It's Nice To Have A Friend

18) Epic Love Stories Are Overrated

"Hey, you." Gladys winked, when she sat down on the barstool, right in front of FP, who was working in the Wyrm that night. It was his last month there, and if he was being honest with himself he was glad that it was almost over.

"What do you want to drink?" He grinned, being happy upon seeing her.

"A beer from the tap please. Give yourself one too, on me." She said, smirking.

"Oh, well, about that..." FP stuttered a little, as he remembered the promise he had made to Fred and himself.

"I'm not going to drink anymore."

"Because of that fight you had with Fred?" Gladys questioned confused.

"Sorta, yeah." FP shrugged.

"He made me his business partner. I'm quitting my job here to work at Andrews Constructions." FP said, a sweet smile on his face.

"Hmm, I have to admit that thinking of you shirtless while working with heavy machinery is kinda hot." Gladys bit her lip.

"It's a big opportunity for me." He tried to keep this a serious conversation. This was a big deal for him.

"Hey, I get that. But why does that mean you cannot drink anymore? A beer every now and then has never hurt anyone." Gladys said, brushing it off a little. What was the harm?

"If only that were true." FP mumbled.

"What's that supposed to mean?" She asked immediately, feeling like he was hiding something.

"Nothing, it's okay." He didn't want to talk about it.

"Or has it something to do with those nightmares?" She wondered.

"How do you know about those?" FP's eyes had shot up instantly. He had never told her about those, had he?

"You've woken up panicking and sweaty every single time you stayed over, don't you remember?" She asked confused, thinking he must remember something about it.

FP froze. He had no idea that she had noticed that, wishing she didn't.

"I don't want to talk about it." He said coldly.

"I'm your girlfriend, you can tell me. There shouldn't be secrets between us." She took his hand and for a moment there FP softened.

"Maybe one day, not now." He smiled weakly.

"Alright then. Take that beer, it might help you relax a little. You look very tense."

"Gladys, I just said that I didn't want to drink anymore." FP was getting angry with her.

"God, Fred really thinks he can lead your life, doesn't he?" Gladys scoffed loudly.

"Don't you see you're listening to him like he's your parent or something? You can make your own choices, FP." She pointed out.

"I can, I just told you a choice I made on my own that you don't seem to accept." FP spat back.

"Your own choice? Fred whispered it into your ear." Gladys said frustratedly.

"Stop talking about Fred like that. He's like a brother to me." FP barked, growing protective over his best friend.

"Is that supposed to mean anything if he's trying to tell you how to live your life?" Gladys questioned, her eyes looking cold.

"I really don't fucking need this right now. You could've been happy for me, instead you're only giving me shit." FP wished for her to be supportive, but if things were going to be like this he could better break up with her.