Warning you now, this is a long one!! Enjoy! :)
"I'm falling out of love with you…" Alex and I wrapped the song and I took off my headphones.
"Sounds awesome!" Alex exclaimed, pulling off his as well. "I smell a single."
"Yeah, so do I if I don't call my husband back," I rolled my eyes. "What am I going to say? I can't tell him I'm with Lacey; she wants the world to think she's dead."
"Then don't tell him anything," Alex shrugged, "why does he have to know what you're doing tonight? You don't know what he's doing tonight." I followed Alex out of the studio and into the mixing room. I hit save and marched out into the main room.
Jack and Lacey sat at the table sipping beers and watching TV, while Rian sat on the edge of the couch reading a magazine. The room bustled with managers and studio techs. Alex joined Jack at the table and changed the channel. Lacey didn't seem to notice. She stared into space with an awkward look on her face. She either felt guilty about something or she had to throw up, either one wasn't good.
"Lace, you alright?" I asked, placing a hand on her shoulder. She slightly jumped and started fiddling with her bracelet. "I'm fine," she replied.
"Okay…" I rolled my eyes. "I'm gonna call Eric, he's probably tried to call a hundred times by now." I grabbed my phone off the table and hit "talk." The screen remained black. That's weird. I tried again but the phone remained unresponsive. "Shit," I cursed under my breath, "I think my phone died."
"Oh well that's a bummer," Lacey flatly retorted.
"Yeah…" I shoved my phone in my pocket. "Well my charger is back at the hotel, if we're not doing anything I'll go back and plug it in." Alex hopped up from the table and pulled his keys out of his jacket. "Let's go."
"Lace, where I am meeting you tonight?" I asked before we left. She looked up at me and bit her lip. "I'll meet you at the hotel; we'll go to The Hideout from there."
"Sounds good," I shook my head and rounded the corner after Alex. We hopped in car and pulled out of the parking lot.
I turned down the music and shifted in my seat: "Alex, can I ask you something?"
"Shoot," he replied, not taking his eyes off the road.
"Why do not like Eric?"
Alex cleared his throat and dropped one hand from the wheel, "I don't not like Eric," he smirked, "I just, I've always wanted you to…I just think…" Alex sighed.
"What?"
"I just, I think you'd be happier with someone else."
"Alex, you're a great guy…" I began.
"I'm not talking about me!" Alex exclaimed, "Jesus, Britta! I'm talking about Kennedy! I think you'd be better off with Kennedy."
I scoffed at the thought. "Alex…"
"Don't," he snapped, "I know what you're going to say."
"No you don't!" I shot back.
"Yes I do!" Alex slammed his palm into the steering wheel, "Kennedy hurt me! Eric was there to save me! I love him, we're married, we have a son. Me and Kennedy are over."
"And that's all true…" I added.
"It might be true, but you know what else is true? Kennedy is still in love with you, and you're still in love with him. And if you weren't, you wouldn't have left Eric for him when you were 6 months pregnant. If he meant enough to you to leave your marriage, it's obviously not over between you guys. Don't spend the rest of your life regretting."
"I don't regret anything, Alex. I'm not with Kennedy because I'm in love with Eric. I married him because I love him, why does no one understand that!" I exclaimed.
"Just because you married him doesn't mean you're wearing the right ring." Alex turned down a familiar street and I felt my heart beat picking up. We sat in silence for a few seconds until I spotted a tiny restaurant on the corner. Table and chairs sat outside behind a white fence and a flashing "coffee" sing hung in the window.
"Alex stop!" I exclaimed. I reached for the door handle and jumped out as soon as the vehicle was at a full stop.
"Britta what the fuck!" I heard Alex call behind me. He parked and climbed out of the car.
"Why didn't I see this before?" I whispered once Alex was at my side.
"We didn't go down this street before," Alex replied, catching his breath. "What's this place?"
Sliding and shifting between the tables I reached the one on the far end and took a seat. Alex sat across from me and began tapping his foot. "Are you going to explain what we're doing here, or are we just going to sit?"
"Just shut up," I whispered. The sun beat down on my neck and I felt my tear ducts start to burn. Alex noticed my expression and grabbed for my hand. "Hey, you alright?" he asked, rubbing my thumb.
"This was…" my voice cracked, "this was where Kennedy took me out to dinner on our first date." Alex gasped and grasped my hand tighter.
"I was 18," the memory of that night came flooding back. "We sat right here, Kennedy ordered the burger, I got a turkey sandwich. We watched the stars as we ate. We split a strawberry sundae for dessert. He brought me flowers."
"So this place is pretty special to you huh?" Alex asked. He scooted in his chair. "Kennedy's pretty special to you."
"We came here on our third date too," I continued, ignoring Alex's questions. "We kissed that night. Our first kiss. I can still remember how nervous I was." I leaned in, "he whispered 'come here' and I scooted forward." I grabbed Alex's chin. "Our noses were touching and I was afraid to breathe." Alex closed his eyes and I caressed his cheek. "And then I counted to three in my head," I whispered, "and we kissed." Gently nudging my chin, Alex kissed my cheek and leaned back into his seat. My eyes still closed, I remained leaned over the table and brought myself back to that night.
"I miss him, Alex." I finally admitted.
"I know, Britta."
***
Eric's POV-
Hours passed by and Britta still hadn't called. I sat in the guest room at Sam and Jesse's house and stared at a part of the wall where the paint was chipping. Nick went out to run a few errands and then he was picking me up later. For now, I had time to do nothing. The guest bedroom was big enough for about eight people, but Hawke and I were the only ones taking up space. The extra room made me feel small. I crawled off the bed and checked up on Hawke in his crib. He was sleeping soundly and I gently rubbed his tummy. He was looking like his mom more than ever. His cute little nose and the freckle on his left ear reminded me of her and I sighed.
I had no reason to not trust her, I was just being paranoid. She'd be here with me in Boston soon enough and I could hold her in my arms and all this dumb drama would be over. Finally breathing, I retired to the computer chair and logged onto to Tumblr. Nothing interesting. Clicking home, AOL came up and a link to TMZ sat in the corner. I contemplated clicking it, and finally gave in. One click wouldn't do any harm.
The page slowly loaded and I leaned back in the chair. Britta would've been so mad if she found out I was "checking up on her" on the internet. She hated being treated like an object. In LA she might have been an "entertainer" but in Arizona she was a normal woman. A normal woman who was my wife and I loved. Guilt washed over me and I moved the mouse to click the X button.
"BRITTA SPOTTED AT THE CORNER CAFÉ! WHAT'S ON HER MENU? SMOOTCHING!" flashed upon the screen and I jumped inside.
"What!" I exclaimed and clicked on the link. A picture of Britta and Alex was tight next to a text box on the screen. Britta's hand was on Alex's cheek and his knuckles were resting under her chin. Their noses were touching, but not their lips. "What the fuck is this!" I read the paragraph to myself and slammed away from the computer. "That's it! I'm done. I'm fucking done!"
Sam came running around the corner and bumped into my shoulder. "Eric why the fuck are you yelling?"
"Go look at the fucking computer!" I yelled, pushing past her. Tiffany sat on the couch with her iPod headphones in, bobbing her head along to the music. She opened her eyes as I entered the room and sprang up.
"What's up?" she asked, motioning for me to sit on the couch.
"Your sisters a whore," I mumbled.
"Excuse me!" Tiffany sat up straighter, "Eric, what the fuck?"
Sam entered the living room and sighed. "Eric, you're reading too far into this. I'm sure nothing happened."
"Whoa whoa whoa!" Tiffany threw up her hands, "what the fuck happened?"
I slumped down on the couch as my hands curled into fists. "I'm going to fucking kill Gaskarth," I hissed. "He is so fucking dead."
"What did he do?" Tiffany demanded. I shot her a look and felt my teeth begin to grind. "He and Britta were photographed sharing a nice little kiss at a restaurant in LA."
Tiffany looked up at Sam for confirmation. She coiled her iPod headphones up and dropped it in her bag. "Eric," she began.
"Save it."
"No Eric listen," Tiffany grabbed my palm, "The tabloids, they can doctor pictures, they make up lies. I'm sure nothing happened. You know Britta wouldn't do that to you."
"Just like she wouldn't kiss Brian, right? Or she wouldn't kiss Kennedy?"
Tiffany retracted at the mention of Kennedy. Sam plopped down in the recliner and cleared her throat.
"Guys I really don't think Britta and Alex did anything," she announced, her voice sounder weaker after each syllable.
"And what makes you so sure?" I exclaimed.
"Because," Sam shook her head, "She wouldn't do anything with Alex, not there."
"What's so special about 'there'?" Tiffany and I looked at each other. She seemed to be in as much confusion as I.
Sam began picking at her nails. "Well you know how Kennedy and I dated for a little while."
"Yes, Sam." I rolled my eyes, "which I may add, was kind of a bitch move…"
"Forget it! This isn't about me," Sam interrupted me, "anyway, Kennedy and I were on a date once and we walked by this place. He said he took his ex there on their first date. I didn't know until later that that ex he was talking about was Britta, but-but I recognized the café in the picture. Kennedy and Britta had that first kiss at that café, there's no way she'd kiss Alex there."
"Picture's don't lie, Sam." I pushed off of the couch and marched back to the guest room. "If she wants to kiss Alex, that's fine, but I'm done."
"Eric, that's not fair!" Tiffany jumped off the couch and stomped over to me, "you don't know what's going on. You can't just end it."
"Fine," I quipped, "She gets one more chance, I won't call her for the rest of the day, but tonight, I'm calling her before I go to bed. If she doesn't answer, I'll know it's really over."
"Whatever," Tiffany sauntered away, "you're an idiot, by the way."
Britta's POV-
"Are you sure you can't come in?" I asked Alex while we sat in the parking lot of The Hideout. It was almost 9 and Lacey told me to meet her inside. She said she'd be in the room with the purple curtains, whatever that meant.
After leaving the corner café, Alex brought me back to the hotel where I plugged in my phone and we got to talk. Alex continued to tell me how he wanted me with Kennedy, while I continued to insist Eric was the one. I felt bad I hadn't called Eric yet but it wasn't my fault my phone died. I could've sworn I charged it before I got on the plane though…
"I can't," Alex sighed, "Strict rules, no partying, clubbing or streaking."
"Streaking?" I laughed.
Alex blushed as he tried to think of an excuse, "that one's more for Jack," he finally responded.
"Right…" I winked and hopped out of the car. I began to close the door when Alex leaned over: "Britta!" he called.
"Yeah Alex?"
"If you need me, for anything, call me okay…I'm right at the hotel."
I nodded and shut the door. My heels clacked against the ground as I made my way to the front door. A line of eager partyers stood parallel from the door, but I marched past them and approached the security guard. He stood about 6 foot 5 and was chewing on a thin toothpick. He spotted me and dropped his eyes to my chest. I knew my dress was tight and I probably looked like a baby prostitute, but what else were you supposed to wear to a club?
"Name?" he asked once I stepped up to the red velvet barrier. He looked down at his clip board and then back up at me or my breasts more or less.
"Hey buddy," I sucked my teeth, "eyes are up here." I pointed to my face and raised my right eye brow. He smirked and asked again for my name.
"It's Britta, I'm meeting La…"
"Lacey," he shook his head and pulled back the red velvet rope, "she's been waiting for you."
"Thanks," I smiled and strutted inside. Hundred of faces I didn't know buzzed around me while Justin Timberlake and Timberland bumped through the speakers. Purple curtains caught my attention and I made a B Line for the far right corner of the club.
"Well hello there." A tall, greased up, tool stepped in front of me. "What's your name beautiful?"
"My name is I'm married." I flashed him my ring and kept walking. Guys like that were the reason I was glad I lived in Arizona instead of this armpit of the country. The worst you had to deal with in Arizona was…well, your band falling apart and marrying the wrong guy. Wait, what? I stopped walking and pinched my side. I did not just think that. Alex is getting to you. Just shut up, stop thinking.
Pushing past the purple curtains, I spotted Lacey and called her name. She looked up at me and tapped her friend on the shoulder. Her friend smiled at me as Lacey waved me over. I took a seat and she handed me a drink. I took a slip and flinched. It had a strong minty aftertaste, but was still sort of good. I took another sip and turned towards Lacey and her entourage.
"Britta, this is Melanie," Lacey nudged the shoulder of the blonde sitting next to her. She flashed a toothy grin and held out her dainty hand.
"It's nice to meet you." Her voice was so high pitched my ears were almost ringing. Her whole body was probably the size of my thigh and she had so much glitter plastered across her chest I could have mistaken her for a disco ball.
The lanky girl sitting next to her exhaled her cigarette and turned to me. "Nice to meet you," her French accent took me by surprise. "My names Fallon, I've 'eard such nice things about you. Are you a model too?"
I blushed at the thought, "no, I'm a singer. I could never be a model."
"Oh shut up!" Melanie exclaimed.
"I'm sorry…"
"Mel's just a little forward," Lacey apologized on her behalf. "And guys, Britta's not the model type."
"What's that supposed to mean!" I hopped off the couch and did a few strut and twirls.
"Work it girl!" Fallon cheered.
Lacey joined me on the floor and pulled the curtains back. "Let's give em a show!"
She pulled me up on the table and brushed the strap of my dress down my shoulder. "Lacey what are you doing?" I whispered yelled, "I can't do this!"
"Why not! You dance in front of everybody on stage, pretend you're on tour!"
"Lacey, I'm not a dancer, or a stripper. I'm a mom for god sakes."
"You're in LA, Britta. The last time you were here you got drunk and made out with Brian Dales. I think you of all people know that here is where you can let lose."
"Whatever," I rolled my eyes and pulled my strap back up.
"Oh no no!" She tugged the strap down again and handed me my drink. "You need this, trust me!"
I downed the rest of the drink and began dancing along with Lacey. The DJ looked up and noticed our dancing he switched the song and shined a spot light on Lacey and I. She began grinding on my side and I turned and faced her. She flipped her hair in my face and I dropped it low. The crowd cheered as the DJ picked up the mic.
"Well well well, look what we've got here!" Lacey let out a howl and we danced harder.
"Are my eyes deceiving me? Well I do believe that's our superstar Britta right there, and would that happen to be her model friend Lacey Monroe!"
As we danced I started to feel lighter and the colors around me began blending together. I watched as a trail followed my arm as it traveled through the air. The music bumped louder and my heart beat faster. A euphoric feeling set in as Lacey and I stepped off the table.
"I'm a, I'm gonna go get a drink of water. I'm really thirsty for some reason. Do you want something from the bar?" Lacey declined the offer and I took off down the steps. As I reached the crowd a group of guys whistled at me and I flipped them off. One of them called my name and I turned around to confront them. The leader of the group stepped forward and I gasped as I recognized his face. Kennedy! I ran over and pulled him into a hug. As I stepped back his face molded into another, he smiled and tugged on my dress. "Well, hello. You're awful friendly."
"I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else," I turned to leave.
"I can be anyone you want me to be honey." The group chuckled and exchanged a few high-fives.
"Trust me," I hissed, "you can't."
Lacey's POV-
I grabbed Britta's purse off the table and quickly swiped her phone. Sliding the battery back in, I delicately placed it back in her purse and zipped it up tight. She'd never know.
Fallon leaned over and tapped my shoulder, "your friend is very beautiful; why doesn't she model?"
"Britta? She's a singer. This life isn't for her. She has a husband and a baby. She wants that life," I explained.
"No one wants that life Lacey," Fallon rolled her eyes, "who would want that?"
"I would," I whispered.
"So you're telling me you'd rather be married and a mother right now instead of the life you have?" Fallon scoffed, "good joke."
"I never wanted to be a model," I admitted, "I didn't want this life, it just happened. Britta's lucky she can have a normal life."
"No one ever said you couldn't 'ave a normal life Lacey," Fallon replied, "you don't 'ave to be a model."
I shook my head, "I tried that once. You know I dated the same guy from the time I was 12 till I was 16."
"What happened when you were 16?" Fallon asked, taking another puff from her cigarette.
"I fell in love." I whispered.
"If you were in love Lacey, why are you here?"
"Because I'm an idiot."
Britta's POV-
Climbing the steps to the purple curtain room I finished my water. I hadn't realized I'd drank that much just walking back from the bar. Why the hell was I so thirsty? I reached the top of the steps and the room felt as if it was spinning. Stumbling over to the couch I grabbed my purse and tucked it in my lap.
"Lacey," I whined, "why do I feel like this?"
"What are you talking about?" she giggled.
"I think I'm hallucinating." I dropped my head back and stared at the ceiling. It felt like it was dropping closer to me every few seconds.
"Oh that's just the E baby," Melanie tapped my knee, "you'll feel fine soon."
"Just the what?!" I sprang up but soon fell back on the couch. "You-you gave me ecstasy!"
"It was in your drink baby," Melanie giggled, "we all took some. Don't worry; we only gave you a little. We know you're not hard core yet."
"You spiked my fucking drink!" I screamed.
"Honey calm down!" Fallon soothed, "it's not that big of a deal."
"Not that big of a deal! Fallon I do not do drugs! Lacey!" She was fiddling with her dress, "Lacey! You drugged me!"
"I didn't think you'd care, we were clubbing. It's what we do…"
"No Lacey, it's what you do! Not what I do. I can't believe you'd fucking drug me!" I flew off the couch and marched towards the door, "this night is over, forget the sleepover. Don't talk to me."
Descending the stairs I pried my phone out of my purse and dialed in Alex's number. Thank God I charged it back at the hotel.
Alex answered and the CSI: Miami theme song played in the background. At least I hadn't woken him up. I explained to him the situation and asked if he could come get me. The sound of jingling keys replaced CSI and Alex said he'd be there in less than 5. I thanked him and hung up.
Pushing past the crowd, I stepped outside and waited for Alex. Looking down the street you could see the lights for the apartment building I'd stayed at the years before. Scaling the building I found the deck to my apartment and looked to see if maybe anyone was living there. No lights were visibly on, but who knew. I missed that place.
Alex's Explorer pulled up in front of the club and I stepped away from leaning on the wall. Alex jumped out and ran to me. "Are you okay?" he exclaimed.
"I'm fine, I just-I want to lie down."
Alex grabbed my hand and led me to the truck. Cameras flashed everywhere but I didn't care. I was safe and that's what mattered. Stumbling into the car, Alex strapped my seatbelt for me and kissed my hand. "You're gonna be okay, I promise."
We took off down the street and reached the hotel in what felt like seconds. My legs felt numb so Alex carried me to my room. He shaded his eyes as I changed and made sure I was okay before I lay down. He started heading for the door but I called for him.
"Alex, wait! Stay with me, please." He exhaled sharply through his nose and soon agreed. He climbed in bed next to me but stayed above the covers.
"You sure you're okay?" he asked, turning off the light.
"I'm okay. Just don't leave me…" I grabbed his arm and fell asleep to his warmth.
***
My head was pounding as the sound of my ringtone blared in the distance. I wasn't fully awake and my limbs wouldn't move. I heard Alex grab the phone and mumble a hello. My eye lids were too heavy to open so I simply listened. The conversation was going in and out but I picked up some parts before falling back asleep.
"Britta can't talk right now, she's asleep." Alex groggily explained to the caller.
"She's right here! Next to me. Asleep. She cannot talk."
"I am also trying to sleep."
"Oh okay. Goodnight. Goodbye now." Alex hung up and I drifted back asleep.
Thanks for reading!! :)