*~*Zacky’s POV*~*

“No, it’s just…” I stopped her from continuing before taking another drag off my smoke as I thought about what to say.

Should I tell her? Do I tell her the real reason this is all so awkward with Jojo here? This could make things weird…

“Zacky? What is it? Come on, you know you can always tell me. I promise I won’t be mad, whatever it is, I just don’t want things to be weird between us.” Chloe said looking in my eyes.

“It’s just I think it will be weird if I tell you…” I replied.

“Well, it’s pretty weird right now…” she said reasoning with me as she grabbed my cigarette from my hand and inhaled deeply.

I decided I better just tell her, “So, remember how I said that I lived with a girl for a bit?” she nodded in response, handing my cigarette back, “Well, I lived with Jojo…”

She looked at me unfazed by what I said, “Ok…. So the problem is….”

“There was some ups and downs throughout the relationship, mostly because I was gone most of the time but either way it didn’t exactly end so great.” I said inhaling the last drag before stamping out the cigarette.

“Still doesn’t explain why you are being so weird about it? What you cheated on her again, because Val already told me you did?” she replied.

I took a deep breath, “No… It was my fault though. I did something…”

“Oh spit it out Zee… It’s in the past right? There’s nothing to feel weird about now…”

“Well it’s going to explain why she pretty much hates you and threw me out…” I sighed before continuing, “I came home and I asked her about her cheating rumors that my sister told me about and she denied them of course and I believed her. She made a romantic dinner for us to show me I was special to her and then it kinda moved to the bedroom…”

“Still not seeing the problem, however it’s a little awkward if you’re about to explain in detail what you and her did while having sex…” Chloe said leaning on the wall nearby with her arms crossed.

“Just listen, I don’t even want to tell you but you insisted… So we were in the middle of… well you know… and I kind of said something…” I said kicking the gravel at my feet, “I said your name instead of hers…”

“Oh God Zack!” she exclaimed reaching over and punching my arm, “You idiot!”

“I know I know… she was super mad and that was the straw that broke the camel’s back… I ended up at Matt and Val’s that night…” I told her feeling my cheeks flush.

“Well, did you love her?” Chloe asked.

“No.”

“Did she love you?”

“She said she did but she cheated on me too.”

“Did she think you loved her?”

“Yes.”

“Geez Zack… no wonder she hates me. I’d hate me too…” Chloe said shaking her head at me.

“You aren’t weirded out by it?” I asked her.

“No, I mean we were together for a long time Zee… I guess I’m a little flattered that you still thought of me.” She said as a rosy tint filled her cheeks.

“Of course I still thought of you… I loved you so much and the way it ended… it just hurt… It hurt a lot Chloe.” I admitted putting my head down, finding my shoes so interesting.

“I know it did Zack. And I’m sorry about it. I wish things went differently than they did. Now more than ever but we can’t do anything about it now… so we just move on from it. So I have to ask, if you super blew it with Jojo, then why is she all over you?”

“Probably because we have been getting more successful. Honestly I think that’s why she started cheating on me in the first place because I wasn’t making enough money to buy her everything coated in fucking diamonds. That and I helped her get out of an abusive relationship after we broke up. I might not have loved her or anything but I couldn’t let some dude just beat on a chick.” I explained as I opened the door to the bar for Chloe.

“Well, that’s very sweet of you Zee. Not many guys would do that for a girl that threw them out on their ass. You don’t have to feel weird about what you told me.” Chloe said as we made our way to the back table.

“About that, no one knows and I’d rather keep it that way if you don’t mind?” I asked her.

“Your secret is safe with me.” She smiled, “Now for that drink I owe you? Pick your poison Mr. Vengeance…” she smirked as she sat down next to Jake.

“I’ll take a shot of Jack.” I told the waitress that stopped at the table.

“Make it a double.” Chloe smirked handing the waitress money avoiding the curious glare Jake was giving her.

*~*Chloe’s POV*~*

“I’m so excited to see you guys play!” I exclaimed jumping up and down as we got out of the van at The House of Blues.

“Why? You saw us play before.” Zacky said laughing lightly at my excitement.

“Shut up Zack. I wish Michelle was that excited. Be thankful for what you got man…” Brian said as he made his way to the trailer to gather his equipment.

“Because it’s different now Zacky… I didn’t get to be side stage last time or see you guys before the show. It was a surprise remember?” I said helping Val pull a large box of shirts out.

“She’s just tipsy…” Zacky whispered to Matt.

“Fuck you Zee… I’m fine.” I replied hearing him.

“Yes you are and yes please…” he answered laughing with the rest of the guys.

“You walked into that one sweetie…” Val said giggling and I couldn’t help but laugh too.

“I really did…” I said grabbing another box, “Where do you want this one Val?”

“Over here is good…” she said pointing, “The venue staff should come and collect it and put it where we can sell it…”

As if on cue the venue staff came out of the back door with hand trucks, loading the boxes and wheeling them inside. Matt and Jason Berry were unloading the guys’ equipment, mostly Jimmy’s complex drum set, as I stood there and watched, not sure of what to do now.
“What time do you go on babe?” Val asked Matt as he held her in his arms.

“We’re on at 9. See you before the show right?” he said kissing her nose softly.

I couldn’t help but smile and stare at how in love they still were, even after all these years. I was a little jealous of them, but it really was my own fault for letting go.

I wish I still had that…

“So, I’ll see you before we go on right?” Zacky said nervously as he held his guitar in one hand and gently touched my hand with the other.

“Yeah, I’m gonna help Val so I’ll be with her.” I smiled back.

“Ok, see you then.” He replied squeezing my hand before following the rest of the guys in the back door.

Val grabbed my hand pulling me around the side to the front of the building, handing me a stack of demos and flyers of the band, “Here, hand these out for now. I’ll go on the other side of the street.”

I handed out both to anybody walking down the street until I finally had run out, Val running back from the other side of the street and pulling me behind her and into the bar. There was a small booth the venue had set up for her and I to sell merchandise for the hour before the guys were scheduled to go on. There was another band opening up for the guys and they were pretty decent to listen to as we stood in the booth selling T-shirts and CD’s. I had just handed a guy a T-shirt when Zacky and Jimmy came up to the booth.

“Where’s your phone?” Jimmy asked as he took a drink of his Heineken.

“In my pocket. Why?” I answered helping another girl who wanted a CD.

“Suzy’s been calling you…” Zacky said with his hand over the phone.

“Oh my God! What’s wrong?! What happened to Jayden?!” I yelled at him.

“Nothing’s wrong… he wants to tell mommy goodnight. Here.” Zacky replied handing me the phone.

“Hello? Jayden?”

“Hi mommy!” Jayden’s happy voice cheered, “Mommy, it’s loud there.”

“Yes it is sweetie. Are you being a good boy?” I asked holding my finger to my other ear to hear him better.

“Yes mommy. Me and McKenna are gonna make a pillow fort like me and Zacky.”

“Only if Mama Suzy says its okay.”

“She did mommy. I love you mommy.”

“I love you too little love. I’ll see you when you wake up ok. You sleep tight.”

“Don’t let the bed bugs bite!” he giggled, “Ok goodnight mommy. I love you! Tell Zacky to play good and I love him too!”

“Hold on you can tell him.” I said handing the phone back to Zacky who smiled big when Jayden told him.

“I will. Love you too little man. See you in a little bit.” Zacky told Jayden before hanging up.

“What’d he say?” Jimmy asked.

“He said to play good and that he loves me.” Zacky said still staring at the phone screen with a smile plastered on his face.

“Ahhh… look at that smile…” Jimmy said slinging an arm around Zacky’s shoulders, “Come on let’s go wander and let the lovely ladies work.”

“Hey! Don’t wander too much! You guys are on soon!” Val yelled from the other side of the booth, Jimmy waving her off as they walked away.

Val and I continued selling merchandise until one of the venue staff came over to the table letting us know that the band would be going on soon and they had requested us. I helped Val shut everything down and we made our way towards the door to the backstage and green room area. There was a man with a clipboard standing at the door, much like the first time I had come to meet up with everyone, except this time there was a girl with long blonde hair talking to him, obviously trying to get him to allow her in. I recognized the outfit as did Val, and she quickly grabbed my arm and pulled me off to the side within the growing crowd before Jojo saw us. We watched her flirt relentlessly with the guard but he wasn’t budging.

“Shit, why won’t she just go the fuck away?” Val mumbled.

“Let’s just go. He’s not going to let her in anyways.” I said as we stepped out from the crowd, making our way towards the door.

Jojo spotted us instantly, probably because of my bright red hair, and came right up to us, “Val! Can you tell the guy to let me in? I wanted to wish the boys good luck before the show since I missed them when you all left Johnny’s.”

“Uh, I don’t think so Jojo. It’s not really up to me.” Val replied.

“Come on Val, you know you could.” Jojo tried to coax her.

“No, I really can’t Jojo. It’s up to Zacky and he asked Chloe to come backstage tonight.” She tried to reason with her.

Jojo scoffed at Val’s answer before turning to me angrily, “Look here Chloe. I couldn't say anything earlier while he was here but since he isn't here now I have something to say. You left Zacky in the dirt when you moved to New York and I was the one here to pick up the pieces. Stay the hell away from him. He’s mine. You gave up your opportunity to be with him a long time ago. So move on bitch or you’re going to have to deal with me.”

I backed up from her as she poked her finger in my direction, certainly out of shock and not from fear of her. Val instantly became enraged by her supposed claim to Zacky and her threat to me.

“No, you look here Jojo! You can’t even fathom what Zacky and Chloe’s relationship was like! You don’t even know girl! Chloe will always have the upper hand because she’s the m-” Val yelled before I threw my hand over her mouth silencing her.

“Val! NO! DON’T!” I screamed at her.

The door suddenly flew open, Zacky and Matt standing there searching the large group of people for Val and I.

“Ohhh! Zacky!! Tell them to let me in please!” Jojo exclaimed as she turned on her heel and tried to talk around the security guard.

“No Jojo… I’m looking for someone… Hey! Chlo! Come on!” He yelled over to us.

“Oh come on Zacky! Let me in too!” Jojo begged.

“Sorry Jojo. Not enough space in the green room.” Matt said as he wrapped an arm around Val’s shoulders ushering her inside the doorway.

“Sorry Jojo.” I said smirking as Zacky’s hand found the small of my back and lead me inside after Matt.

“Sorry Chlo… I almost lost it out there.” Val apologized as we walked down the small hallway to the green room.

“It’s alright. Thanks for standing up for me.” I said wrapping my arms around her shoulders and kissing her cheek as she walked in front of me.

“What? Why? What happened?” Matt asked opening the door.

“Nothing. Girl shit.” Val replied as we went and took a seat on the empty couch in the room.

Zacky grabbed a beer, handing it to me, “Everything okay? Jojo starting some shit with you?”

“Everything’s fine Zee. Thanks for the drink.” I told him taking a big swig, “Are you excited for the show?”

“Every time, I love the sound of the crowd. I can’t wait until you bring Jay.” He said smiling down at me.

“He’ll love it.” I answered.

“I’ll love it.”

“Avenged Sevenfold you’re on in 5!” a stage hand opened the door and called out.

“Time to get ready…” Brian said standing from his chair and stretching.

Val and I sat drinking our beers as the guys finished up their pre-show rituals, laughing at some of the silly things they did. The stage manager came into the room telling the guys it was their time and when he opened the door we could hear the crowd cheering for them. Val and I followed the guys out of the room and up to the stage. One by one the guys gave us both hugs before heading out onto the stage, Zacky hugging me a little longer and kissing my cheek.

“What was that about?” Val leaned over and asked as they started to play.

“I really don’t know.” I answered holding my hand to my cheek.

We stood at the side of the stage, singing and cheering until they started to play ‘The Art of Subconscious Illusion’, Val handing me her beer as she stepped out on stage. The crowd went wild as she took the microphone from Matt and belted out her few lines of the song, jumping wildly, riling up the crowd even more. She came back over to the side with me and I handed her back her beer which she took a big drink from before wrapping her arm around my shoulder.

“I’m so glad you’re here! My sister doesn’t know what she’s missing!” Val yelled over Matt’s screaming.

That made me think again to the morning in my kitchen when she took the phone call in the other room. Brian’s anger and Val’s irritation at her had seemed unwarranted at the time, but now I could see more of why this dream of hers would make Brian upset. She should be here supporting her boyfriend, not wherever the hell she was.

“Where is she anyways?” I asked.

“She had to go to LA to meet with some people about her line… I don’t know who the fuck has meetings at 9 pm on a Saturday night but I’d rather be here any day!” She told me.

Maybe it was just me looking in from an outside perspective but something didn’t seem right with that. I had been in New York and had gone to countless dinner meetings but never so late on a Saturday night. Most people in that kind of work wanted to be drinking and partying by that time at night, not discussing business. I finished off my beer as the guys ended their set and came off stage, Jimmy wrapping his sweat drenched body around me as he tossed me over his shoulder and took off towards the green room laughing maniacally.

Notes

Sorry but I have been having lots of trouble updating on this site. If you love this story and have a wattpad account I suggest reading it on there as I update thru that site more frequently because it's easier and I can do it from my phone. I will be posting Ch. 21 today too if I can get this site to continue to cooperate with me. Hope you love it!