Safe and Sound

Marlin and I are lounging on my couch. He greets me as soon as I enter the house, we've become best buds. I had him at the vet last week, they gave him a clean bill of health which thrilled me. I don't know what would've happened if they didn't. Let's hope that doesn't happen for a long time. Marlin is currently laying in his favorite spot on the back of the couch, just behind my head. Occasionally his tail will curl into my face. He's such a chill, low maintenance cat. It's sad he sat at the shelter for so long, but in a way it's like fate. Jade totally sprung this guy on me and I don't even regret it. I reach up to pet Marlin on the side of his head, his favorite spot. "You my bud right?" He begins to purr. "Jade knew we needed each other." I scratch under his chin and he hams it up.

The ringing of my phone pulls my attention away from Marlin, "Speak of the vixen." I say aloud as Jade's face lights up on my phone that's perched on the arm rest besides me. Swiping the green button to accept the call and place her on speaker. "Marlin and I were just speaking about you!" I say as a greeting.

"All good things I hope."

"Of you? No way. Only the most awful, horrid things." I joke.

"Don't listen to him Marlin!" she shouts.

"So to what do I owe this phone call? Don't tell me you miss my sparkling personality and good looks already."

"Ehh..."

I laugh loudly, "Ouch. That hurts."

She laughs lightly, "You're not going to believe what just happened."

Oh no. "What?"

"Melissa was just here."

I shoot up off the couch, "Please tell me you're joking."

"I wish I was." she laughs but there's no humor behind it.

"What the fuck? What the hell did she want?" I begin to pace the floor.

"You, obviously. Did you guys speak after you dropped me off?"

"No, hell no!"

"I didn't think so. I think she's..." her words linger and I'm desperate for what she's going to say next.

"She's what?" I urge.

"I think she's becoming desperate. Her parting words were ominous. I mean, she doesn't scare me..."

"Wait, wait, wait..what? She doesn't scare you? What the fuck did she say?"

"She asked that I step aside and allow your perfect relationship to mend itself. That you guys have spoken and you agreed but you're too nice to tell me to get lost."

"What?" I'm shocked.

"Yeah, I mean, I told her no. I know she assumes we're a couple and I didn't correct her on it. She told me to watch my back."

I inhale and it causes me to choke on my own spit which results in a coughing fit. "Vic, you okay?" I pat my chest hard and try to get myself under control, my eyes are watering. Jade's concern is cute considering my ex just threatened her.

"Yeah," I finally croak out after what seems like ten minutes, "This is bullshit. I don't know what kind of game she's playing. I'm going to call her."

"Don't bother, she's harmless. You should have seen her, she seemed terrified to be in there. Besides, she's obviously lying to come between us."

"I don't know..."

"Don't give her what she wants."

"What's that?"

"Your attention. I told her you're happy."

"I am." I confirm, "Even my therapist commented on my improvement."

"See! She's messing with us, with you. Don't let her."

"I still don't like it. I'm gonna call my brother's and come hang out."

"Don't feel like you need to come out here and protect me. I'm good."

"You've been protecting me, I'm not about to let you down when it's my problem that's attacking you."

She's quiet for what feels like minutes, "I'll have a beer ready for you."

"Sounds good, I'll see you later."

"See you."

The call goes dead and I find myself in my kitchen, gripping the back of my head. I release a deep long breath, I need to figure out what to do about Melissa. She's a damn narcissist and for the first time, I'm grateful that I walked into that awful scene that day. Who knows where my future would have went had I remained married to her. Obviously, I have a lot more to deal with but the papers are filed and whether she signs them or not, eventually they'll go into effect.

At eight o'clock Vin, Vance and Myself are strolling into Sliders. Vaughn is just a few months shy of being able to join us. I think they're planning a huge bar crawl for him. As promised Jade has a beer waiting for me, her smile is megawatt and it hits me right in the heart.

"C'mon Jade, let's run away to Vegas and get married." Vance jokes or maybe he's serious, who knows with him. He grabs my beer bottle and takes a swig, he sits on the stool and turns to face me.

Jade's eyes roll with a shake, "You can't handle me!" then adds a sexy wink. She grabs another bottle and opens it, placing it in front of me then moves down the bar towards some customers.

"She doesn't want your tiny dick anyway." Vin claps Vance on the shoulder, squeezing him with a shake.

"I'll show you a tiny dick." Vance mutters.

Their stupidity makes me grin.

"Right, right." Vin pauses and strokes his chin, "and that's why Autumn isn't returning your calls?"

This piques my interest, I glance between them. Vance's expression has soured while Vin is smirking. "Who's Autumn?" I finally ask.

"Just some broad." Vance answers vaguely.

Vin laughs and adds, "A broad that Vance didn't impress with his tiny dick."

Vance grabs his beer, "Fuck off dude." He leaves us and disappears to the back of the bar.

"What was all that?"

Vin's still laughing, "This chick who's blowing him off. It's fucking hilarious!"

"That's a first."

"It's about time someone puts him in his place."

It's no secret that Vance is a rake, it surprises me how women still flock to him despite his reputation. But if I learned anything some women enjoy sex just as much as men and don't want the relationship either. Deep down I feel like Vance is afraid of getting hurt so it avoids it all entirely. Where this fear stemmed from is beyond me. Our parents are still together after so many years and truly the epitome of a near perfect marriage.

Jade joins us, "What's good guys?"

"Eh, you know...same shit different day." Vin takes the seat that Vance vacated.

"I haven't seen much of you Vin. Where do you hole yourself up these days?"

"Whatever chick let's me in!" he jokes with a shrug.

"That's cringey." Jade snaps a rag at him.

"I'm joking, kinda. I feel like all I do anymore is work and sleep. But yo what the fuck is up with this bullshit with Melissa?"

I definitely filled them in on what happened with Melissa and they aren't happy about it. It's a major reason why they're here when they could be elsewhere.

The rest of the night goes smoothly and without any incidents. No crazy ex returning wielding a gun or slinging anymore threats. It's nearing closing time and I'm the only remaining customer, though at this point I wouldn't consider myself a customer. With it being a Sunday, the bar closes earlier than on a Friday and Saturday.

"Vic you can leave. I'll be fine. The doors will be locked and I won't go outside."

I'm not feeling too keen on that. I really don't want to leave her alone even if Mike's still here, she essentially will be alone when he leaves to go home. She places a hand on my forearm and squeezes reassuringly. "Go." she urges.

"Alright. Please text me when you're safely in your apartment?"

"I promise but don't lose sleep on my account. I don't need to be blamed for your lack of brain function tomorrow."

"My brain function will be just fine."

"Alright, get out of here."

Jade walks me to the door, and I turn to face her. "I wanna hear the lock when I step out this door."

"Yes Dad." She jokes, and pushes me out the door.

"Hmm say that again but use Daddy."

"Oh my god." she pretends to gag, "Don't ever say that again."

My laugh is loud but I still hear the lock click and the smile remains on my face the whole drive home. Like always, Marlin is waiting at the front door for me. "Hey bud." I reach down and pat him on the head. He meows in greeting, "She's good." I reply. The lingering smell of alcohol and fried food clings to me, so I take a shower and get ready for bed. Marlin has claimed the empty space on the left side of the bed. It's not until I get the text from Jade that she's safe and sound in her apartment that I can finally go to sleep.

Two updates in a row!? I know! There's going to be a blizzard, or apocalypse. I'm on a roll. Pray this continues. PRAY FOR ME!

I think the hardest part is connecting the main plot points with interesting dialog or details. BUT I hope you enjoyed this chapter...I want to hear all your comments and don't forget to vote! Please :)