Trust and Faith

Closer

Gulping down her 2nd cup of coffee, Kassi was begging for her hangover to go away. She got to the bar space early to try and finish up some stuff before her uncle and the Jokers were set to arrive. Finally getting all the building permits in place, meant construction was going to start. With that being said, Kassi was free to head home for a few days while the construction crew started their part. She couldn't wait to get home and see her kids. Suddenly her phone rang nearly making her jump out of her skin. Rolling her eyes at the number of her ex-husband; this was certainly not the way to cure a hangover.
"Hello?" She answered.
"Hey" Danny responded. God just the sound of his voice irritated her now.
"What's going on? Boys okay?" She asked.
"Oh yeah they're fine, just dropped them off at daycare. I was just making sure we are set for you to have them next week." Danny said.
"Not next week, it's this week. I'm leaving tonight and will pick them up first thing in the morning." Kassi said in a less than pleased voice, some things never change, he still doesn't listen to a word she says.
"Oh..." Danny answered with a certain tone to his voice that immediately Kassi didn't like. "Well that changes things a bit, boys and I are off camping this week."
"You've got to be kidding me!? Danny don't do this to me! You knew damn well it was this week!" Kassi yelled already feeling the tears building in her eyes. If she didn't see her kids this week, it was going to be awhile until she was able to get home. She was taking advantage of the construction going on right now. "You never fucking listen to me! I want my kids this week!"
"No can do, I already put a deposit for the campsite and took the time off of work. Sorry." He said in a less than sympathetic voice.

As Kassi continued to argue on the phone she didn't realize she was no longer the only one in the room. Brian had walked in eager to see how Kassi was feeling after one too many drinks last night. He barely slept because all he could think about was his last words to her. He couldn't believe he had mustered up the courage to actually say what he said. However he stayed back in the shadows a bit after hearing how upset she was with whoever she was on the phone with.

"You are seriously such a fucking asshole!" She continued to yell. "I told you over and over again I was coming home this week. Now I'm not going to see my kids for the rest of the summer!"
"Not my fault you decided to abandon them for some stupid job." She snapped back at her.
"Are you fucking kidding me right now!? The only reason I have to work so hard is because you give me shit to support OUR kids!" Kassi argued back but it was no use, the line had already went dead signaling that he had hung up.
Kassi slammed her phone down on the table not being able to control herself anymore. All the anger and hurt feelings came boiling to the surface and all she could do was start to sob.

Finally Brian couldn't take it anymore and before he could second think himself he was coming up from behind her placing a strong hand on her shoulder... "Hey Hey...gorgeous girl like you shouldn't be crying like this."

Kassi whipped around quickly and proceeded to wipe her eyes with the back of her hand.. "I'm sorry, I didn't think anyone was here." She apologized feeling very embarrassed. She hoped he didn't hear her yelling but figured he probably had.

Brian chuckled to hopefully lighten the mood, "I seem to make a habit of doing that to you. Care to tell me what has you so upset?"

Normally Kassi preferred to keep her problems to herself but for some reason she was drawn to this man and felt like she could tell him anything. She took a deep breathe... "you really wanna know?"

About 10 minutes later and more tears Kassi had explained everything to Brian about her ex-husband getting back at her by taking the kids away on the only opportunity she had to get home.

Brian shook his head in disgust, "What a fucking asshole! Kassi, I'm really sorry. You don't deserve that and neither do your kids."
He then pulled her in close giving her a hug, "You deserve someone who treats you with respect."

Before Kassi could respond they heard the front door open... "Do me a favor?" She whispered "Don't mention this around my uncle, really don't need to give him another reason to hate the boys father. God knows he has enough."

Brian nodded in agreement. "Secrets safe with me." He answered with a wink.

It had been a beyond long day when Kassi finally got back to her hotel for the night. Unfortunately with the kids away for the week, Kassi didn't see a reason to head home anymore so she informed her uncle that she would stay in New York and oversee all the construction. As she pushed open her hotel room door she was greeted with an overwhelming aroma of flowers. Flipping on the light she was shocked to see a gorgeous bouquet of white and pink roses on her little kitchen island. For a second she thought to call down to the front desk and tell them they made a mistake and delivered flowers to the wrong room. A small card caught her eye inside the bouquet so she picked it up. She couldn't believe her eyes; written right there on the card:      Heard you were staying in the city after all, consider this a formal invitation to escort you around New York. Sleep well Champ
Xoxo, Brian

Printed at the very bottom was a ten digit phone number. Kassi was completely dumbfounded but knew she had to at least say thank you. Digging into her purse she typed in the number and wrote a text.

Kassi: Have to say I was very surprised when I got back to my room.

She headed for the bathroom to draw herself a bath figuring she wouldn't receive a response for awhile. As she was running the water, she heard a ding from her phone. Wrapping a towel around herself she ran out grabbing her phone.

Brian: Pleasantly I hope.

Kassi couldn't help but smile at his response. She stripped the towel off and climbed into the bath. Reaching over the side of the tub she typed another text.

Kassi: Most definitely. You didn't have to do that but it was very sweet. Thank you.

Brian: I knew you had a pretty shitty day, wanted to make you smile a bit. You should always smile, it's a beautiful one.

Kassi couldn't help but blush. At first she wasn't sure if he was flirting with her but now she was pretty confident that he was.

Kassi: Well thank you and you definitely did make me smile.

Brian: Good :) What are you doing for the rest of the night?

Kassi: Nothing at all. Just drew a bath so hopefully relax with a glass of wine and forget what a shitty morning I had.

On the other end back at his house in Staten Island, Brian tried to shake any dirty thoughts from his head but it was definitely easier said than done. He decided a little more flirting wouldn't be bad.

Brian: Well...that's certainly a visual I can go a sleep with ;)

Kassi choked on her wine after seeing his text. Took her a couple minutes to think of a response. She didn't know where this was headed but one thing was for sure, this man gave her excitement she hadn't felt in a long time.

Kassi: Why Mr. Quinn, I do believe you are flirting with me ;)

Brian: Secrets out

Brian: I'm off all day tomorrow. Spend the day with me. Just the two of us.

Was he asking her on a date? She didn't know if it was a good idea but the thought of spending the day with this man gave her goosebumps. She took a deep breath and typed her answer.

Kassi: I'd really like that :)