I'd rather trade it all while somehow saving you[a Synyster Gates story]WTTYAWDS

Chapter twenty two

She sat down at the table and tried to join in on the conversation. Val gave her a sly look but she ignored it and laughed with the others about something Jimmy was doing. Brian watched Kate. He went over to the bar and drank a shot of Jack, then poured another one. Zacky came up beside him and poured himself a shot.

“What’s up man?” He asked. Brian looked around, then pulled Zacky into the house.

He sighed and pressed his palms into the counter.

“I almost kissed Kate just a little bit ago.” He said quietly. Zacky chuckled and leaned his back against the same counter.

“Almost? What happened?” He asked. Brian looked up.

“Val happened. She walked in just as I was going to kiss her.” Zacky raised his eyebrow.

“Okay so what’s the big deal? Try again when everyone goes home.” He said with a smile. Brian shook his head and let it drop.

“I can’t try it again Zacky. I shouldn’t have tried in the first place.” He said. Zacky sighed.

“Well why the hell not Brian? I mean it’s obvious you care about her a lot so why not just get things out into the open.” He said. Brian sighed hard and pushed himself off of the counter and pulled Zacky more into the living room.

“Because I think she’s still in love with Scott.” He said quietly. Zacky coughed and shook his head.

“No way. He beat the living hell out of her. There’s no way she-“ Brian cut him off.

“She was looking photos of him when I found her. She was crying. She looked like she was still in love with him. So I’m just going to leave it alone.” He said. Zacky shook his head and put his hand on Brian’s shoulder.

“Look man, if it were me I would just tell her how I felt.” He said. Brian chuckled.

“Oh yeah? What about Mel? You’ve been in love with her forever yet you never make a move.” He said. Zacky flushed and rolled his eyes.

“Come on Brian. Mel doesn’t feel the same way.” Brian shrugged.

“Never know until you try.” Zacky pushed him slightly.

“Yeah, remember that would ya?” The laughed, then walked back outside.

“They’re you are Zacky, where’d you wonder off to?” Mel asked. Zacky looked at Brian who shrugged and winked.

“Mel, can I talk to you for a minute?” Zacky asked her. She nodded and they walked out of Brian’s backyard and into the beach.

Mel took off her shoes and wiggled her toes in the sand.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to live anywhere else.” She said as she looked out onto the water. Zacky followed her gaze then swallowed hard.