Ember knew. She fucking knew that I wasn't taking my pills. As if that wasn't bad enough, where does Alex get off spreading my personal business to my girlfriend? What kind of a best friend does that? All of these people around me, who I thought really gave two fucks about me, were really my enemies. I had to get out of here. At least for a night. I just can't deal with them.


As soon as the show ended and Alex went to hug me like he always does, I pushed right past him and ran off to gather my things from our dressing room. Shoving everything in my bag, I ignored the sounds of Alex calling my name and ran from the venue. My fingers dug around in my pocket until my phone was in my hands. I shot a text to Bri, telling her to meet at a shitty bar. Instantly, she agreed.


Chances are they'd come looking for me, but I didn't want to be found. The moment Bri walked through the door, I grabbed her by the fingers and pulled her through the busy streets, until we found some fancy little place that no one would even consider I'd give a second glance to. Bri didn't say much, she just followed me inside. When we got a table, I ordered two bottles of wine.


"Bad day?"


"Horrible," I growled, rubbing my thumbs against my temples. "Some people just don't know when to back off."


"Does this have anything to do with the girl?"


"Kind of," I sighed, happily grabbing my glass of wine the moment our waiter poured it. "More of less my best friend. He ratted me out, saying that some redhead was hitting on me."


"Ouch," Bri winced, gripping her glass as well. "Are you going to use me to forget it all again?"


"You know what? I don't remember what happened that night and I honestly don't want to. I'm not using your for anything, I just needed someone to talk to who isn't breathing down my neck constantly."


"Well, you've got a friend in me, Jack. No judgement, just secrets."


This brought a smile to my face. Why couldn't Ember be like this? Why couldn't she just accept that I am who I am, take it or leave it. I shouldn't have to be on meds for her to love him. She just should, point blank. The stranger sitting across from me knew that.

Furthermore, she was a better friend than Alex had turned out to be. She vauled my opinions and she didn't put Ember ahead of me. I could get used to this.


We were three cups in, talking about what my life was like in the band when my phone started going off. Part of me wanted to ignore it, but the other part of me knew it might be Matt ready to tear me a new asshole. Keeping up with the conversation, I glanced at my phone, my eyes scanning the text messages.


Where you at, bro? Bus call is in an hour.
Come on, Jack. We really need to leave.
Look, I'm sorry I talked to Ember but I was concerned.


They were all from Alex and I didn't believe him a bit when he apologized. Ember was his new best friend. He could tell her about his crazy sex, ask her to play in his band and see if she can fill the void that I had for the last few years. Still, I knew I needed to reply.


"Do you have a car?"


"Obviously, how do you think I got here?"


"How would you feel about a road trip?"


Bri pondered my question, sloshing her wine around in the glass as she did so. A smirk grew on her lips and she nodded her head, a spark in her eyes that made my legs tingle.


"I'm okay with that. To your next show, I'm assuming?"


"You're a life savor, Bri."


Thankful that I wouldn't have to get back on that bus with all of my so-called-friends, I let my fingers glide over the keys as I texted Alex back.


I'll be at the show tomorrow, but I'm not coming with you guys. Leave without me. I'll meet you at the venue.


Wtf? So not okay, dude.


I said I'd be there. No go worry about Ember or something.


With that, I turned off my phone and let the wine dance around my mouth again. Maybe this will make them realize how important I am to the band, and to their lives. Alex could feel like shit for the next twelve hours and Ember could stay up late, wondering where I'm at. It made me feel good to know that I could put them through this, like payback for these last few years that I've been watching Ember steal my fame.


Fuck 'em. Tonight was about me.

Notes

Kind of a filler. Bleh. Comments?! Votes?! Anything?!