Hidden Treasure

“Alex, what’s up dude?” Jack asked after answering the incoming call.

“Hey, man,” Alex responded. “How’s everything going?”

Jack sighed heavily into the phone. “It’s been pretty insane around here. I thought keeping all of your ducks in a row would be easy until I realized how many fucking ducks you have. In case I haven’t told you how much we appreciate everything you do, I’ll tell you now: Thanks, bro. I never realized how much shit you have to handle for the rest of us.”

“Yeah,” Alex said flatly.

“Anyway, how’s the vacation going?”

It was Alex’s turn to sigh. “It’s been great, actually. I haven’t really accomplished much yet but I’ve met some pretty cool people.”

“Oh yeah,” Jack chuckled. “How’d that date go the other night? Get some?”

“Dude, come on,” Alex groaned.

“Fine,” Jack shrugged. “But, really, how’d it go?”

Alex felt the corners of his mouth pull his lips into a smile. “It wasn’t a date, but it went really well. I’ve been hanging out with her a lot since. I’m actually going to see her when I get off the phone with you.”

“What’s her name?” Jack asked, his tone teasing.

“Lily,” Alex muttered through his grin, his cheeks burning a little.

“She hot?”

“Gorgeous,” Alex replied.

“She sounds blonde,” Jack laughed.

Alex faked a scoff. “That’s pretty judgmental.”

There was a short pause before Jack said, “She’s blonde, isn’t she?”

“Yes,” Alex chuckled. “Yes, she is.”

“I figured. How many brunette Lily’s have you come across?”

“True,” Alex shrugged.

“Besides, you swore off brunettes after Carly did that number on you.”

“Please,” he grimaced. “Can we not talk about her?”

“Yeah, sorry,” Jack sighed. “Anyway, I guess this thing with Lily is just a vacation fling. You’re not going to keep in touch when you come home Monday, are you?”

“About that,” Alex said slowly. “I’m staying another week.”

There was a pause before Jack let out a hearty laugh. “You almost got me there, bro.”

Alex pinched the brim of his nose, preparing himself for the wrath. “I’m serious. I’m staying.”

Jack paused again but Alex could clearly hear the anger brewing in his silence.

“What the fuck do you mean, Alex?” Jack hissed.

“I just,” Alex sighed. “I just need some more time. If I came back right now, I’d do more damage than good.”

“So you’re just leaving us stranded?” Jack yelled. “Is this about Lily, dude? Are you staying for her?”

“No, I-“

“Is some bitch in a bikini suddenly more important than your band? Your brothers?”

Alex tried to keep his breathing even to control the slow building rage. “Don’t you ever talk about her like that again.”

“So it is about her. That’s cool, man. Stay another week. Stay the rest of your fucking life if you want. But I hope you find a lot relaxation knowing you’re bailing on us. Later, bro.”

Before Alex could speak up to defend himself, Jack hung up. He threw his phone at his pillows with a loud groan.

He couldn’t believe the way Jack talked about Lily, like she was nothing more than a pretty face to keep him occupied. And he hated that Jack actually believed that was the only reason he wanted to stay. He still needed more feelings of freedom and peace. Lily just happened to give him that. That was just something the guys would have to understand if they wanted his return to be beneficial.

He was suddenly too upset to hang out with Lily. He knew he wouldn’t be able to get over the anger in time and he didn’t want to ruin their time with his bad mood. He reached for his phone and dialed her number, hoping he’d catch her in time before she left for the boardwalk where they were to meet and make plans for the evening.

“Hey,” she chirped as she answered the call.

“Hey,” Alex replied. “Have you left your house yet?”

“I was just getting ready to walk out the door.”

“Well, actually, I don’t think I’m up for hanging out tonight,” he frowned.

“Oh,” Lily said with a pout. “Are you okay?”

Alex sighed as he laid back on the bed. “I just got off the phone with my best friend, Jack. He said some fucked up things and it’s got me in a shitty mood. I don’t want to ruin your night or waste your time so I’m going to stay in.”

“Uh oh,” she frowned as she leaned against the counter. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“No, thank you, though. I really don’t want to bum you out. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Lily sighed. “If you change your mind, text me or give me a call. My ears are always open for rants.”

“Thanks,” Alex chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Let me know if you want to hang out or something tomorrow,” she said, her voice a tad hopeful.

“Yes,” Alex sighed. “Please. I would love to.”

“Great,” she giggled, nibbling on her bottom lip. “I hope you feel better, Alex. I’ll see you tomorrow if I don’t talk to you later.”

Alex smiled knowingly. “Talk to you later.”

Notes