| Chapter Two "I'm always here," Justin told Serenity as they walked back to the house a few minutes later. "If you ever need to talk...." "I know, Justin. And if I ever need to talk, I'll call you." "Even if we're on the road, you call me. I don't care if it's the middle of the night. I'll always be willing to talk." "Yes, Justin. You've told me that before." "Just want to make sure you know." Justin held open the door for her, then walked inside, closing the door behind him. "Everyone ready for dinner?" "Finally you bring up dinner," Joey said. "I'm starving." Everyone laughed. "Joey, you're always starving," Brianna said. "Not just for food either," he whispered in her ear. Brianna's face flushed. "Joey!" Rianne exclaimed, rolling her eyes. "You didn't hear what I said; you couldn't have," Joey defended himself. "No, I didn't hear you, but I took a wild guess," Rianne said. "It was quite easy, knowing you and seeing Brianna flush." Joey grinned. "What can I say? The Italian Stallion is always hungry." Everyone laughed. They all knew that Joey was the hormonal one of the group. Brandi walked over to Serenity. "Is everything okay?" "Yeah," Serenity replied. "There are just a few things I need to sort out." "If you need to talk, I'm here." "Yes, I know. You're there, Justin's there, and I'm sure the other guys are there, too." "And the girls. We all care, Serenity. Remember that." "I will." Dinner was a loud, rowdy affair, like always. There was lots of laughter, lots of arguing, and lots of talking. They didn't get together as one big group all that often, so when they did, they always had lots to talk about. It was even worse when the Backstreet Boys joined them. Nick was Brandi's cousin, and they were all good friends. When they all got together, which didn't happen that often, it was like a huge party. Everyone talking, music blaring, and everyone having a good time. Serenity left right after dinner. Justin walked her to the door. "Why are you leaving so soon?" he asked. "I've got to talk to Mike{her boyfriend}. We have a few things that need to be worked out." "Is everything okay between you and the asshole?" "Does everyone hate him?" Serenity asked, glancing at Justin. "It's not that I hate him, it's that I don't think he's good for you. And you know that. I've told you before." "Yeah, I know, Justin. Just like you've told me your opinions on all of my boyfriends." "None of them were good for you." "Then who's good for me?' Serenity asked as she walked out the door and towards Mike's sports car. I am, Justin thought. I'm perfect for you. Those thoughts popped in his mind suddenly; where they came from, he didn't know. But he knew they were right. Ever since he'd met Serenity, he'd hadn't felt anything for any other woman. He'd still dated, but had misread any feelings for any of his girlfriends since meeting her. Justin stood in the doorway for a few minutes, lost in thought. Should I tell her? he asked himself. She's going through a lot right now; she doesn't need to be told of my feelings for her. But it's not like me to keep them hidden. Justin sighed and walked inside the house, closing the door behind him. He'd sleep on it, and decide in the morning. No, he thought, I'll talk to her tomorrow, and decide then. But I have to tell her I love someday. I won't let myself be plagued by what-ifs. |
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