Landing In London {Dreams & Bleachers Sequel}

Hatred is a Powerful Drug

Eddie's POV

The girls went over to Harley's for the baby shower, so us guys decided to go have a drink down at the local bar. Jade couldn't drink because of his pain meds from the accident, but he still agreed to join us. I was surprised, because you'd think after almost losing his life to a drunk driver, that he'd be freaked out of both booze and cars.

He was sitting in the back with Seamus, a little uncomfortable. Ryder was in the seat next to me, and we were driving to pick up Aleks 'cause he was too lazy to come meet us at my place.

I parked the car outside his apartment complex, looking to the two in the back through the rearview mirror.

"Anyone else coming inside?" I asked.

"Yeah," Jade replied. "I wouldn't mind stretching out my legs."

Can't blame him. He wants to act like it's no big deal, but cars still freak him out. Ryder stepped out of the car to take a smoke break, and Seamus didn't move.

Jade and I headed up to the third floor as I texted Aleks, telling him we were on our way up. We came to his door, which was open.

Taylor suddenly walked out, a box in her hand.

"Taylor, I thought you were at the baby shower with the others." Jade said to here.

"Seriously? I'd rather jump off a cliff than be around that much pastel. Plus, I'm busy, moving out. This is my last box, thank God." She snit. "Tell Aleks I hope he dies in that fuckin' booze bottle of his."

I sighed, exchanging looks with Jade, then walking in the apartment. You'd think he got robbed! But no, he just lost his girlfriend. Same thing, pretty much.

He walked out of the back of the apartment, pulling on his leather jacket. To be honest, Aleks looked like shit. There were bags under his eyes, he was pretty pale and thin. That jacket was hanging off of him!

"Where's Taylor going?" I asked, playing dumb.

"Hollywood. Gonna go chase that dream she supposedly gave up for me. I don't want to talk about it, let's just go." He huffed, heading towards the door. "Remind me to ask the landlord for a new lock."

Later

We all sat around a table, laughing and carrying on. I tried my best to get Aleks' spirits up, and I think it worked. He was smiling, which has to be hard after losing her. I mean, fuck, it has been what? Fifteen years with her? Shit, dude, I haven't been with Genisis that long and I know I would die without her.

Then again, the pain and anger was there for a long time before they broke it off. They were rolling down hill for a while.

Ryder's phone buzzed, and he sighed. "I got to go, we got a hit on someone."

"Okay, I was kinda your ride." I giggled.

"My partner will pick me up." He said, throwing down some money for his cut of the tab.

Ryder's been pretty busy since he started his bounty business. I can understand it though. You're always on your feet, chasing a new lead.

"Shit." I heard Seamus mumble. "Ash wants me home. I'll catch a cab."

I sighed. "I'll see you at work tomorrow."

"Yeah, I better head home with you, make sure Taylor didn't burn down the apartment." Aleks spoke as he stood up.

"Okay, have a good night, you two." I smiled, then turned to Jade as they left. "You gonna ditch me too?"

"I don't have demanding work, and my woman and I trust each other. I'm good." He chuckled.

"Are we the only two with healthy relationships?" I asked.

"Well, Ryder and NJ might be dysfunctional, but they still love each other."

I laughed, raising my beer. "That's all you need!"