by Rachel Ryan
“I know Baby but she can always come and visit you. Everything will be okay.”
“I know but now I have to let you go as well.”
“Ava I’ll be leaving tomorrow. Hunter is going to pick me up from the Airport and I’ll come straight to you.”
“Okay. When I get home I have to go into work and see Jennifer, so that will keep me busy until you get back, I suppose. But I’ll miss you.”
“I’m going to miss you too, but you’re going to miss your flight, so go. I’ll see you soon. I love you.”
“I love you too Brody.” I make my way to the door before turning back and waving one last time.
Chapter 3
Jeremy
I hang up the phone, ending my conversation with Hunter. He was very hesitant, but in the end I talked him into giving me Tori’s address. I can’t get my head around this whole business with Ava and Brody. I need to clarify a few details and I think Tori is the best person to help me do that.
Starting my car I head in the direction of Tori’s house, my mind trying to recall the last conversation I had with her. It was the night of the party just after I had found Brody with his hands all over Ava in the corridor. When I had walked back into the room, Tori had called me a ‘pathetic douchebag’ and she had warned that if I didn’t wise up, Ava would end up with Brody. I guess she was right.
An hour later I am pulling up at the airport. I had turned up at Tori’s apartment just as she was walking out the door. It took a little bit of groveling but I got some information out of her and found out that Ava is actually returning to L.A today. I begged Tori for the flight information and suggested she let me pick her up so we could discuss what has been happening. Tori caved, eventually, and now here I am, waiting at the gate for Ava’s arrival. The doors open and a line of people start moving in my direction. A few minutes later I spot a familiar face. She doesn’t notice me straight away as she is looking for Tori, but when her golden eyes meet mine, she stops and stares at me with a sad look in her eyes. For someone that’s been sitting on a plane for fifteen hours she still looks beautiful. She eventually walks toward me and I give her an encouraging smile. Wheeling her purple suitcase behind her she stops three feet in front of me.
“Hey, Dundee.”
“Jeremy…what are you doing here? Where’s Tori?”
“I asked her to let me pick you up. I just thought it would be a good opportunity for us to have a chat about what happened.”
“Oh…okay.”
“Do you want to go and sit in the bar and have a drink before we go? Have a chat?”
She nods her head and turns in the direction of the bar and I walk quietly behind her. We find a seat and put an order in for our drinks. I watch her pretty face as she looks around the bar before her eyes settle back on my face. Here goes nothing.
“So, I want to start by apologizing for what happened the night of the party. I drank way too much and I don’t remember a lot of what happened, but I do remember that I acted like a jerk and said some things that I regret. And then the whole thing with the groupies; I don’t really remember what happened, but the guys filled me in and I’m really sorry that I put you through that.”
She stares at me for a few seconds before nodding her head “It was hard to witness that, Jeremy. Especially after the things you said to me and the accusations you made. I won’t lie to you, it hurt.”
Blinking, I make a promise to myself that I am going to make it up to her. “I’m so sorry, Ava. I know I acted like a total pig and I’ve heard from Hunter that my actions that night actually pushed you into Brody’s arms, but, I think we can get through this and still make it work. I miss you, Ava.”
She looks sad as she shakes her head at me. “Jeremy, it would never work between us. We are too different and I think we were fooling ourselves to think that it was going somewhere. I’m sorry.”
Looking down at the table I process her words. “So that’s it? It’s over? You don’t even want to try and work things out?”
She rests her hand over the top of mine. “Jeremy, I’m really sorry and I know you won’t want to hear this. But, I’m with Brody now. I realized when I went back to Australia that you were right. There was something more to our friendship. Nothing ever happened between us when I was with you, but I eventually realized that I’m in love with him.”
“Huh…” So I was right all along. “Ava, I don’t know what to say. Come on, let’s go. I’ll take you home.” I rise and grab hold of the handle of her suitcase wheeling it behind me as I lead her out to my car.
We arrive at her apartment block and I remove her suitcase from the trunk and place it on the sidewalk beside her. Giving her a tight smile I turn to get back in my car, but her hand on my arm stops me.
“Jeremy. Thank you for the ride. Please remember that we didn’t want to hurt you. And I hope this doesn’t affect your friendship with Brody, I would never forgive myself.”
“I have to go.” Climbing into my car I don’t even look back at her as I move my car out into the flow of traffic.
Later that afternoon I’m sitting on my couch, beer in hand, wondering what went wrong. We got along so well and it felt like there was so much chemistry between us. I guess it just wasn’t enough. My phone vibrates in my jacket pocket and I pull it out and smile when I see Jo’s name.
“Hey, Jo. What’s up?”
“Hey, Stone. Just calling to see if I can line you up to pick me up from the airport in a couple of days?”
Sighing, I reply “Yeah, sure thing, Jo.”
“What’s with the dramatic sigh, Jeremy?”
“I spoke to Ava today. It’s definitely over between us. I mean, I expected as much when Hunter told me that Brody had chased her back to Australia. But I guess in a way I had been hoping he was going to her as a friend.”
“I’m really sorry, Jeremy. I know how much you liked her. Sometimes the people we like don’t like us back. I know all about that.” She chuckles at the end of that statement, but I know deep down she must be feeling similar to the way I am.
“I’m sorry, Jo. I shouldn’t even be talking to you about this stuff.”
“Jeremy, it’s fine. You can talk to me about anything.”
“Thanks, Jo. You’ve been a great friend. Just text me the info about your flight and arrival time and I’ll see you when you land in a couple of days.”
She really has been a great friend to me, not like my other so called best friend. I feel like he betrayed me. As soon as there was any kind of problem with me and Ava he was swooping in to save the day. As far as I’m concerned that friendship has expired.
Brody
Throwing my bag onto the backseat of Hunter’s Jeep, I climb in beside it. Hunter and Tori climb in the front and we join the flow of cars and buses leaving the airport. I give Hunter the directions to Ava’s apartment and lean back into the seat. I spent the last fifteen hours on the plane beside a nice lady with a very noisy toddler, so sleep was impossible.
Just as I begin to relax and close my eyes, Tori’s voice pipes up from the front seat.
“Brody, I got a visit from Jeremy yesterday and he kind of…he talked me into letting him pick Ava up from the airport.”
“What do you mean he talked you into letting him pick her up? Why would you do that, Tori?”
“He said he wanted to talk about what happened between them and I think he was right. They need to sort it out and be honest and open with each other. Get some closure, you know?”
Damn, I know she’s right but the thought of them alone together worries me. Jeremy’s so smooth and such a sweet talker.
“I guess you’re right. He just doesn’t deserve any of her time after the way he treated her.”
Hunter and Tori glance at each other with strange expressions, but I don’t care. He hurt Ava and I’m not going to let him do it again.
Hunter’s eyes meet mine in the rear-view mirror “Um…Brody. How is this going to affect the band, dude?”
/> Staring out the window I mutter “I don’t know, Hunter. I really don’t know. But I’m not giving her up for anyone.”
Hunter drops me off at Ava’s apartment and I’m nervous as I walk to her front door. Did her talk with Jeremy change anything between us? I guess I’ll find out.
As I lift my hand to knock, the door is thrown open and she jumps into my arms causing me to stagger backwards a little.
Chuckling, I drop my bag and wrap my arms around her. Lifting her head up she places gentle little kisses all over my face, in between telling me how much she missed me.
I capture her sweet mouth with mine while bending down to pick up my bag. I carry her through to her room and lay her down on the bed then I take my time showing her just how much I missed her… twice.
Three nights later, me and Ava are curled up on my couch watching TV with a big bowl of popcorn between us. My phone vibrates on the coffee table and as I lean forward, my brow furrows when I see Jo’s name.
“Hello. Jo?”
“Yeah, hey, Coops. How are things?”
“Good. Can’t complain. What’s up?
“Well, I’m in L.A and I have a massive favor to ask of you.”
“Shoot.”
“I’ve looked at so many apartments over the last two days, but not one has been right. They’re too small, too expensive or just plain ugly. Jeremy mentioned that you happen to have a spare room at your place. So…any chance you’re after a roommate?”
“Oh…uh…sure. When will you be moving in?” I glance over at Ava and she is staring at the TV trying to look like she’s not paying attention to my conversation. But the slight frown on her pretty face is a dead giveaway.
“I’m hoping to move all my things over next week.” Then she says in a softer voice “Jeremy offered me a room at his place, but I just think it would be too awkward after my declarations of love and all that jazz.”
“Yeah, I completely understand. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you need, Jo.”
Ava’s wide eyes snap to mine and I cringe. I think it may be just as awkward for her here.
“Thanks, Brody. You’re a real gem.” Whispering again, she says “Tell Ava I said ‘Hi’.”
I chuckle nervously “Yeah, sure. Will do, Jo.”
Disconnecting the call I place my phone back on the coffee table and lean back into the couch. I wait a minute before I glance over at Ava and when I do, she is sitting there with her arms folded across her chest, glaring at me.
“So…what would you like for dinner tonight?”
“Nice try, Buddy. What was that phone call all about?”
“Oh, nothing. Jo seems to be having the same kind of trouble that you were having and can’t find a place of her own. So she asked if she could stay here.”
“Why isn’t she staying with Jeremy? From what I hear, there is more than enough room for her at his place.”
“I guess after what happened between them, she thinks it will be a little awkward.”
“And her staying here won’t be? I’m not sure if you noticed, Brody, but Jo and I didn’t exactly get along too well.”
Turning my body toward her, I place my hand on her thigh and start tracing circles up and down her bare leg. “I guess that means I will just have to spend more time at your place then.” My finger traces higher up her leg to the hem of her little shorts. She glances down at my hand on her leg and then back at my eyes.
“Brody, are you trying to distract me so that I forget I’m angry with you?”
Giving her my cheekiest grin I ask “Is it working.”
Her tongue flicks out and licks her bottom lip.
“You betcha.” She stands up and grabs hold of my hand and with her other hand she picks up the remote control and switches the TV off. Then she leads me into my bedroom and we make love until we both fall asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.
***
By the following Friday Jo has moved into my spare room. Glancing around at the new additions to the living room I already regret it. The walls are now covered in girly prints, there are fluffy pink cushions on the couch and the worst part is the makeup, hair care products and feminine hygiene items that have taken over the main bathroom. Thank Christ for my private bathroom.
On the Saturday night I invite Ava, the guys from the band and Tori and Emma around for dinner and drinks. It was actually Ava’s idea, even though she was a little bit skeptical of Jo living with me, she still wants to show her there are no hard feelings. Hopefully her little plan doesn’t backfire.
Jeremy
I can’t believe the fucking nerve of the guy. Why the fuck would I want to go to his house and watch him suck face with my girl? When Jo called me this morning to tell me about the plans for dinner and drinks at Brody’s tonight, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Does he think that everything is going to go straight back to normal and I will just forget that he stole my fucking girlfriend. Best friends don’t do that to each other and if they do they weren’t really best friends to begin with.
Aww, fuck. If I don’t go, I’m going to look like a damn sook.
Grabbing my keys, I quickly check my hair in the hall mirror and lock the door behind me. Tonight could get very interesting.
I knock on the door and hear the sound of a few muffled voices. I almost just walked straight in without knocking like I normally would, but that just wouldn’t feel right anymore. A few seconds later the door flies open and I am greeted by Jo, looking gorgeous in a black one piece playsuit. The suit has short sleeves and the neckline is a deep v that cuts down between her small perky breasts. The bottom of the suit is shorts that sit at the top of her thighs, showing off her long legs, the black heels on her feet making her legs look even longer.
“Cool outfit, Jo.”
She grins.
“Thanks. It’s one of my latest designs.”
“Yeah? It’s hot.”
She blushes softly as she steps aside and motions for me to enter. Scanning the room, my eyes fall on a head of long wavy hair and I can’t stop my eyes from roaming up and down her body. Old habits die hard, I guess. Ava looks really pretty tonight. She is wearing a short white sundress and brown cowgirl boots. On anyone else that outfit would look horrendous, but it just suits her completely. Movement to her left catches my eye and I see grey eyes shooting daggers at me from across the room. Grinning, I think to myself ‘now you know how it feels, fucker’.
Hunter walks up beside me and pats me on the back.
“Hey, Stone. Good to see you, man.” I’ve kind of been laying low since Ava and I had our little chat. Apart from taking Jo around to look at apartments, I haven’t really seen anyone over the last two weeks. Travis has been trying to call me to arrange another gig, but I’ve been dodging his calls. I don’t think I’m quite ready to get up onstage with the traitorous bastard yet.
Luke walks over and places a beer in my hand and I throw it down before he can even say ‘cheers’. I head over to the fridge and pull out another one straight away. If I’m going to make it through the night I’m going to need a lot of alcohol.
An hour later and about six…seven…fuck it, I lost count of how many beers I’ve consumed, we sit down to eat the dinner that Ava and Jo prepared. I guess now that they aren’t fighting over me they are getting along. I’m sitting directly across from Brody and I still haven’t said a word to him. He hasn’t made any effort to talk to me either though, so I don’t feel too bad.
“Guys this is delish.” Says Tori with a mouthful of food. “Ava, I didn’t know you could cook like this.”
“Yeah, she’s a girl of many talents.” I say with a grin on my face. Silence falls over the table. You could hear a fucking pin drop.
Ava looks a little embarrassed “I didn’t really do much, Jo is the real talent. I just chopped a few vegetables and stirred the sauce when she told me to.” She giggles nervously and I down the rest of my beer.
Emma tries to steer the conversation elsewhere, “S
o, have you guys got any gigs coming up soon?”
I bite my tongue for a few seconds, but can’t resist. “We had one lined up a couple weeks ago, but lover boy over here skipped town.” My eyes come to rest on the steely grey ones and I swear I can see a vein throbbing in his neck. Good. He’s pissed off. Hunter tries to defuse the situation.
“Travis is working on lining a few up for us over the next couple of weeks. He’s just working out a few details.”
“Yeah, like whether any of us are going to be fucking off back to Australia anytime soon.” My mouth is on a fucking roll tonight. It seriously has a mind of its own.
Ava
Placing the last plate in the dishwasher I walk over to the lounge room where everyone is sitting around watching a movie. Hunter is sitting in the arm chair while Tori is snuggled into his lap. Jeremy the jerk is sitting on the far side of the room on the three seater sofa with Emma and Luke, and Brody is sitting on the two seater sofa with Jo. Sliding down onto the floor in between Brody’s legs I lean back and watch the movie. A snort from the far side of the room draws my attention. What the hell is it this time? He hasn’t stopped all night and it is really giving me the shits.
“Hey, Dundee don’t you want to be between my legs, you know it’s more fun?”
Brody stiffens behind me. Turning to look up at him I see the anger cross his face.
I’ve had enough, standing up I walk over to Jeremy’s chair I stop in front of him. “Come with me!” I snap at him but he is pushing the limit tonight.
“I hope you are going to use that pretty little mouth of yours.”
Not even responding I walk away before Brody can do anything. With Jeremy close behind me I walk into the kitchen. Stopping in the middle of the room I stare at him.
“What the fuck is your problem Jeremy?”
“He stole you from me. You’re my girl.”
“Jeremy, YOU pushed me right to him, you broke us up. YOU! You were the one that cheated on me with those slut face groupies. Nothing happened with me and Brody when I was with you, but you never cared about me the way he does.”