Avery’s POV

I slumped down on one of the island stools, putting my head in my head on the table. My heart was racing so quickly in my chest that I felt like I was going to be sick. I couldn’t believe that my dad walked in to find Brian and I ready to got at it like rabbits. Fuck, this couldn’t be happening! How could my whole world come crashing down in about three seconds and what was my dad even doing home tonight? He was supposed to show up tomorrow morning for breakfast, not now! He had the worst timing knowing to man and it hurt to see him so angry with me. I’d never seen him look so furious and crushed before and I honestly felt like the worst person on the face of the earth for keeping my relationship from him. Would he have reacted differently if I had told him?

“What are we going to do?” I cried, pulling my soaking wet hair with my hands. “He is so pissed off right now…did you see the look in his eyes. He hates me!” The tears were streaming down my face and I couldn’t hold them back anymore. I was so confused and torn over what to actually be upset about—lying to and hurting my dad or the possibility of losing Brian.

How could I just give up this feeling that was building inside me? I knew what Brian and I had was more than just typical infatuation or lust. There was something else hiding in the background waiting to come out, and I longed to find out what it was. I couldn’t give up on us or him—this couldn’t be the end. He was like a bad drug addiction that I just couldn’t get enough of and right now, I wanted my fix. I craved his presence and his touch, even though I knew I was in trouble. Something about him made me feel comfortable, calm, and whole.

Maya came over and wrapped her arms around me, obviously not caring that I was only wearing a towel and was soaking wet. “I honestly have no idea…maybe he’ll come around once he has some time to cool off?” she suggest, but I could tell by her tone that she wasn’t feeling confident. That made me feel even worse.

I scoffed, knowing that my dad was never that easily swayed. Hell, he still hadn’t made up with Marcus for dropping out of school. So why would he suddenly be okay with me dating Brian? I knew I had to try to convince him that Brian was serious about me. It wasn’t just some fling like it started out to be—we were actually together and happy. And like Zack pointed out, Brian hadn’t been with another girl since he met me, so that had to count for something in my dad’s mind right?

“What happened anyway?” Maya practically whispered, trying to calm me down. She knew that this seemingly perfect birthday had turned into the worst in minutes. God this sucked.

I let out a light whimper as I recalled my dad finding Brian and I. “It as awful…”I groaned, whipping away more tears. “Brian and I were out by the pool…you know having some alone time—and it was so perfect—until dad showed up and threw Brian to the ground and kicked him out…I’ve never seen look so angry. He said he-he-he was dis-disappointed in me…”I sobbed. Maya softly pet my hair and rocked me backing and forth trying to console me. “He hates me…”

“Ave he doesn’t hate you.”

“You didn’t see the look in his eyes, Maya! He looked at me like I was the scum of the earth for even considering doing anything with Brian! But he’s his artist which is what I don’t get. How many times has he talked those guys up?” I raged, the tears turning angry.

“Many,” Maya agreed. She looked down on me and those brown eyes were expressing exactly what I was feeling. How was she always so damn strong and able to hide her emotions or tears?

“So what’s the big deal if I date Brian? He likes Brian! But even more so why is he even home right now?!” I raged, picking up my head and angrily whipping away tears. “Dad never comes home early unless there is a major crisis!”

Now it was Maya’s turn to sigh. I watched out of the corner of my eye as she pulled out her phone and then slid it on the table in front of me. When I looked down with my teary eyes, I saw the most romantically adorable picture of a couple dancing, kissing, and looking very much in love. I didn’t get it. Why was she showing me this?

“That’s a great picture, but what does that have to do with anything?” I asked, blinking away tears.

Maya gapped at me and blew up the picture, pointing at the caption. “Look a little bit closer, little gnome,” she said sadly.

When I looked back down again, my heart literally stopped in my chest. That amazing looking couple was not just any couple, but Brian and I. Who took this? It had to have been last night when we were out to dinner. And to make maters worse, the caption read: Synyster Gates and new mystery girlfriend #whoisshe? #luckybitch. I quickly picked up Maya’s phone and started to scroll up and down the page. The picture had been reposted multiple times with #synystergates. There was no way my dad didn’t see this—it was fucking everywhere.

“Fuck…”I sighed, feeling the tears come stronger. That was undoubtedly me being kissed by Brian. “Who took this? No one was around…I-I didn’t think we needed to worry—fuck!”

I dropped my head back in my hands, knowing that everything was over. There was no way dad was going to let our relationship continue with it being all over the news. I didn’t want it to be! I really cared about him and he made me so damn happy that it wasn’t even funny. But how could I go against my father’s wishes and risk losing the only family that I had left. Ever since mom passed away a few years ago and the falling out with my brother, it’s been just Dad, Maya, and I. They were the only family I ever had. I didn’t want to say goodbye and ruin the one thing that felt so right in my life, but I also didn’t want to live without my dad talking to me. As pathetic as it sounded, he was one of my best friends.

“I don’t know what to tell you, babe. It got leaked and I bet he came home to investigate and found you in that not so flattering situation,” Maya looked down on me with an empathetic smile.

“What do we do? I mean he wouldn’t even let Brian and I explain…” I sighed, the tears starting to slow down.

“Well, as much as I love your dad, Ave, I’m not going to let him control who I see or don’t see. He’s been really great to me, but he can’t tell me what to do. I’m not actually his daughter and I don’t care what he thinks of Matt and I,” Maya said firmly, and I just gapped at her. How could she make up her mind so easily and not care what he thought? “Don’t look so surprised, Ave. You know I’m a free spirit.”

“So you’re still going to see Matt?” I asked, looking down to see my phone vibrate on the table as Brian’s picture came up. I smiled down at it, gently running my fingers over his face. Why was he so damn handsome?

“Of course I’m still going to see Matt,” Maya looked at me incredulously. “I know what I want and maybe it’s for the best that our relationship is out in the open. We’ve still got things to work through, but I’m not turning my back on him just because daddy says to. That wont fucking work with me.”

“I know,” I said softly, still looking at Brian’s picture. I was almost afraid to open up his text message to see what it said. Would he break up with me over this?

“Aren’t you going to see Brian again?” My eyes snapped up to Maya, her question catching me off guard. “You’re not really going to let your dad ruin the great thing you have going are you? I’ve never seen you look so happy, little gnome.”

“I-I…”I gapped and Maya just scoffed and shook her head at me.

“Well, you better figure that one out, Ave, because I’ll go back out on tour with the guys, with our without you,” she said and turned to head up the stairs for bed, leaving the world to crumble around me again.

My eyes welled with tears again as I grabbed the bottle of patron. I quickly took the cork out and took a long swig, enjoying the burn all the way down. It honestly felt better than what I was feeling right now. What was I supposed to do, give up, betray, disobey the only family I had left or follow my heart? I didn’t want to have to make that choice and I would make dad see reason. I had to!

I whipped away a stray tear and took a deep breath, willing myself to finally read Brian’s message. It wasn’t at all what I expected.

Hey love, hope u r holding up ok and that dad wasn’t too hard on u. I’m sorry the night turned out this way because it wasn’t what I planned. I wish I could have stayed to protect u from the blow but knew he needed time. I wish u were here with me now. If your not asleep text me. Happy Birthday, Ave. – Haner

Why did he always know what to say to make me feel better? It was like he totally understood me completely, which was really something. We hadn’t been together that long yet I could already tell that something was different about our relationship, but in a good way. It wasn’t anything like what I had ever experience before and I wanted more. I wanted to be with Brian everyday, to see his face, to touch him, to talk to him. No, I needed it and I hoped I could make my dad see that this wasn’t some fling.

I’m ok, just wish the evening ended differently. Dad’s wouldn’t talk to me and wants to discuss everything in the morning. I wish I was with u too. Thanks for a great birthday, even if it was interrupted early. <3 Ave

I pressed send and slowly climbed the stairs, taking the bottle of patron with me. I needed something to calm me down and I hoped this bottle would do the trick. Maybe I could talk Maya into doing a few shots with me so the entire evening wasn’t a waste. When I reached Maya’s door, my phone sounded again.

Then sneak out and come over. I’ll have u home by morning – Haner

I bit down on my lip as my heart started to race. That idea sounded so tempting but if my dad found out, I would be in ever more trouble than before. I couldn’t even imagine the consequences for us then.

As much as I want to, I think that will only add fuel to the fire. L <3 Ave

Will I see u soon? Maybe for the concert 2m? – Haner

Idk I’ll have to see how our talk goes in the morning. Good night, Bri. <3

I knew he wouldn’t be happy with that answer but I didn’t know what else I could give him. Honesty, I still didn’t know what I should do. What would the morning talk with my dad bring? Would he at least consider my relationship with Brian? I hoped so because I didn’t know how I would choose between my dad and Brian.

“Maya?” I called, lightly knocking on the door. A few seconds later, the door slowly opened, revealing my best friend in pair of jeans and hooded sweatshirt. I raised my brow at her as she pulled me in and shut the door. “What are you doing?”

“I’m going out,” she said nonchalantly. She moved back over to the mirror to finish applying her make up as I gapped at her.

“Wh-where?” I gasped, still fighting the shock off my face. After everything that just happened, she was going to sneak out of the house. If dad caught her, she would be so dead. I didn’t even know what he would do if he found out.

“I’m going over to Matt’s, I have to fix something with him.” What? What was going on? Did I miss something?

“Maya, you’re not serious are you?”

“Dead serious. I’m twenty-three years old. I’m not in high school anymore. I can live my own life and I suggest you do the same. Daddy can’t run your life for you life forever. You’re a grown woman and it’s time he started to treat you like one,” Maya lectured, leaving my mouth hanging open. She moved towards the door, throwing here purse over her shoulder. “Just tell me one thing, Ave.”

“What’s that?” I sighed, now pinching the bridge of my nose. I couldn’t think straight about any of this right now. I just wanted everything to go back to the way it was before dad found out about my secret relationship. I didn’t want to have to deal with all these decisions, problems, and hurt feelings. I just wanted everyone to be happy.

Maya gave me a small sad smile before she pulled me into a hug. “Just promise if I’m not back before Larry calls us down that you’ll cover for me. I really need to talk to Matt, and I know its your birthday and all…but I just need to do this,” she said and I nodded. How could I say no to her happiness? She was my best friend and I would die for her if I had to.

“Of course, I’ll tell him you went for a jog or something. Just be home by 8:00 AM so its believable. I really don’t want to have to lie to him any more.” I swallowed thickly as she pulled me in for one more hug and kissed my cheek. This felt more like a goodbye then I’ll see you tomorrow, and I didn’t like that one bit. Would she really leave me to go back on tour if Dad forbid it? I would honestly be lost without her because for the past 6 years, we’d done everything together. “Good night.”

“Good night, little gnome. Are you sure you don’t want to come? I bet Brian would love to see you.”

I looked down at the floor and at the bottle of patron in my hand, sadly shaking my head. “I cant lie to him again right now…and sneaking out will only make things worse…I-I can’t hurt him…”

“Just think about what I said, okay? Don’t lose something good for you just because your dad doesn’t want to let you grow up.” And with that, Maya turned and headed out the door, leaving me staring after her, even more lost than before.

Matt POV

“This fucking sucks!” Brian raged, kicking over one of my patio chairs as he paced the pool deck. He looked extremely lost, hurt, and confused over all this and I felt exactly he same way.

I knew we should have come clean to Larry, but no one ever listened to me. I just had this gut feeling that maybe if he knew about us, then he wouldn’t have freaked out to see us together. Though, what he saw between Maya and I was nothing compared to the Gates and Avery situation. That fucking sucked.

“Why wouldn’t he just fucking let us talk? I could have explained everything! It’s not at all what he thinks it is,” Brian continued, his pacing increasing as he chain-smoked. I had never seen him so worked up over a girl in my life.

“I know, it was bullshit,” I agreed, taking a long swig from my glass. The Jack gave that sweet burn down the back of my throat, but it didn’t touch what I was feeling.

Not only had Larry found out about both relationships in the worst way possible, but I also fucked up with Maya. I knew I shouldn’t have accused Maya and Jimmy of having some kind of side relationship, but I just didn’t know how else to explain everything. It was stupid to think Jimmy would go behind my back to do something—he was my best friend for fuck sake—but I was jealous of how much Maya told him. I wanted to be in his shoes.

“Maybe we could talk to him tomorrow after he cools down?” I suggested, watching Brian throw his arms up in frustration before collapsing in the chair next to me. “We just need to make him see that we are the guys he has know for the past five years. We weren’t just screwing around with them, he’ll have to see that,” I continued but I knew I was preaching the choir with Brian.

“You don’t have to explain that to me,” he scoffed. “And everything was going fucking perfect.” Brian shook his head again and pulled out his phone. He had been on and off the thing since I told him about the picture that leaked. I wasn’t sure what he was doing but every once and a while, a small smile came over his face. Was he looking at the picture? That would really be something knew for him, getting sentimental over a girl.

“This is not how I wanted to spend my evening, no offense, Shads.” Brian picked up his glass and downed it quickly. “Part of me just wants to go kidnap her.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” I agreed. “I need to make things right with Maya. I was an ass early today…”

Brain raised his brow at me and shook his head. I could see the alcohol starting to rise in his eyes, showing his level of intoxication. This was really getting to him, seeing as he started slamming liquor as soon as he walked in my front door.

“What happened?”

I groaned and ran my hands over my face. “I just fucked up and though she was having a fling with Jimmy…” I felt really stupid to say it out loud now. I was a fucking idiot. I was jealous and I let it get the better of me and now I could have lost her. I fucking loved her and I just wanted to make her see that. God, no one had ever made me as crazy as she did and I didn’t care if I had to wait for her feel the same way. I would fight for her and make her fall for me; there wasn’t any other choice.

“Maya and Jimmy? Are you fucking crazy, Matt?” Brian’s eyes were staring me down with one of the most intense looks I had ever seen. I knew Brian and Jimmy were the closest and I didn’t want to stir the pot in our friendship as well. “He would never do anything to compromise your happiness, dude. That’s not programed in his mind.” Brian was leaning towards me poking his temple with his index and middle finger.

“I know, okay! I fucked up! I don’t know what else to say,” I raged standing up. “I just want her to talk to me and be honest with me like she is Jimmy. I fucking love her and want to be with her. I’m not going to lose her for being some stupid jealous ass.” I said, seeing Brian’s eyes dart behind me. I slowly turned around to see Maya standing behind me with a small on her face. “Babe? What are you doing here? I-I thought you and Ave were under house arrest?” I couldn’t help but smile when our eyes met.

“I wanted to see you,” she said quietly looking down at her hands that were knotting together in front of you. “So I snuck out.” That was like music to my ears and within three seconds, I had her in my arms.

“Did Ave come with you?” I heard Brian ask from behind me. My eyes instantly shot up to the door but I didn’t see anyone.

Maya looked over my shoulder at Brian with a frown on her face. “No, sorry Gates. She didn’t want to make Larry any more upset then he already was. This is all really hard on her, you know?” she tried to explain, Brian nodding in a curt manner. “Why don’t you give her a call? I bet she’d like that.”

“You’re a fucking genus, Maya!” Brian was suddenly hugging both of us, before he leaned in and drunkenly left a kiss on her cheek. He quickly moved into the house, pulling out his phone and leaving Maya and I alone when he shut the door.


“I’m glad you came, babe,” I whispered, squeezing her tight before placing a small kiss on her lips. “I’m sorry about earlier…I was and ass and I should have known better than to trust both of you.—“

“You really should have.” Her tone sounded slightly hurt and I felt like the biggest ass on the face of the earth. I wanted to make it up to her, to show her how sorry I was. She was the most important thing to me right now and I don’t think she completely understood that, but I would make it my goal to help her understand. I would do everything in my power to make her fall for me like I had her. Maya had to feel how much I cared and loved her in each touch and kiss we shared.

“I’m sorry,” I said again, meeting those eyes. “Please don’t let my stupidity be the end of this. I don’t expect anything from you except for your honest,” I tried to assure her but I wasn’t sure if she was buying it.

“Look Matt, I want to be with you with or without Larry’s approval, plan and simple. I really care about you and I am not used to having a boyfriend. I will try to open up more with you but I’m just afraid I’m going to lose you just like every other guys in my life—“

“You’re not going to lose me, babe. That’s impossible. I promise that I’m not going anywhere,” I urged, cupping her cheeks in my hands. How many time did I have to tell her and show her this before she believed me.

“You don’t know that, Matt,” she shook her head and I had to make her believe me. I suddenly crashed my lips into hers, meeting her in a hungry and passionate kiss. I put all the love I had for her into it, hoping that I could convince her that I was telling the truth.

“Please…believe me, Maya,” I breathed, pressing my forehead to hers. She closed her eyes and slowly nodded, and I could tell she was at least considering my words. That was at least a start. “You’re not going to lose me.”

“I want to believe you, Matt, really,” she said sincerely.

“Then just give it a try. Treat me like a friend and a lover,” I begged, watching those beautiful brown orbs. “Stay with me…”

She sighed. “I already said I was staying with you, Matt. But I cant just… just turn off my friendship with Jimmy. You can’t ask me to do that….he’s my best friend, besides Ave, and being your best friend, you should understand that. There is nothing going on besides friendship, you need to see that, Matt.”

I closed my eyes and ran my hands over my face. “I know… You’re right.” I sighed. If Jimmy was my best friend, why couldn’t he be hers as well? God I was such an idiot earlier today. “Then you’ll stay here until we go back on tour?” I pulled her back into me, placing a small trail of kissed across her cheek.

“Tonight yes, but then I think we should wait until we go back on tour…you know just until we figure out what is going on with Larry.”

“You’re killing me, babe,” I groaned, pressing her firmly to me. “I don’t want to wait two days to see you again.”

“I know it sucks, but we need time for Larry to calm down and I need time to talk to Ave. She is really freaking about all this. She doesn’t’ want to disappoint her father because he is the only family she has left, but I know she doesn’t want to give up on Brian. I just need to help her make the right choice and I don’t want to leave her behind,” she tried to explain and I nodded. I couldn’t even imagine tour without the little brunette bouncing around, not to mention that Gates would be a fucking wreck if she didn’t come with us. “But tonight…” she said, walking her fingers up my chest. “Tonight, big guy, I am all yours…”

With that, I pick her up in my arms and crashed my lips against hers. There was nothing stopping us from making this night amazing. She was mine and no one was going to get in the way of that.

Notes

Will Maya make it back home in time so Larry doesn't know she was gone? What will Ave decide? Will she follow daddy's request or will she choose Brian?

Comments please!