Midnight River Shorts

Britt, Andi, and Jonathan

Britt's POV

Leave it to Taylor to disappear without telling me. I groan as I fling my phone across my couch. They haven't been answering my calls or texts since yesterday. They always reply, so them not answering me is setting me on edge.

"Damn it, T." I groan. "I just want to know you're okay..."

I make my way to work. I notice that even Ethan's gone. What is happening? My phone pings and I pick it up off my desk.

T-Dawg: Hey, girl. It's been a crazy few days. I'll call you this afternoon to explain everything, okay? But I promise I'm okay. We can do a video chat, if that helps?

Me: HOLY SHIT!

WHERE ARE YOU?!

YES, WE'RE DOING A VIDEO CALL! ARE YOU CRAZY?!

Seriously, though. Sorry for all the yelling. But I'm just really worried. I haven't heard from you, and your apartment is empty?

T-Dawg: Yeah, I had to move out suddenly. I'll tell you more this afternoon. I've got an appointment this morning, but I promise, I'll catch you up.

Me: Alright. I'll just have to find something to occupy myself until then. I'm just worried about you.

T-Dawg: I know. But I promise I'm okay. <3 I'll check in later, okay?

Me: Okay. Love you.

I breathe a sigh of relief. At least they're okay. But seriously, what the hell is happening? I know Hank let them go a few days ago, but it seems odd that Ethan would get fired right after getting his neck tattoo. I mean, it's hot as shit, but I didn't think that was grounds for termination. I sigh and plow my way through the work day, eventually making it home and I practically melt into the couch.

My phone pings as Taylor texts me.

T-Dawg: Yo. You able to video?

I jump up and run to my room to grab my laptop and a shirt.

Me: Uh, yeah. Gimme a couple minutes, I'll call you.

I set up my laptop on the coffee table and hit the call button for Taylor's contact. They answer the call and immediately, I notice that they now have neck tattoos. One that matches Ethan's. "BITCH! YOU HAVE BEEN GONE FOR DAYS AND HAVE NECK TATTOOS NOW?!"

"Hey, Britt." They laugh. "Well, it's related to the whole thing."

"What 'whole thing'?" I narrow my eyes at my best friend.

"Well..." They pause, thinking about how to tell me whatever it is. "There is a lot, and I can't do all of it over the phone. But, tomorrow..." They smirk. "Tomorrow, you get to ride in a fancy car to come see me!"

"Fancy car?! Where are you?!" My eyes widen.

A beautiful man leans into the frame next to Taylor. "Hi, Britt. I'm Shay. Taylor is with me and Ethan, on my parent's land."

"Oh my god..." I swear to god, I've swallowed my tongue.

"Hey, wipe your drool, girl. He's taken." Taylor laughs.

"I know, I know... But hot damn!" I exclaim, recovering from seeing the face of a god.

"I know right? Wait til you're in person!" Taylor laughs. "Wipe your chin, Babe. You're drooling again."

I laugh, dramatically wiping my chin. "Alright, alright. What time is the car coming tomorrow?"

"Oh! I totally forgot to ask AJ, that's Shay's dad. But I'll ask him and let you know. Oh, you might also be sharing the car with Ethan's roommate Parker. I haven't seen any pictures, so don't get your hopes up." They look off to their side, where Shay was sitting. "Oh, Shay texted his dad. AJ says the car should be at your apartment around ten in the morning. Does that work?"