Part 8


“Hey Brit,” Justin grinned as he let Britney in his room.  “Right on time. Just give me one second, ok?”

She nodded and smiled, plopping down on his unmade bed.  Her eyes searched the room for the photo album Josh had mentioned, but she was having no luck spotting it.  

“So what are we gonna do today?”

Britney shrugged, her eyes still scanning the room.

“I don’t know. I wanted to go miniature golfing, but since it’s raining, that idea’s out the window.”

“Yeah. The sun was shining when I woke up, but when I got done with my shower, it was pouring.”

“So what should we do then?”

“I dunno, I guess we could just chill here, watch a movie or something.”

Good idea, she thought, hoping for a chance to steal a peek at the photo album.  

“Good idea,” she said, aloud this time. “What movies ya got?”

“Hmm…” he scratched his head, looking through his collection of DVDs.  “How about Seven? With Brad Pitt? And Morgan Freeman?”

“Never seen it.”

Justin grinned. “We’re watching it. It’s awesome.”

“OK, Timberlake, if you say so,” she laughed.  

“Want a snack?” he asked, reaching in to his closet and pulling out a bag of microwave popcorn.  

She nodded, and he sat next to her and waited for it to finish popping.  He noticed that she was fidgeting and put his hand on her knee.

“You ok?”

“Why wouldn’t I be ok?”

“I don’t know. You seem nervous. You and Josh both seem nervous today. Something going on that I should know about?”

You promised you wouldn’t tell.  So instead, she giggled. “No, Justin, don’t be silly.”

The microwave beeped, signaling that their popcorn was finished, and Britney sighed in relief.  One look into Justin’s eyes and she knew she’d crack.

“Soda?” he asked, reaching into the fridge.

“Sure, thanks.”

He handed her the can and crawled onto the bed, laying on his side, propping himself up on one elbow.  

“Ok. Here we go. But be warned—this movie is kind of gory.”

She slapped his arm playfully. “Justin! Why didn’t you tell me!”

“It’s not that bad, Brit. It’s an awesome movie, just watch. And can you do me a favor?”

“What?”

“Hit the light?” He grinned at her and stuck out his bottom lip. “Please.”

She rolled her eyes and laughed. “Who can resist that pout?” she said, standing to shut off the light.

“You can lay down by me if you want, ya know. I won’t bite.”

Her brow creased just slightly. He’s gay, Britney.

“Come on, Brit, I’m not gonna try anything. You said you just wanted to be friends.”

“Ok.”  She laid on her side, her back to his chest, trying her best to remember that she couldn’t have him, trying to remember that she didn’t want to hurt Josh.

An hour into the movie, Justin and Britney were both asleep.  They slept right through until 4:00, when Justin was supposed to meet Josh.

Neither heard the knock on the door, neither knew that Josh was coming in.

“Justin its—“  His jaw dropped when he saw Justin and Britney, wrapped up in each other on the bed.  “What the FUCK!” he yelled, unable to keep his voice down, anger bubbling in his gut.  

Britney opened her eyes first, and they widened in shock when she saw Josh and realized what this looked like.

“Oh shit…Josh, no, it’s not what it looks like.”

But he was already gone, and she heard his door slam behind him.

“Brit?” Justin mumbled, just now waking up.

“Fuck, Justin.”

“What happened?” he frowned.

“Josh. He came in here, saw us like this…he’s pissed.”

Which pissed Justin off. “God DAMN it Britney. Fucking let me in on the secret here. Why the hell is Josh so pissed off that you and I are friends? Huh? Why doesn’t he want me to see you?”

Britney looked into Justin’s confused blue eyes and sighed. “He’s going to have to tell you himself, Justin. It’s not my place. I’m sorry.” She kissed him on the forehead and was gone.

What the fuck is going on here? Justin wondered, heading to Josh’s room. “Josh, open the door.”
No response.

“God damn it, Josh. I deserve an explanation here.”

The door swung open and Josh stood there, jaw tight, fists clenched at his sides.

“I’m sorry, Justin,” he scowled.  “I’m sorry. Ok? I don’t want to talk about it, I don’t want to tell you why I’m pissed off. I’m sorry. Lets just forget it.”

“What? Forget that you just stormed in my room and freaked out that I was there with Britney? I thought you said you two were just friends, Josh.”

“We ARE just friends, Justin! Jesus!”

“Well then what?”

Josh ran both hands through his hair and sighed, defeated. “Justin, please. I don’t want to talk about it. I’m sorry, I overreacted. Can we please just go now?”

“Fine. What’s this meeting about, anyway?”

Josh grinned. “You got invited to the meeting. That means you’re in, NBA!” He reached out and ruffled Justin’s hair, pulling him into a hug. Justin’s heart stopped.  Josh’s hands on him had to be the best feeling in the world.

If only Justin knew that Josh was thinking the same thing about him.



next

Email: whatweallwishfor@yahoo.com