she had set up for him under her desk. " Oh my goodness, you got all the colors in the lines! You did a great job honey!" Beth said giving him a high five. Brian's smile widened until it encompassed his whole face. Beth smiled back at him and pointed to the other coloring pages beside him. "Now make sure you do the rest and afterwards we can go get some ice cream!" Beth coaxed Brian, making him turn back to the drawings and begin to diligently work again. Silently Beth returned to her email, quickly finishing it and sending it off. Sighing she pulled out her phone, checking to see if Day had texted her; still nothing. The day was almost done and Beth still hadn't been able to get ahold of Day. It had come as a surprise to her when, at 6:15am she'd woken up Brian only for the six year old to tell her that he didn't have school today. And with no other options, Beth had brought Brian along with her for the day, setting up a little hovel for him under her desk and practically groveling to her boss for understanding. All in all her day hadn't been patricianly great, though it could have easily been worse. Again Beth reached for her phone angrily typing to Day. Where the fuck was he?! Beth thought, reaching for her last case fill of the Day and preparing herself for the congruent meeting tomorrow. About ten minutes later, Brian tapped on her leg. "Mommy I have to go to the bathroom". Brian said, scrunching his face up. In the course of a few hours the kid had take up fast to calling her mommy. It seemed that that one slip in the car had opened up all sorts of doors for him, and instead of correcting him like Beth should have done, she'd let it continue. Grabbing his hand, the made there way to the bathroom. Beth couldn't even give herself a good reason why she hadn't corrected Brian by now. She obviously wasn't his mother, and really she couldn't' even say if she'd be in his life tomorrow, but even knowing this she persisted. "Do you want me to go in with you?" Beth asked Brian as they stopped in front of the men's bathroom. "Nope" he said pushing through the doors, as Beth turned and leaned against the wall. Maybe it was her hormones out of sack, demanding that if she wouldn't have a child then she'd at least adopt one! But it wasn't as if children hadn't been in her cards, Jason and her had all but drafted an agreement that within one year after their marriage she would be pregnant or already have the kid. Thinking back on it made her shiver, closing her eyes Beth gave a silent thank you that she'd been able to see Jason's true colors before they'd tied the knot. But I do want children, Beth thought opening her eyes and running her hand lightly over her middle. Maybe... Day's child? Beth thought with a smile. A beautiful little girl with big brown eyes like her dad, and soft curls like her mom. I wish-but at the moment her phone began to ring. Beth looked at the caller I.D.; mom. "Hey mom" Beth answered, looking at the bathroom door. "Elizabeth, I would have thought you'd have called me before I called you!" Her mother said indignantly, making Beth roll her eyes, and bite her lip to keep from saying something snarky. "I'm sorry mom. Today's been really-" But of course her mother cut her off. "Never mind, I just called to make sure we're still on for dinner tonight at Mary's?" "About that, I have-" Beth began again. "You're not canceling on me Elizabeth. And there's actually a guest coming who's really looking forward to seeing you, you wouldn't want to stand him up, would you?" Her mother said sweetly. Internally Beth winced, nearly groaning out loud. Of course her mother would want to set her up on another date! It's not like she needed time to heal or deal with the other bullshit stinking up her life. "No, of course not. I'll be there, but-" Beth said, trying to get out the part about the little boy who was coming with her and had taken to calling her mom. "It's settled then! We'll see you at 7:30; and wear something nice! Bye" Her mom said quickly before cutting the line. Beth pulled the phone away from her ear, contemplating throwing it across the wall and watching at break. That would definitely help relieve at least a part of her tension. "Mommy?" Brian said beside her, his big brown eyes looking beseechingly up at her. Putting on a bright smile, Beth pushed off the wall and turned to him. "Wash you hands?" Brian bit his lip, looked quickly to the side and nodded. Beth smirked, and clasped her hands leaning down so they were eye level. "What color was the soap?" Flirting the Fence Ch. 30-39 "Uh... uh..." He stuttered. Beth just shook her head and pointed back to the bathroom. "And make sure you remember the color!" SHe called after him as he disappeared back into the bathroom. Quietly she put her hand back onto her stomach, hoping, wishing, but just as quickly she dropped her hand. Hadn't she learned her lesson? Beth thought straightening,there was no point in wishing or hoping, there never was. Chapter 38 Day "...It was a pleasure doing business with you Marcus. Say hi to the family for me". Day said into his office phone receiver before cutting the line and hanging up the phone. Leaning back in his chair, Day closed his eyes and rubbed the back of his neck, sighing. He was exhausted, both physically and mentally, tired from the past shitastic night and the fucking busy day. It had seemed as soon as he'd stepped into his office, work had just dominated his time, made him its bitch. Thank god he'd arrived an hour before his meeting or there would have been no time for him to clean up and look semi like the man was ran the fucking company and not some drunk-as-shit-frat-boy! Absently Day grabbed his personal cell phone, only then realizing he hadn't heard it ring all day. It wasn't like he had lacked the constant ding of a cell phone ring or text message, his business line had been ringing non-stop as one problem or another had piled up and needed his attention. Not to mention, it being Ricky's day off, he'd had to burden most of the work, with the temp being way too overwhelmed. Day couldn't even blame her, the day had been overwhelming even for him. Checking his watch he noticed it was a little before 8, and he'd talked to neither Beth nor Brian all day. Had it been all day? Day wondered clicking the home button on his phone, but when his phone didn't immediately light up he tried again, and again, and again, until he finally realized it was dead. "Shit!" Day muttered, shuffling around his desk for his charger than plugging it in, and hocking up his phone. No wonder he handy heard a damn thing all day, they fucking thing had been off! Day thought with a dose of anger and fatigue. Getting up from his chair. Since he knew it would take a second to change, he headed to the bathroom, seeing no point in waiting without doing something. Leaning against the sink, he turned on the faucet and splashed his face with a good dose of water, shivering as the cold water hit his skin. What the fuck happened? Day wondered staring back at his reflection. His eyes were bloodshot, small white lines were etched around his mouth, his expression was drawn and honestly looked like he was in pain, over all he looked like death warmed over. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Day could hear the ding of his phone in the other room. Turning off the faucet he grabbed a towel, dried his face, and left the bathroom. Checking his watch for what seemed like the hundredth time that day Day grabbed his phone, casually leaning his hip against the desk. With practiced ease, he scrolled through the dozens of missed call, texts, and voice messages he's gotten from Beth, Ricky, and others. Ignoring the majority of them, he looked at the last text Beth had sent him. At Mary's diner on 9th and Weiss until 9ish. Have Brian, meet me there if you can. -B Day unplugged his phone, and shoved it in his back pocket. Grabbing his jacket he left his office. Checking his watch one more time, he realized why he'd been doing it all day, why the time was so fucking important. Signing Day closed his eyes, leaning his head against the back of the elevator. This was the longest he'd gone without talking to Beth, without seeing her, touching her. Groaning Day pinched the bridge of his nose again. He wanted to see her, wanted to be near her, wanted to touch her. So what if she wasn't ready to say I love you, was he really ready to hear it? He knew how he felt about her, he knew where he wanted them to be in a month, a year, ten years. He knew she was his, as sure as the sun rose in the fucking sky, she was his woman. Thats it. And in that moment Day realized that no matter what she would always be his. Come hell or highwater, her own insecurities or his, they'd make it through; he'd make damn sure if it. Chapter 39 Beth Beth choked down the bite of meatloaf that she had forced herself to eat. The food tasted bitter, was hard to chew, and Beth knew the reason. Sitting across from her, looking as fucking innocent as possible was Jason, smiling and talking conversationally with her mother. Fuck them both! Beth thought angrily, reaching for her water to force the rest of the meat down. Never had she cursed so much in her head, never! The anger she felt for her mother was palpable at the table, and it practically flavored everyone's food. "Mom", Brian said tugging on Beth's skirt to get her attention. "Yes, sweetheart?" Beth said turning and leaning down towards the child, her ire momentarily forgotten. "Can you cut up my meatballs?" Brian asked, pointing to the three giant meatballs on top of his spaghetti. Grabbing her fork and knife, Beth set to cutting up the meatballs and spaghetti. Beth was thinking about how she planned to kill her mother, when Jason interrupted her thoughts. "Did that kid just call you mom?" He asked in a strained voice, drawing Beth's attention. Slowly raising her head, Beth stared down her nose at him, making sure her expression was as cold as ice. She stared at him for a good long minute, before turning to finish cutting up Brian's food. "You're not even going to answer me Beth?" Jason asked, his voice mocking. "Look, I didn't come here to spare with you, I thought... I thought we could talk like adults and reach a kind of... truce". Jason said slowly, choosing his words carefully. "Brian did you wash your hands?" Beth asked the child suddenly, surprising him. "Uh... yeah" he answered, darting his eyes to the side. "Dad, would you mind-" Beth began but her father was already rising. "Your mother and I'll take him to the bathroom". He said moving around the table. Beth watched her mother's cheeks turn red; "I'm not-" "I wasn't asking" Beth's dad said harshly, practically growling at her mother, as he grabbed Brian's hand and then ushered her from the table. The restaurant was busy enough, but not crowded; yet even knowing this, Beth covertly slid her steak knife into her lap covering it with a napkin. Vehemently she tried to ignore him, stabbing her broccoli with her fork and raising the morsel to her lips. "So he's his son?" Jason asked suddenly, completely killing Beth's appetite. Carefully she laid the fork back down on the plate, broccoli uneaten. Taking all the time in the world, Beth wiped her hands on her napkin, took a sip of her water, and then, only then, did she look up and acknowledge Jason. "Is there a reason you're here?" Beth asked calmly. Jason's lips twisted in a parody of a smile. How did I ever find him attractive? Beth wondered for what seemed like the thousandth time. Her skin beginning to crawl as she watched Jason fluidly rise from his seat and move closer to her. The knife in her lap felt heavy, like it weighed a ton as Jason leaned towards her resting his hand on the back of her chair, half caging her. "Beth can we put down the swords?" Jason asked smoothly. Not waiting for her reply he continued. "Look Beth, I know I messed up. Said some things, did some things, and I'm not proud of any of it. I wasn't in a good place Beth, when I... slept with Simone, when I... touched her, and threatened you. I-I'm... I'm sorry". Jason ended, breathing out a sigh, like saying those words had cost him a lot, like he had just poured out his fucking soul. "Did your father threaten you?" Beth heard herself say, surprised that her voice was steady, if a little quiet. "Did he threaten to disown you? Make you really work for that inheritance?" She spit out, like the words burned on her tongue. "Beth I'm trying to apologize. I know I fucked up big time, but I've never done it before and I'll never do it again. It was a one time slip, and I'm not even sure how it happened. I want you Beth, just you. This has nothing to do with my father or Simone, or your fucking boyfriend. I just want to move passed this, so we can start-" "We?" Beth asked, her voice high and strained. Throughout their conversation she had starred in front of her, not bothering to give him the satisfaction of seeing her eyes. But he said we. The man said fucking WE! "There is no we Jason". Beth said, turning to face him. "That ended the moment you stuck your dick in Simone". "Watch your fucking mouth Beth. I won't have my woman talking like that to me in public'. Jason growled, moving his hand to her arm and squeezing, hard. Beth stared at his hand gripping her arm. White. His hand, her skin, both white. Day's hands were dark brown, a warm brown, a safe brown. When he touched Beth she didn't feel revolted, hell it was the exact opposite! She'd never noticed their different skin tones, their different world. Beth looked back at Jason, seeing everything he was; spoilt, rich, white, and superficial. He'd never truly worked a day in his life, he'd never really had to provide for anyone, care about anyone. Everything in life had been handed to him, and perhaps that wasn't because of his skin tone, but being white probably didn't hurt his chances in life either. "....Ok Beth? You understand what the fuck I'm saying?" Jason growled at her, closer this time, so close she could feel his breath on her skin, see his nostrils flaring. "Get. Off" Beth said between clenched teeth. Jason blinked, like she'd just slapped him, and then his mouth twisted cruelly. His grip on her arm firmed to the point of being painful. "What did you-" "I won't repeat myself. Move your hand or loss it" Beth said, narrowing her eyes. White, black, it didn't matter, what mattered was the person, the man. Beth had a startling realization that if it was Day in Jason's shoes, behaving as he was, the cops would have already been called, the people in the restaurant would have started to take notice, the situation would have been completely different. What did that say about society? "You fucking-" Jason began, his voice beginning to rise with his ear, finally drawing at least a few eyes. Beth was quick, she'd been watching his other hand, the one he had kept laying harmlessly on the table. He didn't see the knife, couldn't have reacted if he'd wanted. She struck with precision, a high pitched scream coming from a woman across the room as she realized Beth's intent. The handle quivered, as the blade stuck upright on the table, in between Jason's fingers, leaving him unharmed. "Holly shit!" Jason yelled releasing Beth, scrambling backwards, and falling out of his seat. "Someone call the police, she tried to cut that man's hand off!" Someone yelled into the silence that had invaded the restaurant. Beth took her time rising from her seat. "That", Beth began turning to Jason, who was still on the floor looking like he might piss his pants. "was a warning. I don't give them twice. The next time you contact me or my family, I'll fucking kill you. You can bet your whole fucking inheritance on that promise". Grabbing her purse, Beth pulled out a couple of bills and threw them on the table. "Expect to receive a restraining order Mr.Brucksworth". Beth moved calmly through the now chaotic restaurant. Someone started to dial the police, demanding someone restrain her, while others moved out of her way, and the majority of people simply left. By this time Beth's parents had come out of the bathroom with Brian in tow. Her mother frighteningly pale, and her father looking smug and proud. "You ready to go Brian?" Beth asked sweetly grabbing the child's hand. Brian simply nodded, waving goodbye to Beth's parents. "I'll call you later dad, love you" Beth said to her father. She didn't say anything to her mother as she exited the restaurant and started walking down the street, clutching the little boy to her side. Adrenaline was pumping through her veins, making her walk quickly and Brian run to keep up with her. "Mommy, where are we-" But someone calling Beth's name stole whatever Brian was about to say. Beth tensed, her guard on full alert, her mind not even registering the voice. Quickly she shoved Brian behind her as she turned to see the man who had called her name. "Hey Beth!" Day said as he came up to them out of breath, grinning. "Sorry I've been MIA all day, work's been bitch. And I'm sorry about yesterday night, I was a total asshole, and you had every right to-what's wrong?" Day asked, his expression changing as he reached out towards her. Beth flinched away, taking a step back. Brian had flung himself at his father, and Day was absently patting his son's head. I can't, Beth thought, taking another step back her face paling. "I-I can't." She whispered out loud. Not now, not with everything that's happened. Beth's heart cried out for Day, but she wasn't ready, not now. "I just-" But the wind stole her words as she turned away and ran. Beth ran, like she always did when things became too much. She ran from Jason, and now she was running from Day, but the reason's were different. Beth knew why she'd run from Jason, but she as she turned a corner never breaking her pace, she didn't know why she was running from Day. She didn't know. *Remember to comment and vote!*