Queen of my Heart

09

IT TOOK NO TIME TO GET TO THE HOTEL.

My hands started to sweat the same time my legs began to tremble as I eyed the closed elevator doors almost fearfully.

I didn't even know why I was getting so worked up in the first place. I mean, it wasn't as if we were confessing a forbidden love affair.

Right?

A warm hand squeezed mine gently. "Are you okay?"

I drew a shaky breath, nodding. "Yes. Just a little nervous."

Bryan smiled tenderly. "Me, too. But don't worry, I'm sure the lads will be glad to hear the news."

***

The lads were definitely not glad to hear our news.

It started with Bryan and I sitting on the couch, gathering everyone else around us.

I purposely avoided Shane's scrutinizing gaze and stared at my and Bryan's intertwined fingers.

"What's up?" Mark asked cautiously.

Before either of us could open our mouth to answer, Nicky held up a hand. "Wait. Let me guess—" He casted a pointed look at me "—you're pregnant?"

"No!" Bryan and I answered simultaneously.

"You wanted to quit the band?" Kian inquired with raised brows.

Bryan shook his head. "Will you please let us break the right news?"

We were met with silence, which we took as our cue to speak.

"Juliet and I—" my boyfriend began, searching for the proper words.

"He's now my boyfriend," I supplied easily, finally locking eyes with my best friend.

Surprisingly, his hazel orbs were filled with brimming emotion that I could only interpret as fury and hurt.

I looked away.

Only then I noticed that the room was so silent that if a pin would be dropped, we'd definitely hear it.

And then there was chaos.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Kian erupted in our faces.

Nicky ran a hand through his hair repeatedly. "This can't be happening," he muttered again and again.

Mark squealed in delight, clapping his hands excitedly. "Oooh. Congratulations, you two! I'm so happy for you!"

Shane had gone so quiet one will miss his presence entirely.

Needless to say, it wasn't what I was expecting. At all. I thought they—of all people—would be happy for the both of us (with exception to Mark). But I guess one couldn't simply please everyone.

The lads' reactions bordered from rude and negative to overly enthusiastic. Plus, the fact that Mark seemed to be the only one genuinely glad for what Bryan and I had become sent a jolt of pain in my heart.

Was this the feeling of disappointment toward your friends?

I felt Bryan's hand tightening against mine, making me just a tad bit better.

He, too, I could feel, was taken aback at how our mates expressed their opinions of our relationship, but he was good at hiding it.

"Are you sure about this?" Shane finally spoke up, very quietly, above all the noise that seemed to engulf the whole room.

Once again, everybody was silent.

My dearest best friend didn't wait for a response and instead continued speaking. "You've only met a few days ago and you're already going at it?"

I could tell he was asking me that particular question.

I shrugged, leaning against my boyfriend's shoulder. "We're sure. I mean, we barely knew each other—but isn't it the purpose of dating? To actually get to know your partner?" I made a show of rolling my eyes. "It's not like were getting married ot something. Or that I'm in love with somebody else," I added sassily.

Lie. I was in love with somebody else. That being you, Shane.

Kian nodded slowly, taking in what I said. "You're right, Stone. It's not like it's the end of the world." He lifted a shoulder for a half-shrug. "Eventually, you two will break up," he said as a matter-of-factly.

I dragged Bryan out the door without a word faster than any of them could say Sorry.

***

"Are you angry?"

I raised a brow. "No, not at all. I'm not angry at those assholes," I replied wryly.

Bryan cracked a smile. "I admit, they kind of overreacted."

"Kind of?"

He raised his palms up in surrender. "Okay. My friends suck. Better?" He gave me a smile that melted my insides.

I propped an elbow on the table. "The least they could do was to smile and be happy for us." I made a face. "It's not like we're asking for their blessing."

"And Kian was being a total jerk earlier," he stated somewhat coldly.

I didn't say anything as I gazed outside the window. We headed straight to the local café when I dragged Bryan out of the hotel to cool my head off.

I thought I will go insane with anger if I stayed there with the lads any longer.

It was hard doing what I just did back at the hotel. For one, I wasn't quite sure if my feelings for Shane were as strong as before. Secondly, I was really truly offended on how Kian implied that my relationship with Bryan wouldn't last.

It wasn't a very nice thing to say.

I was pulled out of my reverie when Bryan spoke up.

"I forgot to tell you," he began hesitantly.

I raised a brow. "Yes?"

He swallowed almost nervously, fumbling with his now cold cup of coffee.

"Bryan?"

"Gillian's visiting tomorrow," he blurted out.

. . .Well, there goes my sanity.