Avery’s POV

“Ugh, M this isn’t working!” I grumbled, hitting my head on the desk. With a frustrated growl, I picked up the wad of fabric and threw it on the floor. I was about at my wits end.

I had been trying to sew the same jacket for the past few hours and I wasn’t getting anywhere. I guess you could say that I was distracted, but I’m afraid that was an understatement. You see, I had been going crazy ever since Brian let five days ago. I knew he wasn’t doing anything but writing music with the guys, but I missed him more than I ever had before. And with him out of cell phone range, I was having a hard time not worrying about him. I mean, what if something happened to the guys when they were out there? How would they get help? It took everything in my power and Maya’s not to get in my car and drive out to Big Bear.

I wondered if they’d mind if Maya and I just showed up out of the blue? Not that we really knew where the Sander’s cabin was. But hey, they liked to party and so did we, so why not just show up with a home cooked meal? I bet they’d love it! But I knew better. I knew the guys needed that time to work together without distractions and Maya and I would just have to wait patiently for them to return in a few days.

“What’s up, Little Gnome?” Maya asked, looking at me with an absentminded expression. If truth be told, she really hadn’t been in her right state of mind either. We were both lonely and if it was possible, even a little homesick. Brian and Matt’s large houses were definitely not home without them, that was for sure.

“I just can’t do this right now,” I sighed, pulling my knees to my chest in the chair. All I could picture were those haunting brown eyes staring back into mine. Man I missed Brian and I hoped he was at least getting some of the messages that I was sending him. “I know we want to open the shop on Monday when the guys get back but I-I…” I couldn’t even put what I was feeling into words and I was being honest, I felt a little lost. It was like I was missing a piece of myself.

Maya sighed and looked up from the pricing list she was working on. “I know what you mean, Little Gnome, but we can’t sit home and eat ice cream and watch sappy romantic movies all day. We’ve got to get this done,” Maya said and I frowned. How was she pretending to be so strong right now? I always admired that about her. She was the glue that kept me together most of the time.

“Well can we at least take a break or something? Get out of the house for a little while to distract ourselves?” I asked, having no idea what we could do but anything sounded better than this Especially if I could talk Maya into letting me take us up to Big Bear…

Maya raised a brow at me and set the tablet aside. “Yeah, I think that would do us some good,” she nodded before getting up and stretching. “Let’s go out for dinner and then we can finish stocking what we have in the store before we head home. Sound good?”

I nodded and pulled on my half leather jacket that I had designed a couple of weeks ago. “And then maybe we can put the finishing touches on our dresses for when the guys come home,” I suggested, grabbing my purse. “Speaking of the guys…have you heard from them today?”

The deep frown on Maya’s face was enough to answer my question. “No, but I have a bad feeling that something is up with Matt. The last time I got to talk to him for a few seconds he seemed…off…” My eyes grew wide as I looked at her. Oh, no, I wonder what was going over at Big Bear. Matt wasn’t having second thoughts about my best friend was he? Oh please don’t let us go through that again! They were perfect for each other!

“And before you jump to conclusions, I don’t mean anything like the last time we were apart,” Maya concluded and I let out a sigh of relief. Damn, she really knew me too well—I was a worrier.

“Then what do you mean?”

“I don’t know how to explain it,” Maya frowned. “It just feel something’s up with him, cause I mean his voice was really scratchy on the phone. Though I guess that could have been the connection too. Ugh…just never mind.”

“Well did he say how things were going?” I continued to push for information. I had only gotten one quick text from Brian yesterday and that wasn’t nearly enough. I was like an addict that just couldn’t get a fix and Brian was my drug of choice. “Did he say anything about Brian?” I rushed out before she could even answer my first question.

Maya chuckled lightly before sadly shaking her head. “I could only make out a few words from the conversation. It really wasn’t enough to say anything and if he did say something about Gates, I didn’t hear it.”

“Damn,” I cursed as we climbed into my car. “I just wish they’d hurry up so they could come home…I’m so tired of sleeping in that big bed by myself,” I sighed dejectedly because the last thing I wanted to do was go home alone. I mean, have you ever been in Brian’s house alone? Its big, its scary, and very, very lonely. Sure, Pinkly was there, but was she really going to keep me in good company and occupy me for three days? No, she’s a fucking dog—a cute ass dog—but a dog nonetheless. The truth was, I missed Brian and I wasn’t even home yet. I knew I was going to be miserable as soon as I walked out the doors.

“The only good thing about sleeping are my dreams…at least he is there,” I sighed.

“I know what you mean,” Maya agreed as I drove to our favorite sushi place on the boardwalk. “But how about you and I have a sleep over tonight? Just us girls and we can send a picture to the guys. You know, make them remember what they left at home?” she asked, wiggling her eyebrows.

I threw my head back with a laugh as a blush spread over my face. “I love you, M, but I am not kissing you again. Those truth or dare games on tour were enough to last me a life time, no offense,” I giggled.

Maya joined in my laughter and playfully swatted her hand at me. “I wasn’t talk about that!” She chuckled. “I was thinking more like cuddled up together in our pajamas in Brian’s bed or something.”

“Wont Matt get jealous?” I teased.

“Not if we send him one too.” Maya stuck her tongue out at me. “Oh, and Chelsea texted me earlier today about some party tomorrow night. I guess she is having her college grad part and invited us to come over.”

I pursed my lips as I thought about the party. It would be a good distraction from Brian, but could we spare the evening to go? I mean, there was still so much left to do for the shop, especially if we planned on opening on Monday. That only gave use three days to get everything together. “I don’t know, M…”

“Weren’t you the one just telling me that you needed a distraction?” Maya countered and I sighed. I hated when she used my words against me and was right. I had been complaining about wanting a break all day.

“You’re right. I do need something help distract me…” I sighed. I knew I needed to do something different because I felt like I was going insane. All I could see were those brown eyes and damn everything reminded me of him or something that we did together. Hell, I was so in love with the guy that it pained me to be away from him and not hearing from him was agonizing. I honestly don’t think I’ve eaten anything besides ice cream since he left, well unless you count those Monster energy drinks I was knocking back. I just wasn’t hungry and felt sick whenever I tried. I know, I know, I’m a pitiful mess, but I couldn’t control it. The term missing him didn’t even begin to cover it.

After we parked and Maya began telling me about her opening day plans, I dug through my purse for my phone. Still nothing. I swear, I’m going to go fucking insane if I didn’t hear from him soon. My fingers scanned my contacts, landing on Brian’s picture for the hundredth time that day. He had on his scull cap beanie and was holding Pinkly with a silly look on his face. I know he said he didn’t have any service but maybe they needed to go a beer run and he would get it. A girl could hope right?

Hey sweetheart, I’m missing you so much it almost hurts. I can’t wait until you’re back home. Call me when you can. Love you <3 Ave

“Ave? Ave! Did you hear a word I just said?” Maya said, breaking me from my thoughts as I ran my fingers over Brian’s picture. “Sorry…what did you say?”

“I said, Chelsea needs an answer about the party tomorrow night. Are we going or not?” Maya repeated, taking my arm as I slid my phone back into my bag. We went out for a distraction, not for me to mope in public.

“Why the hell not? A night out with our college friends will be good for us. Maybe we can even use it a publicity for A & M Chic,” I said with a smile. I loved the name of our business and think that it suited our shop perfectly. We had an outside of the box style that the Californian’s would eat up; including beach and surf wears, not to mention the large section of party apparel.

“I love the way your mind works, Ave,” Maya gushed, pulling me into a hug. “That’s a brilliant idea! We could even bring some of our closest friends some free samples. Like Chelsea and Tabatha! Oh, this is going to be great!

After a dinner talking about everything from our new shop to the Chelsea’s party, Maya and I headed to the shop to put out the rest of our new inventory before heading to Johnny’s for a nightcap. But one drink easily turned into multiple as Maya and I started talking about a welcome home party for the guys. Damn I missed them.

I sighed and leaned my elbows on the bar, my mind wandering back to Brian—just like it always did. I missed that smile, those deep browns, the way he teased me, the touch of his skin against mine, the warmth he offered me every night, and lets not forget his amazing smell. That itself was addicting and just smelling it all over the house was pure torture.

“What’s with the long face, babe?” Maya slurred after the silence had settled between us for a few minutes. I think were both deep in though or daydreaming about our significant other.

Maya was sitting with her head in her hand. She looked like a mess and I knew she was missing Matt just as much as I was missing Brain. She was trying to be strong for me, but I could see it her eyes. Maya glanced down at her phone and a small smile spread over her face.

“Is that Matt?” I countered, not even answering her question because we both knew the answer.

“Yeah,” she smiled as I got a refill on my mixed drink. My head was really starting to spin from the alcohol. “But I don’t know when it’s from. He said they’ve got a good number of songs written and that he misses me and wishes I was here.” She stared longingly down at her phone like Matt would come out of the screen and I didn’t have the heart to tell her it wasn’t going to happen. I would let her have her drunk fantasy.

Maybe I got a text? Nope…still nothing. I groaned, pulling my hair slightly. Why was everyone else texting except for Brian? I hadn’t heard from him for twenty-four hours now. I’d even gotten a drunken text from Jimmy earlier today that I had no idea what it said—and let me tell you, Maya and I laughed about it for a good five minutes trying to figure out what it said. We decided that he was convinced that there were aliens in the woods that were trying to steal his Jager and knives.

“What Little Gnome?” Maya’s eyes were on me, looking at me with concern. She knew I didn’t take this kind of thing well.

A deep crease formed between my brows as I looked up into her brown eyes. “I haven’t heard from Brian…” My voice was soft as my eyes dart away, trying to avoid the moisture that was starting to pool there. “What if something happened?”

“Did you try texting him?”

“Of course I texted him!” I threw my hands up in the air in frustration. “I’ve only texted him about eight times and still I’ve got nothing!” It was true. I had texted him everything from How’s it going? to I miss you to Are you still alive? I know it sounded a bit desperate but I couldn’t help it. I was worried about him!

“Maybe Gates doesn’t have service?”

“But everyone else does?” Okay, so maybe Brian didn’t have the best phone because he refused to update his technology. I mean the guy didn’t even own a computer—get in the 21st Century, dude. Hell, then at least we could Skype or FaceTime if he had an iphone…well that is if they had service.

Maya sighed and gave me a pointed look. “Calm down, Little Gnome,” she said, her hand rubbing up and down on my back. “You and I both know that the guy’s service sucks and maybe Matt and Jimmy went into town for something and that’s why their messages came through? We had this problem all week and we both know that Gates isn’t ignoring. I promise, Ave,” Maya said reassuringly.

Okay, so maybe the alcohol was making blow things way out of proportion. I just needed to relax because I knew Maya was right. Brian did love me and I knew that. “I know…I’m just worried…I hate this.”

“Me too, love…so how about we head home and we cuddle up and watch a movie with some Ben and Jerry’s?” Now that was the best idea I’d heard all nice, especially since I barely touched my California Roll.

“Alright, Little Gnome, here we go,” Maya said, pulling the comforter over both of us a half an hour later. She started the movie as I rolled over and wrapped my arms around Maya with my head on her shoulder. It reminded me a lot of when we were kids and I snuck her into my room so she wouldn't have to sleep at her parents' house. We would cuddle like this all night long to make sure no one separated us.

“Thanks, M,” I mumbled in her as Maya pulled out her phone.

“No problem, Little Gnome, and remember it’s you and me against the world just like old times,” Maya said. I quickly leaned in and pressed a kiss to Maya’s cheek as she cuddled into me, taking a picture. “I’m sure the guys will love this…that is if they ever get it.”

“They will…eventually…” I smiled, closing my eyes, the alcohol making me feel really tired. “And in three days…they’ll be back home with us.”

Matt’s POV

“Shads what did you think of that lick?” Gates asked as I took a sip of my coffee. My throat felt like it was on fire and drinking fluids only reduced it to feeling like sandpaper. There was no denying that I had caught something, but I would push through for the guys. We needed to finish Jimmy’s new song Afterlife and my song about Maya.

“It sounds good,” I rasped, my voice barely making any sound. Fuck that wasn’t good at all! I was fucking useless if my voice didn’t work, especially since we wanted to record some demo’s here so we didn’t forget. Shit!

Gates and Jimmy both looked at each other before looking back at me. “Don’t tell me you’re fucking sick man,” Zack said with a loud sigh. Like this was my fault!? I didn’t ask to feel like I was dying, though I couldn’t get rid of the image of Maya in a little nurse’s costume taking care of me. That was fucking hot and I bet she would be a really good sport about it.

I shook my head and took another sip of my coffee, hoping the warm liquid would easy my symptoms to answer. “Nah, just something in my throat,” I lied, my voice sounding more normal. “I’ve just got morning voice.” Yeah morning voice that felt like an inferno burning in my throat.

Gates raised a brow at me, his fingers moving over the frets of his guitar. I could tell he didn’t buy what I was trying to sell, but it really wasn’t up to him. Not that I wanted to stay here any longer than we had to because I was missing Maya terribly. I wonder how she would feel about coming out here for a little get away weekend? Just her and I and no outside distractions. Yeah, that sounded like a plan.

“We’ve only got two more days here and we need to get these demo’s done,” Zacky continued, flipping the page in his notebook. “So Gates recorded Dear God yesterday so we have that one to take to the studio—“

“It’s just the melody and the chorus. We’ve got to get some other parts going in there because it’s not right yet,” Gates corrected and I nodded in agreement. The chorus was killer but the rest needed some work. “And so does Afterlife because I am not playing that lame ass line that the Rev wrote last night. It doesn’t go anywhere.”

“Bullshit it doesn’t go anywhere!” Jimmy countered, standing up to grab the bottle of Jager off the counter. I guess he was starting early with the alcohol today, though that didn’t sound like a bad idea. Maybe some shots of whiskey would cure whatever was going on with my throat? Hey, I was willing to do anything so that I didn’t have to listen to my best friends bitch. Not to mention that I didn’t want to be the reason we left early, even though I really wanted to.

“It’s like three notes over an over again, it’s boring as hell,” Gates responded, continuing the same argument we had last night.

“And like I told you, that is only the bass layer!” Jimmy shot back. “When we record we can stack shit and then it can sound all complicated and complex like you like it. But at least it’s something for now! So just play the damn part until we come up with the next layer!”

“What if we give that part to Johnny! I mean it matches his skill set!” Brain continued as I got up to grab the bottle of whiskey. Gates was a little touchy this morning and I wondered if that had something to do with not being able to get in touch with Avery yesterday. I knew he got a message from her, but we had no idea if the girls were getting our message.

“Hey!” Johnny said, holding up his middle finger. “Fuck you! I happen to like the Rev’s part, thank you very much!” I laughed and quickly took a shot of the whiskey, the burn making my eyes water and the burn even more intense. Okay, so maybe that wasn’t my best idea. God that fucking hurt!

“See! I told you it was sheer brilliance! Just play it, I’ve got an idea,” Jimmy instructed, earning a loud sigh from Gates. To my surprise, he reluctantly played it as Jimmy started to hum a rhythm guitar part only with Zacky. The only problem was that when I went to came time for me to sing, nothing came out.

“Very funny, Shads,” Zack said when all I could was make a squeaking rasping sound. Fuck, that was killing me right there.

“I’m-I’m not being funny,” I basically mouthed because very little sound came out. I could feel my swollen glands screaming and the postnasal drip even more after the shot. What the hell happened and where did this could come from. I coughed a few times and took another sip of my coffee as the guys looked at me. “I’m fine…” I rasped, my sound back, but only slightly.

“Fuck, you’re not fine,” Gates said, running his hands over his face. “You can barely talk. How the fuck are we going to record anything if you cant talk, let alone sing?”

I frantically shook my head. “Give me a few minutes…I-I” I coughed, trying to clear my throat. “I’ll take a shower and that will help. You just wait and see!”

“Shads don’t push it,” Jimmy said giving me a pointed look. “We don’t need to have you going in for vocal chord surgery again.”

I rolled my eyes and sighed as I stood up, heading for the bathroom. “You guys worry too much…I’ll be fine,” I said.

And hour later, my throat was feeling a little better but the swelling had increased, making it nearly impossible for me to swallow or talk. “Shit, now what are we going to do?” I heard Johnny ask the group as I got up to blow my nose. Yeah, that was happening too.

“Well, we cant very well make him sing when his voice is like that,” Gates said and I sighed. “He doesn’t need to damage his chords so…I think maybe we should just head home early. I’m sure the girls would hate that.” I could hear the smirk in his voice from where I was standing and I couldn’t even see his face.

I saw Zack sigh and run his hands over his face as I came back around the corner. “We still have work to do, we just cant pack up and leave!”

“Well, we cant stay here while Shads is sick either,” Jimmy said as I stopped behind them crossing my arms. They didn’t even notice that I had returned. “That would be like cruel and unusual punishment. We don’t even have soup and ever good Knife Master knows that you need soup when you’re sick!”

“We can always pick up in the studio because we totally have enough starts to get the recording process rolling. So let’s pack up and head home. There is no sense in making Shads miserable,” Gates said and I smiled, my thoughts instantly going to Maya.

“So I guess that’s it then? We’re going home?” Johnny asked, looking confused around the group.

“We’re going home,” I rasped with a small smile.

Notes

Sorry for the delay with the update again, guys...I've been really super busy lately. But the good news is that I will be done coaching in two weeks so hopefully after that updates will come more steadily! Thank you for sticking with us! There is much more to come! :)

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<3 Kay