STILL BE FRIENDS (A G-Eazy Fan Fic)

CHAPTER 3, Wine Wednesdays

A/N.
Shouts out to @cateracook for being the first person to vote and show this book some love on the first two chapters! Your support is much appreciated and I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far 🤗

Gabriella's P.O.V.
​After my conversation with Gerald, I felt sort of, uh, well... I wasn't entirely sure to be honest. A part of me was relieved and at peace because even though things would surely be a bit odd in the beginning, I had my best friend back in my life. Not only that, I got the answers to why we had lost touch in the first place, questions and thoughts that had haunted me for more than a decade. On the other hand, I still didn't know how I felt about this new version of Gerald. From what I could tell back at the studio, he was still the same old goofball I grew up with in the Bay. But after all this time, I'm sure some things had to have changed, right? I mean, everyone hears about the famous rapper lifestyle and how it can literally flip your life upside down. I was afraid that I had finally gotten Gerald back in my life, but that we wouldn't have the same sort of connection that we did in the past.
​One thing was for sure though, Gerald was still as fine as ever. He still towered over me like the lanky giant he was in high school, and his features had definitely matured in the best of ways. He wore his rich dark hair slicked back, and goddamn did he look hot as hell in a leather jacket. His voice had definitely deepened more over the years, and had a smoother, almost sexier tone to it when he spoke. I can't lie, seeing him again made just a few of those schoolgirl crush feelings resurface, but aside from just a slight physical attraction, there wasn't much else to note in that department. I'm not even sure if I can honestly say that I had anything more than just a small crush on him in high school. Did I love him back then? Sure, as my homie. But no one really knows what true love is at that age, and I think it's fair to say that sometimes adults don't always know either. But did I love him now? That was hard to say. After not having one of the most important people in your life for so long, you learn to get on without them, which is partly what made having Gerald back in mine so scary.
​I felt happy with where I was in life. New job, new friends, new home, new city, new me. My boyfriend Caleb and I were fast approaching our three year anniversary, and he'd soon be relocating to LA from San Francisco to come and live with me instead. He worked at a small startup tech business in the city, and was hoping to work remotely full-time so that we would no longer be distanced from one another. We had met through a mutual friend back in the Bay one night at an after hours party in San Francisco's Chinatown district, and after a few drinks and twenty minutes on the dancefloor together, he took me home and the rest became history.
​Being in a new place away from him wasn't always easy, and we were both new to the long-distance dating culture. Somehow, we found a way to make it work, but I definitely couldn't wait to get him back here with me in person once more. Facetime and short weekend visits only helped so much, especially since we were used to being together all the time.
​After I finished my shift at the office, I packed up all my belongings and made my familiar walk back to my apartment with my coworker Gina who lived in the same building. She had also quickly became one of my really close friends since I made the move down here, and we shared quite a bit in common. She and I both found our passion for working in the music industry later in our twenties, and relocated to LA on our own to chase the dream. However, she had already been working with Jordan at the studio for two years, and had found her click of friends who welcomed me in almost immediately. We were both fans of DemiLovato, came from mixed racial backgrounds, and had a strong love for what we did. Honestly, she was like the sister I never had growing up and I appreciated her for that.
​"So how did it go at the office this morning?" She asked as we calmly strolled down the street together, chatting and enjoying the sunny mid March weather.
​"Well, I finally got to meet Demi today," I answered with an irresistible grin. "you were so right. She's the sweetest person ever."
​"girl, I told you! She's such a queen." Gina squealed excitedly. She had gotten to meet Demi a few times during her two years at the studio and I was so jealous when she told me, but hopeful nevertheless.
​"yeah," I chuckled. "definitely one of the most important moments of my career so far." We turned the corner and waited for the light to change.
​"OK, but what's this shit Jordan was filling me in on about you having history with G-Eazy before he was famous? I can't believe you never thought to tell me that." She asked, pausing to nudge my arm gently and waited for me to explain.
​"Oh, that. Well to be honest, I hadn't spoken to him in years so it didn't occur to me to bring it up. But yeah, he and I were homies in high school."
​"Wow Gabby, that's crazy. What was it like seeing him today after all this time then? I'd imagine it'd be a bit awkward."
​"Awkward is putting it lightly girl," I laughed as we neared our building. "why don't you come up for a drink and I can tell you the whole thing? It's kind of a lot."
​"Drinks on a Wednesday? I'm so down!" She cheered, calling the elevator and we rode up to the 7th floor
​Three hours and two bottles of wine later, Gina and I were sat on my bed in my humble apartment listening to music and tipsily chatting about everything Gerald and I went through together from high school all the way until today. She was still in shock that I actually knew him on a personal level, and would not stop asking me more and more questions.
​"Gabs, do you realize how many bitches wish they could be you?" She slurred, serving herself yet another glass of wine as I brought over a newly filled bowl of chips and sat them on the bed. "I mean fuck girl! You grew up with G motherfucking Eazy. A hot rapper that every girl wants to get with."
​"OK, yes. He's hot," I giggled, finding her interest in the whole situation oddly amusing. "but what's your point? What does his hotness have to do with me?"
​"Gabs, are you seriously that simple minded?" She groaned, taking a handful of chips before continuing. "what I'm saying is, now that you got G back in your life, you need to get with him. Be his bitch and have some babies or something."
​"wo girl, slow the fuck down," I said, nearly spitting out my sip of wine at her last comment. "nobody is having babies with G."
​"Someone else will if you don't honey. Get on it while you can." She stated, the color in her face growing more obvious as I'm sure mine was as well.
​"You're crazy Gina," I said, poring the last of our wine into my glass and set the now empty bottle aside. "besides, I don't think I can do that. I have a man, remember? And if anything, Gerald and I are just friends like we were in high school."
​"What Caleb doesn't know won't hurt him," She said with a smirk, wiggling her brows suggestively and I gasped. "and trust me... Beautiful humans like you and Gerald never stay just friends," She added, putting her last two words in air quotes with her fingers.
​"Right, I'm going to act like you didn't just say all that to me." I sighed, taking another sip from my cup and shook my head.
​"You should call him!" She exclaimed suddenly, grabbing my phone off the bed and began scrolling through it in search of Gerald's number despite my efforts to try and stop her.
​"Gina, seriously. Give me my phone back."
​"I will if you promise to call Gerald." She negotiated, holding my phone out of reach. I tried to grab it from her once again, but failed miserably.
​"ugh, fine," I gave in, plopping back down on my bed in defeat. "but what am I even going to say?"
​"I don't know, just be you. Say you want him to come over or some shit." She teased with a giggle, and I stuck my tongue out at her as I searched for Gerald's contact instead.
​"I'm starting to think you're the one who wants to sleep with him girl," I joked, making Gina blush even more than she already was. "fuck, I'm drunk too! What if he notices? You know I slur even more when I try not too. This is the worst idea ever."
​"Just be honest with him if he does. Say, "why yes G, I have been drinking a little. It helps me get in the mood". And then invite him over. Simple."
​"OK, you are literally not making this any better," I laughed, holding my thumb over the call button on his number.
​"Fine, fine. I'll drop the hooking up bit. But just give him a call and see how it goes. Yeah?"
​"I can't believe you're about to make me do this." I huffed, clinking our glasses together and raised my phone to my ear.
​The line rang three times before I heard someone pick up on the other end and waited for them to say something.
​"Gabby?" I heard Gerald's voice question as he moved about, rustling noises coming through from his end to mine.
​"uh, yeah it's me," I said as Gina gestured for me to put the call on speaker.
​"What's up?" He asked, his voice now echoing throughout my small carpeted apartment.
​"Not much to be honest. I just thought I'd call and tell you I had a really good time catching up earlier today." I continued, slurring slightly and praying he wouldn't take notice as Gina giggled silently at me.
​"Oh, fosho," he chuckled. "you sort of said that earlier at the studio after we had that conversation though, remember?" Fuck, he had a good point and now thanks to Gina, I was probably making myself look like a complete idiot.
​"Uh, right. I just thought I should remind you so you'd know I meant it."
​"right," He agreed, sounding unconvinced. "are you OK Gabs? Forgive me if I'm wrong, but you kind of sound like you've been drinking. Are you at home?"
​"Darn, you caught me" I giggled nervously, now mentally slapping myself for going through with this in the first place. "and yeah, I'm in my apartment. A long day called for a little wine."
​"Ah, I see," he said, an amused grin likely plastered on his face judging by the tone of his voice. "well I can't say I blame you. It's not everyday you suddenly see your old homie from high school after a decade and a half at your new job that he had no idea you'd even have." He added, laughing subtly to himself.
​"That's a good point ya got there," I continued, not really knowing what to say next. Silence filled the room for a few moments before Gerald spoke up again.
​"Have you given dinner any more thought?" Gina's eyes went wide at the sound of his question and she proceeded to nod her head frantically. I rolled my eyes at her and cleared my throat.
​"Uh, not really to be honest. The wine sort of got in the way of that."
​"ah, of course. Well, if you're interested, my offer still stands. It'd be nice to catch up a bit more outside of work you know? I'll be seeing you a lot at the studio, but I'll be occupied with recording, meetings with producers, collaborations, interviews, all that. And I'm sure you'll be assisting other artists as well. Jordan told Matt and I that you've got quite the busy schedule," He elaborated and I hummed in acknowledgement. But I understand if dinner feels a bit too formal, so how about I pick you up for a drive or something like that instead?"
​"Now?" I asked, starting to panic if that's what he was suggesting. I was in no state to hang out with him and the last thing I wanted to do was embarrass myself in front of Gerald. Surely he would never let it go if I did.
​"Well I was thinking more like tomorrow or some time this weekend, but I guess I could pick you up now if you're down." He answered and I sighed with relief.
​"I don't think now is such a good idea," I slurred, giggling as Gina's face falls with disappointment. "but I think I'm free this Friday if that works for you. I have a late shift tomorrow and lots of paperwork to get done at the studio."
​"Works for me. I'll bring the wine." He chuckled, seeming satisfied with my answer.
​"seriously?" I giggled.
​"Well if that's what it takes to ensure you won't change your mind." He explained, and Gina gave me a thumbs up.
​"I guess that's fair."
​
Cool. I'll let you get back to your fun then Gabs," He said and I smiled softly. "see you tomorrow?"
​Yeah, sounds good Gerald. I'll see you tomorrow."
​"goodnight Gabs."
​"Goodnight." I replied, and ended the call with a huge sigh of relief.
​"Oh my God girl, he asked you out!" Gina shouted excitedly, hopping in place on the bed and clapped her hands.
​"He did not Gina. We're just going for a drive to chat and catch up."
​"In a guy's mind, that's a date. And besides, what was he saying about taking you to dinner? I can't believe you said no."
​"Yeah, he had asked me if I'd go to dinner with him tonight to some Italian spot he knows about out in the hills but I said no. I don't want him to feel like he owes me something or needs to pay his way back into my life. It just doesn't feel right." I explained, and she leaned over with a fake cry.
​"Girl, he offered to take you to a nice dinner and you said no? Something is seriously wrong with you. He's a super successful rapper millionaire. Money is the least of his worries. And I am prepared to bet that he likes you. No dude asks a girl to a fancy dinner as just a friend." She argued, finishing her wine and shook her head in disbelief.
​"Well that's not what we're doing, and there's no way he likes me. We only just met again today."
​"Gabs, guys don't think logically with there brains like we do, OK? They think with there dicks. You're hot, and G hasn't seen you since high school. He's probably using the fact that y'all were homies back in the day to get closer to you again so he can make you his boo thang." She continued, shooting me a wink.
​"Alright, well I think you're wrong. Gerald and I are going to hang out just like before and that's it."
​"Whatever you say princess. Better hope Caleb doesn't turn up and take away your chance at a once in a lifetime opportunity." She snickered, changing the song we were listening too on her Spotify playlist.
​"He's not because there's no opportunity to take away from me. I'm happy with Caleb and I'm going to tell Gerald about him to make sure he doesn't get the wrong idea. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go take a shower and wash away the trauma of what you just made me do," I said, standing up and took both our wine glasses to the sink in my kitchenette across the room. "you're more than welcomed to stay and chill if you'd like. There's more snacks in the cabinet next to the fridge, and the extra blankets are in my closet on the top shelf."
​I left Gina alone in my studio and wandered into my bathroom with my phone, speaker, and a change of clothes in hand. I set my things down on my small bathroom counter, close the door, and switch on the light. Turning to glance at my own reflection in the mirror above the sink, I laughed to myself. Even with my olive tan skin, wine always managed to make me pink in the face without fail. I removed the bobby pins I had in my hair and run my warm fingers through my locks that stopped just below my breasts and let out a heavy sigh. Gerald was right. After everything that happened today, wine definitely helped put me more at ease, but a shower would surely wash away any remaining stress my mind and body were still latching onto.
​I turned on the shower, and search for something to listen to on my phone as I waited for the water to reach the right temperature. As if my fingers had a mind of their own, I typed in the name G-Eazy into the search bar of my Spotify app and pressed play. Gerald's voice began to echo from my speaker, filling the room with clever rhymes and heavy bass beats as I stripped out of my clothes and stumbled into the shower. Almost immediately, the steamy water began working at my nerves, and I hummed in bliss. I lathered my hair with shampoo, then conditioner and tied it up in a loose bun before washing my body. As I cleansed my skin with my favorite coconut and vanilla scented body wash, a song that I actually recognized began to play and I mumbled the words with a grin.
​Wooh, it's just me, myself, and I, solo ride until I die, cause I got me for life. Wooh, I don't need a hand to hold, even when the night is cold, I got that fire in my soul. I don't need anything to get me through the night, except the beat that's in my heart, yeah it's keeping me alive. I don't need anything to make me satisfied, cause the music does me good, and it gets me every time.
​I found it funny that this was actually one of my favorite songs, but never realized that the one rapping was Gerald. Several more of Gerald's songs came on, but most I didn't know. Still, I was pleasantly surprised with how much Gerald had grown and developed as a rapper and an artist. I remember how excited he'd show up to school some days, eyes red with bags underneath from staying up the entire night writing new raps and recording them over beats.
​"Gabs, listen to this and tell me what you think." He'd say, and I'd give him my honest opinions. Even if they weren't always what he wanted to hear, he appreciated my input because he knew I'd tell him the truth and that it was coming from a place of love. But hearing all the stuff he's put out over the years after making a real name for himself in the industry brought a smile to my face. He was always a hustler, always a goal getter and it paid off for him pretty damn well.
Not to mention, Gerald was an honest lyricist and wasn't afraid to step out the box. His songs had all different themes and sounds. Some were mellow and heartfelt, others loud and meant to get sloppy too. He always stayed true to himself though, and proudly represented the Bay Area. He seemed to collaborate with anyone, including names I had never heard of, as well as big names from all sorts of musical backgrounds. Gerald was a rapper, but was in love with music as a whole. Even though he had acquired the bitches, riches, and the fame, I always knew he was never in it for the money and thankfully that hadn't changed. He had a gift and appreciation most people didn't have quite as much anymore.
​I stepped out the shower a few minutes later, and dried off before applying lotion and changed into my pajamas. I found Gina passed out on my floor when I returned to my main living area, and chuckled quietly. She was a much lighter drinker than me, and even though we've only known each other for the few months that I've had this job, this would not be the first time this has happened. If that doesn't say how close she and I have gotten in this short amount of time, I don't know what does.
​I quietly settled into my bed, making sure to set an alarm for Gina who had to enter the office before me, and sent my boyfriend a goodnight text. We hadn't been having our usual facetimes as much this week due to how busy he was at his job. It made me sad, but I tried my best to understand and be patient even though it could be pretty difficult at times.
​Gabby:
Goodnight babe, I hope you had a good day. Be sure to get enough rest and don't stress so much if you can help it. Give me a call when you can. I love you 😊
I hit send and sighed with a small frown, knowing that Caleb was most likely already asleep and probably wouldn't see my message until the morning anyway. Turning my self onto my side, I make an effort to get comfy and drift off into dreamland.

A/N.
Oooh! I'm excited to know what y'all thought of this chapter. Is everybody loving Gabby and Gina's friendship as much as me? And what do you guys think will happen in the next few chapters as Gabby and G start getting closer? Give me your thoughts and predictions in the comments.
As always, much love and more chapters coming soon.
Abby XX