My Best Friend's Girlfriend

Trying

A few weeks into the New Year, I thought I was doing better. 2008 was going to be a good year. In hindsight, it wasn't a bad year at all.  We did a few shows, won a few awards and planned out a tour for our self titled album. I was feeling on top of the world. 

And then I fucked it up. BIG TIME.

Brian called me after a particularly loud and rowdy night of partying at my house. 

"Hey, Matt, you gonna be at home for a while?"

I looked around the mess that we'd made and had to clean and nodded to no one "Yeah, why? What's up?"

"I think I dropped my wallet in the game room," he said.

"Oh yeah I'll be here. You gonna come get it?"

"Actually, Andi said she's close by and is on her way to get it. Is that cool?"

What the hell...she was coming to my house....alone. Things could not be any worse.

"I don't know, Bri....maybe I could just bring it to you."

"Dude," he said in an exasperated tone "She's literally around the corner...just let her get it."

Before I could reply, the door bell rang. Part of me wanted to rush and open the door but the other part of me mumbled angrily "Jesus fuck Bri, a little notice would have been nice."

He laughed totally unsuspecting "Sorry but she was close by and said it wasn't a big deal."

"Fuck you...okay, let me answer the door. I'll call you when she's gone."

"Cool. And hey Matt?"

"What?" I growled.

"Be nice...okay?"

"I'm always nice," I said quickly "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

"Just...I know she isn't your favorite person. But she's really great once you get to know her."

Are you fucking kidding me, Gates? "Yeah okay...gotta go."

I open the door to find Andi standing there pink cheeked from the cold. I motioned for her to come in but didn't say much.

She was smiling at me and held out a plastic food container. "I didn't come empty handed," she said quickly.

I stared at it but didn't take it, afraid to make any kind of contact with her skin.

"Pineapple upside down cake?"

I shook myself out of it "No thanks. I'm good."

The silence hung between us and she set the box down on my counter before saying "For later."

"Thanks," I said giving her a half grin.

"So did Brian call?"

"Yeah, sure...his wallet is in the game room," I replied and began walking up the stairs. I didn't look back but I could hear her light steps behind me.

The game room was a mess but we managed to find Brian's wallet on the desk next to my monitor. I picked it up and handed it to her, careful not to actually touch her.

She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. I wanted to help her out but didn't dare say anything. She tried again "Look Matt...I don't....I don't know what I've done to offend you but whatever it is....I'm sorry for it. Can we maybe...I don't know...start over? For Brian's sake. I mean...he really misses you. He was just saying how much fun last night was, how you were your old self and I can't help but think the only reason you were like that was because I wasn't around."