Beezus walked into Max's office a few days later and grimaced at the sight that lay before her on the couch. She disappeared quickly into the hall of practice studios, then peeked back out after a moment of thought.
"Get a room," she said, her head then dodging back into the hall. She headed for the last booth, but as she reached the door, a voice caused her to pause.
"Good one." She turned to face him, her arms crossed over her stomach. Brian was standing just inside the door, breathing heavily. She studied his face, and was surprised to see that he didn't appear to be incredably happy. Trapped and pathetic came to mind when he glanced back into the office.
"Shouldn't you be out there entertaining your little whore from New York?" she asked seriously. Brian frowned and crossed his arms.
"She went to the ladies' room," he answered. "And she isn't a whore, Trish. That's Dan, my girlfriend, and I love her."
"You know, I don't recall asking about that last part, Farm Boy." She took her guitar out of its case, and warmed up her fingers for a moment. She glanced up at the doorway, where Brian was standing. "You're still here? Shoo, fly, don't bother me." He rolled his eyes and left the hallway. Beezus heard Danni whine as soon as he walked through the door, and smirked to herself.
"Bri, baby, who is in there?" she demanded. "If she's trying to steal you away from me, I can't let her do that! You're my Bri baby." Beezus grabbed a handful of M&Ms from the bag at her side, and started to chew thoughtfully as she listened.
"No, she's just a friend," he answered. "You don't need to worry about her." She choked on her candy, and coughed loudly, standing up.
"I don't know, baby, she's awfully pretty," Danielle answered with an air of boredom. Beezus was about to storm out into the office and give Brian the beating of his adult life if he answered to her disliking.
"Yeah," he agreed wistfully with a soft sigh. That was it; Beezus was into the office in a second, rolling up her sleeves. She stopped short when she saw the scene that lay in front of her.
"Oh, hello," Danni said sweetly, patting down Brian's now-wrinkled shirt. "Listen, Bri, baby, I'll be waiting in the car." Beezus chuckled to herself as Danni sauntered out of the room. She crossed her arms over her stomach and walked slowly over to the couch where Brian sat. He avoided eye contact, staring at the floor. Dark red fingerprints decorated his neck. Beezus sat neck to him, one leg tucked underneath the other.
"Brian? Are you all right?" He glanced at her, nodding sheepishly. She massaged his shoulders lightly, watching him relax beneath her fingers. "Brian, dear? Why did you say I was pretty? Are you insane?!" She pulled away, glaring at him. He shrugged, keeping his silent pose on the edge of the couch. He then looked at her, their gazes locked. Beezus gasped silently at how deep of a blue his eyes were.
"Maybe I am," he answered softly. "Maybe I'm not." Beezus leaned away, her mind reeling. The office door swung open to reveal AJ, Max, and Nick, laughing and chatting loudly. A silence fell over the group, and AJ raised an eyebrow to Beezus.
"Okay," he said slowly. "There's no blood. . . neither of them is dead. . ." He paused, raising a hand to his chin, and stroked his goatee thoughtfully. "All right, I am officially freaked out now." Beezus rose to her feet, and walked over to AJ.
"It isn't what you think," she said. "I was about to beat the shit out of him, but he wasn't fighting back. I couldn't hurt the boy. He's pathetic enough as it is." Max rolled his eyes, and Beezus sighed wearily. "I'll be with my guitar if anyone needs me."
"What's with her?" AJ asked, turning to Max and Nick, then looking at Brian. Brian sighed to himself, not looking away from the grey carpet. He had some explaining to do. AJ would make sure of it.