A New Day
Chapter 11
10 minutes later, AJ pulled up behind Kevin at his house. He followed Kevin inside, neither of them saying a word. Kevin led him into the kitchen and opened the fridge grabbing a couple of bottles of water. He chucked one at AJ, who caught it, before leading him into the den. The settled themselves on the sofa, Kevin at one end, and AJ at the other, facing each other.
They looked at each other for a moment, before AJ broke eye contact and looked around.
"No Kris?" He asked.
"She left this morning."
"I thought she didn't leave until next week."
"So did we, they called all the dancer's in early cos they changed some of the routines, wanted a week for them to learn them before they start."
"That sucks." AJ told him.
"Yeah, it does." Kevin sighed.
"You're okay though right?" AJ asked. He could sense that Kevin was more upset about Kristen leaving then he was letting on.
Kevin shrugged. "Yeah I'll be fine." He sensed an opening. "Are you okay?"
AJ smiled ruefully, he knew this was coming. "I'm okay Kev. Why?"
"Just checking. Nick said something earlier."
AJ grinned. "And you call me the blabbermouth."
Kevin smiled, feeling more at ease. If AJ had been having bad problems, he would've gone on the defensive as soon as the topic had come up. "Yeah well, you know he was just worried about you."
"I know." AJ sighed. "It's not that it bothers me, but I just wish you guys could trust me more."
Kevin opened his mouth to deny it, but AJ didn't let him. "No Kev, it's okay. I don't expect you guys to trust me totally yet. Hell, sometimes I don't even trust myself. But those times are few and far between now. I won't lie and say I never wanna drink, cos I'm an alcoholic, and it's always there y'know." He shrugged.
"But I can deal with it better now. And if I feel like I can't then I know I can come to y'all, or go find a meeting, or whatever." AJ looked up at Kevin and grinned widely.
"Y'know what?"
Kevin shook his head.
"I think I'm finally getting the hang of this shit."
At that Kevin laughed out loud, making AJ sigh in relief before laughing as well. When they stopped, Kevin moved closer and put a hand on AJ's arm.
"You know I'm proud of you don't ya?" Kevin asked him.
AJ looked into his eyes and could see the truth in them. He smiled and covered Kevin's hand with his own.
"I know. Thanks Kev."
The moment was broken when AJ's stomach rumbled loudly, letting them know it wanted food. Kevin laughed and stood up, pulling AJ up with him.
"C'mon Bone. Let's go get something to eat."
"I don't know about that Kev." AJ told him.
"Why not?"
"I guess it depends."
"On what?"
"On whether you are planning on cooking. You know I love ya Kev, but if you're cooking it then I ain't eating it." AJ cackled as he headed out of the room, ducking the hand that Kevin had aimed for his head.
Kevin followed him out of the room, shaking his head, a relieved smile on his face. AJ was going to be fine.