Next Day
Orlando, Florida

Amanda opened her eyes only to immediately regret the action when the offensive sun hit her eyes. Her head ached while experiencing a bad case of thirst. Blindly reaching to the nightstand next to the kind-sized plush bed she laid in, she found the object she’d been searching for. Grabbing the remote control and tossing the comforter over her head, she dared to open her eyes once again. Finding the button she needed she pressed it quickly, watching the sun that threatened to penetrate the comforter, turn into darkness. Slowly taking the comforter off her head, she thanked God her best friend had spent an excess amount of money getting remote controlled blinds installed in all the bedrooms.

With a grunt she tossed the comforter to the side and scooted herself to the edge of the bed. She stared at the bathroom’s door across the room, for a few minutes, contemplating the excruciating effort it would take to walk over to it. She knew the minute her feet hit the plush light pink carpeting; her head would go into overload, spinning like a roller coaster ride from hell.

Deciding that it was best if she got out of bed at a decent hour, although the clock on the far wall indicated it was past noon, she stood and waited for the bomb to be dropped on her head. Surprisingly her head didn’t spin as much as she’d anticipated, which encouraged her to walk toward the door slowly and careful not to make sudden moves.

After a shower, she got dressed in comfortable baggy gray sweats she’d gotten from Trace’s room, and a pink tank top she found at the top of her laundry basket, located by the bedroom door.

Shortly after pinning her hair up in a messy bun, she headed out of the room grabbing the half empty bottle of rum from the dresser along with the shot glass; she’d been fond of the night before.

The house seemed oddly quiet as she walked toward the kitchen. She’d expected to find Trace stirring up his eggs over the stove, making himself breakfast although it was past noon. Justin would undoubtedly be sitting at the kitchen counter, his left leg up on the foot bars of the kitchen island’s stool, reading the sports section of the paper, while drinking a cup of coffee. Instead she found the mess Trace had created all over the kitchen counter with the mentioned eggs. The sports section of the paper laying across the kitchen island, an empty mug next to it. By the silence of the house she knew that they had to be out of the house, because they never did anything quietly.

“They left without me. Punks!!” she said to herself, deciding on skipping breakfast, opting for a cup of black coffee, she sat on Justin’s stool, grabbing the paper he’d left behind. A piece of paper, being held down by Justin’s used mug caught her attention. Lifting the cup she found a note addressed to her, with a big smiley face next to her name.

Jojo :)
T and I went out of town for a few hours.
We’ll be back by seven.
Be ready to go out for dinner.
Your homeboy, J

“Out of town?” she wondered out loud with a raised brow in confusion. When realization hit, she dropped the piece of paper, sending it to the floor along with the newspaper, “GOD DAMNIT!!! When are you two going to listen to me? I told you I was fine!!”

With a loud grunt, she got up from the stool and headed for Justin’s bar. She needed something stronger than coffee, to rid the soon reappear headache. “Damnit!!”

--------------

Atlanta, Georgia
Same time

Exiting the ESPN offices, Justin and Trace were relieved. They were on a scheduled and having to stick around in the offices, chatting away with people they both knew wasn’t what they had in mind. Both tired from the multiple flights they both endured, neither said anything as they headed toward the black suv, Justin had rented for the few hours they planned on being in Atlanta.

“This isn’t looking good,” Justin said as he backed the large automobile out its parking space, heading toward the exit. “He hasn’t been to work today and he’s not answering his phone. What should we do? Were does he hang out?”

“Look man, I’m not driving around Atlanta looking for someone I don’t fucking give a shit about. Go to the apartment, if he’s not there then we’ll just have to wait until Manda tells us what’s wrong.”

“She’s not going to tell us anytime soon, T. You know it too cause you wouldn’t have come with me.”

“I told you to schedule the flight here when we were in New York, but no, you had to fall for her whining about wanting to come home with us.”

“Whatever. We’ll go to the apartment and see if Jeremy is there. I’m sure he’ll tell us what this is all about.”

“What makes you so sure? He’s an asshole. The only reason I agreed to this escapade was because waiting around for Manda to talk is like watching paint dry. I could care less what the asshole has to say. I hope they broke up for good so I don’t have to see him again.”

“You’re forgetting that you may hate him but Amanda loves him, T.” Justin said dejectedly.

“No she doesn’t,” Trace shrugged. “She just hasn’t realized it yet.”

“I hope you’re right, T, for my sake.”

“I’m always right, J. Now stop being a little bitch and let’s go talk to this asshole friend of yours.” Trace said as they entered the parking lot to the apartment building.

Making their way through the quiet lobby, Justin pulled his hat further down his head, when he saw a group of young girls, while telling himself that everything would work out. He found himself cringing at the thought that Jeremy might have insinuated something regarding him, to Amanda. He knew he was probably being paranoid, but the feeling was becoming overwhelming. Partly he knew, was due to the fact that he was nearing the edge. The edge of restraining himself from telling Amanda how he felt, how he’s felt for a long, long time.

“Did you see his car out there? I didn’t look.” Trace asked as they entered the elevator for the fifteenth floor.

“Yeah, it’s out there.” Justin said as they ascended toward the top floor.

“Well I hope he’s in a descent mood because I don’t know how much I can bare it.” Trace huffed. “If the asshole would answer his phone, we wouldn’t have to be here,” he said as they stepped onto the floor where Jeremy and Amanda resided.

“Just try to be civilized, Trace. You’ve done it all your life.”

“Yeah well I’ve only been civil because my two best friends are morons, and can’t listen to what I say.” Trace said with a shrug.

“Shut up.” Justin said knocking on the door to the apartment. Several knocks later, the door swung open to reveal Jeremy’s clearly distressed form.

“You look oddly familiar.” Trace said to Jeremy, walking into the apartment uninvited.

“What?” Jeremy asked, closing the door after Justin followed Trace into the apartment.

“Manda looks just like you do. Care to explain?” Trace asked.

“No, I don’t care to explain.” Jeremy said grabbing an empty box from the floor, and continuing his packing.

“Going somewhere?” Justin asked curiously.

“Why are you here?” Jeremy asked annoyed with the presence of the two, but not surprised that they were there.

“What do you mean what are we doing here? Why the fuck do you think we’re here?” Trace snapped from the seat he’d taken across the room.

“I don’t recommend you start your shit with me today, Trace.” Jeremy said calmly, placing his bronze football trophy into the box.

“I could care less what you recommend, Jeremy,” Trace shrugged. “What did you do to Manda?”

“Why is it, that you two assume I did something to her? Ever thought of the possibility that she might have done something to me?”

“Not likely, Owens,” Justin said with a shrug of his own. “You gonna tell us what happened, so we can maybe help?”

“Help? Seriously Timberlake, you’re not here to help, we both know that.” Jeremy said before looking at Trace. “So save me the protective brothers bull shit, I’m busy here.”

“Cut the shit, Jeremy. What the hell did you do, to make her come to us?” Justin asked a bit offended that his friend was being drastically cold toward him.

“I don’t make her go to you, I’ve spent countless days trying to prevent that actually.” Jeremy said walking toward the kitchen. “Amanda is a grown woman, no one makes her do anything, except for you, that is.”

“What does that mean?” Justin asked from the living room. “We’re here to try to help not argue over stupid shit. You’re trying to push buttons, Owens.”

“Am I pressing the right buttons, Justin? I bet I am, cause I know Amanda’s buttons like the back of my hand, yours are located at exactly the same spot hers are in.” Jeremy chuckled bitterly.

“What are you talking about? You keep making comments that seem come out of your ass, and quite frankly it’s pissing me off. Say what you want to say and stop with all the bullshit.” Justin said angrily walking over to the kitchen, standing a few feet away from him. Justin wasn’t sure why he suddenly felt anger rise out of him, but he knew what the other man was about to say, wouldn’t make him happy to be there.

“You don’t want me to say what I really want to say, Justin. And I suggest you simmer down.” Jeremy said walking up, face to face with Justin.

“What’s your problem man?” Justin said not backing up.

“You are my problem. You’ve always been my problem.” Jeremy said backing up from Justin to lean against the kitchen counter. “Are you here to settle the score, after Amanda filled you in?”

“What the fuck are you talking about? We’re here to find out what happened. Why my cousin isn’t coming back here? Why she locked herself in her fucking bedroom, drowning her fucking sorrows with a bottle of rum? That’s what we’re here for, asshole!! So why don’t YOU cut the shit? What happened?” Trace said joining the other two in the kitchen, his face red from the restraint he’d been having to keep, since he walked into the apartment.

“You two have no idea, do you?” Jeremy said with a chuckle once again. “She didn’t tell you.”

“No, that’s why you’re going to, Owens.” Justin said with his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned on the opposite counter.

“I told her you wanted to fuck her,” Jeremy said with a shrug and evil smirk on his lips.

“WHAT!?” Justin asked in shock.

“Isn’t that the truth, Timberlake? Haven’t you been wanting to fuck her for years, now? Haven’t you wanted my girl since we were eight?” Jeremy said maliciously. “Isn’t that why you’re here?”

“Don’t talk about my cousin like that, asshole!” Trace said stepping closer to Jeremy, making their height differences clearly evident.

“Chill out, T,” Justin said grabbing Trace’s arms and standing in between the two. “What are you trying to accomplish, Owens? If you’re trying to purposely piss us off, it’s working. I’m trying to be a friend here, you’re pushing it.”

“You’re afraid to admit it aren’t you?” Jeremy asked Justin with a laugh.

“What happened with Manda? Other than her finally realizing you’re a fucking lowlife?” Trace asked angrily.

“Trace, I’m sick of your fucking mouth. Why don’t you go sit your ass over there,” Jeremy snapped, pointing to the couch in the living room. “so I can tell Justin whatever it is he wants to know.”

“How about not, fuck-face.” Trace said stepping dangerously close to Jeremy.

“Back off, Trace. Don’t underestimate me, I don’t give a shit how long I’ve known you. Don’t step to me.” Jeremy sneered.

“What are you trying to do? Threatened me? I’m not scared of you and I’ve never been, fucker!” Trace said shoving Jeremy against the counter.

“Trace, chill out!!” Justin yelled. “Why are you talking about Amanda like she’s some fucking girl? What’s your problem, Jeremy?”

“You keep asking me the same fucking questions, Justin!” Jeremy said pushing Trace off of him. “I’m not saying it again, Trace. BACK OFF!!”

Having to stand there listening to Jeremy, not only talk to Justin the way he was, but also refer to his cousin as if she was anyone out on the street, had triggered the pent up anger he’d been having for over ten years. With one swift move, Trace swung his right fist connecting it with one hard blow with Jeremy’s left eye. A smug smile appearing on his face as he watched Jeremy bent over in pain and shock.

“Damnit, T.” Justin said grabbing Trace by the back of his shirt and pushing him toward the door, while Jeremy bent over in pain, momentarily out of it. “WAIT OUTSIDE FOR ME!!”

“NO!! WHY ARE YOU DEFENDING HIM, J! ALL THAT SHIT HE’S SAYING TO YOU AND YOU’RE JUST GOING TO STAND THERE?! FUCK HIM!!” Trace yelled as he was pushed outside the door. “WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?”

“WAIT OUTSIDE!!” Justin said closing the door on his best friends face. Wanting to have a civilized conversation with Jeremy, Justin knew that having Trace in that equation, wouldn’t have allowed that. He’ll have to deal with the consequences of treating his best friend that way later.

“Why don’t you do the same Justin?” Jeremy said holding his hand over his eye. “Little fucker, I’m going to kill him.”

“He’s just angry and you deserved that, Owens. Why don’t we just chill out for a minute so that we can talk?”

“Talk about what, Justin? Talk about the fact that you want my girl? I’d rather not, I’ve dealt with that basically all my life. I’m not continuing it.”

“Why would you think that? You have nothing to base that on.” Justin said calmly, avoiding eye contact as much as he could.

“How long have we been friends, Justin?” Jeremy asked just as calmly as he retrieved ice from the freezer, taking his spot against the counter once again.

“Seventeen years.”

“You can’t even look at me right now and you’re asking me what I’m basing it on? I’m not stupid Justin, I know how you feel about her.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about, Jeremy.”

“I think I do, Justin,” Jeremy said with a shrug. “because I feel the same way toward her. And as of yesterday she used to feel the same way about me. At least she thought she did. She has spent her whole life with me, but fails to realize that she has also spent it with you. That’s why she’s so happy all the time. She’s had the best of both worlds all her life.”

“What? You keep talking about Amanda like she was a stranger. If you love her..”

“Don’t question my love for Amanda, Justin! I love her more than you can imagine.”

“I’m not questioning anything. I know you love her but you keep talking about her like she hasn’t been there for you, or loved you all your life.”

“Why are you trying to avoid the real subject here, Justin? Are you going to tell me that I’m wrong? You’re going to tell me that you don’t want her?”

“No.”

“I didn’t think so.”

“What do you want me to say? That I’m proud of the fact, Jeremy? I’m not proud of having put you through this, I can’t help how I feel. Just like you can’t help the way she makes you feel. It just happened.”

“You could have backed off.”

“Backed off what? She’s my best friend and you can’t expect me to drop her like a bad fucking habit just because I’m your friend too. It’s not fair.”

“So, it’s fair that she loves both of us? I’m so angry at her right now, I honestly wish I didn’t love her as much as I do.”

“She doesn’t love me like she loves you, Jeremy. And it’s alright cause I know you love her and she deserves to be happy. I’m not trying to come between the two of. You both mean a lot to me.”

“I cheated on her.” Jeremy blurted out.

“What?”

“I cheated on her with Jessica a few months ago.”

“What?”

“I cheated on her. Are you fucking deaf? I fucked someone else behind her back. Don’t look so hurt, Justin. Isn’t that what you wanted? For us to be finished so that you could move in on my girl? Huh?” Jeremy laughed bitterly. “And you know what’s fucked up about that? While I cheated on her, you know where she was?”

“How could you do that to her?” Justin asked heatedly.

“SHE WAS WITH YOU!!” Jeremy yelled. “How could I do that? Well shit, Justin you should know how it is. You’ve had your share of  free lays, why shouldn’t I be entitled too?”

“Trace is right. You really are an asshole and a lowlife.” Justin’s arms were on either side of him, his hands holding the counter’s edge in a death grip. His head was spinning out of control. If Jeremy was telling the truth, he knew how emotionally devastated his best friend must be. What was odd though, was the fact that although she was indeed acting strange, she hadn’t even cried. “How could you betray her that way? She’s been by your side your whole life.”

“Honestly Justin, don’t you think I know that? I know that she has been with me through everything but then again so have you. So did I betray you too? Oh no wait, that’s what you’ve been doing, isn’t it? Falling in-love with MY girl.” Jeremy said making quotation marks when he said love.

“I’m sorry you feel that way, Jeremy. You can’t stand here and say that I’ve been a bad friend to you because I have not. You know that I’ve always been available to you, to Trace and to Amanda, so for you to stand here and say that I have betrayed you, is bullshit. I’ve never made any romantically driven gesture toward Amanda because I have respect for you and for her. And I thought that I was getting the same respect from you, but apparently I’m not.”

“I wasn’t the one following your girl around on the pretense of being her best friend, Justin.”

“I don’t follow Amanda around, Owens. I never have. She’s my best friend and I’m not going to push her away just because I love her more than I should. I’m definitely not going to push her away now, that you’ve decided that you want to cheat on her.”

“Well at least now you’re admitting it.”

“What the fuck do you want me to say, Jeremy? That I’m sorry I love her? I’m not sorry. Just because you’re one of my best friends doesn’t change that.” Justin said. “I am sorry that I’ve let it go this long.”

“Why regret it now?”

“Because I swear to you that I never wanted her to find out this way. For you to find out this way.”

“You can fucking relax, Justin. I didn’t say anything to her about you. She threw me out of here the other night. I haven’t talked to her and I haven’t been worried because I knew she would…”

“Be with me.”

“Yeah.”

“She hasn’t said anything to us.”

“She doesn’t care.”

“Yes, she does.”

“No, she doesn’t, Justin. It fucking sucks to know that your girlfriend of thirteen years doesn’t give a shit.”

“I don’t think you gave a shit when you were screwing someone else.”

“Whatever, Justin. I could care less what you think. You got what you wanted. Amanda is free, you’re free too. Even in this situation, Mr. I-get-whatever-I-want doesn’t loose. You no longer have to worry about hurting me, your friend, because as of  today, I don’t know you. We’re no longer friends. We never were.”

“That’s how you’re going to be?”

“That’s how it’s always been, Justin.” Jeremy said walking over to the door and opening it. “Get out.”

“Fine.” Justin said walking toward the door. Stopping to look at him he shook his head in anger and in disappointment. “She’ll be happier with me anyway.” Justin said as he walked out onto the hallway, cringing as the door slammed behind him.

---------------

Orlando, Florida

Amanda heard the sound of the front door being slammed loudly, causing her to sit up. Looking at the clock over Justin’s many arcade machines in the game room, she noticed that it was past six o’clock and that she’d been passed out for over three hours. The front door opened and slammed again, indicating that a second person was in the house. Remembering that she had a bone to pick with the two of them she made her way out to the living room where she found Justin sitting on the sofa, eyes closed, head rested on the backrest of the large sofa.

“Why didn’t you tell us, Amanda?” he asked without opening his eyes, sensing that she’d been standing behind the sofa.

“Why couldn’t you guys wait until I was good and ready to tell you?” she snapped back.

“Are you alright?” Justin asked looking at her this time, sadness emitting from his eyes.

“I’m okay, I guess. I’ll be fine. I just wanted to be away without having to answer questions, Justin. Why did you guys have to go over there?”

“You knew we would. You came in here yesterday, not really saying much, then go into your room with a bottle of liquor. What were we supposed to do?”

“Leave me alone?”

“We did, last night. Trace was dying to shake whatever was wrong out of you, but I told him to back off.” Justin said. “But we weren’t going to wait around till you told us what happened. We don’t operate that way, Amanda. You know that. You coming to us with lots to say and yet saying nothing makes no sense.”

“Are you mad at me now? What the fuck for?” Amanda snapped, as she sat across from him, legs tucked under her.

“No one’s mad at you, Amanda.” Justin said getting up and sitting next to her. “I just need to know that you’re okay. You can’t be.”

“Why not? Because he was my life? Because he cheated on me after all these years? I should be trying to commit suicide now, huh?” Amanda laughed cynically.

“Are you drunk?” Justin asked with a raised brow.

“Not at all.” Amanda lied. “Are we going out to dinner or what? I was thinking some club or something too, afterwards.”

“Amanda?”

“Justin?” Amanda laughed.

“You’re avoiding.”

“You’re being a pain. I don’t want to talk about anything, Justin. Don’t you get it?”

“No I don’t get it. Why are you acting as if nothing has happened? This is pretty serious stuff, Amanda.”

“Why do you keep calling me Amanda anyway? What happened to Jojo?” Amanda asked curiously.

“She’s apparently drunk.” Justin said eyeing her.

“I’m not drunk. I’ve been in this house, pissed off that you guys didn’t listen to me, so I had a drink or two. No big deal. Now are we going out or not?”

“If you want to.” Justin said.

“I want to. I’m pissed at you and Trace, but I want to go out.” Amanda said getting up from the couch, shoving him to the side. “Speaking of, where did he go?”

“He went up to his room. He’s not speaking either.”

“Why not?”

“Take a wild guess, Amanda.”

“What does Jojo mean?” Amanda asked curiously.

“What?” Justin asked surprised at the sudden change of subject.

“What does Jojo mean?”

“Where is that question coming from?”

“Just curious.”

“You never asked before.”

“I never thought about it.”

“And you thought about it now?”

“Yeah I guess.” Amanda shrugged. “I’m going to go check on Trace and get ready.”

“Trace isn’t in the mood!!” Justin said loudly as she trekked up the stairs. He grunted as he took his previous position on the couch, closing his eyes. “This is going to be a nightmare.”
 

*Author’s Note: Thanks to my co-worker and friend, Jen Pizarro, for helping out. I appreciate the feedback and suggestions. Also thanks to Jessica B. for putting up with my constant writer’s block. Love ya, girls!!