My Everything

Noah asks to make it up to him.
    “Crystal.” I say because other words escape me. I can’t believe Liam just said I could see Noah and not just see him, but coach him as well. “Thank you,” my voice cracks as I fight back the tears. I told myself I wouldn’t cry, especially in front of Liam. I can’t show him any weakness that he may want to exploit later.
    Aubrey stands and pulls me into her arms. “I told you he’d be reasonable,” she whispers in my ear. I pull her to me, burying my face in her neck and let out a long, ragged breath that I didn’t know I was holding. I let her go all too soon, remembering our guests. She kisses me lightly on the cheek before turning back to Liam and Josie.
    “Do you guys have time for coffee and dessert?”
    Josie looks at Liam, he nods, which I know makes Aubrey’s heart soar.
    “Do you really want coffee, Westbury, or another beer?” I try the friendliness tactic knowing it’s a stretch.
    Liam cracks a smile and shakes his head. “Beer.”
    “Coming right up.” I gather up our plates and carry them to the kitchen. Aubrey is busy preparing dessert and coffee.
    “Just you and Josie on the coffee.”
    “Okay, babe.” I take a moment and nuzzle into her neck.
    “I love you. Thank you for pushing me to do this. You’ll love Noah, he’s an amazing kid.”
    Aubrey turns and captures my lips, pulling away all too soon. “I can’t wait.”
    Josie is piling napkins and gathering the bowls when I come back in. “What are you doing?”
    “Helping,” she says sheepishly. Liam shakes his head and takes the offered beer out of my hands.
    “She does this all the time.”
    “Some things never change.” My comment causes Liam to laugh. I join in when Josie shoots him a death stare. It’s easy to see why they are meant to be together.
    “Can I ask how Noah’s doing?”
    Aubrey comes in with a tray full of different cookies and slices of cake. She wanted to cook, be a hostess since they were coming over here, but with Josie bringing dinner she opted for the next best thing, even though they are store bought. It’s the thought that counts, right? She sets the tray down and Liam reaches for a piece of cake while Josie takes her cup of coffee.
    She lets it warm her hands before taking a sip before answering. “He’s doing well. School is school. I don’t think boys like school in general and he has a new friend that he hangs out with a lot who doesn’t play football so that’s nice,” Josie says with so much pride. I miss that. I miss being able to brag about him.
    “And are you guys together?” I ask, pointing to the both of them. Josie looks shocked when I ask, but I’m trying to be friendly. I honestly don’t care and could ask anyone around town, but they’re here.
    “We are.” It’s Liam who answers. He’s once again playing with her ring.
    “Getting married soon?” I’m not bitter. She’s been my friend for a long time. I care about her.
    Josie looks over at Liam and it makes me wonder if she’s doing the same thing to him that she’s done to me. Avoidance. She’s very good at it.
    “Maybe next summer. We really haven’t talked about setting a date and with the tour, things get crazy.”
    “Yeah I bet.” I take a swig of my beer, as does Liam while Josie looks down at her cup of coffee.
    “So Liam, Nick tells me that you’re the lead singer of 4225 West.”
    Liam’s face deadpans. He probably thought he was making it through dinner without talking about his alter ego.
    “I am. Are you a fan?”
    “No, not really. I’ve heard a few of your songs though.” I try not to choke on my beer. Liam starts laughing, as does Josie. Aubrey sits there, perfect as a peach.
    “Well I have to say, it’s nice that I didn’t walk into a fan-fest. When Josie told me we were coming over here I just about freaked out. When I’m here I like being just Westbury, dad to Noah and Josie’s rocker, but some people don’t see it like that and bombard me all the time with merchandise to sign with promises to not sell it, only for it to end up on some auction site.”
    “Oh no, I don’t need your autograph.”
    “Thank you.” For the first time since Liam’s been here his smile is genuine. Maybe there is hope for us to get along and be friends.
    “How are Katelyn and the girls? I really miss them.”
    Liam sighs and shakes his head. Josie looks sad. My heart breaks for the Powell’s.
    “Katelyn is doing okay. She’s managing and working