The Morning After Blues
"Claudia, what are you doing here?"
"I wanted to tell you something before I go, but I wanted to tell you in person," Claudia said.
"Wait, what? Go where? And what?" TK asked.
"I only have a couple of minutes, so I have to be quick. I'm sorry," Claudia said.
"Wait, what are you talking about? You're really starting to freak me out," TK grabbed her wrist.
"I've been thinking about it all night, and I'm moving to Jersey. Like right now. I have an aunt there and she's gonna help me out," Claudia said.
"Are you serious?" TK gasped.
"I'm sorry TK, but I have a kid to think about and he has to come first. I can't live there anymore, not with my family the way they are- they don't want to help as it is, and I don't want their help if they're going to be like that anyways," Claudia said.
"Don't be crazy! I can help you out!" TK said.
"TK, I'm sorry, but I don't believe you. You didn't even jump to volunteer to help out with baby Jack yesterday. Your friends did. This is what I was scared of. Me and Jack are a package deal. I had a great time with you, but I don't think we were meant to be. Goodbye, TK," Claudia kissed him on the cheek and squeezed his hand.
"Don't leave," TK held her hand.
"If you really love me, you'll understand. Goodbye," Claudia gave his hand one last squeeze and walked away.
"I can't believe this," TK closed the door and tugged his hair back.
"What happened?" Matt came out from the bathroom.
"Claudia and I are over...," TK sat on the couch. "She's moving to New Jersey right now..."
"Then chase after her!" Matt said.
"I really want to, but she made it clear that she doesn't want me to follow. I don't care that she has a kid! I don't care! I just want to be with her. What's so hard about that?" TK cried.
"Maybe that's the problem. You don't care, and she wants someone who does," Matt shrugged.
"She didn't even give me a chance to care! I didn't even know about the kid till yesterday! It's not fair!" TK gasped.
"Shit, if I didn't like women so much, I'd totally be doing dudes. We're not anything as complicated as chicks are. They expect us to be mind readers and it takes them forever to, you know what I mean-if you can even get them to bed to begin with, like holy crap...guys on the other hand are pretty easy. If only I was attracted to them. Definitely make things a lot easier," Matt frowned.
"I think I'm done with today," TK sighed and shuffled to his bedroom.
"Are you sure you don't want to eat something?" Pino asked.
"No. Let's talk first. I'm too nervous to eat right now," Mimi faked a smile.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you nervous...but I just there's just some things we should discuss, that's all," Pino said.
"Like what?" Mimi absentmindedly poured sugar into her frappucino.
"I'm not sure if we can work out," Pino bit his lip.
"What? Why not?" Mimi gasped.
"No...," Pino paused. "I... I like you a lot, but I don't know if I can trust you."
"What? Are you serious?" Mimi began to pout.
"Mimi! Tell me the truth. Be honest, did you even trust yourself?" Pino asked. "What were you thinking when you first woke up at Izzy's apartment this morning?"
"Uh...," Mimi turned red. "Well wouldn't you freak out if you were wearing someone else's clothes in someone else's bed the next morning?!"
"Mimi, I thought you didn't even drink," Pino said.
"I don't!" Mimi asked.
"Then why did you have several glasses of wine? Joe told me you were drinking the whole night," Pino asked.
"Well what else did he tell you?" Mimi crossed her arms.
"We're not talking about Joe right now, we're talking about you. Why did you drink so much?" Pino asked.
"Because wine is delicious and Theresa kept pouring away! It would have been rude not to drink!" Mimi said.
"You didn't have to drink at all. Joe didn't even finish half of a glass," Pino said.
"I thought this wasn't about him," Mimi mockingly said.
"Fine, fair enough. I'll cut right to the point. I don't trust you and Izzy together. Maybe Claudia was right to kick him out of the restaurant yesterday. If I didn't stay over with you guys last night, would you guys have hooked up?" Pino asked.
"Are you serious? What kind of stupid question is that?" Mimi asked.
"An easy one that you should be able to answer, if it's so stupid," Pino sighed and shook his head.
"Pino, how many times did he try go into the room last night while I was there?" Mimi asked.
"Zero," Pino replied.
"There you go! Nothing to worry about!" Mimi said.
"Still, I'm not comfortable with how close the two of you are. Sure, he might not make a move on you when he's sober, but who could say what happens when you're both drunk and alone? He messed with Claudia's mom twice! You think I'm gonna trust someone like that around you? And you, you can't even trust yourself. That's just asking for trouble," Pino said.
"If you ask me, you're just trying to find excuses to stay single. And I could say the same thing about you and Claudia, if you two were to get drunk- but I don't know what type of drunk you are! It doesn't matter anyways, how can you be so insecure enough to accuse either one of us of something we didn't do?! I don't know who hurt you before, but you're being completely out-of-hand, and if you're going to be like that, I can't be with you. I'm not going to put up with someone thinking bad about my friends and I'm not going to put up with someone who expects so low of me when I haven't done anything to give them that idea. I'm not putting up with that anymore. I'm sorry," Mimi got up from her seat.
"Mimi-"
"I have to go," Mimi sniffled and walked out of the cafe.
"I'm so sorry," Pino sighed into his coffee.
"You take the blue pill, the story ends- you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes," Matt held up a red pill in one hand and a blue pill in the other hand.
"Give me the one that'll make this all go away," TK sighed.
"It doesn't matter," Matt said. "Just pick one. You'll feel better in time."
"It scares me that you have so many drugs on hand, you know that?" TK picked up a blue pill and popped it in his mouth. "Hey, is that an M&M?"
"Then you're not gonna like what the other pill is," Matt closed his hand.
"It's a freaking Skittle, isn't it?" TK gasped.
"No...," Matt slowly chewed at the candy.
"I just want to be left alone," TK sighed.
"Come on! You can't sleep your feelings away! I know, it sucks she left you like that, but you're just going to have to move on! Davis and Kari are only going to be here for two weeks, you can't spend all that time moping around over some chick you barely even knew," Matt said.
"Matt, maybe you never loved someone besides yourself, but I cared about Claudia. And she left me. You don't understand how it feels to have someone push you away, no matter how much you try to show them how much you want to be there for them!" TK said.
"Maybe I do know exactly what you're talking about, but if you want to judge away, then go ahead and be a little emo bitch boy! You know what? You can go screw off!" Matt stormed out of the apartment and slammed the door.
"What the hell did I say? Ugh," TK shuffled back to his room.
"So Mimi, you don't work today?" Davis asked.
"No. I work at a coffee shop, so I'm always getting weird hours," Mimi yawned.
"Really? That must be interesting for you. I thought you don't like mornings," Kari raised an eyebrow.
"I know, it's killing me...but it's the only place that called me back," Mimi said. "It's okay though, I'm taking culinary courses with Amadeus Stone. He says I have potential."
"What? You mean the Amadeus Stone? The one on the Food Network? The one with a kazillion restaurants, cookbooks, and a reality TV show Amadeus Stone?" Davis gasped.
"That's the one!" Mimi said.
"How did you meet him?" Davis gasped.
"We went to a fancy party and Amadeus was catering," Mimi said.
"I love how you say it as you meet world-renowned chefs on a daily basis!" Davis said in awe.
"Davis is really excited now because he's been trying to come up with a noodle cart business. He has a five-year plan built up and everything, but it's hard to compete when you have so many ramen shops in Japan as it is. I really want it to take off, his noodles are really good- we just don't know how to get there," Kari said.
"Hmm, if I get the chance to talk to him, I'll see what we can do," Mimi hummed.
"Not to be pushy, but do you think there might be a way we could meet him before we head back home?" Davis asked.
"Uh, let me think of something," Mimi pursed her lips together.
"We'd greatly appreciate it if you could," Kari held Davis's hand.
"Oh! I just got the best idea ever! Did you guys ever have an engagement party yet?" Mimi asked.
"Come to think of it, no," Davis said.
"Excellent! I gotta make some calls!" Mimi squealed.
*buzz buzz buzz*
"Hello?" Tai groaned.
"Hey, most handsome man in the world!"
"Oh my God, Mimi...what do you want?" Tai huffed.
"How would you like to go to a party Friday night?" Mimi said.
"Let me guess, it's at my place, isn't it?" Tai sighed.
"Come on! It's for your baby sister! We never gave her an engagement party! Also, it would be nice to invite Pepe- he's always inviting us to his parties, it's the least we can do," Mimi said.
"I feel like you're up to something, but I don't know what it is," Tai narrowed his eyes.
"Can't you relax? It's just a small party!" Mimi squealed.
"Hmm, if you were here in person, I could smell the bullshit a lot easier," Tai groaned.
"Is that a yes?" Mimi said.
"Fine. Ugh," Tai rolled his eyes. "Bye."
"Wait-"
"This is ridiculous," Tai groaned.
"What was that about?" Matt raised an eyebrow.
"Why is everyone so obsessed with my place? You have a nice place now, can't they go throw a party there?" Tai huffed.
"But your place is classy! I got a bachelor pad," Matt winked.
"I wouldn't call having a race car bed and star print carpeting 'bachelor pad' lifestyle," Tai smirked.
"Hey, you're just a hater because your place is boring," Matt stuck his thumb down.
"What? You just said my place was classy two seconds ago!" Tai huffed.
"I changed my mind! Besides, you have a beer can pyramid in the corner of your living room, like you're some sort of hick! Yeah, TK told me about that, and I'm quite offended that you didn't invite me to help out!" Matt scoffed.
"Hey, if you offered to help me clean the apartment, you could have joined in the festivities. But nope, you decided to hang here with the other chumleys," Tai shook his head.
"You got me there," Matt said.
"Not to be rude or anything, but what are you doing here anyways? You don't like mornings or coffee," Tai said.
"It doesn't seem like you like coffee either. That's literally milk and sugar with a splash of coffee," Matt nudged Tai.
"Hey, watch it!" Tai huffed.
"TK's being a total pill, so I'm just hanging outside. I'm not putting up with his bitch ass attitude because his girlfriend broke up with him and ran off to New Jersey. I knew she was no good," Matt huffed.
"What?! Claudia broke up with him?" Tai gasped.
"Yep. Some lame ass excuse about putting her son first. If that were the case, she should have been honest about him from the start," Matt snorted.
"Are you seriously going to be that harsh? Isn't this TK's first real relationship? I don't think I've ever seen him fall so hard for someone like that," Tai whistled.
"Look, I wasn't crazy about the girl. It's better for him this way anyways. And he was really rude with me. I don't think it was right," Matt said.
"Sure, he might not be handling things the right way, but don't you remember your first heartbreak? Would it kill you to be a little more compassionate?" Tai sighed.
"That's it, I'm out of here," Matt threw his cup away and stormed out of the coffee shop.
"What the hell did I say?" Tai raised an eyebrow.
*knock knock knock*
"Coming," Izzy groaned. He got up from the couch and opened the door.
"Hey...," Sora winced.
"Looks like you're having a rough morning," Joe said. "We brought smoothies..."
"Thanks, but I don't think I can hold anything down. I still feel a little drunk to be honest," Izzy sighed.
"Where's Mimi?" Sora asked.
"Mimi? She was here?" Izzy looked confused.
"Yeah. Pino said she stayed the night here since she left her keys right on the kitchen table. She really needs to start carrying them with her," Sora huffed.
"I'm sorry, but I don't remember her being here last night...," Izzy's face fell.
"Oh my God, are you serious? How drunk were you?" Joe gasped.
"Hey! Last thing I remember was being at Claudia's house and Theresa was pouring us glasses and glasses of wine. She just wouldn't stop," Izzy frowned.
"As in Claudia's mom?" Sora asked disapprovingly.
"I don't remember much after that, okay!" Izzy shook his head.
"What's the last thing you remember, Izzy? Think!" Sora bit at the knuckle of her finger.
*knock knock*
"Coming!" Izzy jumped up from the couch.
"Hey! Do you remember if I left my keys here?" Mimi asked.
"You left them at home. Again," Sora angrily shook Mimi's keys.
"Thank God you're here, I need you for something!" Izzy pulled Mimi inside.
"Whoa, what's going on?" Mimi asked.
"I don't remember last night and it's freaking me out!" Izzy gasped.
"Well you're asking the wrong person! I don't remember anything either!" Mimi pouted.
"Now that you're here, it's kind of clicking... I remember long, brown hair," Izzy ran his fingers through Mimi's hair.
"Oh no...," Mimi's eyes grew wide.
"Are you freaking serious?!" Joe groaned.
"What's going on?" Sora asked, confused.
"This is going to sound weird, but would you mind lying down on the couch for me?" Izzy winced.
"Sure...," Mimi paused.
"This is definitely going to look weird, but I have to walk through everything. Maybe it'll jog my memor- just what I was afraid of...thank you, Mimi," Izzy hovered over Mimi.
"What?" Mimi, Sora, and Joe asked in unison.
"Yep. I slept with Theresa again," Izzy climbed off the couch and sat on the floor.
"Whoo, that's a close one!" Mimi sighed in relief.
"What are you talking about 'that's a close one'? I freaking slept with Theresa! I didn't dodge the bullet, I jumped right in front of it!" Izzy spazzed out.
"How did that happen?!" Sora gasped.
"How do you think it happened? I drank too much," Izzy crawled up in a ball and whimpered. "And you know what's the worst part? If she asked me to sleep with her again, I'd do it..."
"Ew!" Mimi laughed.
"You are aware that she is Claudia's mom, right?" Sora said in disgust.
"I know...and I know she's married, and she's awfully vapid and a terrible person in general, but I don't know what it is that gets me drawn to her. I don't care that she spends all her time shopping and drinking wine, those big, brown eyes and that long brown hair, you don't get it," Izzy groaned.
"I think I can get an idea," Joe shrugged.
"Come on, Izzy! You should really forget about Theresa. She just sounds like bad news. Besides, if you're into brown-eyed girls with long, brown hair who love to shop, they're a dime a dozen here! And there's plenty to find that'll be closer to your age, which would also be nice. Do you really want to have a girlfriend who's the same age as your parents?" Sora crossed her arms.
"You're right, but I'm telling you, any time I try to go on a date, something wrong always happens! I mean, before I knew Theresa was married or twice my age, or just a terrible human being, I thought we hit it off," Izzy said.
"And then what happened when you found out the truth?" Sora raised an eyebrow.
"I drank a helluva lot of wine that night," Izzy winced.
"And you did it again yesterday! You sure being with Theresa is a good idea if you end up blackout drunk every time you're around her?" Sora crossed her arms.
"I guess you got a point there," Izzy sighed.
"Speaking of blackout drunk, Pino and I called it quits this morning," Mimi sighed.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry," Joe said.
"Are you? Are you really?" Mimi pressed her lips together.
"What? What's that supposed to mean?" Joe spazzed out.
"Four-eyes here told Pino I got stupid wasted last night at Claudia's with Izzy," Mimi crossed her arms.
"What? You drank? I thought you didn't drink," Sora frowned.
"Oh my God, you should have been there! Theresa kept filling our glasses, it was crazy!" Mimi said. "But anyways, Joe just had to tell Pino that I was drinking away like there was no tomorrow and then Pino was criticizing me for even drinking that much because he said Joe barely drank at all, so I didn't have to either! And then who knows what else Joe told him! So then Pino was all paranoid that there's a high possibility that Izzy and me would have hooked up if he didn't stay at the apartment all night to watch over us, since Izzy hooked up with Theresa yesterday and I freaked out because I thought I cheated on Pino! But in my defense, I only thought I cheated because I woke up in someone else's bedroom wearing someone else's clothes, wouldn't you think the same thing if that happened to you?" Mimi asked.
"Yeah, makes sense," Sora shrugged.
"Oh my God, Joe! Are you serious?! You knew I slept with Theresa and you didn't say anything? You just sat there quietly and watched as I re-enacted my steps with Mimi, and you were right there last night, sober the entire time?" Izzy angrily said.
"In my defense, I didn't know exactly what you guys were doing in her bedroom- you guys could have been just making out," Joe bit his lip.
"But you told Pino specifically that I slept with Theresa. And because of that, you just ruined someone's relationship- along with my trust. I really, really can't look at you right now," Izzy got up and walked to his bedroom.
"I'm so sorry," Joe said.
"Well, I have my keys. Gotta go," Mimi pressed her lips together.
"I'm really sorry, Mimi. I was just trying to explain what happened to Pino, I guess I phrased it wrong or something and he took everything the wrong way," Joe said.
"It doesn't matter now. I really liked this guy. But thanks a lot," Mimi walked out of the apartment and closed the door.
"It's okay, Joe. I know you'd never intentionally hurt them. They're just a bit hysterical right now. It'll blow over soon," Sora squeezed Joe's shoulder.
"Thanks," Joe sighed.
"Hey, you hear what happened this morning? Sora was in the middle of telling me, but she hadda run off somewhere so she left me hanging!" Matt said.
"Yeah, we can't have this negativity around! She just called me fifteen minutes ago to fill me in about what happened this morning between Mimi, Izzy, and Joe, and it wasn't pretty," Tai groaned.
"Eww, nasty! They had a threesome? That doesn't sound pretty at all! And I thought Mimi was seeing that Pino guy- he's not gonna take that too well...great. Now I'm imagining everyone all naked, and it's not good. I mean I don't mind Mimi, but would you want to imagine-" Matt said.
"Shut up! And no, that's not what happened!" Tai yelled into his phone. "But hooking up was involved. I'll give you the SparkNotes. Izzy and Meems got drunk at Claudia's, Pino stopped by to check on everyone and took those guys to Izzy's since Mimi didn't have her keys. Anyways, dude got paranoid that a Koumi moment would happen, because Joe told him that Izzy hooked up with Claudia's mom, so Pino assumed that automatically meant he'd hook up with Mimi, so he stayed the night to keep an eye on those drunk assholes. The next morning, Mimi freaks out that she cheated on Pino and they break up, and Izzy's freaking out cause he doesn't remember last night. So now Mimi's pissed at Joe cause he told Pino that they got fucking wasted, and Izzy's pissed because Joe knew Izzy slept with Claudia's mom and didn't tell him until after Izzy was done having a panic stack," Tai said.
"Brah...first of all, that was as far as SparkNotes as you could get. Second of all, holy shit, Joe's more twisted than I thought! And third, what the hell is a Koumi?" Matt asked.
"You know? Koumi, I combined Koushirou and Mimi into one name. Clever, right? I was gonna do Mizzy, but sounds too much like Missy," Tai said.
"That's crazy! Hey, what would me and Sora be?" Matt asked.
"Satt," Tai said.
"Ew, I don't like that. How about Sorato?" Matt said.
"Nah, doesn't have the same ring," Tai shook his head. "Anyways, we're getting really off topic here. We can't have this drama happening while Kari and Davis are here, we can't! How do we tell the guys to save the shit until after they leave?"
"Oh yeah, I'm sure that'll go over really smoothly- then they'll be pissed off at you too! Do we need the whole group mad at each other? And don't forget, TK's a total ray of sunshine right now too. Hey, you think Claudia and Pino broke up with Mimi and Teeks as an excuse to hook up with each other?" Matt said.
"I don't know. That would be really messed up though. We should find a way to take their minds off of those guys though. Maybe that'll help diffuse some of the drama though," Tai said.
"But how?" Matt said.
"Whatever it is, alcohol is probably not the best idea. We gotta find out something else," Tai said.
"Hey, why don't we get them to hook up with each other? I bet they're pretty lonely right now, maybe they can comfort each other if you know what I mean. Bam chika wah wah," Matt said.
"I don't think that's a good idea... hooking up with friends sounds like a recipe for disaster," Tai winced.
"Why not? It's worked for Davis and Kari... Oh, you have a crush on Mimi, don't you? You want her all to yourself, isn't that right? Admit it, you've wanted her back in high school and she's aight," Matt said.
"Dude, did you forget she moved to New York back in junior high? We didn't go to high school with her," Tai said.
"Oh, that's right- I forgot," Matt whistled.
"Anyways, I gotta go. Lunch break is over, but we gotta fix this somehow. Kari and Davis cannot have a bad time they're here!" Tai said.
"I'll see what I can do. It's not like I have to show up to an actual office everyday like the rest of you chumleys," Matt laughed.
"Seriously, what do you do for a living?" Tai huffed.
"I told you, I'm an astronaut-in-training," Matt said.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. And I'm the freaking princess of Geneva," Tai said.
"I don't really appreciate your sarcasm," Matt hummed.
"Goodbye, Matt!" Tai hung up his phone.
"Ugh...," Matt juggled his cellphone between his phone. "What to do, what to do... I think I know!" he scrolled through his phone and held it up to his ear.
"What do you want?"
"Wow, Meems! That's no way to talk to a friend!" Matt said in a mocking tone.
"I'm really not in the mood. I had a terrible morning and right now I'm planning an engagement party for Davis and Kari so I have a lot of things to do!" Mimi said.
"Hey, I can help you out!" Matt said.
"I don't know...," Mimi paused.
"Come on! You sound super stressed, and I really don't have anything better to do! Besides, I'm not doing too hot myself and this could help take my mind off of things. Whaddya say?" Matt said.
"Okay, fine. But no funny business!" Mimi said.
"Promise! I'll be on my best behavior," Matt rolled his eyes.
"I heard that!" Mimi said.
"You heard what?" Matt bit his lip.
"You rolled your eyes!" Mimi said.
"What? You're crazy!" Matt protested.
"Yeah, I was just testing you. Fine, meet me at Central Perk at 6!" Mimi said.
"You need to find a new job. If you ask me, that Gunther guy totally creeps on you," Matt said.
"What? He's like 60 and probably gay! And he's always so nice, lets me leave early whenever I want, eat cupcakes and frappucinos for free! He told me he doesn't like you or Izzy though," Mimi laughed.
"Hey, I'm calling it as I see it. He's a dirty old man," Matt said.
"Whatever. You're ridiculous!" Mimi giggled.
"I'll see you later tonight," Matt sighed.
"Bye!" Mimi said.
"Wow, today's group is a little small, isn't it?" the bartender walked up to the table.
"Yeah, it is," Tai raised an eyebrow.
"Well, what can I get for you guys?" the bartender pulled out her notepad.
"Nakasawa," Tai said.
"Stella, please," Sora said.
"Martini," Joe sighed.
"Whoa, Joey pal! I thought you were part of the no-drinky club! That's why we hired you!" the bartender said.
"Just give me the drink," Joe said.
"Alright, alright," the bartender raised an eyebrow and walked away.
"Be careful. I wouldn't put it past her to spit in your drink," Sora remarked.
"Joe, what's going on?" Tai asked.
"I'm a terrible person, okay?" Joe huffed.
"Why?" Tai asked.
"Here's your drinks," the bartender placed the drinks on the table. "Joe, I made yours extra special. It's not as dry as you'd expect though. If you need anything else, lemme know!"
"Thank you," Tai said, and the bartender walked away.
"Told you," Sora said.
"I don't even care. I deserve everything I get," Joe sighed and took a sip of his martini.
"What happened?" Tai said.
"While you guys were in the city, everyone else was drunk at Claudia's. Pino dropped by so I filled him on what happened, and I guess Izzy and Mimi weren't too happy with me about it because the next day, Mimi and Pino called it quits, and Izzy's pissing off at me because I didn't tell him he hooked up with Theresa last night," Joe sighed.
"Well, Mimi and Pino broke up because Pino didn't trust Mimi if she got drunk and Izzy was drunk when he slept with Theresa, so Pino thought if Izzy and Mimi were drunk and by themselves...you know," Sora shrugged.
"Yeah, that's a big mess. But wouldn't Pino figure it out anyways, if you didn't say anything? I mean some people might take it the wrong way, but I think you were just trying to be responsible," Tai shook his head.
"Thanks, Tai. But I don't think they'll see it that way...," Joe sighed.
"I mean, sure, maybe you should have told Izzy and Mimi what happened the morning of, but I get that maybe you didn't get to them in time either. And the whole situation is just awkward, like how do you go about it? It's not fair," Tai said.
"Thanks. I'm glad some people understand me," Joe sighed.
"I just wish there was something I can do to fix this, but neither of them want to talk to me right now," Joe said.
"I can see Mimi being that way, but Izzy? That's kinda overreacting for him. Are you sure there's not more going on between the two of you?" Tai raised an eyebrow.
"Keep in mind, he slept with a woman that's at least twice his age. I'd be really pissed about that, especially if it was something I wouldn't want to do sober. And if I had a sober friend there who didn't stop me...yeah, I'd be ticked off too," Sora said.
"I didn't know what to do! Theresa was kinda intimidating, and then after a while, Izzy seemed into her too!" Joe hysterically said. "And remember, he did say he would probably hook up with her again this morning!"
"Okay Joe, now you're just trying to justify yourself. Just deal with the fact that you messed up! No one's perfect, everyone makes mistakes," Sora said.
"I'll see if I can talk to Izzy. He'll probably be a little more level-headed than Mimi. I just think you should leave them both alone for a bit," Tai said.
"This sucks. I messed up," Joe gulped down his martini and winced.
"Yeah, you just need to lay low," Sora nodded. "We'll try to be the middle men in the meantime."
"Thanks," Joe sighed.
"Is it me or are you picking up kind of a negative energy?" Kari frowned.
"I don't know. I think you and Yolei mess around with those crystals and Himalayan salt lamps you see on Pinterest too much, if you ask me," Davis shrugged.
"Hey, I hear the Himalayan salt lamps help you sleep better, are a natural air filter, and can help with allergies!" Kari said. "And crystals are pretty!"
"I dunno... I think those lamps look like clumps of boogers," Davis shrugged.
"But come on, you can't argue with me that something feels funny," Kari said.
"Well, everyone's back on their work schedule. Maybe that's why," Davis said.
"No, something else. Hey, maybe we should call up TK and his girlfriend and see if they want to hang out! That would be nice! Like a double date, right? They could show us some nice places for couples, I bet!" Kari said.
"As long as it doesn't turn it into a wife swap, sounds like a plan," Davis said.
"I don't have his number anymore. Do you?" Kari said.
"Yep! Calling him right now!" Davis said. "Hey buddy! Me and the girl were wondering if you and your girl would like to join us on an-oh... I'm sorry. Hey, you still wanna do something, like the old times? Los three amigos, minus Yolei? Oh, yeah, never said I was good at Spanish! Alright. Well, we'll catch you later then," Davis sighed.
"What happened?" Kari sat at the edge of her bed.
"Teeks just told me he and Claudia are no more. Super awkward," Davis sighed.
"I told you, negative energy!" Kari got up from the bed and rummaged through her suitcase.
"What are you looking for?" Davis asked.
"Found it!" Kari pulled out a small pouch. "Rose quartz, malachite, Apache tear, green jade... That should do it. Davis, we have to go TK's right now!"
"What?" Davis asked.
"The crystals!" Kari held up a couple of rocks in her hand.
"Are you serious?" Davis made a face.
"The crystals!" Kari held them up higher.
"If I didn't love you so much! Come here," Davis pulled her close and kissed her. "Alright, let's go!"
"Hey, girlie!" Matt wrapped his arms around Mimi's waist and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Hey, I said no funny business," Mimi said.
"I know, but it's so funny seeing your manager pissed off. Look at him," Matt smirked.
"Oh, hi Mimi. Is this your boyfriend?" an older, thin gentleman with gray hair shot Matt a dirty look.
"No! This is just Matt! Okay, I'm leaving! It's the end of my shift!" Mimi took off her apron and hung it on the rack.
"Have a good night, Mimi," the man smiled. "You too, I guess...," he sneered at Matt.
"Bye Gunther!" Mimi happily said.
"See ya!" Matt grinned and led Mimi out of the coffee shop. "I'm telling you, he's a dirty, old man," he whispered in Mimi's ear.
"Oh my God, stop!" Mimi playfully slapped him.
"Alright fine! Don't believe me! So, what's first on the agenda?" Matt said.
"Hmm, I was thinking of checking out local catering places. I'm not thinking of anything too fancy, just finger foods! Oh, and we definitely need alcohol, but I was thinking we keep it to classy stuff- just wine and champagne, what do you think?" Mimi asked.
"You sure you want to serve wine? I heard about yesterday," Matt said.
"Oh my God, you're a jerk!" Mimi slapped him on the arm.
"Wait, that came out wrong," Matt grabbed her hand. "I mean, I'm just saying I wouldn't want a repeat incident, especially if Joe's gonna be there. God forbid, Davis and Kari end up breaking up next because of him, or Izzy ends up hooking up with another old broad and Joe's just gonna stand there and watch. Unbelievable," he scoffed.
"Right? I can't believe the guy!" Mimi crossed her arms.
"Are you still inviting him to the party?" Matt said.
"I don't really want to, but he's Davis and Kari's friend...and I don't know if they know about what happened. I'm trying to keep everything on the down low, but if you know, then Tai probably knows, so that probably means Kari and Davis probably know. Whatever. I'm just trying to keep my mind of off it, but I'm still talking about it," Mimi sighed.
"Tell me about it. Claudia broke up with TK and he's just taking it out on me. Like dude, just cause your shady girlfriend ran off to Jersey doesn't mean the rest of us have to be miserable. I was just trying to make him feel better and he pushed my limits," Matt said.
"I'm sorry," Mimi frowned.
"Hey, look at us! We're trying to plan a party to take our mind off of things, and it's not working. How ironic is that?" Matt smirked.
"Yeah, that is pretty funny," Mimi smiled.
"Hey, why don't we grab dinner someplace? It's on me," Matt said.
"What? I thought you never have money," Mimi said.
"I don't. I get paid in other ways," Matt smirked.
"Seriously, what do you do for a living?" Mimi asked.
"I'm telling you, I'm an astronaut-in-training! What's so hard to understand about that?" Matt said.
*knock knock*
"Ugh, who is it?" Izzy yelled.
"It's Tai!"
"Anyone else with you?" Izzy yelled.
"Nope, just me, myself, and I," Tai said.
"Alright, come in. Door's unlocked," Izzy sighed.
"You left the door unlocked?" To came inside the apartment.
"The guys forgot to lock it on their way out and I didn't feel like getting up. Of course they would, cause Joe's a pyschopathic jerk," Izzy said.
"Geez, I'll make extra sure to lock the door on my way out. I don't know what you'd call me if I forgot to lock the door," Tai shook the doorknob.
"That's not why he's a jerk...but it's not earning him any brownie points," Izzy wrapped himself in a blanket.
"Yo, I know. I heard what happened this morning," Tai said.
"Yeah, isn't he fucking nuts?" Izzy grunted.
"I dunno. I just think he was just trying to help out. I mean, if you think about it, wouldn't Pino figure out that the two of you were drunk as hell anyways? Might as well have someone who was there tell him what happened! At least then, Pino wouldn't have to freak out as much," Tai said.
"I don't know what your definition of freaking out is, but I think accusing Mimi of possible infidelity and breaking up with her would classify as an extreme level of freaking out, and that was with Joe being oh so helpful as to inform him on what happened last night. And mind you, Joe never told me that I hooked up with Theresa. He went ahead and watched me struggle to remember last night instead of telling me straight up what happened. But he had no hesitation of telling Pino I slept with Theresa, which influenced his decision in ending it with Mimi. Don't you see, this 'freaking out' was inevitable?" Izzy shot Tai a look.
"I mean, I guess, but can you really blame Joe?" Tai said.
"He intentionally withdrew facts from me! And if he did that, who's to say if Joe exaggerated some details to cause Mimi and I to look bad to Pino?" Izzy shook his head.
"Why would he do that?" Tai asked.
"The main reason Pino wasn't feeling secure in the relationship anymore was because he thought there was potential that Mimi and I would probably do something. And why would he think that? Probably cause of something Joe said," Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, but why would Joe do that?" Tai said.
"Obviously, Joe likes Mimi," Izzy shrugged.
"Whoa, you serious?" Tai gasped.
"The guy told me himself. He was being kind of a prick and defensive with me lately and then it clicked, so I called him out on it. He asked me for help so that's when I set him up with that Chloe girl- only because she looked pretty similar to Mimi, by the way- so don't give me that look!" Izzy wagged his finger.
"Not saying anything!" Tai shook his head.
"Anyways, big mistake cause I didn't think that girl was crazy. But anyways, I just kept hinting that Mimi wasn't interested, and to leave her alone, especially since she seemed to like Pino...but I guess he wouldn't listen. I told him," Izzy shrugged.
"I don't know. I think you're still being a bit too harsh. I don't think Joe would do that on purpose. It just seemed like he didn't think too well. He seemed really upset about the whole situation, like he felt like a total piece of shit. You should have seen this guy. I mean, haven't you done something that you thought would be good for someone, and it kinda blows up in your face?" Tai said.
"I slept with Theresa and he didn't tell me!" Izzy exclaimed.
"Remember, Joe's not the confrontational type either...I bet the whole situation was awkward for him. Just try to imagine yourself in his shoes," Tai said.
"I did. That's why I'm pissed," Izzy said.
"Alright...try to imagine yourself in the regular, not-in-love-with-Mimi, frenemies-with-you shoes," Tai said.
"That's the problem. I don't want a frenemy. If that's how you want to act with me, I don't want anything to do with you," Izzy said.
"I guess that's only fair," Tai said.
"I'm serious. Friends don't sabotage each other. I tried to help him, and this is what he does. I'm telling you, count yourself lucky that he doesn't think you and Mimi have a secret fling. Otherwise, he might cut your brakes," Izzy scoffed.
"I don't know about that," Tai pressed his lips together.
"Believe what you want," Izzy shrugged.
"Well, I just came to check up on you. Catch you later," Tai ruffled Izzy's hair. "And I'll remember, lock the door! I don't want you calling me a psychopathic jerk!"
"Thanks," Izzy rolled over on the couch.
*ring ring*
"Hullo?" Sora answered her phone.
"Yeah, I talked to Izzy and I don't think he wants to see Joe for a while after all," Tai said.
"Oh my God, Tai! How did you mess this up?" Sora huffed.
"Me?! Why do you think I messed this up?" Tai gasped.
"It's you!" Sora exclaimed.
"What? That's so rude! And no! It wasn't my fault this time! Izzy said he thinks Joe was intentionally trying to break up Pino and Mimi because Joe likes-"
"Hold on, can I call you back later? Someone's home," Sora said.
"Ugh...okay!" Tai huffed and hung up.
"Dun dun dun dun, dun dun dun dun!" Matt hummed.
"Guess what, Sora?!" Mimi skipped into the apartment. She was wearing a veil on her head and Matt was wearing a blue tie with yellow rubber ducks printed on it.
"What?" Sora groaned.
"We're married! Look!" Mimi stretched out her hand to show off a Ring Pop.
"Mines is Blue Raspberry," Matt grinned, revealing a blue mouth.
"What?" Sora gasped.
"Isn't it crazy? I didn't expect it either!" Mimi said. "But it worked out perfectly! We had something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue! It worked out perfectly!"
"Well, I don't really plan on giving back the tie, so would it really be borrowed?" Matt flapped the tie.
"Oh my God, are you serious?" Sora gasped.
"It is a pretty sweet tie, isn't it?" Matt said.
"Oh my God, I think you are serious!" Sora grabbed her phone and left the apartment.
"I don't think she took the news that well, did she?" Mimi shrugged.
"Maybe it's probably cause we shoulda waited for Davis and Kari to get married first," Matt said.
"But we couldn't wait!" Mimi said.
"That's true! Hey, let's go out on a night on the town, new wife!" Matt said.
"Okay, new husband!" Mimi giggled and linked arms with Matt.