Did I ever mention how much I fucking hate neighbor boy? Yeah, he doesn’t even get the pleasure of me calling him by his real name. He’s basically kidnapped Alyssa for the last three days and I’d be cool with it, if he wasn’t such a dick to me. I’ve tried calling Alyssa to get together but every time I do, he picks up the phone and practically hangs up on me. Needless to say, he’s not high on my list.
I haven’t seen her since Ryan, I mean neighbor boy, got into town and dragged her away. I never realized how much I depend on her every day. It’s kind of scary how much I miss having her there to just smile and laugh at my jokes or keep me company. She’s definitely a big part of my life out here and it took him coming here to make me realize it.
Thankfully though, she’s gotten away from the psycho and asked me to go to lunch with her. I’m waiting in the lobby for her to come and pick me up and I can’t wait to see her. I know its lame, but I bought her a lily because I know it’s her favorite flower. I just wanted to give her something to show her that I appreciate her friendship. Finally, I spot her car pull into the parking lot and she steps out. Her hair is blowing around her face and her blue eyes are covered by a pair of dark sunglasses. Her small frame is clad in a turquoise tank top, white shorts and a pair of black flip flops. Totally and completely Alyssa. Damn, I’ve missed her.
“Hey there stud.” She says once I make my way out of the hotel towards her.
Bringing my hand out from behind my back I handed her the flower and wrapped my arms around her. “About damn time Alyssa!”
She laughs into my shoulder. “I know, I’m sorry Justin. I’ve just been really busy catching up with Ryan. Forgive me?”
She bats her eyelashes at me and sticks her bottom lip out. How can I stay mad at her? “Yeah…whatever. Let’s get going I’m starving.”
After a quick drive to a local restaurant, we are finally sitting outside at a table overlooking the beach. The conversation has been non-stop…I haven’t been able to really talk to her for the past couple of days that there’s so much to fill her in on.
“So basically, once I get back to California I’m going to be filming Shrek III. Honestly, I can’t believe that the director wants me in that film.” I finished saying while Alyssa stared wide-eyed at me. Yesterday, I found out that the producers of the Shrek dynasty want me to be in their upcoming film. What a fucking honor to be involved with such a huge film. Even though, Cameron will be a part of the film, there was no way in hell I was turning that down. I can suck it up and be a man.
“Wow Justin, that’s great! Congratulations.” Alyssa says before turning her attention back to her menu.
I’m a little put off with her hiding behind the menu and that she isn’t sharing my excitement. “You don’t sound too excited about it.”
Alyssa sighs and looks up to me. “No, I really am excited for you. That’s a great opportunity for you. I don’t know, I guess it’s just a little weird to think of you acting and singing because I’ve never seen that side of you. To me, you’re just like a regular guy and here you are telling me you’re going to be in this huge blockbuster. It’s crazy.”
“I guess…I don’t know it’s a part of my life.”
“I know that. Listen, let’s change the subject…what have you been up to around here since I haven’t been to work lately?”
I took a sip of water and leaned back in my chair. “The usual…surfing, running and getting molested by Mrs. Smith.”
Alyssa cracks a smile and I’ve been waiting forever to see her light up like that again. “I bet she’s thrilled to have you to herself lately.”
“She is, but I’m not. You’re like my protector and since you haven’t been around she’s definitely been on the prowl.” I laugh.
“Well I promise I won’t be ditching you anytime soon. So she’ll have to back off.” Alyssa says while playfully touching my arm.
“I’ll hold you to that promise Alyssa.”
“I hope you do Justin.”
This lunch was exactly what I needed. It’s kind of sick how quickly I’ve become attached to this girl. She’s like my only source of entertainment and happiness here in North Carolina and since she’s been gone…it gets pretty lonely. Finally, I have my partner in crime back and I hope neighbor boy takes a hike soon. Speaking of neighbor boy, he’s on his way over to our table. How convenient? He just happens to be walking nearby the restaurant.
“Ryan, what are you doing here? I thought I was going to meet you later?” Alyssa asks when she sees him approaching us.
“I was just taking a walk along the beach and saw you two. Just thought I would come and say hey.” He says leaning against the railing of the porch.
“Ryan, you remember Justin.” Alyssa motions towards me.
I could’ve sworn I saw anger pass through his eyes when he looked over at me. Reluctantly, he shook my hand again. I can tell that this guy despises me as much as I do him. This could definitely make for a very uncomfortable lunch.
Suddenly, Alyssa stands up from her chair and excuses herself to the bathroom. How nice she leaves me out here with this lame ass alone.
“So Justin, I can tell you don’t like me very much. But the feelings mutual. Just what are you planning on doing with Alyssa?” His spits out.
A little taken aback from his words, I try and compose myself and be the mature one here. Obviously he’s not going to take the high road. “I’m not planning on doing anything. She’s just a friend.”
“Oh please.” He scoffs. “You celebrities are all alike. You don’t give a shit about anyone besides yourself. If you haven’t notice, Alyssa cares about you. I don’t know why but she does and once you leave, she’ll be cut off from everything that you entail. She’s my best friend and I’ve loved her for so long. I won’t sit back and watch you work your way into her life and then just disappear.”
I can feel the anger rising in my stomach. This asshole thinks he has me pegged for something I’m not. “I never said I would cut her out of my life. Just because I go back to California doesn’t mean we won’t continue to be friends.”
Suddenly Ryan stops talking and the anger that was once shining in his eyes is gone. Looking behind me I notice Alyssa walking towards us. “Leave her the fuck alone if you know what’s good for you.” He warns before diverting his attention back to Alyssa.
“I hope you boys behaved.” She said before sitting back down.
“Absolutely Lys! Well you two enjoy lunch…I’ll see you later. Nice talking to you Justin.” Ryan says before turning around and leaving Alyssa and I alone.
I’m completely shocked by the exchange that just happened between Ryan and I. I never thought he would be the overprotective type. But this was different, he wasn’t warning me because he looks at Alyssa like a sister. Oh no, he’s totally head over heels for her and she doesn’t have a clue. That’s what is pissing him off so much, not the fact that I’m a celebrity. He’s in love with her and she’s paying more attention to our friendship than theirs.
“Alyssa you ready to go?” I ask abruptly.
She looks at me funny and then smiles. “Yeah sure let’s go.”
________________________________________________________________________
After the most awkward conversation at lunch with Ryan, I was kind of glad Alyssa left me alone for the night. I wanted some time to really figure out where I stood with her. I haven’t ever been threatened for being friends with someone before and this was all really new to me. Ryan had a point though…was I being unrealistic to think that we’d be friends after I left here? My life is so different back in California and I know she doesn’t want to get involved with that side. But that side is a part of my everyday routine and maybe we’re just two different people who met at the wrong time.
Mindlessly, I flipped through the channels on the TV before settling on Sports Center. I have been so busy surfing and hanging out with Alyssa that I’ve really been missing my sports. Thank God, it isn’t basketball season right now. As they went through highlights of the baseball games, there was a soft knock on my door. Not expecting anyone, I ignored it. It was probably someone just looking to get a picture. However, the knocking persisted and started getting louder.
Quickly, I got up from the bed and opened the door. I was completely shocked to see Alyssa standing there her hair strewn about and this defeated look on her face.
“Come in.” I said opening the door wider for her to pass through.
Once inside, she wrapped her arms around my neck and sighed. “I’m sorry…I didn’t know where else to go.”
“What’s wrong?” I asked giving her a squeeze before releasing her from my grasp.
“Ryan is wasted off his ass and is acting like an idiot. I couldn’t handle being at home anymore.” She says walking over to my bed and sitting down. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“No it’s fine.” I confirmed while sitting down next to her.
“I hate it when he drinks. He acts like the biggest asshole.” I know she needs to vent so I just nod my head encouraging her to proceed. “He starts in on how I’m too nice to people and that I shouldn’t trust you. So I got angry with him and told him he doesn’t even know you.”
“You didn’t have to defend me…”
“I know but I wanted too. I mean he was attacking one of my friends and that just wasn’t cool with me.” I smiled. “I know we just met each other a month ago but our friendship is important to me. I wasn’t going to just let him knock something that I hold close to my heart.”
I didn’t really know what to say to that. This girl is definitely someone worth making the extra effort for. Here she is defending a friendship that is completely new to her best friend for years.
“Well you’re welcome to stay here.” I said laying my arm around her shoulder.
“Thanks Justin.”
“Anytime Alyssa.”
It wasn’t long before she was snuggled deep under the covers and sleeping peacefully. After watching TV for a little bit, I felt my eyes start to flutter shut and I turned the lights off. Trying not to wake her, I slipped under the covers and faced her sleeping form. The light from outside was shining just enough into the room to illuminate her face. She looked completely peaceful lying there and her hair strewn about the pillow. Her cheeks were rosy and her lips were slightly swollen from sleep. She looked absolutely beautiful and I felt my breath catch in my throat. Because for the first time, I looked at her as more than a friend and it scared me.
Author's Chapter Notes:
Hey there!! Thank you all so much for the reviews! It's great to hear from you and that you're enjoying the story. Well here's the newest update..I hope you like it! :) Please continue to review and let me know what you think! :)
Story Tags: daddyj
