Chapter 2: Unexpected Visitor

Casey got up from bed, checking the time she realized that she had slept in. It was almost 10:00. Then again, what else did she have to do besides stay in bed and snuggle with her adoring husband?

She smiled at the memory of the night before when she had fallen asleep in Cappie's office couch whilst he continued the meeting until three am. He had woken her up when they finished and he told her that it was time to go home. He even carried her into the car because she could barely move from the couch. Her husband was the sweetest man alive.

Casey turned around to hug him. A disappointed look fell on her face when she found his side empty. He had done it again. She couldn't help herself but feel as if their marriage was going downhill.

She sighed. The thing is, this was Cappie we were talking about. It wasn't some regular guy who was just addicted to work and didn't care about his wife and kid. Cappie was the one who fought for her over and over again.

Casey started to get up and bring out one of the things that made her smile when she missed Cappie. Heading over to her jewelry box, she took out the tennis bracelet that had been with her for almost two decades. She put the bracelet on her wrist, immersed in the thoughts of Cappie.

"Miss me already?" A voice said from the entrance of their room.

Casey looked around and saw Cappie in nothing but boxers and a cowboy hat, just like that last night of college at Dobler's. She was speechless at the sight, but she smiled.

"Howdy ma'm. May I have this dance?" Cappie tipped his hat and extended a hand.

Casey laughed.

"There's no music, Cap"

"Leave that to me" She took his hand, pretending to be unsure of this action.

Cappie then led her to a table in a formal fashion, which looked weird considering she was in her sleep wear and him in his boxers. On the table was the remote control for the stereo. He pushed a few buttons; the music started playing and the next thing Casey new she was in the middle of a waltz laughing her head off.


After their dance, Casey decided to make breakfast, while he watched her. The euphoria of being with him was incomparable to anything else, well, maybe there was one thing.

The two of them engaged in small talk, Cappie asking her to update him about Catlin. Casey had missed this. It had been months since they talked about anything aside from his work and his schedule. Cappie obviously wanted to make up for the night before. After all, being away from home was one thing, but forgetting their anniversary, the day when she declared in front of the world that she was his forever, was just too much.

After breakfast, the two of them decided to take a shower together, which took them three hours. By the time they got out, it was already 2 in the afternoon. The day had been going well enough until Cappie's phone rang.

Casey was drying her hair in the bathroom when she heard him pick it up.

"Steely, I told you not to—yes, so what is it?-- What?-- Okay, okay.—Yes.—Three- thirty then."

When she was sure he was done, she came out of the bathroom and she saw him biting his lip, with a frustrated look on his face.

"Case, I'm so sorry"

She smiled weakly.

"I know you are, Cap. Its okay, go"

"I don't have to be there until three thirty. So, let me just get ready then we can do whatever you want after" She was standing in front of his sitting figure. He kissed her chin, which just made her hug him.

She missed just being with Cappie so much. She was half wondering if all this helping had benefits for their relationship because lately, it had only brought her misery.


While Cappie got ready, she decided to make herself a cup of coffee. She was still sleepy from their late night in the office. Casey was just about to pour herself a glass from the coffee maker when the doorbell rang. She checked the video phone to see who it was.

"Hello?" she asked peering into the box.

Casey was shocked at the sight of the person in front of her.

"Hi. I'm here to see Casey?" It was her ex- boyfriend, Max.

What was he doing here? How did he find her? Did he know that she was now married to Cappie? Cappie! What would Cappie say?

"Max?" was all she could manage.

"Casey? Yeah, it's me! You remember me"

Casey had to laugh at this. Seventeen years and he still hadn't lost his boyish charm.

"What are you doing here Max?"

"I- I was just in the neighborhood" Maybe he lived somewhere near. Casey rarely had visitors from her past. Ashleigh was still in New York and couldn't get off work as often. Rebecca would pop in for a moment when Cappie and Evan had meetings, but that was it. She was the one who usually went over to her friends' house.

"I'll buzz you in" Casey typed the code for the gate and she heard it open. She had to wait a while before she heard a knock on the door.

"Who's that?" Cappie asked emerging from their room and into the kitchen.

"You'll be surprised" When Casey walked to the door, Cappie followed her, curious about the mystery guest.

She opened it to reveal Max in a plaid polo on top of his white under shirt, and khaki pants. This look very much opposed to the suit Cappie was wearing. He was going to a meeting after all. Max had aged well. There were a few wrinkles at the side of his eyes though. Nonetheless, he looked good.

"It's Max, Cap!" Casey said announcing the obvious.

It took seconds before Cappie could process what he was seeing. He never really liked Max in their college days. Then again, if he could get over Evan, Max wouldn't be a big deal. Cappie stuck out his hand.

"Hi there, Max. It's been a long time! Glad you could grace us with your presence" He thought twice if he should leave for that meeting.

"Oh! Hi there Cappie, hi Casey. You look lovely as ever." Max said grinning to her.

"Hi Max! Why don't you come in to the living room?" as they walked, Casey again asked why he was there. She didn't mean to interrogate him, she was just curious. Cappie was walking in between them, an arm on Casey's shoulder.

"Well, I heard that this is where you lived now. I heard from Rusty. I heard that you have a daughter with Cappie. I just wanted to see how everything turned out for you." Max explained making himself comfortable on the couch

"Oh, well, here we are! Happy as clowns!" Cappie laughed dryly

"Yes, yes. I can see that. It looks like you're pretty well off" he observed

"Oh, where are my manners? Do you want anything, Max? Anything to drink?" Casey asked politely. The truth was, she wanted to take Cappie aside and ask him about his odd behavior.

"Oh. I'll have juice. Any kind of citrus juice"

"Sure! We'll be back in a second" Casey said pulling Cappie by the hand.


I want the magic of love again
The look of longing in his eyes
All the wonder and surprise
Of knowing that the best is yet to come