Either You Do...Or You Don't

Allison’s POV:

I shuffled the papers at my desk and started filing them away. I was back to work at the office again, and was behind on some paperwork. “Hey! Where’ve you been?” Brian’s voice snapped me out of my focus.

“Oh, Brian. Hi. I just got busy. Sorry I never called you back…”

“I meant where were you yesterday?” he asked

“Oh, I had asked for the day off a long time ago…for a doctors appointment I was supposed to have.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. So, are you free tonight?” he asked

I bit my lip, James hadn’t texted me about his doctor’s appointment, so I really wasn’t sure. “I’m not sure, yet. I’m waiting for my friend to text me to tell me how their appointment went…and to say if they can hang out.” I replied, trying not to give Brian the idea that it was James I was waiting on.

“Okay. Well let me know later, okay? I’ll see you around.” he smiled

Fuck…what was I going to do? I kind of liked Brian, but I loved James. On one hand, I wanted to go out with Brian again, but I knew James would be furious and would probably never speak to me again.

I sighed and turned on my computer, checking my email. I responded to a few from customers asking questions and one from my boss about a meeting next week. I closed my laptop and looked at my phone and saw a iMessage from James. “All good at appointment, but I have to go to this benefit for Mario’s foundation…you can come if you like. Just let me know.”

Honestly? I wasn’t really ready to go to parties with him again. There’d be too much to explain to everyone and I wasn’t in the mood for that. I quickly messaged him back, “Thanks for asking me, but I can’t. Just found out I have this thing for work. Maybe tomorrow we can get together?” Then I put my phone away and continued about my work day…

James’ POV:

I sighed as I looked at her reply. She couldn’t come to the benefit. I didn’t really expect her to, but I thought it’d be nice if she could. I hopped out of my car and went to the mailbox, pulling out my mail for the past two days. “Nealer!” Paul called, jogging over to me.

“Hey, Pauly. What’s up?” I asked

“You coming to the benefit tonight?”

I nodded, “Yeah.”

“Sweet. You bringing anyone?”

“No, who would I even bring…you know Melanie and I broke up.”

“Yeah, but I figured you’d know some girl who’d go…” he replied, I knew he was implying Allison. I had told Paul that I had talked to her.

“She couldn’t make it.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, man. You going to ride with me then?”

“Sure. I’ll head over to your house at 5:30.” I replied, unlocking my door.

“Okay, see you then.” he replied, jogging back to his house. On one hand, it was nice living so close to Paul, but on another…I couldn’t keep anything from him. He was right down the street and across from me. There was no hiding of anything!

Allison’s POV:
I poured a bit of bubble bath into my tub and stepped in, laying back. I sipped on my glass of wine and relaxed, listening to some random Classical music. It had been a long day, I ended up having to stay late at work, the thing with Brian at the office and James…

“What am I going to do…” I sighed out loud, as if someone could hear me and respond. These were the times I really missed Mel.

Melanie would always be there to answer my calls when I needed advice. What to wear to school that day? How to do my hair for prom? Should I go out tonight? Should I go out on a date with this guy? James or Brian?

That was the past, however. I doubted that Melanie would even answer if I called and even if she did answer, I wouldn’t ask her that last question. I sighed again. This sucked…this whole situation sucked. I had lost my best friend over a guy and even though it was mostly her fault, I couldn’t help blaming myself.

James’ POV:

Paul and I arrived to the benefit just in time and got to our table. “Hey, guys.” Sidney said, with some brunette girl on his arm

“Hey, Sid. Who’s your friend?” Paul asked.

“This is Francesca. Francesca, these are two of my teammates, James Neal and Paul Martin.”

“Hello. Nice to meet you.” she replied in a very heavy French Canadian accent.

“Nice to meet you too.” Paul replied, nudging me to say something.

“Likewise. I’m going to get some Champagne. Anyone else care for a glass…or bottle?” I asked standing up, but leaving before anyone could reply.

I headed over to the bar, and ordered a glass for myself. “Hey sexy, you come here often?” A male voice asked. Confused, I spun around and was met with Brandon Sutter, laughing.

"Hi, Brandon."

“Hey! You should have seen your face.”

“You’re an idiot.” I replied shaking my head

“I know. What table are you at?” he asked

“7. With Crosby, Paul, Sidney’s friend and I believe Geno.”

“Fuck…I’m at 10 with Kuni, his wife, Nisky, Orps and Engo.” he replied

“That sound’s like a load of fun.”

“Kind of, but not really. Well I just have to get some waters and head back. I’ll see you around.”

I gave him a nod and headed back to my table, waving at Flower and Vero on my way. “So…what’s going on with Allison?” Sidney asked

“What do you mean?” I asked, glaring at Paul.

“It wasn’t him. It was Geno. So are you getting back together with her?”

“Who is Allison?” Francesca asked

“My ex-girlfriend.” I replied and she nodded, “I don’t know, Sid…I mean, I’d like to, but it’s going to be a lot of work and take a lot of time.”

Sidney nodded, “Yeah, but it will be worth…oh my god, why is she here?" I turned to the door to see what he was referring to and I saw Geno walking in…with Oksana.

Notes