Chapter 3.
The morning soon came around and Juliette was hit with the dreaded hangover. She crawled out of bed and made her way to the kitchen. Avery was still sleeping on the sofa. He was fully clothed, with a blanket over him. He looked so peaceful. Juliette forced back the tears as she remembered all the times she had kissed him from his sleep. How many times she had snuggled up to him first thing in the morning. It hurt, it hurt so bad she felt sick, and faint. She put her hand on the kitchen counter to steady herself. One lone tear made a bid for freedom, as it fell effortlessly down her cheek. She wanted to go to him now and bury her face in his chest.
He stirred and then opened his eyes.
"Good morning," he said, stretching his whole body out. "How are you this morning?"
"I've been better," she smiled sheepishly. "Thanks for looking after me."
"No problem," he said, returning the smile.
How could something so comfortable, be so uncomfortable at the same time? This was awkward and they both felt it, but at the same time being together felt so right. They both knew they still loved each other. It was just going to take time to get used to it.
"I didn't tell you yesterday, but my therapy starts today. This afternoon in fact," she looked on nervously. "That's why I was a little edgy yesterday."
Avery knew at once. "Why didn't you tell me? It makes sense now."
"I didn't want to admit it to myself. Let alone you," she told him truthfully.
Avery thought for a moment. "Do you want me to take you, and pick you up again?" he really wanted to support her through this, despite the fact that it was so awkward to be around her.
"Would you really do that for me?" she asked, surprised.
"Of course, especially as it's your first one. I'm here for you. You've got to believe me when I say, I want to help you, support you," he smiled.
She smiled, and then carefully said, "You're a good friend." It was like she was trying it out for the first time. She didn't like it but it was better than nothing. At least he was still something to her.
They had breakfast together and Juliette went to have a shower and get dressed. Avery cleared away the breakfast things. When Juliette returned she thanked him for tidying up.
"Oh, you didn't have to do that, but thank you. Do you want to have a shower?" she asked.
"I might head home and have one, I could do with some clean clothes," he said, as he drank the last of his coffee.
Juliette hesitated. "Actually, you have some still here. They are in your drawer, in my room." She looked away awkwardly.
"Oh," he said, thoughtfully. "Ok, if you don't mind then, thank you."
When they were both ready, Juliette offered to drop him off at his house, as she was going to meet with some songwriters that morning at Highway 65.
Avery smiled. "Actually, I'm going there too so if you don't mind, I will go with you."
Juliette looked surprised.
"Why's that then?"
Avery replied. "Well Rayna wants to talk to me about something so I said I'd drop by. Now is perfect."
Juliette smiled, warmly. "Well, great. Let's go then!"
Avery smiled. "I'm driving, you're probably still over the limit, and you driving sober is bad enough."
Juliette laughed, a hearty laugh that made his heart soar. "Well, that's charming isn't it? Fine, you go ahead and drive. You know how I prefer to be driven around anyway." She let out another giggle, as she sauntered past him, in her perfected gait, and he followed behind, smiling.