Night shifts black

A laugh escapes me, and I nod. “Not a bad idea. There’s a nice one in the extra room, but what about all the guests?”

Casey glances over at the clock. “I think it’s late enough that we can wind this down without damaging Luke’s reputation.”

I stifle my grin, not sure if he’s joking or not, and watch as he moves toward the door.

“Be back in a minute,” he whispers with a conspiratorial glint.

I lower myself beside Luke again and close my eyes. In all the drama, I hadn’t realized how tired I was. Or how hungry. I lean over and grab the plate from the nightstand to pick through some of the snacks. Even though they’d been sitting for a while now, the food is still more delicious than any “party food” I’m accustomed to. I wonder how Luke had managed to pull this event together so fast, catering included. Had this been pla

Casey interrupts my meditations by popping his head back in to let me know the guests should be disbanding soon and he found the shower I’d told him about. I was right, it looks fantastic, so he’ll be back in a few minutes.

I find myself gri

“Callie?”

The voice almost startles me, and I glance down to see Luke squinting up at me. I place the plate back on the nightstand, so I can focus on him and be ready for whatever he needs.

“I’m here. How are you feeling?”

“I don’t know yet.”

I nod. “Casey took really good care of you.”

He looks away, but I’m not sure if any of it registers.

“Where is he?”

“He’s just cleaning up in the other guest room. He’ll be back soon.”

Luke’s expression changes again, but I’m not sure what to make of it. “He’s a good friend. He shouldn’t be, but he is,” he mutters.

“He is.”

“I’m not.”

“Luke…”

“What? You know it’s true.”

“Just get some rest. We’ll talk tomorrow, ok?”

“Laurie?”

“Who?”

“Um…no. Laura. Uh…Laurel…”

“Luke, seriously, just get some rest.”

He nods and closes his eyes again, and I find myself relieved to be released from more confusing conversation with him. It’s a strange contrast to the fact that I miss Casey and look forward to his return. I get my wish soon enough when he bursts through the door, a relaxed smile on his face.

My relief quickly transforms into something entirely different when he comes into view.

“Man, you weren’t kidding!” he exclaims, moving into the room. His hair is wet, messy, and he has a towel secured around his waist. I swallow and try not to stare, but fail miserably as he roots through Luke’s drawers for a change of clothes.

“Have you tried it? The wall one? Completely ridiculous.”

I force a smile. “This morning, actually. Well, I guess, technically, it was yesterday, at this point.”

He shakes his head and pulls on a pair of jeans. He applies the newly freed towel to his hair again and leans against the dresser.

“Who the hell needs a wall shower? What’s that about?”

I shrug in response as he hovers half-naked a few feet away, and I consider closing my eyes. I have to. I don’t know how else to avoid gaping at him like a spellbound teenager. How did I miss this before? But of course I can’t close my eyes. I’d look like a crazy person. I feel like a crazy person. I must be more tired than I’d thought because I’m pretty sure I’m not drunk. I clear my throat and hop off the bed.

“Where are you going?” he asks.

“Nowhere. Just thought I’d take a break from this room for a while. Luke is doing fine. He woke up a second ago and mumbled some stuff that made no sense, but at least proves he’s starting to work his way back to our world. Is it safe yet?”

“Out there?” Casey asks, motioning toward the door.

“Yeah, is everyone gone?”

Casey shrugs. “Got me. Probably. I cut off bar service, so I doubt anyone will stick around much longer.”

“I’ll go check.”

He seems concerned by my strange behavior, and I don’t blame him. I’m concerned, too.

“You got weird all of the sudden. You ok?”

My mouth goes dry as his dark eyes search mine, and I force a smile. I don’t know how to explain why I’m not.

“Fine, yeah, just need a change of scenery for a bit, that’s all.”

Casey nods. “Ok, sure. Let me finish up here and I’ll meet you out front.”

I smile and suck in my breath as I’m forced to move past him. Dammit, he smells as good as he looks right now.

 

∞∞∞

 

The guests are still there. Not as many as before, sure, but enough that I’m positive the scowl is evident on my face. I toss my shoes in the corner and consider taking Casey’s lead by borrowing some of Luke’s clothes. I suddenly feel completely restricted in this tiny dress that has no business on me anymore. I’m done with that and ready for this room to be mine again.

I turn on the hi-hats to a chorus of groans and curses, mostly from the few presumptuous guests who errantly thought they’d be crashing here tonight.

“Does anyone need a cab?” I call out, relishing how freeing it is not to care if any of these people hate me. Heck, not even knowing who they are or why I should care.

No one takes me up on my offer, but their glares indicate they’re getting the hint. Several of them begin collecting their belongings and making the exodus toward the door. It briefly occurs to me how strange it is that they’re following my orders, and I wonder if Luke will be mad that I was rude to all of his friends. Oh well, he should have thought of that before he passed out and left me to my villainy.

“Thanks, everyone. Thanks for coming. Actually, if you ask for Mara Jacobson in the lobby, I’m sure she’ll be happy to book a room for you. Thank you. Oops, your purse…yes, there….thank you.... Thank you... Thanks. Ok, you ok? Ok good, thanks.”

I sense someone watching me and shoot my gaze toward the hallway to meet Casey’s ever-present grin. He found himself a t-shirt, and now leans against the wall, observing my efforts with an amused expression. He waves me on with an encouraging gesture, and I roll my eyes. I know he’s a second away from laughing.

I turn back to my task, and notice with surprise and relief that it’s basically been completed. With the exception of one guy still asleep on the couch.

“You missed one,” Casey teases, drawing up beside me and staring down at the body.

I give him a mock glare before leaning down and shaking the guest. The man doesn’t even stir, loud snores rumbling from his face.

“What do we do?” I ask.

Casey shrugs. “That’s Orin Cantea.”

“Who?”

“Orin Cantea? Rhinehearst Media?”

I continue to stare at him. “Does that mean he freeloads on other people’s couches?”

“Freeloads?” Casey laughs. “The guy is a gazillionaire.”

“Good. So he has people that can come get him.”

Casey shakes his head in disbelief. “Nothing fazes you does it. Or is it, no one?”

It’s my turn to shrug. “Probably both. I’m beat, but not ready to sleep. Want to watch a movie or are you ready to crash?”

Casey considers my offer and stares down at our “guest.”