More Than a First Kiss

12

Ricky's POV

When EJ came over to talk to me I was certain he was about to lecture me about Lily. He surprised me when he simply listened to my side. Now I have a chance to fully get my friends back.

What am I gonna do when we get off this bus and I see Lily again. But right now I can't help but notice EJ kissing Gina. If I'm not mistaken that was the first time they have ever done that in front of us.

At homecoming this last year I told Gina to steer clear of EJ. I told her he was bad news. Now I've realized I couldn't have been more wrong. Yeah, EJ wasn't the greatest person in the beginning but Gina wasn't either. Clearly, they have grown into people who are, in my opinion, kind of perfect for each other.

Their banter is always rock solid, they are supportive of each other no matter what, and they are both so incredibly loyal to their friends. At least they are now. But I do worry about Gina, what is she going to do when EJ leaves for college? Will she just go back to wherever her mom is? I miss her as a friend I don't want to lose her more than I already have. I'm pulled out of my thoughts when I hear Ashlyn say Nini's name again. "Nini just texted us, it's official, she's got a record deal!!" Wow, so that's really happening for her. All of our friends clap and cheer, excited for her. Ashlyn shows me the text, I'm not on their group chat at the moment. 

Exciting News!! I've received the record deal, Jaime is officially my producer!! We are going to begin recording tomorrow. I promise you all will be the first to hear it, especially you EJ, there may be a few songs about you I've written... no hard feelings :) Love and Miss you all!!! 

Songs about EJ!? I was her boyfriend for a year and a half when you add it all together. Why didn't she text me or check-in? I'm definitely not ready to break up with Lily. 

"Ricky? Are you ok?" Gina asks. What should I say? How am I supposed to open up to them about this, they love Nini too. But this could be a good chance to test the strength of our friendships. "I'm just a little bummed that Nini didn't text me, I've known her since kindergarten. I've been encouraging her to pursue her music for as long as I can remember. Fight or not I think I deserve a text." Everyone listens attentively. 

Ashlyn takes my hands, "You totally deserve a text Ricky, but just remember to give her some time. If you want we could talk to her just to nudge her in the right direction." I shake my head, there's no reason to do that. Before I can add anything, Gina cuts in, "I think you need to call her this summer, you both need to have a real conversation. Communication has never been your strong suit, you both must try and fix that." I haven't really done much for him to deserve his help and care. 

When I start thinking about EJ and I's past relationship I start to drift back to the opening night of HSM. At that moment Gina walked into the room and said what I believed to be a tearful goodbye. As I look at her smiling on the bus I realize something. 

That wasn't a tearful goodbye or a statement of loving friendship. It was a confession of her feelings... for me. And then I made her quiet when Nini called, I teased her about the chocolate misunderstanding, I even asked her for advice about Nini by using a hypothetical with her as my girlfriend, and after she set up boundaries I ignored them. 

How is she not exiling me from this bus? 

What have I done?

A/N: Sorry that this took so long and that it's short. School has been crazy, I hate being a junior. Anyways, it would be really really helpful if people commented on some ideas for the next chapter. Brainstorming takes up a lot of my time, I'm pretty critical of myself. Some ideas and/or requests from you guys would really help speed up the process of the next chapter. Keep in mind this next chapter is going to be from Gina's perspective. 

I'm so beyond grateful for all of you <3 

Thank you for reading :)