Like Loving A Lion (SEQUEL to I'm Not That Perfect)

"You really didn't have to do this, babe. It's early and you need sleep. Have you gone back to the doctor yet?" Austin asked. I'd insisted on driving him to the airport for their flight to Florida to start touring.
"It's fine. Dr Hepburn's in Switzerland until next week and even after he returns he's booked. Stop worrying about me." I rolled my eyes where he couldn't see. The only semi-good thing about him being gone for so long was that I wouldn't have a second father around.
"I'm going to miss you so much." He said, squeezing my waist. "I don't want to be without you."
"It's going to be fine. Thirty days. We've gone much longer than that, haven't we?" I asked.
He leaned down to kiss me one last time. "I love you so much. I'll FaceTime you soon, okay?"
"Bye, guys!" I waved. "Je t'aime!"
**
I was in San Diego less than an hour and a half later. Normally the drive took over two hours but I'd been speeding.
"-but they were only together for a few months!" Mike was saying when I walked into Vic's house. He, Vic, Tony and Jaime were all there.
"You gossip like old women." I rolled my eyes, laughing and sitting down beside Vic.
"Avery! Good to see you." Vic said. "You got here fast."
"I don't do the speed limit." I grinned. "I feel so lost. It feels so weird for him to not be around."
"Married life problems." Jaime said. "So, how are things? How was Hawaii?"
I smiled. "Perfect. It was so gorgeous."
"Let's go out tonight." Vic said. "Get your mind off of your husband."
"Fine. All I've been doing for the past week is cleaning." I sighed. "And unpacking and organizing. I need a break."
"Married life problems." Jaime repeated. "You'll never guess who's in town."
"Leonardo DiCaprio?" I guessed, raising my eyebrows.
I heard the front door open. "Hey!"
It was Alex Gaskarth and my ex, the one and only Jack Barakat. They came in and sat down. I crossed my legs nervously.
"Hey, Ave. How's the married life?" Alex asked.
"Great, great. What's up with you guys?" I bit my lip, not even paying attention as they went on about their band.
"We were just planning on going out tonight. You guys down?" Vic asked. I glared at him when both Alex and Jack accepted his invite.
***
"So, how's Austin?" Jack asked, leaning against the bar beside me once we'd gotten to some club.
"Fanfuckingtastic. How's your dog?" I asked, downing my drink. There was no love lost between Jack and I since I found out how bitter he was because of my wedding and all the things he'd been saying.
"Do you have a problem?" He asked.
"I don't really have time for someone who pretends to give a shit about me." I shrugged, suddenly not in the mood for partying. "Tell Vic I left."
"Avery!" Jack called as I walked out.
I ignored him, getting in my car and calling Austin. I put him on Bluetooth so that his voice played through the speakers.
"Hey." Austin picked up on the first ring. "I miss you already."
"I miss you too. My night's been fucking retarded." I rolled my eyes, telling him all about what had just happened.
"I'm sorry. Wish I was there." He said.
"Shit, it's like midnight there, isn't it?" I cried. "I'm sorry. It's only nine here. I love you! Get some sleep."
He laughed. "I love you too, baby girl."

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