Unbroken

Chapter 13; Opening up

Juliet’s p.o.v

I will never be able to fully wrap my brain around why Justin acts the way he does. He writes songs about me, and he clearly has feelings for me. Yet at the same time he pushes me away. He acts like and says that he doesn’t want a relationship. Then he says he cares about me. I will never understand him, even though I wish I could understand him.

At this point, I knew if Justin and I ever did try to date it would be too complicated. Everything in my life has always been too complicated. Nothing has ever been easy, it’s sad that it is like that, but that’s life. I can’t let Justin get to me. He is just going to push me away, and I am going to do the same to him. We both seem to have so many issues that we will never be able to work through. Right now, I just need to focus on me and my music.

-

“This album is better than I thought it would be.” Scooter said as I sat on the couch in my father’s office.

“I think we are ready to drop the first single! What do you think Juliet?” My father said looking at me.

“I am ready.” I said simply. I have been waiting long enough. It has been three months since I have been moved to California. I have finally finished the album, and decided on the first single. I know with everything in me, that I am ready for this.

“Good to hear” My father said. “I talked with the team…your first single will drop next Tuesday. Promoting starts tomorrow. You first interview is tomorrow afternoon. It’s on Ellen so it should be easy.”

“Okay great. Anything else I need to do?” I asked standing up.

“Just make sure you are ready for you interview tomorrow by three. Scott will take you.” He said before I walked out of the door.

My father still isn’t used to my music sense, and my style. I could tell he was having issues with it. After he saw that his only daughter had tattoos he was shocked…he has treated me different ever since. I didn’t mind. My tattoos were and are a part of who I am…they each have a story.

‘Jar of Hearts’ was going to be my first single I would be releasing. I have been waited way to long for this moment. With tomorrow being my first ever interview, my nerves starting to go wild.

“Juliet?” I turned around to see Ryan and Justin standing there.

“Hello” I said. I hadn’t talked to Ryan since we broke up and Justin and I haven’t talked since the night of the storm.

“What’s going on?” Ryan said trying to make conversation.

“Nothing…just got done with a meeting.” I smiled. “What are you guys doing here?”

“I took Justin out for lunch…now we are just chilling. He has a meeting with Josh and Scott so I am tagging along.” Ryan said smiling at me from ear-to-ear.

“That’s nice” I said

“I heard your single is coming out soon.” Justin said. He looked deep into my eyes. I found it weird that when he was around other people he let them talk for him.

“Yes, next Tuesday.” I replied. The way his eyes blazed through me with such meaning, it put me on edge.

“Congrats, I am sure it will do wonderful.” He smiled softly.

“Thanks, I better go…I have a few things to do before tomorrow. Nice seeing you.” I said before walking away.

I was surprised to see Justin with Ryan. I didn’t think they still hung out. Their relationship was odd. I could tell Justin didn’t really like Ryan, yet he still talked and hung out with him from time-to-time. I guess they just have history together. It was weird because I feel like I know Justin more than I know Ryan, and I dated Ryan. Justin had opened up to me on more than one occasion. My father once told me that he never really opened up to anyone. Yet he did with me.

Justin’s p.o.v

It was nice to see Juliet again today. I really missed see her. I have been trying to move on, not that we were ever together or anything. I was trying to move on from the feelings I have for her. It just wasn’t working. I was tired of fighting the urge to call her, text her, and even go see her. Although I knew a relationship between us could never work, I just couldn’t handle not being able to see her. I was fighting against it too hard. I needed her. It was more frustrating that I had no one to talk to this about. I couldn’t talk to Ryan, Josh, or even Scott. That would be too awkward.

“Hey man. We are going to push the team meeting to Friday.” Josh said as I walked into his office. Ryan had fially left me alone and I could focus on more important things.

“Okay…anything I need to do?” I asked.

“No, you don’t even need to be at the meeting. You have done everything you need to do. So take a break…I will call you and let you know what happens.” He said getting up from his desk.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Yeah, everything is looking great. I think you need to take a little break. It has been three months and you have done nothing but work and work. A break won’t kill you.” He chuckled.

“Alright” I smiled.

“What’s been going on with you?” He asked

“What do you mean?” I asked unsure of what he meant.

“You have been acting different…you can talk to me.” He assured.

“I am fine” I looked away.

“Is there something going on between you and Juliet?” He walked towards me. “You can tell me…after her and Ryan broke up, I wasn’t that shocked. I was more shocked that they even dated. I could have sworn there was something between you and Juliet.” He slightly laughed. I was shocked that he even noticed.

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” I shrugged.

“Justin, you don’t have to lie. I can tell you like her. I just want to know why you haven’t done anything about it. I think she likes you too.” He said. I guess I am not so good at hiding it after all.

“I do like her…it’s just…” I sighed. “She is your daughter…she deserves someone who can treat her right…I can’t do that.” I shook my head.

“Why do you think that?” He asked.

“I am a screw up…I don’t want to hurt her.” I looked at my hands, trying to avoid eye contact.

“She is my daughter and she deserves someone who can treat her right…I personally think that person is you.” He shrugged.

“Really? You would let me date your daughter?” I almost laughed

“Justin, you are a great guy…you just don’t believe in yourself. Honestly, I know with everything in me that you are a good person and you would treat her with respect. You would treat her the way she should be treated. Everyone has issues, you aren’t perfect and neither is she. Just don’t think less of yourself; you need to believe in yourself. I know that’s a real dick thing to say, but you shouldn’t let your past dictate your future. If I did that, I wouldn’t be here today.” He reasoned.

“I never really thought of it like that.” I stood up.

“Just know, I am her father and I will hurt you if you break her heart. But also know that I love you like a son. I think you and Juliet would be great together.” He smiled.

“Thanks man.” I smiled. He was right…about everything. “So are you ever going to ask your assistant out?” I chuckled.

“I don’t think she likes me.” He looked over to the door.

“Dude, it’s obvious that you both like each other. You should just go for it.” I chuckled, before leaving.

I now needed to talk to Juliet. I sure hope she will hear me out.