Strategically Careless

Chapter 7

Katie's POV

    I quickly pack a bag, grabbing a change of clothes and anything I might need to get ready for work tomorrow. I grab my phone charger and toss that in the bag too. I feel so bad for Blake. She's my best friend. I wish she could just catch a break. I'm starting to think life will never cut her a break. I grab the bag and head out to the living room. Blake's standing protectively by the door. I've not seen her look like this in a long time but I know there is no talking her out of this. 

    "Ok. I'm going." I sigh. "Are you sure you will be ok?" I ask again.

    "I doubt anything will happen, I just want to be sure." she shrugs. She always tries to downplay everything. If I was in her shoes I'd be freaking out.

    "Please text me every hour," I beg.

    "I will be fine." Blake nods sounding confident.

    "Call if anything happens at least," I say. 

    "Ok. Text me when you get to Collin's." Blake says. She always cares about other people's well-being more than her own. 

    "It's only one elevator ride away. I will be fine." I laugh humorlessly.

    "You can't be too careful. Do you know what you are going to say to Collin?" Blake asks me with a pointed look. She's much better at lying than I am.

    "Not yet." I shake my head. I hate lying to Collin but this isn't about me. 

    "If you can't think of anything, just say we had an argument and needed space." she nods putting a hand reassuringly on my arm to calm me down some. Blake's never been touchy-feely as I am but I know this is her trying. 

    "Ok. Stay safe." I sniffle. I don't want anything to happen to my best friend. Well, she's more than my best friend, she's pretty much my sister.

    "You too." she smiles. I nod and head out the door and down the hall to the elevator.

    After a short elevator ride, I walk to Collin's apartment and knock on the door. A few moments later the door opens revealing Colby standing there. "Hey! I didn't know you were coming over." Colby smiles as he moves out of the way letting me walk into the apartment.

    "Sorry. Is Collin here?" I ask.

    "Yeah, he just got in the shower. What's up?" Colby explains closing the door and leaning against a nearby wall and crossing his arms.

    "Nothing." I shrug. I know Blake doesn't want anyone knowing what was really going on. "Blake and I had an argument and we need some space. Do you think it would be ok if I spent the night here?" Isay the pre-agreed upon lie.

    "Absolutely. What was the fight about?" he asks.

    Oh no. We didn't talk about specifics. I'm so bad at lying. "Oh. Umm... I don't want to talk about it." I blush.

    "Ok. Well, can I get you anything to feel better?" Colby offers. He really is so nice. He is perfect for Blake if only she could see it.

    "No, I am fine. I could just use some company right now. How was your day?" I ask moving over to the couch and sitting down.

    "Fine. Kind of a slow day." he shrugs.

    "The rock star life isn't exciting enough," I ask sarcastically.

    "I'm not a rock star. Far from it. But yeah I had a couple of guitar lessons today, that was about all I did." he shrugs.

    "Guitar lessons?"

    "Yeah, I teach guitar to kids as a way to earn extra money. The rock star life doesn't pay much unless you're an actual rockstar," he says

    "I didn't know you taught guitar. I didn't know you even played guitar." 

    "I don't play in the band because we have a much better guitar player. But I do play. And I love teaching the kids. It's a lot of fun to see them get the hang of it." Colby says smiling like he is thinking about something specific.

    "Well, that's so cool. Does Blake know about this?" I ask.

    "I haven't told her." Colby shrugs rubbing the back of his neck.

    "Why not? I'm sure she will find it adorable." I assure him.

    "Adorable doesn't exactly fit the rock star image," he says sarcastically.

    "That's true." I laugh "And if you told her will make fun of you for it." 

    "I thought you said she would find it adorable," he says crossing his arms again.

    "She will!" I nod. "She makes fun of things she likes. Ever notice how mean we are to each other?"

    "That's different you have been best friends basically your whole lives. It's a different dynamic."

    "No, it's not. She makes fun of things she likes. The meaner she is the more she likes it."

    "That makes no sense." Colby sighs.

    "It's kind of her way of keeping people and things at arm's length," I explain. "But if she ever says anything mean she normally means the exact opposite of it. Like if she says she hates me that means she loves me. If I say she is obnoxious that means I think she is being funny."

    "If she likes it though why keep it at arm's length?"

    "I have told you before. Her mind is a backward place to be in. The more you get to know about her the more it will make sense." I keep it as vague as possible.

    "I want to know everything about her," Colby says sheepishly.

    "Never say that in front of her. It will scare her off. If you want to get to know her, the best thing you can do is be mean to her too." I explain.

    "I don't want to be mean to her."

    "The meaner you are the more she will trust you. When we were kids I was always nice to her but she never told me anything. As we got older and we got more comfortable with each other, the more I tease her. I would make fun of her and she would make fun of me. That's when she started trusting me. Before that, she thought I was just lived in a bubble with a perfect life and a perfect family." I explain.

    "That makes no sense."    

    "Being mean and making fun of her shows her that you can be just as dark as she is." I explain.

    "She isn't dark." Colby denies.

    "She is. She just doesn't show that side of herself unless she trusts you." I explain as my shirtless boyfriend walks into the room.

    "Hey, I didn't know you were here." Collin smiles at me.

    "Sorry Blake and I had a fight and we needed some space. Do you mind if I spend the night?" I ask

    "You know you are welcome here anytime," Collin says walking over to me and taking my hand.

    "I am going to order food," Colby says as he leaves the room.

    "What's really going on? I know you two don't fight." Collin asks seriously as he pulls me to my feet.

    "What are you talking about? We do fight." I nod.

    "No, you don't You told me so yourself. And you are a bad liar." Dang it, he's right. 

    "You can't say anything ok?" I whisper.

    "I would never."    

    "Blake is worried for my safety so she doesn't want me sleeping in the apartment. She is going to go try to fix the situation tomorrow." I explain.

    "Well, where is she staying tonight?" Collin asks worriedly.

    "In the apartment."

    "Why is she staying there if you could be in danger?" 

    "She is staying there so I won't be in danger. She says she will be ok though. She can protect herself. I can't explain it but you have to trust me. Trust us." I explain.

    "I do trust you. You do remember that she was shot just earlier this week though. Even if she can protect herself she is still not back to 100%." Collin says.

    "We just have to hope she will be safe." I shrug unable to find the words to make him relax some. I look over his shoulder to see Colby standing there with concern all over his face and he looks angry.

    "Who do we have to hope will be safe?" he asks.

    "Colby-"

    "Katie, who do we have to hope will be safe?" he asks as if he already knows the answer.

    "I can't say." I shake my head.

    "I think you can." Colby nods angrily.

    "Colby..... calm down...." I say 

    "No. Tell me right now. Is it Blake?" he asks.

    "Colby-" I try again.

    "Is it Blake?" he asks again stepping closer to me.

    I hang my head. "Yes. It's Blake."

    "I'm going to find her." 

    "Colby just listen to me!" I say stepping between him and the door to his apartment.

    "I did listen to you and you said she might be in danger!" he yells.

    "Colby! Calm down!"

    "You're supposed to be her best friend. How are you ok with her getting hurt?"

    "Why do you think I am ok with it?!" I yell back. "It kills me inside! But I know this is something she has to do. I have been dealing with this for years and you are new to this so you need to listen to me! There is nothing we can do to help. Not right now. If she needs help she will ask for it. Believe me, I have been hoping for the day that she will ask for help but today isn't that day. She is very strategic with what she does and who she trusts. And once you break that trust there is no going back." I warn him.

    "I'm sorry. I hate the idea of her getting hurt," he says sadly.

    "Me too. But I got her to agree to text me every hour to say that she is safe."

    "And what happens if she doesn't text?" Collin asks.

    "Then tomorrow morning I will go check on her. In the meantime, we need a distraction so we aren't going insane." I tell them.

    "How about a movie night. It will keep our minds off of her." Collin says rubbing my back in support.

    "Are you sure we can't just go check on her?"

    "Not if you still want to be her friend in the morning," I answer.

    "Now what do you want to watch?" Collin asks.

    "I don't care," Colby says flopping down on the couch sadly.

    "How about a comedy? We could use a laugh right now." Collin suggests.

    "If it's ok, I think I am going to go lay down. It's been a long day." I say

    "Go for it. I'll bring you some food later if you want it." Collin says.

    "Thanks," I mumble as I walk down the hall to Collin's room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Colby's POV

    "I don't like this dude. Something is really wrong." I say to Collin as Katie walks out of the room.

    "I am sure everything is fine."

    "You're only saying that because you know your girl is safe."

    "I'm sure that Blake is going to be ok. Think about all the things that Blake has been through since we have known her. She was beaten up and came out smiling. She was shot and that didn't slow her down. I am starting to think she has 9 lives. Plus, I don't think Katie would have left if there was any real danger." Collin shrugs.

    "That's true but that doesn't mean we can't help." I sigh leaning back on the couch and looking at the door.

    "You heard Katie. If you still want to be friends with Blake tomorrow you better leave her alone."

    "Did Katie even say what kind of danger? Is someone after her? Did she do something? Is she hiding from the police?" I ask desperately for any information about the one-woman tornado that crashed into our lives.

    "I don't know."

    "Me either. Come to think of it there is a lot about both of them that I don't know."

    "Like what?"

    "Where are they from?" I ask

    "Down south," Collin shrugs

    "That isn't very specific."

    "Well if you think about it we haven't known them very long. But they haven't known us very long either. But they have to decide to trust us. Or at least Katie has."

    "That's what I am saying. Katie is completely normal compared to Blake. Katie hasn't gotten into fights, or been shot, or isn't currently "in danger". Katie just seems to be caught in Blake's life."

    "Maybe they are completely innocent and just doing the best they can. Let's give them the benefit of the doubt." Collin says.    

    "I'm not saying that they aren't innocent. I am just saying we should get to know them more. Specifically, Blake."

    "I think you might be right. I better go check on Katie." 

    "Ok. I think the food is almost here. I am going to go check the lobby. Be right back." I say standing up off the couch and heading towards the door.

    I can't help myself. I have to check on her. I press the button to their floor and walk to their apartment. I knock but get no answer. I don't know if I should be relieved thinking Blake left or concerned that she might still be in there unable to answer. Luckily their door is open... or concerningly. "Blake? Why is your door unlocked? Where are you? Blake!" I call out walking into the living room. It's dark in here. The curtains are closed and all the lights are off.

    I continue walking into the apartment towards her bedroom. "Blake? Are you here?" I yell.

    Then I go to the kitchen calling out to her with no answer. Then the bathroom and Katie's room to get the same result. I've checked every room and nothing is out of the ordinary. Hopefully, she just left and forgot to lock the door. I give up and start to head back to the front door only to see Blake's silhouette standing at the end of the hall between me and the door with her arms crossed.

    "What are you doing here?" she asks sounding mad.

    "Katie said that you had an argument and needed some space. I came to check on you." I go off the lie Katie said.

    "Stop lying." how'd she know?

    "I'm not lying. She said that." I try again.

    "If she did say that what makes you think I want to talk to you," she asks.

    "I just figured you could you a friend. Why didn't you answer when I called? I was starting to worry about you."

    "Why?" she asks coldly.

    "Katie told us...."

    "What did she tell you?" she asks with such coldness that sends a shiver down my spine. There is nothing physically imposing about her but I've never seen her this detached before.

    "She said you may be in danger." I try to explain.

    "Why'd she say a thing like that? I am perfectly fine." 

    "She seemed upset about it. And I believe her. No offense but we haven't known each other very long but you were shot earlier this week and we don't know who did it or why. So let us help. You don't have to sit here waiting for something bad to happen." I tell her.

    "I don't need your help." she denies.

    "How do you know that?"

    "Because I can take care of myself. And until I let you know that I was here, you couldn't find me." she points out.

    "The just proves you have an ok hiding spot."

    "I wasn't hiding. I just didn't want you knowing I was here yet," she says.

    "Really? Why?" I ask.

    "Yes. I didn't know what you were here for. I had to see what you wanted and if I could trust you." she says.

    "You can trust me. I just wanted to make sure you were safe." I say trying to move closer to her.

    "I'm not so sure that I can. But I don't have much choice right now. You have to make sure that Katie is safe." she says finally sounding like herself again. "And I am safer here than anywhere else right now. And as long as I am alone that means y'all are safe. I just have to make sure Katie is safe too. That's why I sent her to you and Collin. Right now I trust the 3 of y'all the most out of anyone." she explains.

    "Why do you think you're in danger?" I ask.

    "It's not important. I don't know that I am. I'm just trying to be careful." she says.

    "Is someone after you?"

    "Just do what I said and make sure Katie is safe," she says becoming tense again.

    "I will. But you have to tell me who is after you?"

    "I don't know yet. And I don't know that I am. But you have to get out of here just in case." she says.

    "No, I want to stay with you and help you," I say crossing my arms.

    "I am fine. I will make you leave if I have to," she says coldly again.

    "Are you mad at me?" I ask

    "Shut up. I am trying to protect you right now. Bye." she says stepping aside and motioning to the door.

    "Fine. But e careful." I tell her.

    "I'm trying too," she says reassuringly.

    "Ok." I sigh and head out the door to actually go grab the food from the lobby and then go back to Katie and Collin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blake's POV

    I decided to watch tv to pass the time. It's been a long time since I've done this. I forgot how boring it is so I might as well get comfortable.

KNOCK. KNOCK.

    I woke up to a loud knock on my door. I check my phone and it's 2 am. This is it. The moment of truth. Is Liam exactly who I think he is? I stand up from where I was sleeping on the couch and double-check to see if my knife is still on me. I know it is. It always is. 

    I slowly walk to the door readying myself for the fight to the death I fully expect to happen in a second. I open the door and throw the person against the wall holding a knife to their throat, but I am surprised at what I see. I was expecting to see one of Liam's men here, someone I didn't know as a way to surprise me. But not this.... "Liam..." I say out loud before I mean to.

    "I'm not here to fight you," Liam says putting his hands up in surrender. 

    "Why are you here?"

    "I know it couldn't have been easy telling me about your past," he says. I back up a step and lower the knife while raising an eyebrow in question. "I just wanted you to know that I didn't tell anyone. I just want you to know your secret is safe with me. And to be honest, I couldn't sleep either."

    "Did you have to come here at 2 am? Couldn't you have just texted me?" I ask still wary of his intentions.

    "Yeah but I wanted to see you," he says. 

     "Fine. I was watching tv." I say stepping aside letting him into my apartment. I want to keep an eye on him.

    "Mind if I join you?" he asks smirking.

    "As long as you don't kill me. Or if  you are going to, make sure I am awake first and have a fighting chance." I joke but almost mean it.

    "I promise to wake you up before I kill you." Liam laughs.

    "Thanks," I say rolling my eyes as Liam and I settle in on the couch. Liam leans back and puts an arm around my shoulder as we watch tv. I don't know why but I trusted Liam but after seeing him I really didn't think he was going to hurt me.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Liam's POV

    Knowing that I could be there for her, made my day. I hate that she ever thought that I would hurt her. I just want to protect her. I hadn't even thought about telling anyone about her because I knew that telling me was a big deal for her. And I have hurt her enough. Before I even realized it she fell asleep on my lap. I have seen her sleep dozens of times but this time was different. This time it was because I earned her trust when it mattered the most. It was a good feeling. I don't remember the last time I looked at the tv. I was just looking at her. She was so peaceful and angelic. She's different than other girls. I like it.

    "Liam.... wake up" 

    I open my eyes and look around. I'm in Blake's apartment. I don't remember falling asleep. "What time is it?" I ask looking around.

    "I don't know my phone is dead," she says checking her phone as she sits up.

    The front door flies open. "Blake! Are you ok?" Katie says running into the apartment. She sees me and her face goes pale. "Liam? Stay away from her!" she yells.

    "Katie, I am fine. He came over late last night and we talked it out. He said he would never hurt me and he didn't tell anyone." Blake yawns standing up. 

    "Do you trust him?" Katie asks Blake crossing her arms and nodding towards me. 

    "Yes." Blake nods. I can't help but smile at that.

    "You completely trust him?" Katie questions.

    "No." What? I look at her confused as the happy feeling I just had disappears.

    "Percent?" Katie asks.

    "30. I 30 percent trust him." Blake says. Should I be offended? I'm offended.

    "Ouch, that hurts," I say pulling my arm off the back of the couch away from her.

    "Calm down I don't completely trust anyone," Blake says plainly.

    "Yeah I am only at 70% and I have known her since we were kids," Katie says. "But fine, if you 30% trust him then I trust him."

    "Thanks," Blake says.

    "I wouldn't hurt her. The thought of her getting hurt because of me is the scariest thing I can think of." I answer honestly. 

    "If you do hurt her you will have me to deal with." Katie threatens. 

    "Oh so scary," Blake says sarcastically teasing her friend.

    "Shut up stupid. I'm trying to be intimidating." Katie glares. 

    "It is very intimidating. I won't hurt her." I assure Katie. I know that Katie has a big influence on Blake so I need her on my side if I ever want anything real with Blake.

    "I'm still mad you didn't text me last night."  Katie ignores me and starts talking to Blake. 

    "I'm still mad you told Collin and Colby," Blake says unfazed.

    "How'd you know?" Katie asks surprised slowly uncrossing her arms.

    "Colby came over." 

    "I told him not to," Katie says with pleading eyes at Blake. "I was talking to Collin and he overheard." 

    "Why'd you tell them? Why not stick to the lie?" Blake asks.

    "You know I suck at lying." 

    "Yes, you do." Blake chuckles.

    "Ok, I have to go. See you later." Katie says then turns to leave. 

    "I have some time before I have to go to work. Want to have some fun." Blake winks putting her hand on my thigh.

    "I'd like that very much" 

    "How much?" Blake first moving closer to me.

    "30%," I smirk

    "You're so annoying." Blake rolls her eyes then starts leading me into her bedroom.

    I missed holding Blake in my arms. It had only been a few days but a lot has changed. A few days without her made me realize how much I wanted her in my life, no, I needed her in my life. This kiss was different than any other kiss we have ever had. I could feel her lips spread into a smile before pulling me down onto the bed. This time things were different. We were one.

    "I have to go to work," Blake mumbles as she lays naked in my arms on her bed.

    "Are you sure? We could do that again." I offer.

    "I have to go to work. I missed a lot of work recently when I got shot." Blake says sitting up.

    "Ok. But that was the best s*x I've ever had." I tell her as I sit up and trail a few kissed down her neck hoping she can be persuaded.

    "Let's go." Blake shuts me down. 

    "Fine." I huff.

    After leaving Blake I head upstairs to Colby's apartment. We need to talk. I knock on his door. Soon the door opens. "Liam..." Colby eyes me suspiciously.

    "Hey. I know you are still mad at me for the whole Blake situation."

    "By Blake situation, do you mean where you got her shot?" he asks.

    "Yeah that... We were friends long before either of us met her. And I actually do like your band. So do my customers. I still need a band for Saturday night. Think it over and talk to your guys. This is my version of a peace offering, ok?" I offer. I hate seeming like I'm groveling but he knows too much for me to just let him go unchecked.

    "We could use the money so we will do it. But you need to stay away from Blake. She has a tendency to put herself in bad situations." Colby says sternly.

    "What are you talking about? I can't help that someone broke into my house." I defend myself.

    "It's not just that." Colby shakes his head running his hand thru his hair frustrated. "A few months bad she came home from a night out and was beaten up pretty bad."

    "What?!?" I huff clenching my fists in anger.

    "Yeah. She went out and I ran into her at your club. I guess she went home with a guy but by the time I was getting home so was she. I ran into her in the elevator and her face was bleeding and she had some bruises." Colby says.

    "Why wasn't I told about this?" I nearly yell.

    "If I didn't accidentally run into her I don't think she would have told anyone. Not even Katie."

    "Who is the guy she left with? I am going to kill him."

    "I don't know. When I saw her I brought her here to try to clean her up. She hasn't said anything about that night since. She didn't say much that night. She did say that he was way worse off than her, though. Then she just started cracking jokes. She didn't seem upset or anything. She just acted like it never happened." Colby explains.

    "I'm going to check the security cameras at the club and find the bastard," I say then march out of the door. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Katie's POV

Friday Evening......

    "Are you ready?" I ask as I walk into Blake's room.

    "Are you sure we have to go?" Blake whines.

    "Come on Colby invited us. This is the first Friday night Colby's band hasn't been playing and they invited us to go out with them." I say with a pointed look.

    "Exactly why I don't want to go," Blake says pulling her blanket back over her head. 

    "Come on. We have never actually been out with him. His band is always playing so he is never really there." I say ripping the blanket off of her. Blake glares at me for a second.

    "What does it matter to you? You just makeout with Collin all night."

    "I don't" I argue.

    "Yeah, you do. And I end up talking to a random guy at the bar," she says standing up.

    "You can talk to Colby at the bar." 

    "That's exactly what I don't want to happen" Blake crosses her arms.

    "Colby's band is coming too." I point out.

    "Have you met them yet?" 

    "Not really. I've seen them enough to know faces but I've never talked to them." 

    "Me either. I feel like it's going to be really awkward." Blake says.

    "You know where we are going right?"

    "No." she shakes her head.

    "Liam's club," I tell her in hopes that will change her mind. 

    "I'm not going." she denies.

    "I thought you trusted him?" 

    "Yeah but I don't want to be near him right now," she says.

    "What happened?" I ask.

    "Nothing. We f****d and I think he thinks it was more than that. He said it was the best s*x of his life." Blake shrugs. 

    "And?" I ask. "Also you know I hate it when you call it fucking." 

    "He told me multiple times that he wants to be together but I keep saying no but then we had s*x so I don't want him to get the wrong idea. And you know I hate it when people call it making love. That's gross." Blake says looking disgusted.

    "When?"  I ask.

    "The other day after you left us here to go to work," she says. 

    "Ew Blake! Why?" I ask thoroughly grossed out.

    "I needed a distraction." she shrugs. "But I think he took it to mean more than a distraction." 

    "Have you talked to him since?" 

    "I've been avoiding him." 

    "Well you already agreed to go tonight so you're going," I say walking into her closet.

    "Ok just keep me away from Liam. More importantly, keep Liam away from me," she says seriously.

    "I will." I nod.

    "This is going to suck." she groans.

    "Probably for you. It'll be fun for me." I say walking out of her closet and tossing the clothes I picked out for her at her.

    "I hate you." Blake glares are me.

    "I hate you too," I say blowing her a kiss.