A Deadly Affair

Three

"You're just going to move in with a complete stranger?"

I wince, as I snag my water and take a long swallow. I'm currently having lunch with the best friends I've had since kindergarten, and they are reacting to my news in their own ways. Josh Martinez, ever the over protective brother I never had, is appalled and also understandably nervous of my choice. Maya Jones, who we lovingly refer to as MJ, because of her fiery red hair, and initials obviously, is taking it in stride. We three make quite the team; Josh is the strong one who looks out for everyone, Maya is the chill one who is down for anything, and I am the level headed, serious one who never makes rash decisions. This is the reason Josh is staring at me like I've grown two heads.

"Julie, have you thought this over? Can't you move in with another nursing student?" He suggests as he leans his elbows on the table; a habit of his that his uptight, perfectionist mother does not appreciate.

"No, I'm not close enough to any of them." I explain, making him scrub a hand down his face, and motion around him at nothing in particular. I stick to myself at school, I've only really talked to Hanna and Bertha: I'd kill myself with Hanna's overly chipper, constant mood, and Bertha being well Bertha

"You don't even know this guy. He could have a criminal record, or have been in jail. Julie, he could be in a gang, or sell drugs." He points this all out in Josh lightning speed, and I look to my other best friend in exasperation to find her watching me from their side of the table. Her blue eyes search my face, before she smiles lazily.

"He's hot isn't he?" She guesses, and I gape at her as my face heats up. Maya is blatant, no filter whatsoever: but she's also always right. It's really annoying actually- especially right now.

"He's average." I state flatly, tipping my nose up and hoping the lie sticks. I'm a terrible liar, which is why Maya snorts in amusement before stirring her drink.

"The tea is good today," She comments, earning a flat glare from me. Leave it to Maya to exacerbate Josh's protectiveness mode instead of helping me get out of it. Usually, she's the one getting the lecture from him, so I assume she just loves watching me be the target while she's the quiet bystander.

"Jules," Josh sighs, covering his mouth as if in prayer before placing his tanned hands on the table. Judging by the look on his face, he wants to either kill me or himself at how ridiculous this idea is to him. "If you want a boyfriend, I can hook you-"

"Josh," I hiss in annoyance, as I lean toward them. "I am moving out because I am sick of my family having to worry about Miles harassing us. I am not moving in with Ryan to marry him, or because I need to up my sex life."

He raises his hands in surrender, before letting his head fall back. "I don't like this, Jules." He states firmly, crossing his arms, which gives him the look of a disapproving father rather than my twenty-two year old best friend.

"I know," I reply quietly, taking another swallow of water. No one is accepting of my plan except Maya: but I'm a grown woman, it's time to move out anyway, and I need to be rid of Miles. My parents don't say anything: but I know having a guy slinking around our house at any moment puts my Mom on edge and infuriates my Dad. I need to get away from him- what better way than to move to a secret apartment building, hidden nicely behind trees.

"Do you need help-" Maya starts before her pale face twists in anger, and she sits up straighter. Josh notices her pause and follows her line of sight, before his lips thin out and he swallows roughly.

"Can we help you?" He bites out, leaning forward like he's ready to jump over the table to whoever it is. I know who's behind me before I turn, because Josh reserves hatred for specific people. One being Miles Hartley, who I'm greeted by when I turn in my seat.

"Jules," His dark eyes meet mine, and I feel my body heat up. I hate him; he's the reason I have to change my life, the reason I'm constantly looking over my shoulder. His dark blonde hair is longer than it was two years ago, and I fight the urge to punch him when he smirks down at me. He's always been a short guy, but since I'm only 5'5', he's still taller which makes me feel inferior which I hate.

"What do you want?" Maya spits, crossing her thin arms over her chest as she leans back in her seat. She's a spitfire, which she gets from her Irish grandmother who raised her- I adore them both.

"I want to talk to Julie, Maya." He says coldly toward her. Josh leans forward, silently telling my ex boyfriend to back off.

"She doesn't want to speak to you, Miles. Just leave." He tells him quietly, but the threat is there. Josh was a wrestler in high school, works out religiously and still trains on weekends; no doubt he could injure Miles very badly for my sake. I don't want that though- I need to diffuse the situation before it gets out of hand.

"Why don't you let her speak?" Miles snaps back, earning a few looks from other patrons in the crowded coffee shop.

"I've made it very clear I don't want to see or hear from you, Miles." I remind him, my voice firm, while my hand itches to smack him. I stand, and my friends follow suit. "Leave me and my family alone."

Josh hangs back as Maya and I make our way to the door, but when we're a safe distance away, he follows us out. "Alright?" He asks me, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

I nod, as Maya loops her arm through mine. "Of course she is. She's our strong independent woman. When do we meet this Ryan?"

I smile gratefully at her and she winks back. I think of all the mortifying things my best friend could tell Ryan, who I may or may not have a slight crush on. Can twenty-one year olds even have crushes? "Never." I laugh, causing her to shove me playfully and we all laugh as we head to my car.