think about you

chapter sixteen.

It had been a couple weeks since Avery and Gerald decided to be friends again. Those two weeks consisted of the two hanging out and enjoying each other's company just like they did when they were younger.

Avery was busy with modeling; she booked shoots and fashion shows in the east coast and had just gotten back from Paris. Gerald on the other hand had been going on a radio tour to promote his new album. He was currently in New York's hottest radio station.

"Your album is dropping soon."

Gerald smiled and nodded his head. "Yes When It's Dark Out drops December 4th. Go out and buy it, yee."

"I actually went to your listening party in LA. And you had a lot of people there, from friends, to family, to your production team, and radio hosts, including myself. And I must say, that album is going to be off the chain."

"Thank you." G chuckled. "It was really fun to work on. A lot of personal songs too. The party was dope. A lot of my homies came out. My little brother made an appearance as well as my moms and my friends back from the bay. I'm so grateful to have everyone that I wanted to be there, be there."

"You had the whole HBK squad. You had Kehlani, Bebe Rexha, and Pia Mia all there. Kehlani on that track though, whew."

"Yeah," he cleared his throat. "That's baby sis. She holds it down. I love her, man."

"While we're on the topic of girls, I'm pretty sure you get asked this a lot, but that shoot with Avery though. What's up with that? Y'all a thing? She was there at the party."

Gerald's cheeks immediately turned red.

"Oh he's blushing!" the female radio host, Laura, yelled into the microphone.

"Avery is a very talented and beautiful woman, I can't deny that. She's been my best friend since forever and holds it down too. I swear she's too good for any dude."

"Any dude? Or just you?" Laura teased.

Gerald found himself laughing once more. "Well she's too good for me."

"How did you guys meet?" Rosenberg asked.

"Well we went to middle school and high school together in Berkeley. Her locker was right next to mine and we pretty much had all the same classes, and she was not like all the other girls. I could not freaking stand her. She annoyed the heck out of me, and I'm pretty sure I annoyed her too."

"Did you ever have a crush on her?" Laura giggled.

"Oh man, always have. She's wifey material." G laughed. "But she's always been one of my best friends. She's helped me with a lot of my music, supported my creativity when I used to just make beats in my bedroom."

"Pretty sure the whole world would love to see the two of you settling down with each other." Rosenberg laughed.

"When It's Dark Out is available for pre-order on November 27th, and will be out in stores December 4th. Go cop it, yee!" G yelled into the microphone, averting the topic back to his album.

After they wrapped up their interview, Gerald headed back to his hotel room. It was still early in the morning and he didn't have to leave for his show for another couple hours, but he couldn't sleep. He sat down at the table with his laptop and opened his FaceTime app. He went through his contacts and decided to call Avery.

"Hey!" Avery's voice rang as she answered his call.

She was in her hotel room, barefaced and everything. Gerald couldn't help but smile at the sight of her. Even without any makeup on, she looked stunning.

"Hey Avie, how was your show last night?" He asked.

"Amazing. I wish you could've made it." she frowned.

"I know, my b. I'll make it up to you." He smiled at her. "Are we still getting lunch later?"

"Yeah!" she grinned. "I have to get ready but I'll text you when I'm done. Bye G."

"Bye Avie."

Avery waved and blew a kiss before hanging up. Gerald shut his laptop and made his way towards the bed. He had a long day ahead of him but all he could look forward to was seeing Avery.

&&&

After his soundcheck, Gerald went to go meet up with Avery for lunch. They met up at one of G's favorite restaurants. He sat across from her, watching her take a bite of her salad, unable to wipe off the teenaged boy smile off his face.

"Are you excited for tonight?" Avery asked as she took a bite of her food.

"Yeah," G answered. "It's a small event but hey free alcohol. So what's new?"

"Not much. Met some really dope people in Paris. What time is your show again? You must be excited." She grinned at him.

Gerald just shrugged his shoulders. As much as he loved performing, he was getting overwhelmed with all the shows and flying. He was only doing this to promote his new album. If he had to choose, he'd rather be in the studio working on new music.

"I go on around seven or eight I think." he shrugged. "But come to the club after, I think it'll be more lit than the actual concert."

"Okay, I'll probably stop by after my date." Avery gushed.

"Date?" Gerald asked, cocking a brow.

Just like that Gerald lost his appetite. He felt his heart sink. Gerald told himself that he should have seen this coming. Although him and Avery were spending time with each other again, he still had hope they would become something. To add on, G wasn't the type to get jealous, and for the second time in his life he was. And it was because the dates Avery was going one. He knew Avery wasn't his but the idea of her potentially settling down with another guy that wasn't him frightened him.

"Yeah, I met this photographer at one of my shoots. We hit it off and he asked to take me out on a date."

"Well I hope your date goes well." He forced a smile on his face as he put his sandwich down. "Hopefully he can put up with your pain in the ass self."

Avery rolled her eyes as she laughed. "He'd be the first."

"I'm happy for you, Avery." He lied. "I'd love to meet him tonight."

"Thanks, G." she grinned as she placed her hand on his arm. "You're the best."

Gerald just smiled back at her, heartbroken.

//

Author's Note: I didn't really like the first edit, so I revised it a little. Hope you guys like it! Also, would like a sequel or for me to just finish this story and start on something new?

Comment below!