Anthony's Return

Chapter 7

Jared guides me into the hotel room.

"Fuck that fireball!" I slur as he sits me down on one of the beds. "Why do I always do this to myself?" He chuckles and kneels. I watch him pull of one of my heels.

"I tell you every time to try something else instead because it always fucks you up." He reminds. I smile a little knowing he is right. He pulls off my other heel and looks up at me. "Do you need water or anything?"

"No, I feel okay riiiiight now." I say. Nick never lets me have fireball any more.

Nick.

I lean forward and lay my head on his shoulder. He shifts a little and wraps his arms around me.

"I'm getting married soon." I mumble.

"Yeah." He states. My mind starts racing.

"Like actually married...To Nick." I say. "Like that's it. Nothing else in my life will happen so big. This is a day I've been thinking about since high school. I thought I was going to marry Anthony a while ago, but that all changed. But now, its actually happening. No more turning back, no more other people. Just him... til death due us apart." He sighs. "I'm scared"

"I mean that's what happens Gabs. We are of age." He says. He grabs my shoulders and pulls me up from his shoulder. He looks into my eyes. "Gabs... I know you're drunk, but it is never to late to back out if ANYTHING changes." I look down a little. "It's okay to be scared, but if you're not feeling like you can go through, then call it off."

"I'm not, I love Nick. It is just a huge step... and-" I start.

"And nothing. I'm just looking after you kid. You need to do what pleases you. Don't feel like you have to get trapped into a marriage because you love him." He states. I look at him again.

"What?" I ask. "Trapped?"

"I love you Gabs. I'm just trying to make sure you don't regret anything in the long run. I'm always here for you too." He says. He puts a hand to my cheek and moves closer. "Just don't do anything you don't want to do."

I'm lost for words. I feel the heat of nausea hit me.

"I-I need a bath... or the bathroom." I slur. "Now."

He jumps up getting the hint. He helps me up. I rush to the bathroom, closing the door. I sit on the toilet and steady my breathing. Goosebumps form everywhere. I really don't want to get sick. Eventually Jared wanders in.

"How are you feeling?" He asks sympathetically. I shrug. "I'll run you a bath." He sits on the side of the tub and turns the water on. As the tub fills he looks at me. I hold my hand out for him to take. He grabs it giving it a squeeze.

"Thank you for being my best friend in the world." I state. "You are honestly perfect." He gives me a smile, but he seems off. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah... I am." He states. "I-uh- just got off the phone with Stacy. We got into a little argument." I pout.

"Aw! About what?" I ask

"Just stupid shit." He gives. I stare at him unsatisfied. He sighs. " I don't think she loves me." I frown.

"What! How could you say that? You two are perfect! She always talks about you-" I start.

"I am not good enough for her. She expects me to be different for our relationship to work but... she says I'm not giving it my all." He explains. I feel my self feel anger and sympathy.

"Jay, you don't have to change for anyone." I say. "You are perfect just the way you are. I'm so sorry I never knew this. You should have told me sooner!" He gives me a slight shrug. "Never change yourself. She should love you for you, like the way I love you." He squeezes my hand.

"I love you, too, Gabs." He says. "You have no idea."

"You better tell me shit when it happens! What is the point of having best friends if they don't plan on murdering people." I try to joke. His eyes hold mine as if they were holding more back. I stare back waiting for him to continue. It must be serious if it's taking him time to say it. Jared is an open book. I lean forward resting my elbows on my thighs, but make sure I don't break the stare. "I'm always here if you need me Jay." He pulls our entwined hands to his mouth and kisses my hand.

"Same here Gabs." He mumbles. "That is why I need to make sure you aren't facing the same issues."

In the distance I hear my phone ring. He sighs.

"Take your bath and relax." He says. He slowly gets up, releasing my hand. He wanders out, shutting the door. I strip and get into the water, turning it off.

Am I facing any issues? I lean back. Lately Nick has been off and keeping secrets, like the Anthony one. I know I have too, but Nick is being sneaky. Why would he randomly send me to a different state. Maybe Anthony... but what if this is about Jamie from work? He wouldn't.... Would he? He use to be a flirt... but I don't think he would try anything. I'm just over thinking it. Yet, we haven't had sex often, and Jamie's been in his office more frequently. No. Nick wouldn't. He loves me. He wouldn't do anything. Not with the wedding so close by. Something is just off. When I called him since we've been gone, he has been rushing the phone calls. All of them. Why would he do that?

Nicks POV

I try walk into the airport, but Anthony stops me. He shakes his head.

"Don't" He says

"Why else wouldn't she answer her phone?" I state annoyed.

"Nick, I really don't think that you should fly all the way out there when they are coming back tomorrow morning? There is no point. You'd have an hour to find her before their flight." Anthony tries to reason.

"Because I care about her and her safety for one." I say. "And I am going to murder Jared. When I get there-"

"No. Just no. You smothered her when she was here in the first place, gong there might make her a little annoyed." He says. "She is probably sleeping. Think about it. If Jared were to have tried anything... it would of happened by now. It's late." I glance at my watch. It was already past midnight. "Trust me, I don't trust Jared, but Gabby, she is faithful. I don't like the situation, and want her back here as much as you, but have faith."

"Have faith? What if she is in trouble, or he actually was able to persuade her into doing something or leaving me?" I ask.

"I hate to say this... but you are marrying her. Know your fiancé if you guys are that close. Would she do this to you? Especially with her wedding close by? Let me tell you that she has thought of her wedding day since high school." He states. "Trust that she stopped anything from happening if he made a move." I stare at him. "We can wait here until her plane arrives or you can call her around her flight time... but we shouldn't fly to her." I groan and rub my face.

"Why are you making sense?" I ask. "I still don't think I want you around her." He chuckles.

"I don't think you really have a choice." He states. "I'm not the bad guy anymore."

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Hey guys! sorry about disappearing! Had a bit of writters block. I know this chapter sucks but oh well.

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