Emilia's POV

It's been almost a week since we've seen and hung out with Brian and Zacky. We did text them every now and then but that's about it. Also, Renae and I didn't do much but work and clean up the apartment. It got super busy at work ever since Brian, Arin, and Johnny had come to hang out that one day. Seems they had spread the word and now a lot of people were coming by to check out the store as well as buy stuff. It was awesome!

Renae and I were sitting on the couch watching Magic Mike...yeah it was more her idea, not mine. It was Friday night and we both had just got off work. Tomorrow was the barbecue at Matt's house.

I didn't want her to go to work because of what happened to her at the cafe in the mall dealing with Ben. But she insisted and said she'll be alright. Well...she didn't seem alright to me. Mostly stand off-ish but I didn't question it.

Watching the movie, whenever it came to a part where they started to strip I stared wide eyed. Renae just sat there whistling, laughing, and stuffing her face in popcorn. She was enjoying this movie a little too much. I shook my head and stood up to grab a coke from the fridge.

I walked into the kitchen when I heard a ringing sound. I looked onto the counter and it was Renae's phone that was ringing. I walked closer to see who was calling.

“Unknown number?” I said to myself. Curiosity got to that I decided to answer it for her. She wouldn't mind too much. I hit the green button to answer, listening.

“Ren?...Ren? Baby I know you're there. I want to see you again please? I'm sorry.” I sat there shocked hearing who it was on the other end. How the hell did he get her number? I quickly hung up the phone and put it back down onto the counter which was next to mine charging.

I quickly got my coke out of the fridge and walked back into the living room. A few hours had passed and the movie was finally over. Thank goodness. I had finished my coke and was laying back on the couch.

I looked over to the other couch and Renae had fallen asleep. I would hear her mumble Zacky's name every now and then which was cute. I sat there flipping through the channels but got bored. Nothing was on that was worth watching.

I turned off the tv and began to clean up. I haven't really talked to Brian much today. He and the guys were super busy in the studio. But he did send a few texts here and there wondering what I'm up to.

I picked up a blanket and laid it on top of Renae. I took one last look at her before turning off the light and walking upstairs to my room. Sleep soon consumed me as I laid down on the bed and slept.

- Next Day -

Today is the day! We are going to the barbecue and that was my cue on taking my time to find the perfect outfit. I know it's not like we had to dress all formal and shit but I wanted to look decent if not better. I had already took a shower and was searching through my clothes. Renae had woken up to go use the bathroom and couldn't go back to sleep. So she decided to stay up for a while and was now in the bathroom taking a shower.

Arin was going to come by and pick us up. He's got a good head on his shoulders. Caring and being very protective. Mostly when it comes to Renae anyway. From what I heard about him, he had kicked one of her other ex-boyfriend's ass for trying to ditch her on a date. I didn't even know she was in a serious relationship with someone before Ben but she told me that it wasn't all that serious.

They only lasted for a week and there was no love. But oh that didn't stop Arin from hurting him. Anyway, her ex had came to school with a broken arm and a black eye. Knowing that little detail, I wouldn't want to be on Arin's bad side.

I finally found the perfect outfit when I saw Renae walk out of the bathroom and into her bedroom. I slipped on a burgundy colored v-neck shirt and jean shorts. Combed my hair out putting it up into a pony tail and added a little eyeshadow/eyeliner.

I put on some lip gloss and walked out of my room looking in the direction of Renae's. She had on a red flower printer dress that came up to her knees and was wearing shorts underneath. Her hair was down but she had very little makeup on just like me. I watched her as she walked out of the room. She stopped when she saw me. I was about to make a smart remark when the doorbell rang.

We stared at each other then quickly raced downstairs to see who can get to the door first. I ended up winning and Renae had tripped going down the stairs. I walked back helping her up. She laughed and dusted herself off. She mouthed a 'Thank you' before going into the kitchen.

I walked up to the door and opened it. Arin stood on the other side smiling. He wore a black t-shirt with black skinny jeans and laced up boots. His hair was combed back.

“Hello there.” He replied. I waved then looked over and saw Kimberly waiting in the car. Renae quickly made her way over to us with my brown purse and her black purse in her hands. She handed me mine.

She gave Arin a hug then made her way out to the car. He chuckled and followed her. I locked the door and went after them. Renae and I sat in the back while Arin got into the driver's side.

It took a good few minutes for us to get there. We mostly sat in silence but Arin and Kimberly would talk to us or to each other every now and then.

I looked over at Renae as she looked out the window. I wanted to tell her that some unknown number called her phone but today didn't seem like the right day. Tomorrow I'll tell her.

Once we had arrived in front of a nice big house, Arin parked the car and we all got out. Arin and Kimberly walked hand in hand up to the front door and rang it. Renae and I slowly catching up. I pulled Renae back. She looked at me confused.

“What's up?” She asked when I stopped her. “I...I don't know if I want to go in there. Knowing that this is Matt's house and he's married to Val, it's likely that her sister's going to be at the party too.” I sighed. I wanted to avoid as much drama as possible.

Renae gave me a reassuring smile and hug me. “Don't worry, I got your back if shit hits the fan. Hell it'd be worst if I saw one of Zacky's exs here.” I heard her say quietly. She seemed just as nervous as I was and she usually is the one to take life by the balls and move on. I hugged her back then we both started walking to the front door where Arin and Kimberly were waiting.

The door had opened by the time we got up there. Val was standing on the other side of the door smiling. “Hey you two.” She said to both Arin and Kimberly as she hugged them. They pulled away and she was now staring at us.

“Val, I know you've already met Emi so here's someone who's important to me. This is one of my best friend's Renae.” Arin said.

Renae lightly hit him and laughed. Val then smiled at her, giving her a hug. Gave me a hug as well. “Nice to finally meet you.” She said to her. Renae had a slight surprised look on her face as they all headed inside, I stared at her and laughed.

She shook her head and stuck her tongue out at me. Once we entered the house, I began to look around. Renae was already heading towards the food. I swear that girl loves to eat just as much as I do.

Although at the moment I wasn't hungry. I decided to grab a red plastic cup and poured myself some coke. There was rum on the table so I quickly grabbed it and poured a shot of it into my drink.

If I was going to survive this barbecue, I needed to keep my nerves in check. Alcohol was the only thing that I know that could help with that. I took a sip of it then made my way over to Renae who was talking to...Zacky's ex-girlfriend Meghan? I've seen pictures of her on the internet when she was dating him at the time. She's pretty but eh.

As I was about to head over there, a little boy who looked around 2 walked over to me. He looked up at me and smiled. “Hii”

I smiled back and knelt down to his height. “Well hi there. What's your name?”

“River” He said and giggled. Val quickly came over and smiled when she saw us. “River, please don't run off. Mommy was wondering where you were.” She cooed as she picked him up.

Val looked over at me. “I'm so sorry. He's a bit handful at this age.” She laughed. I shook my head. “It's alright no harm done.” I stood up and waved bye to River. He waved back as Val took him with her over to where Matt was at near the grill sitting in a chair.

It was the cutest thing to see all of them together. Matt and Val being all lovey dovey. Their son River in the middle looking up at both of them with a big smile on his face. One day I hope to have that kind of family of my own as well.

Notes

Thank you lovely people for reading. It will get more interesting in later chapter, don't you worry. ^_^

- LadyRevenge