Missing

Chapter 7

I walked into the dark cozy house. “Fawn, if you’re here don’t be mad. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.” I said pleading while making my way to her bedroom. Opening the door it was clear no one was here. Confused I walked into the kitchen to the table with a pile of papers on it. The papers were bills saying that she was overdue on her mortgage payment. The most current letter stated that she had only a month to pay or else the bank was going to take her house. Why didn’t she ask me for help? I had plenty of money and would have helped her get on her feet again.

Sighing I sat down on the chair and put my head in my hands. I had a really bad feeling for some reason. If I didn’t see her by tomorrow I would have to go to the police. It was decided. One more day and if she doesn’t show up or call me I’ll be officially worried. Fawn had no one to take care and look out for her. Coming back to California made me realize that she needed me. She needed someone. This was too sad. Losing this house would break Fawn’s heart and completely crush her. I looked up and saw a picture or young Fawn with her parents. I had always been jealous of her beautiful red curly hair. Mine was straight and boring. God I hope she’s okay! She has to be.

After and a couple of hours of just sitting and dissociating I realized that I needed to get ready soon. I decided to get ready at Fawns house because I wanted to wait around to see if she came back. I went to her closet to find something to wear. I got ready slowly. I didn’t see any of the clothes or shoes she was wearing from last night. So I know she hadn’t been home yet.

I dug around in the back of her closet for several minutes. I knew she kept a couple old party dresses hidden that she refused to wear anymore. Thank god we were similar sizes. I pulled out a silky light turquoise strapless dress. I recognized it from our graduation party. Wow that had been so long ago!

I found some heels to match and put on some light makeup. Then I added some soft waves in my hair. I pulled my phone out and texted Juliana. “What time do you wanna meet up?”

I waited for about a half an hour and finally my phone went off.

“Hey! Does 9 at Vive work for you?” It read

“Hell yeah! I’ll see you there.” Good we are going to the same place. Maybe I can ask around and see if anyone saw Fawn last night. I checked the snap map and saw that she had disappeared. f**k! I should have screenshot that earlier for the police just in case. I still had an hour to wait around so I just laid on the couch trying to calm my nerves. There was just this really bad feeling that I couldn’t ignore no matter what. Ever since I got to Fawn’s house I couldn’t shake it.

Soon it was almost nine so I ordered an Uber. I took the key with me and locked the door up. I sat outside and waited for the driver.

Finally I arrived at Vive.

“I just got here.” I texted Juliana.

“Meet me in the VIP.” She responded. I checked my clutch and made sure I had the key to Fawn’s house, my debit card, and my VIP pass.

I walked in and it was not as crowded as last night. Immediately I headed up the stairs to the VIP section. Juliana was seated on the couches in an impeccably classy black dress. She looked amazing! I walked up to her and smiled. “Hey babes! Thanks for inviting me out again. I need it with the day I have had.” I set my clutch on the table and sat on the couch also.

“I feel you on that. I already ordered us some drinks. She should be back with them any moment.” She responded and laughed.

I smiled but my thoughts about Fawn weighed heavily on my mind.

“Is everything okay?” Juliana asked reading my face. I wasn’t an open type of person. I takes me a while to be able to trust people enough to want to be open. I had been hurt too many times in the past.

“Yes, I am just tired.” I half lied.

She put her hand on my shoulder and gently rubbed it. “Okay.”Juliana dropped the topic not wanting to push me.

Right on cue the waitress arrived with our drinks. She also set a bottle of tequila and whiskey down. s**t. I needed to not get super drunk tonight. Why did I even agree to come out? I should be waiting at Fawn’s house to see if she comes home. The guilt washed over me.

“Cheers!” Juliana interrupted my thoughts. Pushing a shot of tequila in my hand. I drained it. Okay, I am only staying for a little while and then I’ll go back to her house. Either way I would probably spend the night there even if I get there and she is home.

Juliana took another shot and looked at me expectantly. I grabbed another one and drank it.

“What do you do for work?” I asked curious about her but kind of probing about Cassian too.

“I am Mr. Pierce’s VP of the company. So more or less I am his go to and I handle a lot of the business he doesn’t have time for.” She explained.

“Wow! That sounds like a lot of work and long hours.” I sighed.

“It is for sure.” She agreed. “What about you Maisy?” Juliana asked.

“I work in Chicago as a corporate attorney for a tech company.” I smiled.

“Smart, successful, and beautiful. We are both the perfect trifecta to be irresistible and trouble.” Juliana winked at me. We both laughed hard.

“Good evening ladies.” Baxter greeted us interrupting our laughter. “Looks like you ladies are having fun.” He flashed a dazzling smile. God I needed to get used to being around such attractive men.

I hope my blushing wasn’t obvious but Juliana didn’t seem to notice.

“Yes, we were just chatting about how we are both hot and successful.” Juliana gave Baxter a flirtatious smile.

“I wish I would have arrived sooner for this conversation.” Baxter winked at Juliana and she giggled. They were really cute to watch. It seemed like they clicked together well.

I wanted to give them some time so I excused myself to the bathroom. Fawn’s necklace was in there so I decided to take the time to look around again. Quickly before someone came in I got down on the floor and scoured the area looking under everything. I didn’t see anything. I looked at the trash and didn’t hesitate to dump it on the floor. It didn’t look like it had been emptied from last night. So much for VIP. I poked and quickly sifted through the contents. Nothing unusual.

Putting everything back took a minute. I glanced at the time. It was just past eleven. I should probably let the two lovebirds hang out and go back to Fawn’s. I needed to try to get an Uber a little earlier so I could actually get a driver tonight. Walking back to the sofas I froze. s**t. Sitting on the couch was Juliana with Baxter sitting next to her and Cassian sitting next to him. The only place for me to sit would be right next to Cassian.

Everyone turned to me as I walked up to the table. “Come on Maisy let’s take a shot altogether. We all have had shitty days.” Juliana laughed. The others nodded in agreement. I dared to not look at Cassian. My face was hot so I knew my blush would be showing on my pale skin.

“Just one more and then I have to get going.” I tried to stick to my plan. Oh my god. I was so nervous.

“Come on. Please. We just met and I really want to hang out with you as long as possible while you are in town. Speaking of which, when are going back to Chicago?” She asked me.

Everyone was looking at me in anticipation for my answer. “I am leaving on Tuesday morning. Unless my plans change.” I responded thinking of Fawn. f**k, I would have to take off more work if I can’t get in contact with her. I didn’t even want to think about that.

“Good to see you again Maisy.” Cassian handed me a shot. I looked into his sparkling green eyes. I felt myself get instantly wet when the scent of his cologne hit my nose.

“You too. I never got to thank you for the ride home last night. I really appreciated it.” I flirted. It felt like a dirty secret. I took my shot.

“No problem. I enjoyed your company.” His eyes slowly scanned my body. My blushing had to be completely obvious at this point.

Cassian looked so dashing tonight. He had a little bit of stubble with his curly hair styled perfectly. He was wearing a dark blue suit. Flashes of us from last night flooded my mind.

“You look lovely again tonight.” Cassian said close to my ear brushing it lightly with his lips. God this man was so sexy. I looked up into his eyes. They were filled with lustful stare.

“Sharing secrets over there? Come on tell us too!”Juliana was drunk.

“I was telling Maisy that she looked lovely tonight.” Cassian shot a look at Julian.

“That’s not a secret though.” Juliana said and giggled. “Baxter even said she was hot.”

My cheeks were burning hot and I laughed.

Baxter shrugged and looked at Cassian. “It’s true Cass. I have to admit it.”

“Come on Baxter. I want to dance.” Juliana pulled him away towards the stairs leading out of the VIP.

Cassian placed his hand on my thigh. “I hope your plans change and you stay in town longer.” He said as he twirled a lock of my hair in his other hand.

I couldn’t think straight with his hand getting further up my leg.

“Why is that?” I asked smiling.

“I want to get to know you. I find you very attractive and interesting. Before you leave to go back home would you mind having dinner with me?” He said as he cupped my chin making me look him in the eyes.

“I might have time.” I was breathless. Why did he want me? Me interesting? He probably just wants to f**k me. I don’t know though.

Interrupting my thoughts he brought his lips to mine slowly and sweetly kissing me.