I’m not in the best frame of mind today. I didn't want to be holed up in the damn studio with Brian. You could cut the tension with a knife. The pain he caused is still raw. I never thought I could be this angry with anybody and to make matters worse, he was trying to get back in Charlie's good books by promising to fight for her. Yeah right, like that's what she wanted or needed right now. I also had to bite my tongue around her, whenever she spoke about Natalie. I couldn't understand how she had forgiven her for that betrayal. Even though I wasn't mad at her myself, it would be a long time before I could trust her enough to let her know that I love her. I threw the pen and paper down in frustration and headed off to grab a drink.

"What is up with him?" AJ asked looking up from his paper.’

"I have no idea" Howie answered, then looked over at Brian. "He's your best bud. What's up with him?"

"It's a long story... I would just leave him alone."

"Did you guys have a falling out?"

"Yeah, you could say that.. I don't want to get into it, so I think the faster we get this done, the better"

"Anyone would think you don't want to be here" I say, reentering the room, the leaning against the door.

"And they would be right. I don't. But right now, that's not important. We need to focus and try to figure out what's best for this next album"

"Well, it'll stop you focusing on your pregnant ex won't it? Oh! Had you not told them yet? I'm surprised Bri, considering you're gonna be the proud father" I say sarcastically

I just glared hard at him, as he was shooting off his mouth. He knew it was a sore subject and he was trying to blow it up and make himself look the poor victim. "No, I haven't. If you're looking for sympathy, you better look somewhere else."

"Why would I be looking for sympathy, when I'm the one Charlie's turning to for comfort"

"I don't know. She certainly shouldn't be going to you for anything. You weren't even there for your own girlfriend! Just leave it alone, Nick.."

"And that's where you stepped in, knocked your own girl up, then put the moves on mine"

"Shit! Is that true? AJ said

"Yeah" I tell him

"Whoa, hold on" Kevin says, turning to Brian. "You dating a younger girl, I can handle, but sleeping with her and getting her pregnant is insane! You guys aren't even engaged yet, let alone married! Did you forget the values you were raised by? And, then, you cheated on her! The family will go absolutely mental!"

"They probably will! I'm a grown man, and I can make my own decisions, Damnit! Plus, my love life is nobody's else's business! I don't need you to tell me I screwed up, I already know. No one's perfect. So, get off my back and me the hell alone!" shoving passed Nick and out of the door.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I make my way through security after an ID check and head over to the building, where I know the guys would be. As I go to open one of the doors, it flies open and someone comes out in what seems a very bad mood. It takes me a few moments to realize it's Brian. Uh oh, he looks really pissed, as he brushes past me without even noticing.

"Brian" I call out after him

When he doesn't answer me and carries on storming off, I call out again, and run gently to catch up with him. I tap him on the shoulder. "Brian" I say quietly

I heard my name being called, but I didn't want to listen. I had had enough. When were people going to lay off? I was suffering enough for the decision I made.I didn't need anyone else's shit. When whoever it was came up and tapped me, I couldn't help but still be a little hostile.

" I said.. leave.." in a firm voice.. But stopped mid sentence, when I realized who it was.

"Are you ok?" I ask a little worried "You seem really upset"

"Hell no. But, why should it matter? I'm the jackass that ruined everybody's life! We should just broadcast it all over the state."

"I'm sorry you feel that way, but we really need to talk"

" Right now, really isn't a good time, ok? Call me later..."

"So much for you being there. Just forget I said anything"

"Damnit, Charlie! I am here for you, but now, the way I'm feeling, I wouldn't be any help to you anyway. I don't want to get in another fight, ok? Just give me a little time and I will be there. "

"Whatever, I need to go" I mumble and walk off without saying goodbye. Harsh, I know, but he wouldn't give me the chance to ask him how he felt about giving us another try. I guess I got my answer.