My Golden Opportunity

Chapter 4

 

 

Chris PoV

 

“Ugh!” I grunted tearing off a dark green shirt. It was actually the third shirt I had tried on. I had turned into a teenage girl. God, what was happening to me? I hadn’t been this nervous for anything in a long time. I really like this girl. I feel like we have such a connection, even though I don’t know her that well. Completely different than things were with Makayla. In a good way.

 

I began to think of the relationship I ended 6 days ago as I looked through my dresser again in an attempt to find a decent shirt to wear. Makayla and I had known each other for a year before we started dating. We had known nearly everything about each other before we started dating. And then there was the publicity. That was big; she handled the publicity so well. Flawlessly even. I know it has to be hard, dating the singer of a band, but she didn’t make it seem difficult. I could take her anywhere.

 

She dealt with the breakup surprisingly well. She didn’t yell. She didn’t scream. She was calm. All she did was ask why. I remembered her pleading brown eyes as I tried to find words to explain. How could I possibly explain something to her I couldn’t explain to myself? Somehow, I found a way. I told her what I was feeling, that things didn’t feel as good as they could be. Like we just didn’t belong anymore. She seemed like she understood and agreed. She let me go. I was grateful for the peaceful farewell. It was good closure.

 

I pulled a navy blue t-shirt over my head and looked in the mirror. “Good,” I said to myself and went looking for my wallet. I grabbed everything I needed and walked out the door to my car. Then, I drove to where I’d meet Stephanie. This car couldn’t get me there fast enough.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

I had gotten there fifteen minutes early on purpose. I got a table for two sitting outside. It was a gorgeous day out. Now I’m just sitting and waiting for her.

 

Ten minutes later I see her turn the corner. Once again, I was stunned by her incredible beauty. Her hair blew slightly in the breeze, making her even more beautiful than before. She had long hair. It was light brown, with blonde highlights from the sun. It was so natural and perfect. She had on a navy blue sundress with a funky pattern on it that she pulled off wonderfully. It took me a minute to realize we matched. I laughed at this. She approached the restaurant now. I stood up so she would see me, her beautiful brown eyes, my favorite feature about her, danced when they met mine.

 

“Chris!” She said my name with the biggest smile on her face. My heart fluttered.

 

“Stephanie,” I greeted her, “You look absolutely beautiful! Really. I’m in awe.” She blushed and I smiled a little.

 

“Thank you so much! You look incredible yourself!” She returned the complement, meaning it.

 

“Please, sit down.” I helped her into her seat.

 

“Thank you.” She responded. I took my seat. Shit now what do I say? Thankfully I was saved by our waitress. We ordered our drinks and she left us.

 

“Tell me about yourself Stephanie,” I half asked. She looked up curiously.

 

“What do you wanna know?” She raised an eyebrow.

 

“Everything and anything you’ll tell me. I just want to get to know you. I feel like I do know you, but let’s make sure of that?” I flashed a smile. “How about you tell me something about you and I’ll tell you something about me?” I hope that works. I’m dying to know her. To talk to her for more than fifteen minutes.

 

“Sounds great. Well, I have an older sister and I work for an architecture firm,” she began.

 

“Oh really? What’s that like?” I asked curious.

 

“Having an older sister or working for an architecture firm?” She laughed.

 

“Well I know what sisters are like, but tell me about your job.”

 

“Do I detect some hostility for your sisters?” She teased. I smiled. “Well, its very busy. But I love it. Its what I’ve always wanted to do. I couldn’t imagine ever doing anything else.” The passion in her voice surprised me, but it was amazing. “Your turn,” She said before taking a sip of her drink.

 

“To talk about my sisters or my job?” I joked. “Well, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else either. I’ve always wanted to be a musician. And now I’m in a band with my 4 best mates. It’s incredible. And we do ok.”

 

“You do more than ok.” She gave me a stern look. I smiled. We had talked about the band thing yesterday. While walking around the grocery store. I had warned her, of those damn paps. I told her they follow me, and that I understand completely if she changed her mind because she didn’t want to put up with the fame. I sure as hell don’t want to put up with it. But I was glad to see her shocked look in response. She still wanted to go out with me. I was relieved. We had talked a little more about the band. I guess in a way I was kind of explaining things…. “What do hate most about it?” The question brought me out of my trance.

 

“Fame. Dealing with it all.” She frowned, no doubt remembering our conversation yesterday.

 

“It must be really tough. I’m sorry Chris.” She took my hand.

 

“It has its benefits.” I smiled. “What do you hate most about your job?” She thought for a moment before answering.

 

“The work load.”

 

We went back and forth like this the entire time, sharing our life stories. I learned so much about her, but I wanted to know more. After I paid the bill we both got up, unsure of what to do next. I wasn’t about to let this end.

 

“Want to take a walk?”

 

“I’d love that,” she answered, smiling, her eyes big. Boldly I took her hand and lead her down the street. Out of the corner of my eye I saw her trying to hide a smile. I told her of the first time I was in New York, and how I tripped when I took the first step onto the street. This made her laugh. She had a beautiful laugh. I couldn’t get enough of it. I kept telling stories that would make her laugh. I was so happy, just to see that smile on her face and hear her laugh.

 

We walked around the city for a half hour, and coincidentally ended up right where I parked my car.

 

“Where do you live?” I asked.

 

“A few blocks down that way, I walked.” She almost looked sad acknowledging that.

 

“Can I drive you home?” Why do I feel so pathetic?

 

“I’d like that!” We were both happy to have more time together. We got in and I drove Stephanie home based on the directions she gave me. She really did live close. I pulled up in front of her apartment building and got out to go open her door. This pleased her. I loved how simple things like that made her happy. I walked her to the door.

 

“Thank you for lunch Chris. I had an amazing time! Really.”

 

“I’m glad. I had an incredible time too. Let’s do this again soon?” I prayed she said yes. She nodded. That’s a yes. I smiled. “I’ll call you. Bye Stephanie.” And with that I stroked her gorgeous hair with my hand, starred at those beautiful brown eyes, then I leaned in.

 

 

cliff hanger! :P

My Golden Opportunity[/size][/b][/size]

[/color]Chapter 4

 

 

Chris PoV

 

“Ugh!” I grunted tearing off a dark green shirt. It was actually the third shirt I had tried on. I had turned into a teenage girl. God, what was happening to me? I hadn’t been this nervous for anything in a long time. I really like this girl. I feel like we have such a connection, even though I don’t know her that well. Completely different than things were with Makayla. In a good way.

 

I began to think of the relationship I ended 6 days ago as I looked through my dresser again in an attempt to find a decent shirt to wear. Makayla and I had known each other for a year before we started dating. We had known nearly everything about each other before we started dating. And then there was the publicity. That was big; she handled the publicity so well. Flawlessly even. I know it has to be hard, dating the singer of a band, but she didn’t make it seem difficult. I could take her anywhere.

 

She dealt with the breakup surprisingly well. She didn’t yell. She didn’t scream. She was calm. All she did was ask why. I remembered her pleading brown eyes as I tried to find words to explain. How could I possibly explain something to her I couldn’t explain to myself? Somehow, I found a way. I told her what I was feeling, that things didn’t feel as good as they could be. Like we just didn’t belong anymore. She seemed like she understood and agreed. She let me go. I was grateful for the peaceful farewell. It was good closure.

 

I pulled a navy blue t-shirt over my head and looked in the mirror. “Good,” I said to myself and went looking for my wallet. I grabbed everything I needed and walked out the door to my car. Then, I drove to where I’d meet Stephanie. This car couldn’t get me there fast enough.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

I had gotten there fifteen minutes early on purpose. I got a table for two sitting outside. It was a gorgeous day out. Now I’m just sitting and waiting for her.

 

Ten minutes later I see her turn the corner. Once again, I was stunned by her incredible beauty. Her hair blew slightly in the breeze, making her even more beautiful than before. She had long hair. It was light brown, with blonde highlights from the sun. It was so natural and perfect. She had on a navy blue sundress with a funky pattern on it that she pulled off wonderfully. It took me a minute to realize we matched. I laughed at this. She approached the restaurant now. I stood up so she would see me, her beautiful brown eyes, my favorite feature about her, danced when they met mine.

 

“Chris!” She said my name with the biggest smile on her face. My heart fluttered.

 

“Stephanie,” I greeted her, “You look absolutely beautiful! Really. I’m in awe.” She blushed and I smiled a little.

 

“Thank you so much! You look incredible yourself!” She returned the complement, meaning it.

 

“Please, sit down.” I helped her into her seat.

 

“Thank you.” She responded. I took my seat. Shit now what do I say? Thankfully I was saved by our waitress. We ordered our drinks and she left us.

 

“Tell me about yourself Stephanie,” I half asked. She looked up curiously.

 

“What do you wanna know?” She raised an eyebrow.

 

“Everything and anything you’ll tell me. I just want to get to know you. I feel like I do know you, but let’s make sure of that?” I flashed a smile. “How about you tell me something about you and I’ll tell you something about me?” I hope that works. I’m dying to know her. To talk to her for more than fifteen minutes.

 

“Sounds great. Well, I have an older sister and I work for an architecture firm,” she began.

 

“Oh really? What’s that like?” I asked curious.

 

“Having an older sister or working for an architecture firm?” She laughed.

 

“Well I know what sisters are like, but tell me about your job.”

 

“Do I detect some hostility for your sisters?” She teased. I smiled. “Well, its very busy. But I love it. Its what I’ve always wanted to do. I couldn’t imagine ever doing anything else.” The passion in her voice surprised me, but it was amazing. “Your turn,” She said before taking a sip of her drink.

 

“To talk about my sisters or my job?” I joked. “Well, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else either. I’ve always wanted to be a musician. And now I’m in a band with my 4 best mates. It’s incredible. And we do ok.”

 

“You do more than ok.” She gave me a stern look. I smiled. We had talked about the band thing yesterday. While walking around the grocery store. I had warned her, of those damn paps. I told her they follow me, and that I understand completely if she changed her mind because she didn’t want to put up with the fame. I sure as hell don’t want to put up with it. But I was glad to see her shocked look in response. She still wanted to go out with me. I was relieved. We had talked a little more about the band. I guess in a way I was kind of explaining things…. “What do hate most about it?” The question brought me out of my trance.

 

“Fame. Dealing with it all.” She frowned, no doubt remembering our conversation yesterday.

 

“It must be really tough. I’m sorry Chris.” She took my hand.

 

“It has its benefits.” I smiled. “What do you hate most about your job?” She thought for a moment before answering.

 

“The work load.”

 

We went back and forth like this the entire time, sharing our life stories. I learned so much about her, but I wanted to know more. After I paid the bill we both got up, unsure of what to do next. I wasn’t about to let this end.

 

“Want to take a walk?”

 

“I’d love that,” she answered, smiling, her eyes big. Boldly I took her hand and lead her down the street. Out of the corner of my eye I saw her trying to hide a smile. I told her of the first time I was in New York, and how I tripped when I took the first step onto the street. This made her laugh. She had a beautiful laugh. I couldn’t get enough of it. I kept telling stories that would make her laugh. I was so happy, just to see that smile on her face and hear her laugh.

 

We walked around the city for a half hour, and coincidentally ended up right where I parked my car.

 

“Where do you live?” I asked.

 

“A few blocks down that way, I walked.” She almost looked sad acknowledging that.

 

“Can I drive you home?” Why do I feel so pathetic?

 

“I’d like that!” We were both happy to have more time together. We got in and I drove Stephanie home based on the directions she gave me. She really did live close. I pulled up in front of her apartment building and got out to go open her door. This pleased her. I loved how simple things like that made her happy. I walked her to the door.

 

“Thank you for lunch Chris. I had an amazing time! Really.”

 

“I’m glad. I had an incredible time too. Let’s do this again soon?” I prayed she said yes. She nodded. That’s a yes. I smiled. “I’ll call you. Bye Stephanie.” And with that I stroked her gorgeous hair with my hand, starred at those beautiful brown eyes, then I leaned in.

 

 

cliff hanger! :P

 

 

I love it:P

thanks brenda!

ooh, excitement!! :dance:

keep up the good work marisa! :nice:

 

the next part of my story should be up by tomorrow i think. maybe. it's almost finished, but i think i might go to bed soon. :\

^^^:bomb:must read more!!so good:D

ooh, excitement!! :dance:

keep up the good work marisa! :nice:

 

the next part of my story should be up by tomorrow i think. maybe. it's almost finished, but i think i might go to bed soon. :\

thanks brooke!!:D

 

oh i can't wait to read yours! :dance:

I love it Marisa.

But i'm really sad Chris broke up with me.

:(

 

 

haha.

And how come he loves your brown eyes, but he didn't mention anything about my brown eyes!?

:cry:

:lol:Im thinking Makayla should make her own fanfic story:D

I love it Marisa.

But i'm really sad Chris broke up with me.

:(

 

 

haha.

And how come he loves your brown eyes, but he didn't mention anything about my brown eyes!?

:cry:

cause mine are better :P

 

hah hah. i think i got your physical descriptions right in this though :)

:lol:Im thinking Makayla should make her own fanfic story:D

seconded.

 

 

she'd probably make chris dump me in it:lol:

 

yay, i've added more drama!! :dance:

 

How Infinite is Space?

Part 6

 

 

 

"Please tell me, Chris? Please?" Jonny and Chris were sitting at a table in the spaceship's empty cafeteria. On the table in between them was a tray that held two sandwiches and a bag of potato chips. Chris stared at the bag for a few moments, then reached in and pulled out a chip.

 

"I can't." Chris held the chip between his fingers, staring at it intently before placing it down on the table. "Sorry."

 

"Yes, you can! We're best friends, remember? Don't you remember? Best friends- we do everything together. Even board spaceships together! There's no secrets between us, right?" Chris moved his gaze away from the uneaten sandwich on his side of the tray, but he still avoided looking at Jonny. "Right?"

 

"You know you're my best friend, J. But I... I just can't tell you."

 

"Why not? I tell you everything, Chris. Everything."

 

"It's just... too... complicated."

 

"No way, nothing's too complicated for me. Please, Chris? You know I won't tell anyone. Can I at least guess?"

 

"I'd rather you didn't, if that's all right."

 

"Oh, yeah. OK. Sorry." Jonny put his head down and sadly twirled his thumbs. As he did so, Chris finally looked up at him. He absolutely hated to see Jonny upset more than anything, but if he knew Chris' secret then everything they shared together could be ruined. Of course, there was also the possibility of everything turning out just fine or even better, but Chris was too frightened by the thought of losing his best friend to even consider telling him.

 

"Jonny...?" Jonny looked up again and locked his brilliantly green eyes with Chris' stunning blue ones. For a second Chris had the sudden urge to tell Jonny everything he'd ever thought about anything, but it soon faded. "I will tell you someday. You know that, don't you? Just not now. But someday."

 

"It's fine. You tell me when you want to." Jonny gave Chris an adorable smile, and suddenly Chris felt a thousand times better. "Hey, are you gonna eat or what?"

 

"Oh, yeah. I forgot." Chris picked up his sandwich and took a huge bite out of it.

 

"You forgot?" Jonny asked, laughing. "How do you forget about food?"

 

"It happens."

 

"Hmm, not to me."

 

"Yeah, well..."

 

"Hey!" Jonny exclaimed, playfully slapping Chris' arm. Suddenly, there was a crash in the back of the cafeteria. Jonny and Chris both turned to see what had made the noise, but by the time they could spot anything the lights were off. "Whoa, what the hell's going on here?"

 

"Um... the lights went out."

 

"That can't be good, right? I mean, lights going out on a spaceship... and that's not including that crash. What was that?"

 

"Dunno. Think it had to do with the lights?"

 

"Could be. Maybe we should go check it out." Jonny and Chris stood up and began to walk over to the spot where they believed the crash had occurred. They weren't exactly sure it was the correct spot, though, on account of the lights being off. When they reached the spot, Chris knelt to the ground and started looking on the floor to the best of his abilities. Jonny was about to do the same when the lights came back on.

 

"Oh, good! That helps quite a lot." Chris stood back up, but it wasn't long before he was on the floor again.

 

"Oh my God, Chris!" Jonny sat down and tried to pick his friend up, but Chris was completely unconscious... and someone was wrapping their arms around Jonny's neck.

 

"Hey! Hey! What're you... doing... get off me..." Jonny collapsed, his body falling on top of Chris'.

 

"Looks like my work here's done. Hmm, that sandwich over there looked quite tasty..."

 

 

EXCELLENT brooke!! :D:D

:clap:!!

:stunned:BROOKE!!!MORE PLEASE!!:bomb:truly amazing!!:D

cause mine are better :P

 

hah hah. i think i got your physical descriptions right in this though :)

 

seconded.

 

 

she'd probably make chris dump me in it:lol:

 

:lol:no she wouldn't!!well..

 

we'll have to wait and see!

^:laugh3:

thanks guys! :nice:

but like i said, i'm off to bed now, and unfortunately i have testing the next few days, so i won't be able to write more until wednesday or thursday. :(

night brooke! finals? i'm done tomorrow! :D:P

but good luck!! :D

:hug:

thanks brenda!

 

Lol! Its so funny how you make Chris break-up with Makayla..i think i know where this is going:sneaky::sneaky::sneaky:

:cry2:night Brooke and good luck with testing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and the next chapter of your story:D

Lol! Its so funny how you make Chris break-up with Makayla..i think i know where this is going:sneaky::sneaky::sneaky:

oh do you?! *stares down*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i don't even know exactly where this is going :P

:uhoh:

 

oh do you?! *stares down*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i don't even know exactly where this is going :P

:uhoh:

 

Well I have no doubt that it will be something interesting...:sneaky::sneaky::sneaky:

:D:D:D

:laugh3:cant wait to see where this is going!

Next part of 'A Warning Sign', hope you guys enjoy! New chapter tomorrow night probably :)

 

Previous Chapters: Chapters 1-4, 5, 6, 7, 8

 

 

 

 

 

A Warning Sign

 

Chapter Nine: Part One

 

 

 

May – Burbank, California: April

 

“Okay, so we’ve been working on trying to break this episode for three days, and it’s going absolutely nowhere…” I say pouring myself another cup of coffee and sitting back down at the table. “We need a new approach, Damon” I lean back in my chair, stretching my arms above my head and trying, yet failing miserably, not to yawn.

 

The writer’s room is practically abandoned except for myself, Damon and an intern who’s been typing out ideas as we brainstorm.

 

“This is probably the worst possible time for Gregg to not be here; I mean this is the final stretch y’know? This is the pinnacle of where the show’s leading to, the last few episodes of the season and it has to be fantastic. If we have to scrap everything and start over we will.” He removes his thick black-rimmed glasses and pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration.

 

“Maybe starting clean is the best way then…what did we do the last time this happened?” I glance quickly at Olivia, Damon’s writing assistant and can tell she’s fading fast. Her eyes are almost completely closed as she slouches in her chair sleepily.

 

Giving Damon a nod in her direction he turns to look at her and smiles broadly.

 

“Liv” he reaches over to shake her shoulder lightly, causing her to snap awake and glance frantically around the room.

 

“Oh my God, I am so, so sorry you guys, I’m just so exhausted, I’ve been here since 5 am.” she says, utterly embarrassed.

 

“Olivia, it’s fine, go home. Get some rest, and don’t come in until after 9 tomorrow, okay?” Damon closes the screen to Liv’s laptop and grabs her coat from the coat rack in the corner of the room.

 

“So, what time tomorrow?” he asks, helping her into her coat.

 

“After nine.” She says nodding her head, looking relieved.

 

“Good, now get out of here” he says smiling.

 

“Thank you, see you tomorrow. Have a good night Ms. Rhodes., Mr. Lindelof.”

 

“Goodnight Olivia” I say grinning. She shuffles out of the room and closes the door behind her.

 

“She’s adorable. When did you hire her?” I ask once I’m sure she’s out of earshot as I pull my computer from my bag and power it up.

 

“Well I needed someone to replace Mark. She just graduated from Brown and came highly recommended from a friend of mine who’s a professor there.” He says refilling his mug with hot water and soaking his third tea bag for the day.

 

“Ooh, fancy.” I say wiggling my eyebrows. He rolls his eyes as if to say, ‘don’t even go there’.

 

“What? She’s hot, it’s okay if you like her.” I smirk behind my coffee cup and hear him sigh loudly.

 

“Our relationship is strictly professional, besides she’s 22….” He trails off.

 

“And? I started dating Jon when I was 22 and he was 28. Exact same situation” I tell him while I open a new Word document to begin typing.

 

“Yeah, well you and him didn’t have to work together.” He says matter of factly.

 

“Fine, whatever. Don’t get laid. But if I have to read one more scene with unnecessary pent up sexual tension I’m going to scream.” I say, only half joking.

 

“Oh, so now you’re attacking my writing too?” he says in mock anger and I shrug throwing my hands up.

 

“I tell it like it is, sorry,”

 

“No it’s fine, go ahead, the critics think this season’s been shit so by all means – ”

 

“It has not, who cares what the critics think – they’ve got nothing better to do…the fans enjoy it that’s what matters.”

 

“The studio cares…” he says trailing off.

 

We’re silent for a few moments, neither on of us knowing what to do next. The script has come to a complete stand still in some places and characters storylines were left hanging in mid air, our protagonists waiting in limbo. The episode we just finished is littered with loose ends and the studio’s president wasn’t happy with any of the rewrites we had attempted.

 

“What are we doing here April? It shouldn’t be this hard…should it?” he says, serious now.

 

“We’re a great writing team, we just haven’t done it in a while. We have to dust off the cobwebs and dig in.” I try to reassure him.

 

“I know, you’re right. I’m just sick of looking at this room I think. I feel like I’m going out of my mind.” He rubs his temples vigorously.

 

“Let’s break for the day then. Neither one of us is going to get anything done today.” I say feeling defeated.

 

“You’ve been so distracted all day. What’s going on with you?” he says finally, I had wondered when he would ask me what was up. At least he waited until we were alone.

 

“It’s nothing, I’m fine. Really.” I try to stress the fact that I don’t want to talk about it.

 

“Well that’s not suspect. Emphasizing the ‘really’ and all.” He says sarcastically.

 

“Nope.” I shake my head to let him no that this conversation wasn’t happening, “No, Damon. It’s not up for discussion.” I stare down at my fingers, fidgeting under his gaze.

 

Jonny had left yesterday morning and I still felt horrible for not seeing him off. All I could think about was if I had blown things out of proportion or not. I shouldn’t have given him such a hard time about what he had said. It was a harmless comment but for some reason it stung to hear him joke about something that I took very seriously.

 

“Okay.” He says simply.

 

“That’s it?” I ask, shocked. “You’re not going to try to pry it out of me like you normally would? I am very impressed, it’s almost like you’re growing as a person. I think I might be somewhat…proud?” I knit my eyebrows together in confusion. Damon would usually not let me off that easily.

 

“You’ll talk about it when you’re ready. And when you are… I’ll be here to listen.” he says sincerely.

 

I nod silently, finding myself speechless for a moment. Damon has always been something like an older brother to me but mostly because we argued and bickered like siblings. Here was showing he actually cared and it was almost comforting.

 

“So, until tomorrow…” He says grabbing his coat and car keys and handing me mine as well.

 

“Yeah, tomorrow.” I say smiling.

 

I walk to my car and wonder if Jon will call me tonight. Yesterday he hadn’t made an attempt and I had to find out from Guy if his plane had made it there safe and sound. I felt a responsibility to fix things between us, to give it one more try to make him see what a future together could be like.

 

Next week I’d be finished with work and I’d have enough time to fly out to London to spend some time with him before the next tour leg started up. Cook him dinner, buy a bottle of his favorite wine and surprise him. At least nobody could say I wasn’t trying.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Nine: Part Two

 

 

 

May – The Bakery, London: Jonny

 

“Pay attention Jon, that’s the third time you’ve messed up your timing,” Guy grumbles crossly, running a hand through his hair.

 

“Sorry, I’m just tired” I say, forcing a yawn, not wanting to admit that I was distracted.

 

“We’re done then, you’re no good to us half asleep,” Brian says from inside the sound booth, flipping the lights off as he does, leaving little ground for argument.

 

Guy raises an eyebrow at me as if to say ‘see what you did?’ And I let out a frustrated sigh.

 

“The point of not having Chris here is so that we could get some real work done lads, I’ll expect more from you tomorrow” Brian says shutting the door to the sound booth, making his way across the small recording room where Will, Guy and I are still standing with our instruments.

 

Brian leaves the room without waiting for our response, none of the usual ‘goodnight’ or ‘good job’. No one makes a sound until we hear the front door close behind him, an awkward feeling left hanging in the air.

 

I knew I’d fucked up big time today but I couldn’t focus with the conversation that April and I had had running through my head. I still hadn’t spoken to her and it had been three days.

 

“Every day can’t be a good day,” Miller says, stretching and causing his large glasses to droop on his nose.

 

“Yeah, well, who’s up for some drinks?” Guy asks placing his bass on its stand.

 

“I’ve got to get home, what time is it?” Will stands from his drum kit and pulls his mobile out of his pocket.

 

“Shit, I have two missed calls. Marianne’s freaking out because my dad and step mum are visiting tomorrow and she doesn’t know what to cook.” He half grins and puts away his drumsticks, before patting Miller on the back and thanking him for putting up with us today.

 

“Nah, I figure I’ll have a lovely bonus by the time Christmas rolls around,” he and Will exit the room leaving Guy and I alone. Guy texts quietly on his iPhone and I hang my guitar on it’s stand, contemplating Guy’s offer for drinks.

 

“You still up for going out then?” I ask him.

 

“Of course. After the crap day we’ve had? You owe me a drink…or three,” he heads for the door and I follow him upstairs to turn off the lights, my eyes catching the time on the small clock in the corner.

 

10:30 PM

 

I feel my phone buzz in my pocket, seeing that it’s April I answer it, uncertain of how the conversation might go.

 

“Hello?” I say, switching the lamp off in the far corner of the room, art supplies scattered haphazardly across the table where Vicki had been painting one of Guy’s basses that afternoon.

 

“Hey, I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.” She says, and her voice is comforting after the stress of the long day.

 

“No, we’re done early. I’m in bed actually, watching a rerun of The Wire” I don’t know why I lie, but the words flow past my lips like an old habit. I hear Guy snort with laughter and I glare at him to shut up.

 

“Oh, sorry, I thought you’d still be in the studio, did I wake you up?” she’s apologetic and I’m hit with a wave of guilt.

 

I knew if I told her I was going out with Guy she’d worry about what time I’d be home and tell me she didn’t think it was a good idea with work in the morning and with tensions already high I didn’t want to argue.

 

“I wasn’t sleeping, nodding off maybe, it’s hard to sleep without you here.” I tell her. At least the last part was true.

 

“Yeah, I know what you mean” she says softly.

 

“You coming or not?” Guy whispers, jingling his keys in his hand. I mute the phone before replying.

 

“Go on downstairs without me, I’ll only be a minute” I tell him and he turns to leave, humming softly to himself. I wait until I see head disappear around the bend of the staircase before un-muting the phone.

 

“You there?” I hear her ask.

 

“Yeah, yeah. Sorry – I can’t seem to keep my eyes open.”

 

“You should get some sleep, Brian hates it when you’re tired” I smile at how right she can be sometimes, it makes me hate the fact that we haven’t had a real conversation in days, even more.

 

“I know, you’re right, I should get to bed,” I say.

 

“I love you and I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Sweet dreams, Jon.”

 

“Love you,” I say back and wait until she hangs up before placing the phone back in my pocket and heading downstairs, flicking the light on the staircase off as I go.

 

After I lock up I head to my car and see Guy’s already idling in the tiny driveway, the headlights nearly blinding me.

 

“Hey”, he rolls down the passenger window and calls to me.

 

“I’ve invited a friend, he might bring a few people with him, that alright?” he asks lowering his music so he can hear my response.

 

“Yeah sure, whatever. I’ll just follow you okay?” I knew that if he invited people I didn’t get on with I’d want to be out of there as soon as possible.

 

“You sure? You won’t be able to get too pissed then, safety first and all that.” He smirks at me through the darkness, the orange light from the dash illuminating his face.

 

“I’ll be fine, I’ll get a cab if it gets out of hand” I grin back before knocking twice on the hood of the car, continuing on down the driveway to my car parked on the street.

 

 

 

AMAZING!! :D

YAY!!Warning Sign :D:D