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Chapter 7
That Afternoon
October 31
st, Halloween

Today was just one of those days when Juliet wished she didn't have to work.

Some of her fellow employees were dressed up in their Halloween costumes whilst others, namely herself, were dressed in uniform. The hotel had a small party for the employees during lunch hour, then it was straight back to work. A few employees were allowed to work overtime for a masquerade that was to be held in the ballroom that night; Juliet, on the other hand, was clocking out early that day.

"So I'll see you tonight?" Juliet asked as she was grabbing her belongings from her locker.

"Yes, ma'am! I'll call you when I'm on my way, ok?" Shae watched her friend put her coat on in a hurry, and shook her head.

"I'll be waiting, then!" Juliet spoke, out of breath.

"What's the rush? I thought you leaving early was supposed to prevent you from rushing?" Shae followed Juliet to the time clock.

"Yea, you're right." She huffed, slowing her pace to a normal walk. "I guess I'm just used to leaving in a hurry to get Alan." Shae patted her back as she punched out.

"You're gonna run yourself ragged if you don't have some down time. When are you not with him?"

Juliet had to pause to think about it; Shae was right! Now that she thought about it, she was with Alan just about every day. 'When was the last time you went on a date?' She asked herself. 'Or even just out?' She frowned, looking to Shae.

"You know, I don't even think I've ever been without him…" She mumbled.

Shae shook her head and put an arm around Juliet's shoulder. "Well, tonight will definitely remedy that! We're gonna get you so drunk, get you a few phone numbers." She laughed. "Or even give out yours!"

"No, no, no! I don't think so!" Juliet couldn't help but laugh anyway. "At least let me choose the guys, alright?"

"But where's the fun in that?" Shae walked with Juliet to the exit before saying their goodbyes, Shae retreated back inside.

The air was chilly, but that didn't stop the great city of New York. The sidewalks and shops were crowded as last minute shoppers scurried from store to store; Juliet was relieved she hadn't waited to get Alan's costume. However, thinking of Alan only made her remember what Shae had told her just moments ago. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't see the crosswalk signal flashing red.

"Watch it!" Someone called.

Juliet was yanked back into a hard chest, her heart racing in shock, as her mind was pulled back to reality.

"You have a death wish or something?" The voice asked in exasperation.

Juliet furrowed her brow in confusion and looked up to see a very frustrated Jason.

"Wha- what?" She was in a daze.

Jason's frown remained as he put his hand on Juliet's back, guiding her across the street once the light turned green. "You're lucky I was nearby." He said, removing his hand once they reached the sidewalk.

"Um… Thanks… I don't know…Wait - what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be watching Alan?"

"I was. Still am." He shrugged his shoulders. "You're out early." He added, keeping pace with her as they walked.

Juliet nodded. "Yeah, I'd rather be there to pick up Alan right when he gets out, instead of him waiting on me. A lot of weirdos will be out today."

"Speaking of weirdos, I'll be keeping a close eye on you two tonight; don't want anything to happen." His nonchalant tone made her think otherwise, but she didn't want to think he actually wanted something bad to happen. "Keep your phone close. Call if there's an emergency." His eyes were locked on the gates of the school as they walked closer.

"You gonna hold my hand in case I get lost?" She teased; a smile tugged at Jason's mouth before he started to slow his pace, unbeknownst to Juliet.

"Don't count on it."

She wanted to see the look on his face, but when she turned, he was gone. She looked at her surroundings but he was nowhere in sight. She let out a puff of air in frustration. 'Leave it to me to scare off the opposite sex.' She mentally groaned.

Juliet stood by the school gate, like many other parents; the school buses were already parked and waiting for the kids to be released. An older woman stood next to a minivan, talking to a man Juliet assumed to be her husband. Juliet wondered if she'd ever be in their shoes; picking up her own children, waiting with her husband at the school gates. Would she ever get that chance? The last time she dated had been in high school, and that felt like a long time ago.

Since she was 10, Juliet had looked out for Alan; she adored him! He was the brother she had never had, he filled the gaping hole in her heart that had been there since her father had died. He made her smile when she wanted to cry; she never felt lonely.

She never thought about boys until her mid-teens, and even then, the most she had ever done was her first experience when she was 17, and she was sorely disappointed. Sure she had some crushes during high school, and practically swooning at hot young celebrities, but dating? Nothing ever went past the first date for her. She was too 'family-oriented' or 'boring' for their tastes. Who would want to date her?

She thought of Jason, then, sighing almost dreamily. She admitted to herself that she had a small crush on him; who wouldn't? He was a very attractive male! 'Who you just scared away earlier.' How does one flirt with someone without making it awkward?

She didn't know how to feel about the young bodyguard; she doubted their… interactions would lead to anything, and she felt a little discouraged at his dismissal earlier. She understood he had a job to do, but even he said it was boring! However, Juliet didn't want his attention divided if it meant he couldn't watch over Alan properly; she sighed.

Juliet's thoughts melted away as the school bell rang, and smile came to her face as soon as she saw Alan walking down the steps.


That Afternoon
R&O Paper Co. Receiving Warehouse

Gregory was sitting at his desk, signing his name on the shipment receipt when the door to his small office swung open.

Fabian Moretti walked in, wearing a very flashy suit. Gregory was silent, not knowing what to say. Fabian casually sat down in one of the chairs adjacent to his desk.

"So how is the shipment coming along?" The smile on Fabian's face was plastered almost smugly as he talked, crossing his legs.

"It's… still being processed here." Gregory said, not knowing if he should be worried that Fabian was there.

"Should I be expecting any problems tonight?"

Gregory only shook his head.

"Good. I just wanted to make sure everything was going well. I don't want any complications tonight." Fabian stood from the chair.

"You came all the way down here just to make sure I don't double-cross you?!" Gregory asked incredulously. "What kind of person do you think I am? You practically threatened my son's life!"

Fabian merely shook his head. "Mr. Reeves, you must understand; this is the first shipment I'm in charge of. I need it to go smoothly. If not, then it makes me look bad."

"If you're concerned about your appearance, why are you dressed like – that?" He motioned to Fabian's suit, the shiny gold material contrasted his skin greatly, making his tan skin look darker. Fabian chuckled dryly.

"It is my costume for tonight." He straightened his tie unconsciously. "I am having a grand opening for my new club; you remember it, yes?" He asked, but didn't wait for Gregory to answer. "There are already many people waiting in line to get in. Apparently the DJ I hired is a very popular one. Anyway, I should tell you about the next shipment – "

"I won't be able to do another shipment for two weeks." Gregory cut in. Fabian's smile dissolved from his face.

"What do you mean you won't be able to?" His tone took a dangerous turn.

"I have a client in Canada that I need to negotiate with." Gregory stood up from his desk and walked up to Fabian. "I'll be taking my son with me. You understand, yes?"

Fabian chuckled darkly, a smug grin forming on his face. "You're not planning on running now, are you?"

"No –"

"Because I should warn you; you can't walk away from this. I can make your life difficult wherever you go. Not to mention your son – a lot of accidents can happen on a night like this."

"I'm not running. It's simply a business trip. This company needs clients to stay financially stable." Gregory reasoned, though in his mind he wanted to ring the young man's neck. "Not to mention, the more legit clients I have, the more attention is diverted from our… other business."

Fabian thought on this; it was clear he didn't fully understand the whole business world, and it made Gregory want to roll his eyes.

"Fine." Fabian huffed. "Two weeks. When you come back, I'll have a shipment waiting to be ordered. When do you leave?"

"Friday."

Fabian nodded, and then turned to leave. "I'll be sure to keep an eye on you until then." He paused at the door. "Don't disappoint me, Mr. Reeves."

"I assure you that is the last thing on my mind."


That Evening

On their way to the Juliet's apartment, Alan excitedly spoke about how much fun he was going to have, and how much candy he would eat. His friend, Avery, was supposed to be dropped off at Juliet's apartment to go trick-or-treating with him.

Elvis the cat meowed as soon as they walked through the door, and then Juliet's phone rang. Alan stroked Elvis's back and decided to head straight for the bathroom to change, until he heard Juliet talking to his father on the phone.

"He's fine, Mr. Reeves." She sounded frustrated as she hung her coat and walked into the kitchen. Alan remained in the hallway, straining his ears to listen to the one-sided conversation.

"No, nothing out of the ordinary…Yes, he'll be close…Alright, I'll tell him, don't worry."

Alan was about to come out from his hiding place when he saw she was making another call.

"Hey. Sorry, it's not an emergency but Gregory wanted me to let you know… Yeah… Ok. Ok, thanks." She hung up, sighing. Alan's curiosity was piqued. Just who had she called? He quietly walked into the restroom, and shut the door as quietly as possible. He quickly threw his backpack on the floor and began changing out of his school uniform. It wasn't long until Juliet knocked on the door.

"Hey, you. You alright in there?"

"I'm ok." He called back. "What's for dinner?"

"What do you want? I was thinking chili dogs, but then I thought you might get your costume dirty."

"No I won't!" He heard Juliet laugh as he changed into his costume. "Make chili dogs, woman!" He joked, earning another laugh from her.

"Yes, sir! Right away, sir!" She called with an exaggerated army voice.

Alan laughed at her retreating footsteps as he slid on his pants and top to his costume. He shoved his uniform in his backpack and walked out of the bathroom, Elvis right outside the door. "Don't you rub my leg!" he pointed at the cat. The feline disobeyed by following close behind him. "Julie! Put Elvis in your room! He'll get his fur on my costume!" Alan said as he emerged into the kitchen.

"He lives here, Alan, you already know his fur is everywhere!" Juliet said as she opened a package of hotdogs.

Alan looked down at Elvis as he rubbed against his pant leg, leaving several strands of long white hair behind. Alan groaned as he left the kitchen to put his backpack by the door.

Juliet busied herself in the kitchen, putting the hotdogs to boil and opening a can of chili. Alan went to the living room and turned on the TV. Sitting down on the couch, he pulled his phone out and texted Avery.

Are you on your way? He sent. A few seconds later, his phone beeped with a received message.

I'm walking up the stairs! It read.

"Julie! Avery is here!" Alan quickly got up and went to the door, opening it for his friend.


That Evening

Juliet stared at her phone until the screen dimmed from non-use. She, Alan and Avery had left the apartment after eating a quick dinner; though they had to leave a little later than planned, since she had to clean a chili stain off of Alan's pants.

She followed the duo down the stairs, resigning to tuck her phone away; If Jason was keeping an eye on them, then she didn't need to text him. Walking down a few blocks, they passed several stores and a few bars filled with young party goers. Once they reached the neighborhood of houses, Juliet warned Alan and Avery not to go far from her, and to stay in sight. So for the majority of her night was spent following a small Green Arrow and an even shorter Flash.

"Remember, it's a school night, and we can't stay out too late!" She called, but they were already at the door of their first house of the night while she waited at the sidewalk. The neighborhood was crowded with families and friends, and many were dressed in really great costumes. Once Alan and Avery rejoined her, they led the way to the next house. Juliet didn't understand how they couldn't be cold; her own coat was wrapped around her shoulders and she held their jackets in the crook of her elbow. Standing alone at the sidewalk never used to bother her as much as it did now. Seeing families out together during Halloween really put her down, and the thoughts from earlier clawed at the forefront of her mind.

With Alan practically dragging her around the neighborhood, it only made her mood even worse. She wanted to feel guilty for thinking like she was, but was it really so bad? 11 years of her life was invested into Alan's welfare, how much longer did she have? When he turns 18 and goes to college? Would Gregory even be there when Alan graduates from high school?

"Come on, Julie! You're falling behind!" Alan called as he and Avery ran up to another house. A small smile tugged at her lips, but fell once again when she saw another couple walk by with their small toddler in their arms. Juliet remembered a time when her father would take her trick-or-treating on Halloween, how she would dress up in a princess costume or as a fairy and share her candy with her dad; she sighed.

"Why the long face?"

Juliet wasn't surprised to see Jason walking up to her, his odd ways of appearing out of nowhere seemed to be becoming a habit with them.

"It's actually a heart shape, not long at all." Her sarcastic reply earned her a raised eyebrow from him.

"Ok, why the heart-shaped face?"

Juliet rolled her eyes, not looking at him.

"Ouch. Consider my feelings hurt. Is this how you show gratitude?" He mimicked her words from the other day on her balcony.

"No, this is how I pretend I don't know you so Alan won't suspect anything." Her eyes never left Alan's form as she followed him to the next house; Jason following discreetly. They passed a particularly large group of people and Jason disappeared completely, only to return moments later, chewing on a chocolate bar.

"You're pretty good at pretending to ignore me. You get a lot of practice?" Not knowing how the words stung her, Jason was confused when she finally looked back at him, absolute hurt in her eyes. Before he could say anything, though, she had quickly turned to face Alan as he ran up to her; Jason made himself scarce.

"How much longer can we stay out?" Avery asked once they reached Juliet. She checked the time on her phone; it reading well past 8:30; they had been out for nearly three hours.

"Well, we have to walk all the way back, and then take you home, Avery." She tucked her phone away. "And then I have to take you home." She smiled at Alan.

"But can't I stay the night?" Alan pleaded.

"No can do, sweet pea, I have plans tonight."

"WHAT!? How come you get to stay out late?"

"Because I am much older AND," Juliet tugged Alan's hood over his face playfully. "I don't have school tomorrow." The two boys groaned at her revelation, not wanting to go home just yet. "Come on, you two, you can hit up ONE more house before we go." At this, the boys fist-pumped into the air and ran happily to the large house.

A small smile played on her lips as she waited for them to run back. Their bags were so full of candy, she was sure they would be sick tomorrow. The whole walk back consisted of Alan and Avery munching on their candy and talking about all the costumes and friends they saw out that night.

When they arrived at Avery's house, his parents waited at the door while their party guests were leaving. They thanked Juliet and gave Alan a few more pieces of candy before they continued on their way to Alan's home.

"Did you have fun tonight?" Juliet asked as they walked down the street.

"Yeah. Now I'm pooped. What about you? Did you have fun?"

Juliet shrugged. "I had fun, I guess." She pulled him in, holding an arm over his shoulders as they walked. "I plan on having much more fun tonight, though. Drinking beer, dancing… Stuff you can't do until you 21." She teased lightly.

"That's not fair!" He exclaimed, but it was quickly followed by a big yawn; Juliet laughed.

After a passing a few blocks, they finally arrived at the doors to Gregory's apartments. As they walked inside to the elevators, they passed several men and women dressed in 17th century clothing and wearing masks and face paint.

They both looked on in curiosity as they boarded the elevator.

When they reached their floor, Alan was dragging his feet as they walked to the door. Juliet knocked a few times until Gregory opened the door. Alan walked into the apartment, going straight for his room, closing his bedroom door right behind him.

"So he had fun." Juliet began, not entering the apartment.

"I can see that. He looks exhausted."

"Yeah, all that running around will do that to a kid."

"I bet."

Juliet nodded. "I'll be sure to be on time in the morning, and bring him his backpack. I told Jason to stay close, like you said."

"He told me. He gives me a report every night before leaving. He just left a few minutes ago."

"Oh, alright, then. Well," She backed away from the door. "I guess I'll see you two tomorrow."

"Wait! Before I forget," Juliet paused, waiting for him to continue. "I'll be going out of town on Friday. I'm taking Alan with me to Canada."

"Canada?" She asked, surprised.

"It's just a business trip, but we'll only be gone for two weeks."

"But – what about his school? That's a lot of work he'll be behind on."

"I'll talk to his teachers about giving him some assignments to do while we're gone."

"You'll talk to them? You sure you don't want me to do that?" Juliet was a little skeptical about Gregory's sudden need to take Alan away. It was suspicious. Gregory sighed, coming out into the hallway with Juliet, closing the door behind him.

"Juliet, I know I haven't been the best father to Alan in, God knows how long… But I think this trip will be good for him. For us; as father and son."

Juliet eyed him, hoping his words were sincere; she had no choice but to give him the benefit of the doubt. "If you say so… Friday, then?"

"Yes."

Juliet nodded. "Ok, um – let me know if you need anything then."

Gregory gave a half smile as she left, retreating back into his apartment. "Good night, Juliet." He called, and she gave a small wave as she disappeared behind the elevator doors.


Later that evening
The Vine Dance Club

Loud dance music pulsed against the walls of the crowded dance club. Normally spots like these weren't Jason's style; he was not the type of guy to go clubbing. Yet here he was, bribing the bouncer and walking right through the front door.

The volume of the music doubled as he walked further in.

Women outnumbered the men, and by women, he meant the insanely attractive women. There was barely enough room to breathe, and many people accidentally brushed past him as he walked through the crowds. He was looking for one person in particular; and that person wasn't outside.

Jason's blue-green eyes scanned the dance floor for her face, and when he didn't see her, he continued navigating for the next hour with no luck, only to go right for the bar.

'What are you doing, Jase?' His mind rambled. He knew who he was looking for, just didn't know why. Maybe it was because of the look she had earlier? The 'kicked puppy' look she had when he was merely joking with her. 'That's it…' He exhaled through his nose in frustration; he sat down on one of the bar stools and asked the bartender for a beer. After checking his 'ID,' the man pulled out a bottled beer from the fridge, popping the cap off.

But why did it even matter to him? Just what was his fixation on the brunette? Taking a swig of his beer, he pulled out his phone. No one hardly ever texted him, and he liked it that way. But, Juliet? The majority of his inbox was from her. It made him wonder why she even bothered; sure she was a nice looking, sexy woman – slow down Jase. Another swig. With curves like the beer bottle in his hands; a decent rack, hell, even her eyes were mesmerizing.

What he needed was to stay focused on watching over the kid, not screwing around with the nanny. Finishing his drink, he asked for another. The last thing Jason needed was to screw things up. Hadn't even gotten his second paycheck and he was already slipping! 'Don't get involved' He groaned, running a hand through his raven hair. 'You gotta keep this job if you want to prove something. Don't go messing it up 'cause your hormones go crazy.' Was it just hormones, though? Man, he needed to get laid; and for some reason, Juliet came to mind.

"Hey, stranger." A familiar voice tickled his ear.

Speak of the devil…

"Hey yourself." He replied. Seeing her only made his sexual frustration even worse.

"I'd ask what you're doing here, but I kinda need a favor at the moment." She had to slightly yell so he could hear her over the music.

"Technically, I'm not on the job." He turned to her, a smug grin plastered on his face. "Ask away." Jason took this moment to take in her appearance. For once, he was glad it was Halloween; her hair was down completely, touching her bare shoulders. Black eyeliner and mascara framed her hazel eyes, and a dark shade of red painted her lips; black skinny jeans clung to her form and the dark red corset she wore pushed her breasts up more, leaving little to be desired, cleavage-wise.

"I need you to just play along with me – my friend wants me to get your number." She discreetly gestured to Shae, who was pretending to drink her beer but was actually watching them. Juliet moved a little closer now, more closely than he would allow most. "And this time, I'll buy you a drink." A teasing smile lit up her features. Well, who was he to deny a drink from an attractive woman?

"Fair enough, as long as I 'get your number too." He spoke close to her ear, feeling his breath on her skin made her shiver. "Nice outfit, by the way" He gestured to her clothes.

"Wasn't exactly my idea, but there was really no choice in the matter." She laughed. The barkeep came over and Juliet requested two beers, putting down a few bills to pay for the drinks.

"Well, it was a nice choice."

Juliet threw her head back as she took a deep swig of her beer; Jason was impressed. "So – why are you here, anyway?" She asked curious.

'Yeah, Jase, why?' He mentally asked himself.

"Heard there was a new bar opening. Figured I stop by and critique their quality."

"Oh, so you're a bodyguard and a food critic? Who'd have thought?" She joked, and Jason felt the corner of his lips tug.

"Among other things." He added cryptically. "And you? What brings you here?"

"My friend, oh! And coworkers… a lot of ladies from my job are here, too." She said, motioning to some. "They practically dragged me here, but I'm starting to think it was for the best."

Jason observed her as she took another long drink from the beer bottle and ordered another. For some reason, he found himself drawn to her, and that was what rubbed him the wrong way. For the next hour, Juliet would ask him several questions, buy a few shots, and ask him to dance; which he absolutely refused. The last thing he needed was her curvaceous figure close to his. He noticed, however, that her friend kept edging her way through the crowd towards them; he brought it to Juliet's attention, and once her friend was close, he spoke in Juliet's ear.

"I think this is where I give you my number."

The red lipstick made her teeth look perfectly white when she smiled. She reached over him onto the bar to grab a pen and uncapped it. "So, when should I call?" She asked, obvious to the fact that Shae was close enough to hear just about every word they said.

"Anytime." His smirk was absolutely seductive, and Juliet wasn't sure whether or not he really meant his words, or was actually playing along. Jason took her small hand in his and opened her palm. His eyes flickered up to her face for a beat, and then back down to her palm, where he began writing his number. Her hand lingered in his for a moment longer than needed, and they shared a look, both with very similar thoughts running through their minds.

"Thank you." Juliet's hand slid from his; her thanks for playing along. She gave him one last smile, and went back to her little group of friends.

Jason turned back to the bar, grabbing his unfinished beer. 'Just can't help yourself, can you?' A frown made its way up to his mouth. He wanted to leave, right then and there. What reason did he have for staying? He cast a glance in Juliet's direction, and then quickly looked away. 'It couldn't hurt to have a few more drinks…'

As the night went on, Jason took notice of how much alcohol was being consumed by Juliet and, especially her little friend. He watched, bemused, as Juliet practically held her friend up, the more drunk she became. It was well past two in the morning when Juliet managed to convince her to leave. Jason's eyes followed their two forms as they stumbled out of the dance club; throwing down a few bills onto the bar, Jason stood and quickly made his way through the crowd, tailing the two women.

"I swear, next time you bring me to a dance club, we're taking a taxi!" Juliet's voice echoed down the surprisingly empty street. Jason followed the sound of her voice, and he could see Juliet lean her friend against a black car, digging in her friend's pockets for what he assumed to be the keys. "You know I can't drive!" She exclaimed in frustration. This comment took Jason by surprise.

'Don't you even think about It, Jason.' He paused, hiding effectively in the shadows, just a little ways away from Juliet, watching her as she managed to open the car door. He heard her mumble incoherently as she helped Shae in to the back seat of the car. She closed the door and leaned against it with her hands, head bowed between her shoulders as if in thought. After a few beats, she straightened out, and circled around the car to the driver's side. When she slid inside, the car didn't start like he thought it would. Leaning against the alley wall, he watched as a small light came on from where she sat. Juliet seemed to be looking down at what Jason assumed to be her cell-phone; his suspicions rang true once his phone beeped in his pocket.

Eyes never leaving the car, he pulled out his phone; Juliet's name on the screen. She was calling him? He slowly brought the phone to his ear and waited silently.

"I know you said not to call if it wasn't an emergency…But I need another… favor."

"I'm listening." He could hear her take a breath of relief through the phone.

"First of all; are you still at the dance club? I don't hear the music."

"I just left, actually. Heading home."

"Oh."

"What is it?" He heard silence on the other side of the line, and his eyes never left the small, black car.

"Never mind. If you're already gone, then don't worry about it. Um – sorry I called."

He heard the phone beep as she disconnected it. He was about to step forward from his hiding spot when the car suddenly started. She let the car warm up for a short while before slowly, and he meant VERY slowly, pull out from its parallel parking. She was driving so slowly that he was practically walking and still managed to keep up with her! The few cars on the road honked at her, and one person even rolled down his window to yell at her sluggish pace.

He followed her from afar, though he knew she must have been more focused at driving than the people around her; he hoped her friend didn't live too far.

This was going to be a long night.


Author's Notes: Well, well, well! how'd you like that? ;) Yummy good stuff is coming your way so fear not! ;) Comments? Questions? Concerns? Please let me know! I LOVE reading reviews and PMs :D make me all giddy and what not XD MUCH LOVE!