Once Famous (Always Famous) [Avenged Sevenfold]

Chapter 23: Back to One

Hours later, we’re attacked outside the airport gate by the rest of the guys. Even Johnny’s glad to see us. I’m sure he just missed us because he didn’t have anyone to try and torture. I must say my little brother could bother us more than Johnny could. Even though they’re both at about the same level of annoying. But I go straight to Syn, who has the cutest smile on his face.

“I’m glad you came back,” he whispers into my hair as he holds me.

“Me too.”

He pulls back to look me in the eyes. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

We’re about to kiss when Johnny throws a paper ball at us and says, “Okay people, let’s roll.”

Syn gives me a look that says later and grabs my hand. We follow Johnny to a small café. We drag several tables together so we can all sit together. Like one big happy family. Or not.

A waitress comes to our tables. Johnny’s attention is instantly riveted to her. But she doesn’t seem to notice. Once she leaves with our orders Johnny goes up to the counter to talk to her. We all watch and laugh. Then the woman starts looking uncomfortable as Johnny continues flirting.

“Hey, Johnny!” I call.

He ambles over to our table, looking sullen. He keeps glancing back at the waitress who gives him a fake smile and me a silent ‘thank you.’

“What?” he asks.

“Johnny, honey, would you be a dear and go get my stuff? I haven’t gotten it yet.”

“I’m busy right now.” He starts to turn away until I put a gentle hand on his arm.

“Please Johnny. You’re so strong.” I look up at him and smile. I feel him flex under my hand.

He smiles back. “Okay. I’ll be right back.”

He leaves and everyone but Syn laughs. He just looks at me. “What?” I ask.

“I’d like if you didn’t do that again.”

“Do what?” I ask innocently.

I can tell he’s getting mad. “Flirt with him, with other guys for that matter too. I’m right here.”

“I only did it so he’d leave our waitress alone! Did you not see her up there? She didn’t want to talk to him. At all.” I look at the others who are trying not to listen in. Is Zacky really whistling?

“Even so, I don’t like it when you do.”

“Oh my gosh, one time! Alright, I won’t do it again. Happy?” I turn away from him and cross my arms.

Our waitress comes back then. She hands out our drinks then turns to me. She hesitates, picking up on our tension, before she speaks. “Uh, thank you for…saving me. I couldn’t think of a polite way of getting rid of him.”

“'Get the hell away' would have worked just fine,” Zacky interrupts.

She laughs nervously. “I couldn’t have. I just didn’t want my boyfriend to come out from the back and see him talking to me. My boyfriend gets jealous easily. That’s why I always have him work in the back.”

“I know what you mean. But I’m very glad I could help. No one else wanted to,” I say as warmly as my anger will allow.

She smiles at me tentatively and leaves. We drink our drinks and pay for them in silence. The others get up and I start to follow when I feel a hand on my shoulder. I don’t turn to see who it is. I already know.

“Rosi, please, look at me.” He turns me to him but I don’t look up at him. “I’m sorry.”

I stay silent as he gently pulls my hand free. I watch as he rubs his thumb across my knuckles. He speaks only loud enough for me to hear. “I’m sorry I got mad at you. Johnny’s the last person I’d ever think to see you flirting with. Yet I saw that today. And yes I know you helped that girl but still. It reminded me of Val. She always did that to Matt.”

I finally look at him and see the pain in his eyes. But I still say nothing. There’re just so many things that I can say but that I probably shouldn’t. I look past Syn and see Raven watching us closely. Zacky is standing, bored, next to her.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? I said I was sorry.” He’s starting to panic a little. Yes, I can hold a grudge but not for this man. Not when I love him so. But I’m not ready to let go of my anger just yet.

“So you think I’m like Val. Why would I ever be like her? I didn’t do that to purposely make you jealous. No one else was going to help.” I stride past him to Raven and Zacky. Raven puts her arm around me and we walk on. Zacky hesitates a second before going back to his friend.