You're My Exception

Chapter 14

Joe sat on the porch of his and Nick's house, holding his guitar. He looked out onto the empty street, thinking. Every now and then, a car would pass by, and Joe was thankful they weren't paparazzi, because then he couldn't have time to think. He had been beating himself up mentally because of what he let happen. Now he knew Demi didn't feel that way. He closed his eyes and started strumming as words of Gym Class Heroes' "Stereo Hearts" came out. "My heart's a stereo, it beats for you so listen close; hear my thoughts in every note, oh-oh," he didn't notice that a car had parked in front of his house, and the driver got out, walking towards him. "Make me your radio, turn me down when you feel low. This melody's meant for you so sing along to my stereo."

"I need my radio," a soft voice said.

Joe opened his eyes. "Demi." Her expression was tired and hurt, she was biting her lip in that way she would when she was either anxious, nervous and scared. Joe slung his guitar on his back and extended an arm around his precious angel. She walked toward him and snuggled into his side as they walked into his house.

"What's wrong?" he asked. He sat facing her, while she was on the bed, looking down.

"I told Sterling that we kissed," she said softly. "We got into this big fight. We said things that I'm not sure if we meant, and I'm just not sure what to do."

'Sterling definitely hates me now,' Joe thought as sat next to her and wrapped an arm around her. They were silent for a moment until he said, "I should go apologize."

"No, Joe," she argued looking up at him. "You didn't mean to, you were drunk, those feelings were from a high."

He gulped back every ounce of him that wanted to tell her they were real. "It's okay, Demi. I'll apologize. I don't want your boyfriend mad at me." Demi once again opened her mouth to say something, but he cut her off. "Go ahead and spend some time with the girls, I'm going to talk to Sterling."

"You sure?" she asked him.

He nodded. "Go, you deserve some fun."

She smiled. "You're the best, Joey." She kissed his cheek softly.

"Anything for my Demsy," he replied, smiling a little. She left and he sighed. "You don't know how much I wish you were mine," he said to himself. 

"What do you want?" Sterling glared at the man who was at his door.

"I need to talk to you," he answered. His glance at Sterling was not of anger, or of jealousy, it was of urgence. "We need to settle a few things."

"Like the fact you kissed my girlfriend? 'Cause I think that's pretty low for even you, Joe."

"Sterling, just let me in," Joe argued as Sterling let him into the house. "Demi's with her friends, she's fine."

"So, did you think that Demi would run into your arms and just forget me after you kissed her?" Sterling asked.

"Sterling, she's telling the truth, I was drunk! I don't even remember what happened that night, but I know for sure that I wouldn't do that if I was in control of my actions. She's happy with you." Joe sighed.

"But you still have feelings for Demi." Sterling stated, giving Joe a cold, hard stare.

"I do," he admitted. "but that doesn't change the fact she loves you. I'll do anything to see her happy. I don't want to wreck your relationship."

"Just stay away from her." Sterling spat out.

Joe knew it was better to agree with Sterling so this didn't escalate to something huge. "Fine. I'll stay away from her."

"I don't want you hanging out with her anymore."

He nodded, though it broke his heart to think he wouldn't have time with Demi. "Deal."

"You're welcome to leave now," Sterling said as he gestured to the door.

Joe thanked him and walked out of the house. No Demi? Fine. He'd do it. He'd do anything for her happiness.