‹ Prequel: Just Go With It
Sequel: I Could Never Pretend ›
Status: Completed
Nothing Is Ever Simple
Brandon's Party
JOHNNY
Johnny tried desperately not to laugh at Amelia but it was so hard as her cheeks flushed bright red at his comment and threatened to get him back. Johnny responded by squeezing her tightly and licking her face, earning him a knee to the groin. Johnny roared with laughter despite the pain. Jeff might have been sneaky but he owed the guy a drink for his effort. Granted, it wasn’t that much of a big deal, but Johnny would probably have never worked up the courage to ask Amelia to dinner himself. He could only hope that she was having as good a time as he was, but from the look on her face he was confident that she was. They stayed in the bar until it closed and stumbled out arm in arm to find a taxi home. Johnny was still not ready for the night to end and he considered asking Amelia back to his for a night cap, but he didn’t want her to get the wrong idea.
“Thanks for an amazing night Johnny.” She smiled as they climbed out of the taxi after it came to a stop outside her apartment. “I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun.”
“We should thank Jeff really.” Johnny joked, overwhelmingly happy that she had enjoyed herself as they walked to the entrance to the apartments. They stared at one another for several moments and Johnny tried to think of something meaningful to say. He wanted to tell her how he felt about her. Well, she already knew that he loved her but he needed some other kind of gesture.
“I guess I should go inside. The taxi’s waiting for you.” Amelia pointed out, smiling hesitantly.
Johnny nodded. Time was running out. He needed to say or do something right now. Just as Amelia was about to turn away he took her arm. “Amelia, wait.” She looked at him questioningly, waiting for him to explain himself but he couldn’t find his voice. Johnny stepped closer towards Amelia and put a hand softly on her cheek. She closed her eyes and stayed completely still as he leant closer to her and brought his lips down onto hers. Amelia moved forward into the kiss and Johnny put his free hand around her waist, bring her even closer into him. They kissed hesitantly for a moment before Amelia suddenly reached her arms up around Johnny’s neck and pulled his head down so that his lips were pressing harder against hers. This took him by surprise but he responded by deepening the kiss and holding her tighter.
After what seemed like a life time they broke away. Johnny realised the taxi was still waiting but they continued to stare at one another, both a little shell shocked by what had just happened.
“I err… I guess I’ll see you on Monday yeah?” Johnny grinned awkwardly after the taxi driver beeped his horn impatiently.
Amelia simply nodded as if she was lost for words. Before she could say anything, Johnny took one last look at her and hurried off to catch his taxi. By the time he arrived home Johnny’s head was spinning and it was only partially due to the alcohol. He wasn’t quite sure what had come over him outside Amelia’s apartment. He had intended to make some kind of gesture but he had certainly not planned on making a move like that. He hoped he had not scared her off but at the same time he was feeling giddy as he remembered the way Amelia had kissed him back. It had been five months since they had been so close.
Monday morning soon came around and Johnny remembered that it was Brandon’s birthday and party today. Johnny had been worried that things might have been a little awkward between him and Amelia at work but as it turned out she was out filming with Rick for the day so he didn’t get chance to see her. She had, however, left a little hand written note on his desk.
Johnny,
The party starts at 7. Hope you and Madison can still make it.
Love Amelia xxx
P.S. thanks for a great night on Saturday J
Johnny smiled to himself as he reread the note. He was looking forward to spending more time with Amelia that evening. Jeff was not in the office either, which Johnny thought was convenient as it meant that he was able to avoid the repercussions of his little matchmaking escapade. Still, Johnny would find some way to pay him back. While he appreciated Jeff’s gesture, it was not in Johnny’s nature to allow anyone to get away with setting him up, whether it was good or bad.
Johnny picked Madison after work and the two of them drove straight round to Amelia’s. Madison was thrilled that Amelia and Brandon were now living permanently in LA. Mel had insisted on picking Madison up from Amelia’s later that night. Her nosiness had gotten the better of her and she was desperate to meet the woman that had seemingly captured her ex husband’s heart. When they pulled up outside Amelia’s apartment block, there were a number of other cars already there including Jeff’s. Perhaps Johnny would get chance to chew Jeff out after all. Amelia answered the door with the birthday boy in her arms and she led them into the living room were Jeff, Laura, Chris, Claire, Dimitry, Rick and Shanna from the office were already sitting. The carpet was strewn with wrapping paper and toys and Brandon was hyperactive. Johnny laughed as Amelia put him back down on the floor and he proceeded to show Johnny and Madison all of his gifts.
“The guys got a little carried away with presents.” Amelia explained, chuckling to herself, looking at the other guests. “I don’t think we actually have room in the apartment for all these toys!”
“Well Madison and I couldn’t help but contribute to the effort.” Johnny grinned and kneeled down on the floor so he was on the same level as Brandon. “Happy birthday dude.” He smiled, passing two presents to the little boy. Johnny stood up next to Amelia and watched as Brandon squeaked with excitement as he ripped the paper open to reveal the latest games console.
“I know you’re probably thinking he’s a bit young, but I brought some educational games with it.” Johnny laughed and nudged Amelia.
“Thank you Johnny, you shouldn’t have!” She smiled, pulling him into a brief hug. “Say thank you to Johnny and Madison Brandon.”
“Thank you.” Brandon mumbled, turning shy all of a sudden.
Amelia went to the kitchen to fetch drinks for the guests while Johnny took a seat on the sofa by Jeff. “I don’t know whether to hug you or punch you in the dick Tremaine.” Johnny laughed under his breath to Jeff, who unconvincingly feigned innocence.
“No idea what you’re talking about bro.” He smiled as Amelia returned with a bottle of wine and a crate of beer. The drinks began to flow steadily and Johnny had chance to catch up with the guys that he had not seen much of since returning to LA while Madison taught Brandon how to use the Playstation. At the back of his mind he couldn’t help but wonder if there would be time for him and Amelia to talk, but about what exactly he was not sure.
It was getting late and Amelia was waiting for Brandon to tire out so that she could put him to bed but he was too excited by the presence of all the strangers. Jeff and Laura were the last to leave before there was a knock on the door. Amelia went to answer it and shortly after Mel appeared in the doorway and Johnny got up to greet her and introduce the two women.
“Amelia, this is Madison’s mom and my ex wife Melanie. Mel, this is Amelia.”
The women shook hands politely before Amelia gestured for Mel to make herself comfortable. “It’s nice to finally meet you Amelia. Madison’s told me so much about you.” Mel smiled as they sat side by side on the sofa.
Madison grinned proudly and Amelia smiled. “It’s nice to meet you too. You have an amazing daughter.”
“Thanks.” Mel smiled, ruffling her daughter’s hair. “You can tell she takes after her dad though. Are you ready to go kiddo?” Madison groaned unenthusiastically.
“There’s cake in the kitchen. I’ll go and wrap you some up.” Amelia smiled, starting to get up.
“It’s alright, I’ll get it.” Johnny offered as he was still on his feet and Madison followed him into the kitchen.
“When can we see Amelia and Brandon again dad?” Madison asked.
“I don’t know Mads.” Johnny laughed.
“Are you Amelia going out?” she continued her barrage of questions, staring at him curiously. Johnny shook his head and passed her the cake.
“Why not?”
“Madison, you’re as bad as your mother!” Johnny laughed incredulously. His daughter ignored him and wandered back into the living room where Mel and Amelia were talking. Johnny thought he would tidy up a little bit for Amelia before he left. Once the kitchen looked reasonably tidy Johnny went to make his way back to them living room but as he heard the two female voices coming from the other room he stopped in his tracks. Past experiences had taught him that eavesdropping was a bad idea but for some reason he couldn’t resist listening to the conversation between Amelia and Mel.
“So, you and Johnny hey?” He heard Mel say.
“What about us?”
“You’re in love with him right?”
There was a long pause. “I…I don’t know.” Amelia said quietly.
“Really? Cos I thought…”
“There’s nothing going on between us if that’s what you mean.”
The room went silent and Johnny felt his heart sink in his chest.
Johnny tried desperately not to laugh at Amelia but it was so hard as her cheeks flushed bright red at his comment and threatened to get him back. Johnny responded by squeezing her tightly and licking her face, earning him a knee to the groin. Johnny roared with laughter despite the pain. Jeff might have been sneaky but he owed the guy a drink for his effort. Granted, it wasn’t that much of a big deal, but Johnny would probably have never worked up the courage to ask Amelia to dinner himself. He could only hope that she was having as good a time as he was, but from the look on her face he was confident that she was. They stayed in the bar until it closed and stumbled out arm in arm to find a taxi home. Johnny was still not ready for the night to end and he considered asking Amelia back to his for a night cap, but he didn’t want her to get the wrong idea.
“Thanks for an amazing night Johnny.” She smiled as they climbed out of the taxi after it came to a stop outside her apartment. “I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun.”
“We should thank Jeff really.” Johnny joked, overwhelmingly happy that she had enjoyed herself as they walked to the entrance to the apartments. They stared at one another for several moments and Johnny tried to think of something meaningful to say. He wanted to tell her how he felt about her. Well, she already knew that he loved her but he needed some other kind of gesture.
“I guess I should go inside. The taxi’s waiting for you.” Amelia pointed out, smiling hesitantly.
Johnny nodded. Time was running out. He needed to say or do something right now. Just as Amelia was about to turn away he took her arm. “Amelia, wait.” She looked at him questioningly, waiting for him to explain himself but he couldn’t find his voice. Johnny stepped closer towards Amelia and put a hand softly on her cheek. She closed her eyes and stayed completely still as he leant closer to her and brought his lips down onto hers. Amelia moved forward into the kiss and Johnny put his free hand around her waist, bring her even closer into him. They kissed hesitantly for a moment before Amelia suddenly reached her arms up around Johnny’s neck and pulled his head down so that his lips were pressing harder against hers. This took him by surprise but he responded by deepening the kiss and holding her tighter.
After what seemed like a life time they broke away. Johnny realised the taxi was still waiting but they continued to stare at one another, both a little shell shocked by what had just happened.
“I err… I guess I’ll see you on Monday yeah?” Johnny grinned awkwardly after the taxi driver beeped his horn impatiently.
Amelia simply nodded as if she was lost for words. Before she could say anything, Johnny took one last look at her and hurried off to catch his taxi. By the time he arrived home Johnny’s head was spinning and it was only partially due to the alcohol. He wasn’t quite sure what had come over him outside Amelia’s apartment. He had intended to make some kind of gesture but he had certainly not planned on making a move like that. He hoped he had not scared her off but at the same time he was feeling giddy as he remembered the way Amelia had kissed him back. It had been five months since they had been so close.
Monday morning soon came around and Johnny remembered that it was Brandon’s birthday and party today. Johnny had been worried that things might have been a little awkward between him and Amelia at work but as it turned out she was out filming with Rick for the day so he didn’t get chance to see her. She had, however, left a little hand written note on his desk.
Johnny,
The party starts at 7. Hope you and Madison can still make it.
Love Amelia xxx
P.S. thanks for a great night on Saturday J
Johnny smiled to himself as he reread the note. He was looking forward to spending more time with Amelia that evening. Jeff was not in the office either, which Johnny thought was convenient as it meant that he was able to avoid the repercussions of his little matchmaking escapade. Still, Johnny would find some way to pay him back. While he appreciated Jeff’s gesture, it was not in Johnny’s nature to allow anyone to get away with setting him up, whether it was good or bad.
Johnny picked Madison after work and the two of them drove straight round to Amelia’s. Madison was thrilled that Amelia and Brandon were now living permanently in LA. Mel had insisted on picking Madison up from Amelia’s later that night. Her nosiness had gotten the better of her and she was desperate to meet the woman that had seemingly captured her ex husband’s heart. When they pulled up outside Amelia’s apartment block, there were a number of other cars already there including Jeff’s. Perhaps Johnny would get chance to chew Jeff out after all. Amelia answered the door with the birthday boy in her arms and she led them into the living room were Jeff, Laura, Chris, Claire, Dimitry, Rick and Shanna from the office were already sitting. The carpet was strewn with wrapping paper and toys and Brandon was hyperactive. Johnny laughed as Amelia put him back down on the floor and he proceeded to show Johnny and Madison all of his gifts.
“The guys got a little carried away with presents.” Amelia explained, chuckling to herself, looking at the other guests. “I don’t think we actually have room in the apartment for all these toys!”
“Well Madison and I couldn’t help but contribute to the effort.” Johnny grinned and kneeled down on the floor so he was on the same level as Brandon. “Happy birthday dude.” He smiled, passing two presents to the little boy. Johnny stood up next to Amelia and watched as Brandon squeaked with excitement as he ripped the paper open to reveal the latest games console.
“I know you’re probably thinking he’s a bit young, but I brought some educational games with it.” Johnny laughed and nudged Amelia.
“Thank you Johnny, you shouldn’t have!” She smiled, pulling him into a brief hug. “Say thank you to Johnny and Madison Brandon.”
“Thank you.” Brandon mumbled, turning shy all of a sudden.
Amelia went to the kitchen to fetch drinks for the guests while Johnny took a seat on the sofa by Jeff. “I don’t know whether to hug you or punch you in the dick Tremaine.” Johnny laughed under his breath to Jeff, who unconvincingly feigned innocence.
“No idea what you’re talking about bro.” He smiled as Amelia returned with a bottle of wine and a crate of beer. The drinks began to flow steadily and Johnny had chance to catch up with the guys that he had not seen much of since returning to LA while Madison taught Brandon how to use the Playstation. At the back of his mind he couldn’t help but wonder if there would be time for him and Amelia to talk, but about what exactly he was not sure.
It was getting late and Amelia was waiting for Brandon to tire out so that she could put him to bed but he was too excited by the presence of all the strangers. Jeff and Laura were the last to leave before there was a knock on the door. Amelia went to answer it and shortly after Mel appeared in the doorway and Johnny got up to greet her and introduce the two women.
“Amelia, this is Madison’s mom and my ex wife Melanie. Mel, this is Amelia.”
The women shook hands politely before Amelia gestured for Mel to make herself comfortable. “It’s nice to finally meet you Amelia. Madison’s told me so much about you.” Mel smiled as they sat side by side on the sofa.
Madison grinned proudly and Amelia smiled. “It’s nice to meet you too. You have an amazing daughter.”
“Thanks.” Mel smiled, ruffling her daughter’s hair. “You can tell she takes after her dad though. Are you ready to go kiddo?” Madison groaned unenthusiastically.
“There’s cake in the kitchen. I’ll go and wrap you some up.” Amelia smiled, starting to get up.
“It’s alright, I’ll get it.” Johnny offered as he was still on his feet and Madison followed him into the kitchen.
“When can we see Amelia and Brandon again dad?” Madison asked.
“I don’t know Mads.” Johnny laughed.
“Are you Amelia going out?” she continued her barrage of questions, staring at him curiously. Johnny shook his head and passed her the cake.
“Why not?”
“Madison, you’re as bad as your mother!” Johnny laughed incredulously. His daughter ignored him and wandered back into the living room where Mel and Amelia were talking. Johnny thought he would tidy up a little bit for Amelia before he left. Once the kitchen looked reasonably tidy Johnny went to make his way back to them living room but as he heard the two female voices coming from the other room he stopped in his tracks. Past experiences had taught him that eavesdropping was a bad idea but for some reason he couldn’t resist listening to the conversation between Amelia and Mel.
“So, you and Johnny hey?” He heard Mel say.
“What about us?”
“You’re in love with him right?”
There was a long pause. “I…I don’t know.” Amelia said quietly.
“Really? Cos I thought…”
“There’s nothing going on between us if that’s what you mean.”
The room went silent and Johnny felt his heart sink in his chest.