California Love A7X

I kept my distance from him. Staying close to Johnny at all times. No one noticed though. It was like my usual routine. No one except him. He knew I was avoiding him. I still didn't know what to make of what happened the other day. A mistake that's what. On his part. I didn't do anything to provoke that incident. My uncle, Suzy, and Mckenna were here too. That was a nice change.

Mckenna: Melly?

Melly: yes baby?

Mckenna: are you and Johnny like going out?

She whispered the last part so only I could hear. I laughed at how cute she was.

Melly: no sweet pea we aren't.

Mckenna: are you sure? You can tell me I can keep a secret.

Melly: I'm pretty sure.

She pulled me so I was her level. Johnny was to busy talking to notice mine and Mckenna's side conversation.

Melly: what?

I whispered.

Mckenna: I think he really likes you.

Melly: that so? What makes you say that?

She nodded.

Mckenna: he gives you the eyes like Jenn says.

Melly: the eyes? What's that?

Mckenna: you know the eyes. The ones that are all like...

She batted her lashes and looked all oggley. I smiled entertained.

Melly: those are the eyes eh?

Mckenna: yeah but everybody does it differently. Johnny's is more like...

She gave me a warm smile. Her eyes full of something she didn't quite understand yet.

Melly: and you and Jenn have talked about this?

Mckenna: yes.

Melly: huh. Can I tell you something?

Mckenna: yeah anything.

Melly: me and Johnny are best friends. The best. Not as best as me and you ofcourse but still best.

Mckenna: oh. I still think he really likes you. But like I said I won't tell anyone especially Brian.

Melly: ok by me, Mckenna. I trust you.

She smiled and ran off to talk to her older brother.

Uncle Brian: so I see you and Johnny have gotten close.

Johnny instantly turned his attention to us. His child grin present.

Melly: what can I say I love kids.

My uncle laughed, Johnny made a face.

Johnny: she loves me she just doesn't know it yet.

Melly: I do love Johnny and all the other guys. Even my lovely cousin.

More laughter.

UB: you two kids aren't dating are you?

Melly: he wishes.

Johnny: every damn day.

We laughed. Uncle Brian just had an amused smile.

UB: I can tell by the way he looks at you.

Johnny: Damn! Ya caught me.

UB: I know it I see it Johnny.

There joking tone felt a bit forced. Almost like there was no joking.

Johnny: don't worry, you know she's in good hands with me.

He smiled innocently. My uncle gave a nod.

UB: so are you?

Melly: what? Mexican? Yes I am. But only half.

He laughed a bit.

UB: no. Are you two dating.

We both shook our heads.

Melly: no. Just really close friends.

Johnny: you got that right. Bestfriends.

Zacky: more like security blanket.

I recoiled into Johnny's side. Zacky made my cheeks burn.

Zacky: she runs to him when she starts getting uncomfortable.

UB: you sound a bit bitter. That's not you Zack.

He shrugged and sipped his beer.

Zacky: I'm not bitter. Why would I be? I'm just stating my observations.

UB: what are bestfriends for than to go to when in need.

Yay Uncle Brian for taking my side. I noticed the slight glare on Johnnys face. What's that all about?

UB: Zacky do you need to talk about something? C'mon let's go take a walk.

He placed a friendly arm around him and they walked off. I wrapped my arms around Johnny's middle and looked at him.

Melly: what's with the face Johnny.

Johnny: what?

Melly: you were like glaring at Zacky.

Johnny: he's just been acting like a real dick lately.

Melly: I see. If it makes you feel better my Uncle was the second person to ask me if we we're going out today.

He grinned.

Johnny: who was the first?

Melly: Mckenna.

Johnny: love that kid. If this keeps up, we might just have to start dating for real.

Melly: we do date though.

His hands went to my lower back. The look Mckenna had demonstrated for me now adorned his face.

Johnny: I'm talking about on more intimate terms Melly.

His voice was quiet. It made me tighten my arms around him. There was no hint of joking in his voice. Only a hidden confession.

Melly: are you implying we should, go farther with our friendship, Johnny?

Jenn: Melly.

She cut off our conversation.

Melly: yeah?

Jenn: did you want a burger or a cheese burger?

Melly: cheese.

She nodded. My eyes wandered back to Johnny. He looked at me with the same stare. His hands dropped from around me. I could feel myself frown a bit.

Melly: what's wrong now Johnny?

Johnny: nothing.

Jimmy came running to us.

Johnny: what up Jimmy?

Jimmy: I just got back from the store with Matt. We got more beer. Want one? They're cold...

Melly: sure I'll take one. Man Jimmy that was a fast beer run.

I commented as me and him went to the cooler.

Jimmy: never under estimate the camino. She is as fast as a shark.

Melly: that's pretty damn fast.

Jimmy: oh yeah. Oh yeah. I hope the steaks are done.

Melly: gross Jimmy.

Jimmy: can't help it. I'm a man. And mans like to eats the big fat juicy steaks. With all the trimmin's. Mmmmm that sounds mighty tasty about now.

I cringed. He dug deep in the cooler.

Jimmy: I noticed the way Zack has been looking at you Melifus.

Melly: excuse me?

Jimmy: Zack he's been looking at you funny Melifus. And I know its not out of the ordinary but you're like attached to Johnny today. Normally I wouldn't think twice. Cause personally I don't want to be like your cousin. Anyways it almost feels like you're doing it on purpose.

Melly: ok Jimmy I think you've lost it.

Jimmy: I would usually agree with you. I do talk to bananas afterall. Melifus. You are avoiding Zacky. There's no denying it. When I comes to things like this I know.

His blue eyes were keen. Not letting me dodge his stare.

Jimmy: I just don't know why. Did something happen?

Melly: no.

Jimmy: then why are you two being funny?

Melly: I'm not doing anything out of the ordinary. You said so yourself.

Jimmy: hmm. So I did.

Melly: how often do me and Zacky talk anyway?

Jimmy: not often.

Melly: like I said I think you've lost it yo.

Jimmy: I don't think so. I know my friends pretty good.

Melly: I don't know then Jimmy. Maybe talking to fruit has really muffed up your mind.

Jimmy: could have.

He handed me my beer finally.

Melly: thanks Jimmy.

He gave a nod. Jenn caught my arm as I was making my way back to Johnny. My face looked at her blankly.

Melly: yes?

Jenn: foods done.

Melly: oh let me tell Johnny.

Jenn: sit by me.

Melly: ok.

I went to grab Johnny.

Melly: the foods done.

Johnny: about time. I'm starving.

Melly: don't be so dramatic.

Johnny: dramatic would be your cousin. Look.

Yup. Brian was being whiny with Jenn.

Brian: but I haven't eaten since this morning.

Melly: bullshit. You've been snacking all day.

Jenn: yeah fatty. You should watch out you might not fit into your tux. I'm not about to have you fuck that up, because you were "starving".

He pouted. She just rolled her eyes.

Melly: don't worry Jenn. You could always have Danny hook it up with a work out regimen for him.

Jenn: that's not a bad idea Melly.

Brian: Melly! You're supposed to be on my side!

Melly: sorry cus.

I sat down. Sitting between Jenn and Johnny. Unfortunatly Zacky was directly across from me.

Mckenna: Johnny.

Johnny: yeah babe?

He was so cute when he talked to her.

Mckenna: do you mind if I squeeze between you and Melly?

Johnny: no I do not. You can be our main squeeze.

She smiled.

Suzy: Mckenna why don't you just sit where there are empty spots?

Melly: don't worry Suzy there is plenty room.

I huddled closer to Jenn.

Brian: did Melly tell you about the gig she's gonna do dad?

UB: yeah. She was estatic about it. That was nice of Zack.

Zacky: I only suggested. Anybody could have brought it up.

He shrugged.

UB: its still nice. All of you.

Matt: what can we say we're just naturally that nice.

Jenn: psh. Whatever. Maybe you are Mama but not anyone else.

Jimmy: no I'm pretty ruthless.

Johnny: I'm a nice guy.

Jenn: only when Melly's involved. Otherwise you're still Johnny Christ. Moody little beezee.

Johnny: not even true.

Jenn: fine your lazy though and I hate that.

Johnny: I'll allow that one.

I love this family