think about you

chapter eighteen.

G stood up from the couch as he watched the football game. He was close to losing his shit. The Raiders were so close to making a touch down but the ref had called a yellow flag for holding.

"Holy shit, this game is so close." Ant groaned as he took a seat right by Meg.

Gerald looked over at the two and they were cozied up. He was jealous of them. It's not like they were officially dating, but they were definitely an item again. Then he turned to Matty and his longtime girlfriend Jessie. She was sitting on the other couch opposite of him because she wasn't trying to get hit in the face every time his team scored. The idea of having a person there to show off to your friends and just be by your side made G wish he had a companion.

Gerald couldn't believe that he was actually considering having a companion, or even settling down. But the one person who he'd really ever considered settling down with was, of course, his best friend Avery Gillard. However, they had just rekindled their friendship and he decided not to pursue her in sake of it.

The second quarter was over and it was halftime. Grady flipped through the channels to find another game. He came across TMZ and stopped at the channel when he noticed a brunette.

"Holy shit is that Avery?" Grady's jaw dropped.

"Who's that dude?" Marty asked.

"I don't know, but he is fine." Meg said as she sipped on her beer.

They played a video of her walking out a fancy restaurant with her date from the other night in New York, following her. Then they showed pictures of the two across the street talking and hugging. Avery was tugging on his jacket and laughing. G couldn't help but feel jealous once again.

"Damn, Avery stays pulling all the dudes." Ant chuckled.

The front door swung open and the brunette herself walked in with her Raiders jersey. Everyone cooed and teased her about her date as she walked towards them, except for G. He looked uneasy as he just sulked in his seat on the couch.

"What the fuck is wrong with you guys?" She raised a brow at them.

"How was your hot date?" Megan winked. "Y'all looked like you were getting cozy."

Avery playfully rolled her eyes as she took a seat right by G. He instantly pulled out his phone, trying to keep his eyes off Avery and the tv so he wouldn't have to look at the pictures TMZ was showing of her and her mystery dude.

"It was just one date." She chuckled. "Nothing serious."

"Mhmm, they way you two were looking at each other doesn't look like nothing serious."

"Y'all fucked huh?" Ant grinned at her.

Meg slapped his arm. He mouthed an 'ow' at her as he rubbed his arm. Avery laughed to herself.

"C'mon Ant, you know me. I don't kiss and tell." Avery smirked.

The questions went on for a couple more minutes and G couldn't stand hearing them talk about Avery's stupid date. He stood up and headed out the flat. He was jealous and he didn't want to hear about what Avery's stupid date.

He walked down the hallway towards the elevator. He heard footsteps following him and balled his hands into fists.

"Hey what's wrong?"

Gerald knew the sound of Avery's voice. He could hear the worry in her voice. He could hear the anger in it as well. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he stood there.

"Nothing." He replied harshly.

"G, I'm not stupid. I know you better than anyone in that room. What's wrong?" Avery placed her hands on her hips, unsure of why she did so. It wasn't like he could see her anyway.

"Nothing," He repeated.

"Gerald." She walked over and stood in front of him.

"I'm just tired and I want to go home, Avery." He looked down at her. "Please."

"Tell me what the fuck is wrong." She demanded.

"Avery." He glared down at her. "Leave me alone."

The two stood there for a few good seconds, just staring at each other. Even though Avery stood a good five foot nine compared to G's giant self, she was not going down.

Avery sucked on her teeth. Everyone knew not to pick a fight with Avery or give her a hint of attitude. Usually G would be excited to see her, but she was barely in Grady's house for ten minutes and he wanted to leave already.

"G." She placed her hand on her hip once again.

"Just go back inside. Pretty sure everyone wants to hear how well your date went." Gerald rolled his eyes.

Avery laughed to herself as she shook her head. She crossed her arms and stared up at G with a cocky grin.

"Is that what this is about?" She asked. "Are you jealous that I went on a date?"

"No." G snapped.

"So you're not jealous? Why're you acting like an asshole? You should be happy I'm actually going out and talking to guys after what happened." Avery cocked a brow.

"I am happy for you, okay? Are you happy?"

"No, because my best friend is being an asshole and lying to me." She furrowed her brows.

"Okay, fine! I'm fucking jealous, Avie. Are you fucking happy?" G was nearly shouting. "I don't like that you're going out with dudes who aren't me."

"I'm not yours, Gerald. You can't just claim me whenever you fucking want." Avery yelled back. "You had your damn chance."

Gerald sucked on his teeth and ran his hand over his little stubble on his face. He was trying not to lose his shit with her, but he was damn near close.

"You know how I fucking feel about you. I told you, and all you said is that you wanted to stay just friends. How the fuck am I supposed to feel when the girl I love is out with other dudes going on dates?" G's arms were flying were all over the place. "The tabloids got pics of y'all up on each other."

"And you really believe the tabloids? It was one fucking date." Avery laughed. "Yes I had an great time. That date was amazing and he was such a gentleman. But they didn't show you what happened afterwards. After the club all I could think about was us and the abortion and how close we were to becoming parents. He took me back to the hotel after, where I told him it wouldn't work out because I'm actually not ready. And I'm not. Trust me G, I do love you but we both aren't ready still. We both have some growing up to do."

"You already know how I fucking feel about you, Avery. I've written it in songs. I've told you both drunk and sober. Don't give me that bullshit." He shook his head as he stuffed his hands into his jacket.

He looked down at Avery as tears were starting to well up in her eyes. But he had seen this too many times. It didn't phase him anymore. He let out a deep sigh as he brushed past Avery. He stepped into the elevator and stared at her as she stood there, and the sight of her soon disappeared as the door finally closed.