Brian’s POV

Okay, calm down, calm down… nothing is wrong. All good, I might have said I loved her during our drinking and being high session yesterday… but I mean… I was drunk and high.
But still on all my drug induced states before I never said that to a woman, never in all my life.

This must mean something right?
Was this really how I felt?
Was Jimmy right? Was Matt right? Have they seen through it, before I had? Again?!

I saw the commotion around me, Matt and Jimmy preparing some breakfast and Avery staring at me in disbelief? Or was it something else?!
But the thing that worried the most wasn’t that I apparently told her that I loved her, it was her reaction on that video, she just stared back at me, and didn’t say it back to me.
Was I making a fool out of myself?

“I’ll take a quick shower” I announced to get my head and thoughts straightened a little.
“Should I join you?” Ave asked but I shook my head, “I’ll be real quick… why don’t you get dressed and reserve me a seat at the table” I winked at her and she nodded slowly but not really looking convinced.

I quickly walked towards the backroom and sighed when I thought that I was alone. But suddenly the door burst open again revealing Maya, only in her bra and a pair of too big shorts from Matt apparently.
That fucker had been smart enough to put his girl at least a little clothes on, damn good move.

She shut the door and narrowed her eyes on me “What’s wrong with you?” She asked and I frowned.
“What? I wanted to take a shower… that a crime?” I asked and searched for some of my clothes.
“If I see the sad look on Ave’s face, yes.” She said and I frowned “Maya, don’t give me a speech now… I mean…” I didn’t even know what I meant or what I should say, I wasn’t really sure what to think myself.

“Brian, you spend enough time with me during the last week that I know you feel overwhelmed, and we both know that we react pretty much alike in situations like this.” Maya said and I lifted an eyebrow, I did know, but I haven’t realized that she had to.

“So?” I asked sitting down on the bed and Maya took the place next to me.
“Don’t be as stupid as I was with Matt. You said those words and I bet you mean them. I can’t stand to see Avery’s face being all sad… like I see Matt’s.” Maya said and she looked down on her hands.
“What are you talking about M? Whenever I see Matt with you, he is happy.” I soothed her and laid my arm around her slim shoulders.

“Well, maybe… but I also see the sad look when he thinks I am not looking. He is trying hard to not let it show, but I can feel him struggling. Don’t do that with Ave, Brian. Please, she is my best friend… I can see that you love her and she is feeling the same for you, Bri. Remember, we still don’t know if she will stay or leave, maybe you should make up your mind before that…” She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and I thought about what she just said.

“I know what you are doing, you are trying to manipulate me. Don’t think that I don’t realize that… and damn it’s working, woman!” I sighed and Maya chuckled. I was about to open my mouth to reply, why she didn’t just do the same with Matt if she thinks this is so easy, but then the door opened and Matt stood in the doorway.

“Babe, where are-” Matt looked between me and Maya back and forth. “Hi” Maya grinned at him and took the final step towards him and he hugged her to his body and I sighed, those two are the worst, really.

“What are you two doing here? And I would appreciate you putting a little more clothes on now” Matt kissed Maya’s forehead and then his eyes turned back to me.
“Gates?” He asked and I sighed “Nothing much, she tried to get some information out of me about what happened yesterday, but I wasn’t much worth… since I don’t know anything past the last shots we three took.”
“Yeah sure.” He narrowed his eyes while he handed Maya one of his shirt which she quickly pulled over her.
“I remember you saying that you don’t want me to wear so much clothes” Maya grinned at Matt who groaned “Yes, I did say that but within the same sentence I mentioned at my home when we are alone!”

They quickly left and I sighed I heard them giggle before the door so I quickly grabbed my clothes to head for the shower, before they would fall right back into the bed… because then I wouldn’t want to be in there anymore.
I let the warm water soak me but knew I hadn’t much time before one of the other would want to enjoy that, too. Or someone came bursting into the door just for the fucking fun of it…

And then my thoughts returned back to Avery and what Maya just said to me…

During all the fun we had yesterday I still didn’t get an answer from her if she would stay or had to leave again. I had a feeling that she was trying to avoid my questions, wasn’t she sure?
What would Larry say if he found out? When would he find out?

A knock sounded on the door “Brian?” Avery’s voice and I smiled, only hearing her brought a smile to my face, so maybe Maya was right and I shouldn’t be too concerned about the words that left me, and maybe it was the time?
But before saying them again I would wait for her to say them, I mean… she didn’t even reply and that wasn’t sitting well with me, even though we were drunk and I couldn’t remember it at all.

I quickly dried myself and put a fresh boxer and sweatpants on before opening up and Avery was suddenly shoved directly into my arms by a past us running Jimmy.
“Where is he? Where is that guy! He won! How could he have won?!” Jimmy yelled and I hugged Avery closer to me, so Jimmy wouldn’t bump into her again.

“I just wanna make sure that the next night is mine and yours alone in a bed, alright? I don’t like to wake up with four other guys in a room with you.” I whispered in her ear and Avery smiled “Maya was also there”
“Still too many males.” I placed a small kiss on her lips and she chuckled.
“Don’t… no don’t do that!” Johnny came walking past us while being poked in the back by Jimmy “GOT HIM!”
“I was trying to get some more sleep in my bunk.. can’t you just leave me alone?” Johnny tried to shove Jimmy away but he wouldn’t let go.

“And can you two stop that!” Johnny looked at me and Avery and I frowned “Stop what?”
“Teasing us with the bathroom.. that’s not funny. Not when Maya and Matt were doing that yesterday and now you...”

“What did we do?” Maya suddenly appeared next to us and Johnny pulled his phone out, “Give me a second.” He clicked through his pictures and then held it up for Maya to see.
“Oh shit! Delete that!” Maya took the phone from him and I frowned “What is it?”
“MATT! Did you see that? When did we.. hmm… I mean… ” Maya held the phone out to Matt who quickly grabbed it from her hands “What the fuck, Christ! Were you fucking spying on us?”
“What’s on the pic?” I asked and Matt deleted whatever was on the phone and handed it back to Johnny.
“Nothing” Matt grumbled and pointed his finger at Johnny “You better forget whatever you have seen there” And I had to grin, so it was pretty obvious what they had been doing, but how could Johnny make pictures?!

“What? Then don’t leave the door open! Brian and I betted that I could snatch a pic before you would even realize what I had done… And I won! Which means, you owe me 100 Bucks, my friend.” Johnny said turning to me and I swallowed, I had what?!
“You did what?” Avery asked looking up to me, oh shit… “I don’t know… I mean… I wouldn’t bet on that?!”

“You would” I heard from different directions.
I rolled my eyes, “But not if I was in my right mind” I tried to justify but apparently for now good. “You still would” Zacky laughed and I just saw him sitting alone at the table waiting for all of us.

“And who won in the strip poker?” I asked looking around, knowing Matt, Zack, Jimmy and I were only wearing boxers when we woke up, Maya her underwear and so was Avery… and when I looked at Johnny, he still had his shorts and shirt on, what the hell?!

“Yes, right. I won… but you fuckers had to interrupt the ending. Not fair! Not fucking fair!” Johnny walked past us and plopped down next to Zack, not giving any further information and I looked at Jimmy who had a smirk on his face but shook his head as if he didn’t want to tell me what this was about.
Ass!

Suddenly Unholy confession was blaring from the backroom and Maya got up “Damn…” she muttered walking away and we could hear her picking up “Hello?”
She quickly came back and her face was a little pale, what was going on?
“Mr. Jacobson.. hi..” Her wide eyes met Avery’s and mine.

Maya’s POV

Who would call me? I mean Avery was here, and it wasn’t like I had any family who was interested in calling me anyway… and Matt and the guys were here too…
Maybe the AA guys had something fun to tell?

I didn’t really look at the caller when I picked up “Hello?”
“Maya? Is that you?” Larry’s concerned voice sounded over the line and I swallowed thickly.
Oh shit, why would he call me?

“Mr. Jacobson.. hi” I quickly ran back to the others, how should I reply, what does he want and what should I tell him?
Avery didn’t really say how we should react towards him, does he even know she was with us?

“Maya, I know when you left we weren’t on the best terms, but I need your help. Have you heard anything from Avery?” He asked and I swallowed, my eyes were on Avery’s and I knew she was afraid to talk to her Dad, I could see it in her eyes.
So I didn’t have many options left…

“Maya, I tried to call you and the others before, but none of you picked up your phones and Avery’s seemed to be shut off. Please tell me if you know anything, I am worried.” Larry continued afterwards when I didnt reply immdiately.

Shit shit shit, come on Maya, come on… Think of something think!!
I held my hand over the phone looking at Avery, then quickly at Brian and Matt who stood opposite of me.
“What should I tell him?!” I mouthed more then I asked afraid he could still hear me.
“I-I don’t know… if he knows I’m here… he will… make me go.” Avery whispered as quietly back and Brian pulled her even firmer into his body kissing her temple and that only gave me one option.

“I’m sorry, she is not here. But I have talked to her yesterday evening and she was fine. Maybe she is just with some friends…” I told Larry and heard him sigh in relief a little which made me take a heavy breath in and out.
While Matt got into a quiet discussion with Brian about not lying to him further on… but I couldn’t deal with that yet, we had to buy us some more time and as long as Larry would believe Avery was with some college friends and safe we could still come up with a better idea, or?

“Really? But why doesn’t she pick up her phone? Have you tried to reach her today? And why couldn’t I get a hold on Jimmy or Zack… I tried all their numbers…” I frowned, looking at Zack and Jimmy who both made a run for the back room coming back with their phones and shrugging sheepishly, so that explained the weird music this morning, Zack- Taylor Swift? For real?
I should have a talk with him about that I think.

“We were together at the aftershow party yesterday and we had a long night, since we knew we would be having a bus day today… I guess they forgot their phones on the bench or something, while they were still sleeping… but no I haven’t called Avery this morning… should I try? I could send you a message afterwards, but I bet she is perfectly fine and had just a fun evening with Camille and Tamara, maybe her battery went low or something and that’s why her phone is off. Don’t worry too much, Mr. Jacobson. Avery is a grown up woman, she can take care of herself.” I said and was satisfied with myself, I had to add that little hint about her being a grown up and saw Avery face showing a little relief, she was glad she didn’t have to lie to her Dad and knew I was better in the job then she was anyway.

“Okay, maybe you are right… Just try again and… If you reach her then send me a message. I will be heading to my next appointment today… but I will try again as well. Thank you, Maya. And maybe you will think about your decision again and we can also have a talk about it.” Larry said in the end and I shook my head.
“Thank you, but that’s not necessary. I made my choice and if its right or wrong will be my adventure to find out.” I hung up and saw all eyes on me.

“What?” I asked when they didn’t say anything. “We had to do something… now we have some more time to think about a plan..” I tried to explain and Matt had a huge smile on his face “Brilliant, babe. I just hope you don’t lie that good to me either.” He whispered the rest of the sentence into my ear and I chuckled “Maybe… Maybe not, that’s a task for you to find out” I winked at him and finally we all sat down on the table to eat the little breakfast that Matt and Jimmy had put together.

“So, what is the plan for today?” Jimmy asked excitedly when most of the driving time had been more then boring.
We had been watching movies, the guys had took some time to write some ideas down and Avery and I could finally find some time to catch up, but still she refused to tell me what she would do with her Dad, or maybe she didn’t refused but just wasn’t too sure herself…
“Don’t know. You are the guy with the masterplans, how about you say something?” Zack asked rubbing his eyes as if he was still tired.
“Don’t give him ideas!” Johnny yelled from his bunk, he was also trying to get some more sleep.
“More drinking and smoking?” Jimmy suggested and Avery shook her head vehemently.
“Not yet… are you insane? I’m still feeling the effect on me…” Making Brian chuckle “What was it the second time for you to be high?”
“Yeah… I think so… why?” Avery asked and I had to laugh as well, that Avery had been high two times already was nearly a miracle, cause just half a year ago she wouldn’t have done anything like that.

“I have an idea, it’s not something we can do right now, but maybe during some other bus driving time… Everyone has a drink that effects him to a certain level right?” I asked and looked at Brian, Avery and Matt who were sitting opposite of me while Jimmy came running back to us to also hear what I was saying.
“Yes.” Matt replied immediately and Brian nodded while Avery was uncertain, she would come around I knew.

“Maybe we could choose the right drink for everyone to have the perfect combination for a party for all of us.” I announced now earning frowns from Brian and Matt but a giggle from Jimmy.
“That idea is perfect, but which is the perfect drink? Wait… Gin?” Jimmy asked around and Matt shook his head “Gin is making me aggressive”
“I like Gin” Zack said from the back and Johnny just kept on snoring.
“How about Absinthe?”Brian asked and I shook my head “Absinthe is making me horny.”
“Good to know” Matt winked at me and I grinned “And forget about things…” I included and Matt chuckled “Also good to know” while I slapped his shoulder.

“Red wine?” Zack asked and Brian shook his head “Jimmy always falls into this huge hole of self-pity when he drinks red wine.” Jimmy nodded “Yeah, I’m feeling pretty down with wine..”
“Beer?” Matt asked and Avery shook her head immediately “What’s doing beer to you?” He asked her and Avery just laughed “Nothing, but it mostly tastes like piss, so that wouldn’t do anything for me.”
“Okay, this seems to be a harder task to find out then I thought… Jimmy, why don’t you find the perfect drink for us, you know the guys best and well… now you know some of our weaknesses…” I told Jimmy who was now sitting next to me holding one of my hands in his.

“I will do that, my Knife Girl… and we will have the best party ever when my task is fulfilled.” With that he kissed my hand in an old fashioned way and headed to his bunk muttering under his breath different drink combinations and I was stunned, okay, he took that really serious didn’t he?!

“What are we doing when we arrive?! You guys having some time off?” Avery asked more Brian but I was interested in the answer as well.
“When we arrive we just have the rest of the day off I think… but we should arrive early, so that would be something, why?” Brian asked and I saw that smirk coming over his face.
“How about we make a double date?” Avery smiled and looked over to me and Matt, that same smile suddenly appeared on Matt’s face as if that was brilliant idea.

“Yes, we should do that! That would be cool, right Gates?” Matt slapped Brian’s back and he nodded “Yeah sure why not… double date, we hadn’t one of those… in like… never?!” He asked and I laughed so a double date with my best friend… sounded like a nice idea, right?!

Notes

Sooo another update for you guys!!

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