If I Was Your Boyfriend

‘Get back together?’ I ask staring at the bed sheets that were suddenly so interesting.

‘Yeah, I mean it's been going on the fourth week. We didn't talk for the first two and now here we are- never mind. I shouldn't have brought it up. I don't mean to pressure you or anything.’ Justin heavily sighs pinching the bridge of his nose. ‘It was stupid.’

‘I wouldn't have flown to Italy if there wasn't a chance of us getting back together. I really want to work past this because I think that you're worth it. I think that we're worth it.’ I assure him. ‘I would say that it's possible.’

I watch as a smile grows big and bright across his face. Justin was worth a second chance, I just needed to see how badly he wanted it.

‘So, we're flying back to Los Angeles in the morning.’ he says aloud after a few moments. ‘Did you have fun?’

‘Yes, I did. I'm glad we came here.’ I nod taking my eyes from the TV.

‘What is your high-point of this trip and what's your low-point?’

‘The low-point would be falling of that Vespa in front of dozens of people. The high point would be finding our lock. What are yours? You can't use something I used either.’

‘Okay then,’ he pauses to laugh, ‘my low-point would have to be getting stuck in the hotel since you said I couldn’t use the same one as you. I have to admit this is pretty nice too. Just us here. My high point was getting out of the van and calling up to your window. When I saw you leaning over the balcony, you just looked so beautiful.’

‘That's a good one.’ I awkwardly say not making eye contact. ‘Are you taking a different plane again?’

‘Not this time. I wanted to make sure we were all back in time for the awards. So you're stuck with me for a full 12 hours.’

‘Good - the flight is boring when the only person next to you is wrapped up in CNN. Plus, I ran out of magazines.’

‘I slept the entire time,’ Justin admits, ‘I thought when I woke up we'd be Italy. Ended up waking up five or six times asking Kenny if we were there yet.’

‘I bet he just loved that.’ I tease.

When Paul brought our pizza back we all sat in the room watching an old episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S

‘I'm gonna go to bed now.’ I say after two in the morning.

‘Alright, I'll just see you in the morning.’ Justin says walking over to the bed. ‘Night Chris.’ He leans down to kiss my forehead and I don’t stop him. I watch silently as he walks out of the door waving before he finally steps out of the door.

…

Justin’s Point of View

‘Good morning.’ I say once Chrissy opens her door at five in the morning.

‘Its still night.’ She whines rubbing her eyes. ‘Why do you have to leave so early?’

‘We’ll be in the air the entire day so the earlier we leave the earlier we get back home.’ I reply walking across the room with her.

‘I will be sleeping on this flight.’ She announces before grabbing a handful of what appeared to be clothes.

I wait while Chrissy showers. While’s she’s in the bathroom I flip through the channels on the TV. She comes back dressed in a pair of shorts and a sweatshirt with her converse. I smile at the thought of coming home to see those same shoes by the front door.

‘What?’ she wonders as she runs her fingers through her hair.

‘Nothing.’ I clear throat looking away from her.

‘Weirdo.’ She laughs grabbing her suitcase, ‘let’s get on with.’

‘Alright, let’s check out.’

Paul and Kenny were in the hallway patiently waiting. We got down to the lobby to see most of the people were gone. Chrissy and I go out and take pictures with the fans that had been waiting all night. I look over at Chrissy who was taking the time to talk to each and every person. She hugs practically every single girl waiting. She grabs each of their phones and takes pictures scaring Paul half to death. He stuck behind her like a large shadow. Despite Paul’s protests telling her she needed to get in the van Chrissy took her time to exchange words with everyone.

‘I love your bracelet!’ one fan tells her.

On Chrissy’s wrist was a colorful cloth bracelet she got from that one store in the mall she always has to go to. She drags me in it every single chance she gets. Earth Bound or whatever.

‘Here, you can have it.’ Chrissy takes the bracelet off in one swift motion.

‘I can’t.’ the girl begins to cry harder than earlier.

‘Sure you can. I have tons of them at home. It wouldn’t hurt to share one. Promise me you won’t sell it on the Internet or anything.’ She teases the girl hugging her. She did have tons and tons at home. I swear the girl had every color of those things ever made.

‘I promise! Thank you so much!’

‘You’re welcome.’

‘I’m sorry.’ I snap back into attention grabbing the next fan’s phone.

‘Thank you so much Justin!’ she cries throwing her arms around me. ‘I love you so much.

‘No problem beautiful, I love you too. Thanks for sticking by me.’ I hug her back before going on to the next.

Chrissy and I ended up being half an hour late to the airfield because we went from fan to fan until everyone had their pictures or autographs. Chrissy climbs into the plane and finds a seat. I slide into the seat beside her and pull my phone out.

‘Oh.’ She says peering over at my lockscreen.

Chrissy and I back at the apartment, wrapped up in each other. Danielle actually took this. That time her and Garrett slept over. I wonder if they’ll even look at me the same anymore – I’m sure Chrissy’s filled them in. I hadn’t even thought about that until now and I would be seeing them in one day. Great.

‘I still have mine too.’ Chrissy’s voice cuts into my thoughts.

She flashes her lockscreen, which was a picture of us on Halloween.

‘Nice.’ I smile.

I’d be lying if I said I never went through my camera roll just to relive the months I spent with her. So many good times and good days. Through the photos you could see just how hard I fell in love with her. You could just see it. In my eyes. My smile. And Chrissy was the same way.

‘We need a new picture don’t we?’ Chrissy asks holding up her phone.

‘We can’t leave Verona without one.’ I nod scooting closer to her seat. Chrissy leans her head on my shoulder wrapping her arms around me while I look into the camera. ‘Take it.’ I hold back my laughter.

‘I love it.’ She beams excitedly.

‘Me too. Text it to me.’

‘As soon as we get to LA.’ She promises looking at the picture.

During our flight Chrissy and I played countless games out tic-tac-toe and hangman until she ended up falling asleep on my shoulder with her legs across my lap. I wrap my arm around her moving her closer to me. Kenny turns around with a knowing smile on his face.

‘Whatever.’ I fan him off directing my attention back on Chrissy.

I look up to see Kenny taking a picture with his phone. He does his best to conceal his laughter being careful not to assault Chrissy’s slumber.

‘Just like old times.’ He says.

Not quite. We’re getting there but we’re not there yet. I wanted more than anything than to be back where I started with her. I was going to prove to her that I’m going to work for that second-chance. I lay my head on Chrissy’s and slowly drift to sleep myself. When I wake up Chrissy was still asleep as we started to land. We were about to part ways for the day. I was set to go back to that empty apartment, the air cold and lifeless.

‘This was better than the flight there.’ Chrissy laughs bringing me down to her. ‘I’m glad we flew together.’

‘So am I.’

‘Sorry about that.’ She says sliding her legs off of me. ‘I’m just so used to it.’

‘I know what you mean.’

‘Alright you two, let’s go.’ Kenny says standing up.

There were two SUVs waiting to take us our separate ways. I watch as Chrissy goes with Paul to put their bags into the car. She closes the trunk before hurrying over to me.

‘Things will be hectic now since we’re back.’ She looks around.

The city was noisy and rushed. Verona was definitely a great getaway from Los Angeles. I was however glad to be back.

‘Yeah, I know.’ I nod rocking back on my shoes.

‘Well, I’ll see you at rehearsals tomorrow morning? Then at the awards?’

‘I will be there.’

‘See ya.’ She snakes her arms around me pulling me in for a hug.

‘Come on J.’ Kenny signals me once I watch Chrissy’s SUV leave the parking lot. ‘Did you forget Ryan was coming in tonight?’

I go back to the apartment to get things ready while Kenny hurries back to LAX to pick up Ryan. I hear the engine in the driveway and rush out front. Ryan was climbing out of the car and then helped a girl out after him. This must be the mystery girl he had been telling me about.

‘Hey man. Welcome back to LA.’ I pull Ryan into a hug.

‘Someone’s in a good mood.’ Ryan laughs.

The last time we were physically together I was moping around about Chrissy up in Canada.

‘I just had a good time with Chrissy.’ I admit directing my attention to this mystery girl. ‘Are you dating my pal Ryan here?’ I blurt out and Ryan’s face turns so red I swear his whole face was a tomato.

‘No.’ she shakes her head through nervous laughter, ‘we’re just friends.’

‘Idiot.’ Ryan coughs out under his breath loud enough for me to hear, ‘this is Nichole.’

‘Nice to meet you – I’m Justin. Sorry we couldn’t meet while I was in Stratford a few weeks back.’

‘Yeah, I was on a trip with my family. Ryan’s told me tons of stories about you though.’

‘Oh has he now?’ I say before saying goodnight to Kenny. ‘All good I hope.’

‘Of course.’ She says following closely behind Ryan.

They may not be dating – yet. But there was definitely something there. Before this weekend was over I would definitely be helping them out a little bit with my skills.

‘This is where you can set up your stuff Nichole.’ I push the door to Chrissy’s “home away from home” room. Everything was still the same as she left. I rarely come in here except to retrieve Rocky from it. I mean Chrissy never really sleeps in here anyway – she’d always curl up next to me in my bed.

‘Nice room.’ she says as Ryan sets down the suitcases.

‘Thanks. Did Ryan tell you I had a bit of design skills?’ I nudge Ryan who was still recovering from my outburst outside.

‘No, he didn’t mention that.’ She looks up at Ryan.

‘Designed it myself but I didn’t build a thing so you should be safe.’

‘Good to know.’

‘And just let me know if you need anything and I’ll get it to you.’

‘Ryan you can put your stuff across the hall in my room.’

‘Just like the old days, huh?’ Ryan slides across the hall and drops his bag to the floor.

‘Just like old times.’ I nod checking my phone.

Chrissy sent me the picture from the plane not too long ago.

I had an amazing time w. you in Verona – I’ll never, ever forget it. – Chrissy.

I’m glad to see she felt the same way.