Picture Perfect

Instead of sitting my Andy and Juliet, I sat my Ashley instead. I didn’t feel like touching shoulders with Andy. No one else knew that I was extremely tense except Andy, but he didn’t point it out.

“So how did you guys meet?” I asked with a fake smile.

“On Vans Warped Tour. At the end of the day there’s always some type of barbeque with all the bands on tour and that’s where I met Andy.” Juliet replied.

“Aw that’s so sweet.” I said with fake enthusiasm. I could feel Andy’s eyes on me but I just kept my attention on Juliet. I honestly wanted to get to know the girl dating my best friend and the love of my life.

“Andy tells me you’re into photography and that you work for a magazine.” Juliet pointed out.

“Yes I do. It’s an indie magazine called Vibez.” I lied. I haven’t worked at Vibez in almost nine months, but nobody knows that.

“Well I would love to see your work.” Juliet said. She was really genuine. I kinda hated the fact that I was liking her.

“Definately! I would also love to hear your music.” I said.

Juliet’s eyes brighten. “Of course!”

“Well I’m glad you guys are liking each other.” Andy commented. I glared at him ever so slightly, but he noticed.

Before I could say anything else I was cut off by a loud high-pitched voice. “Victoria. Ohmygoodness is that you?!”

I turned my head and almost threw up. It was Brenna, the secretary from Vibez. Everything was about to go to shit. I waved at her and hoped she’d go away. Instead she came over the our table and started talking.

“I’m so sorry for what happened to you! I honestly can’t believe James hit you and that Mitch fired you for having a romantic relationship in the workplace. How is everything now with James?” Brenna said loudly.

“What?!” Andy yelled. His cheeks were flushed with anger and his fist were clenched.

I look down at the floor. “I have a restraining order against him and haven’t spoken to him since the court hearing six months ago.” I said quickly.

Brenna looked genuinely sorry, but she was such a ditz and I really wanted to choke her right now. “Well I could always put in a good word for you at the newspaper.” she suggested.

“That won’t be necessary Brenna, but thank you.” I told her.

“If you ever need anything Victoria just ask.” Brenna said and finally left. I finally gathered the courage to look Andy in the eyes. His usual calm blue eyes were now an icy fire.

“James hit you!” He yelled. I nodded slightly. “And you didn’t tell me!” I looked away from him and down at the floor again.

“You were on tour in Europe. I didn’t want you to cancel your shows and have to waste the money to fly back her.” I confessed.

“That’s a bullshit reason Victoria!” Andy yelled again. Everyone around us was silent and watching the scene unfold between me and Andy. “Tell me what happened.” Andy demanded.

“Not right now. Can we just have a peaceful evening?” I begged.

“No!” he roared.

“Andy let Victoria tell you on her own time. You’re causing a scene.” CC said.

“Excuse me sir. You’re disturbing the entire restaurant. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” The young waitress said.

“Fine. I’ve lost my appetite anyway.” Andy said and got up quickly from his seat and almost pushed the door off its hinges when he left the coffee shop. Juliet went to follow him, but I stopped her.

“Juliet I’d stay here and give Andy time to cool off.” I said.

“Ok. I’m sorry for how things went.” she said.

“It’s all my fault. I should’ve told him.” I said.

“Why didn’t you?” asked Jake.

“Because Andy’s always having to fight my battles and I felt like I was always interrupting his life.” I confessed.

“Andy would do anything for you Victoria. Why did you ever feel like that?” Jinxx asked.

“Because that’s what James told me the night he assaulted me, and afterwards I realized how true his words were.” I told them.

“I think you need to go find Andy.” Ashley suggested. I nodded in agreement and got up from my seat and left the coffee shop. It wouldn’t be too hard for me to find Andy. There was always one spot in town that Andy usually took refuge in.

Notes