The Loser in the End--The Sequel

Bad Timing

"We have to get back downstairs before Brian starts going bat-shit crazy," Freddie said nervously.

He helped you zip your dress back up, and you reapplied your lipstick.

"He can't see us getting out of the elevator together, so I'm going to go down first," he explained. "Then you wait five minutes and come down, ok?  We have to act like everything is normal, ok?"

You nodded. If there was anything you agreed on, it was that Brian couldn't see you anywhere near him.

He pushed a button on the elevator, and it began going down.

"Here's my number," he said, handing you a slip of paper. "Call me anytime, day or night if you need me. But whatever you do, don't let Brian see it."

"Freddie," you began.

"Yes?"

 "If what you're telling me is true, and I'm not convinced it is, what are you going to do about it?"

"I don't have a fucking clue," Freddie admitted. "It's like a no-win situation. If I do nothing, then Brian gets away with this shit, and it's killing me to see him do this to you. If I do something, then I ruin Roger's life, and that will kill me too. It's like whatever I do, I'm fucked."

He looked very vulnerable at that moment. It was unusual for him to allow anyone to see that side of him. He was so accustomed to being the strong one, the one who always had all the answers...the one everyone relied on...

The elevator stopped and the door opened. You had to get out, but you didn't want to.  In that moment, you just wanted to stay there with him forever.

He hugged you quickly, and then said, "You have to go now. I'm sorry.  I love you."

You got out and watched as the elevator door slid shut.  It was like a door shutting on your heart and your happiness.  And you felt like nothing would ever be the same.  

You sat there and waited, tapping your fingers nervously.  What would you find once you got back downstairs?  Would Brian notice that both you and Freddie had been missing at the same time?  Or would the photoshoot keep him sufficiently occupied to notice?  Five minutes passed, then ten,  then fifteen...

You stood up reluctantly and pushed the elevator button.  It arrived and the door opened, but you didn't get in.  You couldn't.  You were just too nervous, and you weren't really sure why.  As you stood there, the door closed, and the elevator went back down without you.

After pacing around, you realized you were being completely ridiculous.  You trusted Brian.  You knew he would never hurt you.  You had to stop letting Freddie's crazy stories bother you.  You pushed the elevator button again and waited for it to return.  

After several moments, the elevator returned, and the door slid open.

But this time, it wasn't empty...