Stay With Me § BWWM JB

42 • Birthday Boy

"Half naked girls,
my fave."

Aaliyah's POV

My heels click against the concrete as I walk up to the restaurant where Justin is having his birthday meal. He had clearly decided to become very sophisticated and go for a meal as opposed to having his birthday party at some club down the road like he was going to originally as I expected. What can I say? Being twenty-two clearly changes people.

From what Scooter told me Justin had been pretty exhausted over the last few days and felt that he had to do something for his birthday. He decided on this dinner thing so he could at least celebrate before completely crashing out in the hotel. At the point of that being explained I think my eyes almost rolled out of my head. Justin barely ever turns down the opportunity to party, especially on his birthday. I won't be surprised if he's completely floored right now. I mean, it is Vegas.

I haven't spoken to Justin all day. Last night before I headed to the airport, we talked for bit as he tried to explain about a picture Sam had posted, which I'm honestly trying not to think about because I might just hibernate for the rest of my existence. I don't think anybody's ever made me so mad when I barely know them. The press, as expected were all over it saying how Justin had left me for Sam and all other sorts of rumors. I'm not mad because they're made up...I'm mad because it's Sam and this is exactly what she wants.

Anyway, we ended up on the phone for an hour before I used the excuse of being super tired to end the call when in all reality if I didn't put the phone down when I did, I would've missed my flight. So Justin probably thinks I'm upset because of the picture and Sam thing which I probably am, but I will contain my anger...for now.

I feel so awkward just walking in. I kinda want to have a big reveal. Could that work? I mean, I am the surprise. I roll my lips into my mouth, take a deep breath through my nose, and push the door open to the restaurant. I feel the sudden stares, but brush them off as I go over to the bar. I open my purse and pull out a twenty dollar bill, mindlessly humming to myself. "A bottle of..." I close my mouth quickly as I think of a drink that Justin likes. I can't even remember. He usually drinks whatever.

I cringe as the bar tender looks to me seeming clearly entertained by my deep thought. "Beer?" he asks, pointing to a green bottle behind the counter with a smile on his face.

"Uh, yeah," I murmur and clear my throat as I push my money forward. "Keep the change."

It's not hard to spot, or hear Justin and the whole crew who is basically here. I look over my shoulder and see them all on the other side of the bar being very loud. The place is clearly blocked off to ordinary people making me momentarily wonder how I got in here without being stopped or asked to leave before I remember that it's all set up by Scooter, meaning he probably mentioned that I'd be joining them.

I leave the bar and creep over to the table, the neck of the beer being held tightly between my fingers. Is it wrong that I'm nervous right now? I nibble on my lower lip and gently place the bottle down in front of Justin.

"I didn't order that, sorry," he murmurs, his head turning quickly in my direction before he goes back to his clearly interesting conversation with Ryan, who looks at me laughing.

I snort quietly to myself and shake my head at Justin as everyone at the table turns their attention in my direction, giving me a knowing look.