Misery Business

After hearing Victoria explain what happened at Lisa’s apartment, Jack had never been more determined to get Alex and Victoria back together than ever before. The best part was, he knew exactly what to do. Yes, the man who barely passed high school had managed to come up with the most perfect plan in a matter of minutes. And Mr. Rothman said he’d never be able to solve real-world problems.

“Hey!” He walked into the living room, clapping his hands and pointing to Victoria sitting on the couch. “Party this Saturday―you in?”

Victoria looked up from the book in her lap. “Where is it?”

“Here! Where else would it be?”

She sighed as she flipped a page from her book. “Someplace where I don’t have to clean up …”

“Don’t you remember our deal? You said I could throw parties if I cleaned up the next day.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Come on, Hammy. You know you want to.”

“And why would I, Jack?” She frowned and threw her book to the side. “You seem to know me so well, so why would I want to go to a party?”

“You’ve been working all week! Why not wind down and go hang with some friends?”

She rolled her eyes. “That’s not winding down, dumbass.” She looked down with a sigh. “But I guess I’ll agree.”

“Fuck ye―”

“But!” She added in, causing him to huff. “But you have to promise me this isn’t one of your little schemes to get Alex and I back together.”

He dramatically put a hand to his chest. “I would never―”

“Don’t give me that bullshit, Jack. I’ve been noticing things all week about you, and I know you’re planning something. You even told me you didn’t like Lisa all that much. But you have to get it through your small ass brain that Alex is with Lisa and they’re happy together.” Victoria stood and poked him in the chest. “So forget this stupid idea you’re planning.”

“Alright, alright.” He put his hands up in defense. “I promise, okay?” She narrowed her eyes at him, causing him to add, “Fine. I pinky-promise.” He hooked his pinky finger around hers tight and gave her a believable look.

“Good.”

A thud on the door rang through their ears as they walked away. Victoria glanced at Jack, who shrugged. She stood yet again and walked over to the door. She opened it to Alex, looking distressed as usual. By the look on his face, she could tell he was going to apologize for something. She knew she was sounding hypocritical since she basically cried over this guy since high school, but she was really getting tired of him apologizing.

She lifted her brow. “Here for Jack?”

“Actually, no. I’m here for you.” He ran a hand nervously through his dark hair.

“Alex …” She sighed and rolled her eyes.

“I just wanted to say that I’m sorry for how awkward things were at my apartment. I never particularly wanted you to find out who I was dating and I didn’t know that you and Lisa were such good friends―”

Victoria looked down at her feet. “I only met her like a month ago, not a year.” Her head then shot up as she thought over what he said. “Wait, why?”

He furrowed his brow. “Why what?”

“Why didn’t you want me to know who you were dating?” She narrowed her eyes. “What, you thought I’d go after or sabotage them? Do you seriously think I’m that much of an asshole?” She noticed he was trying to think of words to say as she ranted. “Well, heads up, Gaskarth, I’m not a dick like that. If I was, I would’ve―oh, I don’t know―left someone for seven years even though I promised them I’d come back sooner.” She let out a breath as she ground her teeth in frustration.

“Are you done?”

“No.” She opened her mouth to say more, but nothing came to mind. “Actually, yes.”

“Well, you should know I didn’t want you to know because I wasn’t sure what your thoughts were gonna be on her. She’s so different from you and I wanted to impress you by saying I got my life together and I’m not the same stupid teenager. I wanted to show you that I’m an adult now.” He looked down. “That sounded better in my head …”

Victoria closed her eyes and ran a hand through her wavy locks. “Oh, gosh, I’m such a bitch.”

“No, you’re not.” He threw her a small smile, and, without thinking, ran his hand up and down her arm in comfort. He could feel her shudder at the sudden touch, and he instantly pulled away.

“Can you two just get a room already?” Jack muttered, crossing the threshold and walking into his room.

Both their necks snapped his way, causing Alex to mumble, “Um …”

“Shut up!” Victoria yelled as Jack shut his room’s door. She then turned back to Alex’s awkward look. “Sorry, he’s been …”

“I’ve known the guy for too long.” Alex shook his head, laughing softly. “I get it.”

Victoria was at a loss for words. What was she supposed to say now? Leave him to go on his way after she made a total bitch of herself? Apologize? No, no more apologies … Without one thought, she suddenly blurted, “Hey, to make up for all these stupid apologies, why don’t you come by to hang this Saturday?” She saw the way Alex’s face twisted in thought, and before he could disagree, she added, “And bring Lisa.”

He lifted a brow. “Was this Jack’s idea?”

“Nah, it was all me.” She smirked and leaned across the door frame. “C’mon, Gaskarth. It’ll be just like old times.”

That made the familiar grin appear on his face. “I’ll tell Lisa.”

Victoria beamed. “Sounds like a plan.”

Notes

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