I sat next to Riley as the rest of the guys filed into the room, I squeezed her thigh under the table before I let go and put my hands in my lap, we talked about band stuff for a while before Val had to go and open her mouth.

Wheres Gena

Gena? I repeated dumbly

Yeah where is she?

Oh we uh& broke up

What?! When? All the eyes in the room were suddenly on me and I felt horrible, I
shifted uncomfortably in my seat and looked down at my hands.

About two weeks ago

And neither of you told us?

I didnt think that it was important

I do wonder what goes on inside your head sometimes She said shaking her head, I rolled my eyes at her comment and this clearly annoyed her.

I know she was your girlfriend and all Zack, but it was kind of obvious you two were ending soon anyways Michelle said from the corner where she was in Brians lap, I didnt care for Michelles opinion either, she was such a bitch to Riley in high school and now Riley just hated her, I knew that much, and I didnt like her that much either, she annoyed me. I mean, it was obvious that you guys just werent happy together anymore She said

Thanks Chelle I said sourly.

You know she didnt mean it like that Zacky Johnny said It was just well& she was kind of a cling on, and you just havent been the same around her the past few months

Okay what is this tell me that I made a shitty choice when I picked my girlfriend hour? I snapped at them. You guys are unreal I fumed, I got up out of my chair and left the room, making sure to slam the door on the way out, I stalked my way through the building, ignoring the numerous looks I got as I left, I didnt care I just wanted to go outside and have a cigarette and calm down rather than hitting out at someone or something.

I found a bench near the front of the studio and took a seat lighting up my cigarette and puffing away on it until it was down to the butt and threw it away, then I buried my face in my hands and thought for a while until I heard footsteps and then I felt someone sit down on the bench next to me.

You okay Zacky?

Riley why cant we just tell them?

Because theyll judge me

No they wont, its obvious to them all the Im crazy about you

Yeah but I dont want them to know just yet, just give me a few weeks to work up the balls to tell them She said

Please make it soon Im losing my mind over here baby I said

I know, Im sorry She said, wrapping an arm around my waist, I moved my arm to rest around her shoulders, pulling her against my side. Why dont we go home She asked, resting her hand on my knee and looking up at me.

Yeah I suppose we could I was still upset about the whole situation, I just wanted our friends to know that we were together, that wasnt too much to ask was it? Just then Riley shifted closer to me so that her lips were next to my ear.

Ill do that thing you like She whispered, I sat bolt upright, before grabbing her hand and practically dragging her to the car, where I put the pedal to the floor and raced us home.

Notes

Title credit: Up all night - Blink 182