Ryan

The elevator doors closed. Only then did I allowed myself to fall apart for a second, because once those doors opened again, I walked into a very crowded lobby. Taking a seat in a nearby chair, I occasionally glanced towards the doors while waiting for Preston to arrive. If there was ever a day where I wished he was already outside waiting... today would be that day.

My head was killing me. I rested it in my hands and tried my best to ignore all of the thoughts swimming around in my brain. This was the exact reason I never let myself get too close to anyone. But who could be in her presence and not be completely captivated by everything that is Janet.

Telling her that I didn't want her to choose between Toni and myself seemed like the right thing to do in that moment. I was thinking about her and all the chaos that we all created together. It just didn't fair to try force her to make a choice. But seeing her in Toni's arms was absolutely heartbreaking and if I'm being totally honest with myself, I wanted her to choose me.

I'd left a lasting impression on Janet. I was definitely in her thoughts, so I will just let her come to me, when she's ready. If she is ever ready. After all, she is worth the wait.

Closing my eyes, I rubbed my aching temple. This was all so overwhelming for me and though I felt like I had a plan, I didn't feel any closer to her being mine. I lifted my head startled by a mellow voice coming from beside me.

Hi." She said.

I stood up quickly. "Sorry I'm just waiting for my ride but I can wait outside." I started to gather my things and dropped my phone face down on the ground.

Kneeling down, we both grabbed for it and my hand landed on top of hers. Her cheeks turned a rosy shade of pink as flipped it over and wiggled it the air revealing the unharmed screen.

"Thank God for screen protectors right?" She said as we both stood to our feet. "You don't have to go," she continued. "Unless I mean your ride is here, then obviously you would have to go because your ride would be here." She was rambling and both laughed as her freckled face went from the shade of pink to a bright red. "I saw you from across the room and you looked kind of upset. I just wanted to make sure that you were okay and to see if there was anything I could get for you."

"Oh," I laughed nervously, allowing myself to relax as I sat back down in the chair. She pulled a chair over to join me. "No, I'm good actually, but thank you."

She held her hand out to me. "My name is Chase by the way."

"Hi Chase, I'm..." I hesitated. Normally I would just introduce myself as Dahlia. It was second nature but I realized in that exact moment, that after the night I had, today was a new day and Dahlia was no more. "I'm Ryan." I finally replied. "I'm a friend of Toni and Janet's."

"Oh," she nodded and smiled. "That's extremely cool. I love them both. Not the mention, they make a fucking hot couple, excuse my French." She laughed.

"Yeah, they're definitely a sight to see." Was my response, as I didn't my best to avoid making eye contact with her. I could literally feel her eyes on me. She was gazing at me so intensely.

Preston walked into the lobby, stood at the doors and waved, catching my attention. "That's my ride, I better get going, but it was really nice meeting you Chase."

We both stood there and glanced at each other for just a second in an awkward silence. She grabbed me by the wrist, flipped my hand over and pulled a pen from her shirt pocket.

"My number... Just in case you ever need a friend." She said sweetly.

"Thank you." I said, looking past her to see Janet and Toni stepping off the elevator. "I need to go but thanks for being so nice. Have a great day."

I quickly walked out of the hotel, greeted Preston and got into the car. He pulled off just as they walked outside. I let my head fall back against the seat and took a deep breath. That was a close one. I just couldn't bring myself to face them again, at least not today. Glancing down at the number that was starting to smear on my clammy hand, I decided to save it to my contacts. Maybe I could use a friend at some point.

As we rode in silence, Preston snuck a glance at me through the mirror. I met his gaze and tried look away quickly but he noticed.

"You know, I just realized that I don't know your last name." He said. "It's only right to greet a young lady like yourself properly."

"It's Jaxsin." I said spelling it out for him.

"No shit?" He glanced back at me as we came to a red light.

"No shit." I smirked. We both started to laugh.

Janet

Watching Toni drive away made me feel like I finally had a second to breath. Though we didn't come to a conclusion or staying together or breaking up, she agreed to give me some time and space. A busy schedule sounded like child's play compared to the storm brewing in head now. I didn't know what the fuck I was going to do and that meant I needed some advise. That meant I needed Gil.

His phone rang for what seemed like an eternity. He finally picked up as I made my way back into the building.

"Sheeeeeeeessss youuuuur queeeeeen tohoo beeeee!" He answered singing. I lost it laughing really loud and drawing eyes to me in the hotel lobby.

"I needed that. Babe, are you busy because I need you."

"Is everything okay Dunk? Do I need to bring my razor and sneakers?" He said loudly on the other end of the phone.

"No crazy!" I laughed. "I just need to talk. I can send Preston for you if you, if you'd like. He went to take Ryan home but I'm sure he could pick you up after."

"Who the hell is Ryan? Are you messing with the pole again bitch?" He exclaimed.

"Dahlia."

"What about Dahlia?" He asked.

"She's Ryan."

"I'm so confused." He said.

"Gil... Dahlia is Ryan. She apparently goes by Dahlia all the time and never tells anyone her real name." I explained. "Anyway we spent the night together and Gil is was fucking amazing..." As I started the story to catch Gil up, there was a tap on my shoulder and I turned to see Chase standing behind me. "Gil, hold on for a sec babe..."

"Details honey! Details... Hello? Dunk?" I could still hear him as I pulled the phone slightly from my ear.

"Chase, hi." I said.

She smiled. "Hi Ms. Jackson, I'm so sorry to bother you. I um, I normally wouldn't do this because I'm at work but I just have to ask..."

"Yes?" I looked at her curiously.

"I met your friend today, in the lobby and I think she absolutely gorgeous, and I was wondering if she was seeing anyone?" She asked, fidgeting nervously with her fingers.

"My friend?" I asked.

"Yea..." Chase nodded. "Ryan."

"She gave you her name?" I asked.

"Oooo Chase you better run bitch." I heard Gil say.