You're My Exception

Chapter 15

“What do I do, Sel?” Demi asked, frowning.

“Well, I think that you need to let Sterling cool off. If Joe went to talk to him, which he probably did, then I hope Sterling has already cooled off. Joe’s your best friend, but if Sterling doesn’t realize that you two just really care about each other, then he’s not worth it.” Selena answered.

“Okay, that’s the logical Selena thinking, what does the romantic Selena think?” Demi questioned, raising an eyebrow at her best friend.

Selena sighed in response. “You really want to know, Demi?” After her friend nodded, she continued. “I think that Joe still has feelings for you.”

“What? But-”

Selena put her hand up, causing Demi to stop. “Also, I think that you still have feelings for him too.”

“Selena! Are you crazy?!” her friend asked, unable to believe the words coming out of Selena’s mouth.

“I’m not,” Selena smiled. “Admit it, Demi. Deep down inside, you still have feeling for Joe. Why didn’t you immediately pull away from him when he kissed you?”

“I wasn’t sure of what was going on!” Demi argued.

“Sure, okay, Demi.” Selena rolled her eyes. “Demi, your chemistry with Joe…it was special. That kind of connection will never fade. I knew from day one you would fall in love.”

“We fell in love, then we broke UP, Selena.” Demi clarified.

“Who’s lightweight about?” Selena smirked.

Demi groaned in protest. “SELENA! I wrote that before we even went out!”

“I don’t care,” she smiled wide, then she belted out, “WHEN YOU PULL ME CLOSE; FEELINGS I’VE NEVER KNOWN!”

“Selena, STOP!” Demi begged glaring at her best friend.

“Fine,” Selena giggled. “But really, Demi, who are you fooling?”

“I’m not fooling anyone,” she muttered.

“Okay, fine, Demi. Whatever you say,” Selena sighed.

“Hey baby, look I’m sorry about overreacting, that was stupid of me. Come to my house,” Demi heard the voicemail for the fifth time. She took a deep breath and knocked on Sterling’s door. “Demi,” he smiled and pulled her into a hug.  “I’m sorry,” he mumbled into her hair.

“It’s okay,” she whispered.

“So, we have a party to plan,” he said. “Someone’s birthday is coming up in two days?”

She grinned her infamous grin. “Let’s do it.” 

Two days later, Demi was turning twenty-two. Her hair was curled and she had gotten her nails done. They were having a big party somewhere her manager had picked out. As the guests came in, Demi tried her best to greet every single one of them, which was hard because there were hundreds of people coming in. When she saw Joe, she quickly made her way towards him.

“Joe!” She smiled.

He chuckled softly, “Happy birthday, Dems,” he said giving her a quick hug. It wasn’t like him; he was one that would give her hugs that meant something. She’d feel safe in his arms. He handed her a gift. “Open it later.”

“You haven’t been answering my texts that much, what’s wrong?” she asked.

He shook his head; out of the corner of his eye he saw Sterling watching them. “Nothing, go ahead and have fun, okay?”

“Joe…” Demi started.

“Everything’s fine, Dems,” Joe told her. He gave her a smile and walked away.

Something in her gut told her to go after him. Why was he acting like he couldn’t be seen with her too long?

“Having fun, baby?” Sterling asked, sliding an arm around Demi a few hours later.

“Yeah,” she smiled up at him. “but Joe’s being acting strange. He won’t spend too much time around me.”

“He probably got his act together,” he replied carelessly.

She sighed. “I guess…”

“Why haven’t you been with Demi?” Selena asked Joe as they both stood near the drinks.

“It’s best if we’re not around each other.” He answered, not looking at her.

“Joseph, that’s crazy,” she said, turning towards him. “You two are best friends. Now, tell me what’s really going on?”

Joe sighed. “I agreed to stay away from Demi so she and Sterling can be happy.”

“That’s the stupidest agreement you’ve made in your life. Demi knows something’s wrong.”

“I don’t want to ruin anything between her and Sterling.” He said, taking a beer.

“Joe…the last time you got drunk…”

“I don’t give a fuck, Selena. I’ll do whatever the hell I want.” With that, he took a gulp down as Selena sighed, knowing she’d have to take care of him when he was wasted.