She took his things downstairs to the laundry room. As she was checking his pockets before throwing things in the wash, she came across a folded up letter. She thought maybe it was a schedule or something but could see handwriting on it. It was from Leighanne. She thought about reading it but put it on the counter instead and continued putting things in the washer. She picked up the letter and went to the kitchen. She put the letter on the counter and grabbed a soft drink from the frig. She sat down on the bar stool and stared at the letter. Should she? Shouldn't she? She glanced down the hall. No sign of him. Like she really thought there would be, she knew he was sound asleep. She decided to read the letter. She knew it was wrong but curiosity got the better of her, plus he seemed so sad and maybe this would tell her what was wrong and she could help him.
Dear Brian,
I wish you would let me explain. I never meant to hurt you. Obviously I wasn't expecting you the day you came to the set and you left without talking to me, and now you won't accept my calls. Please know I never wanted to see the look of hurt on your face that I saw that day. There's no excuse for what I've done. I do love you and I always will. It just changed and I fell in love with James.
Shayla's eyes widened and she gasped out loud as she continued reading:
I should have told you or ended our relationship rather cheating on you. I've been so unfair to you and I hope that someday you'll forgive me. I know one day you'll find someone who deserves all the love you have to give and will love you back. I'm very sorry Brian. I should've handled this differently, but I can't help the fact that I fell in love with someone else. I'm just sorry that you had to be hurt in the process.
Love, Leighanne
"Oh poor baby," Shayla said out loud. She folded the letter and put it back with his things. She was just about to call McKenzie to see if Nick had gotten there when she heard Brian scream out. She ran up the stairs, flinging open the bedroom door. Brian was thrashing around having a nightmare. Shayla sat on the edge of the bed trying to wake him up.
"Brian, Brian wake up!" she shouted.
Brian opened his eyes with a horrified expression on his face. He sat up and threw his arms tight around her trying to catch his breath.
"Hey, it's alright. You were having a nightmare. Are you alright?" Shayla asked.
"Oh yeah, sorry," he said releasing her.
"Are you sure? It must have been a bad one the way you were screaming out," she told him. She could only imagine what he'd been dreaming about after reading that letter. He'd obviously walked in on Leighanne in bed with another guy.
"I'm ok," he said laying back down.
"Ok," said Shayla. "I've gotta get ready to go out. AJ will be here soon. Are you sure you don't wanna come with us?"
"No, I'll just stay here," he said moping.
"Aww, come on. It might do you good to get out and have some fun. Come on, come with us," she begged. "You can help protect me from AJ," Shayla giggled getting him to smile. "I know we decided we weren't gonna go out but if he gets me dancing and drinking who knows what might happen." Brian knew she was only playing.
"Alright, since you put it that way. I couldn't live with your virtue being tarnished by AJ on my conscience," Brian said.
"Great, we're gonna have a good time you'll see," Shayla said. "I'm gonna go get ready." Shayla turned to take a look at him one last time before closing his door. Brian forced a smile. Poor guy, she thought. He must be crushed and still he's got a smile that would bring the devil to his knees.
Shayla jumped in the shower and dressed to go out. She put on a pair of black capris and a red crocheted open back, halter sweater to show off her tattoo and black platform sandals. She wore her makeup heavier accentuating her eyes, and her hair had some ringlets to it.
AJ had arrived and was waiting in the living room with Brian when she came downstairs. AJ whistled upon seeing her and Shayla spun around to model her outfit for them.
"Wow!" AJ exclaimed. "You look incredible." He was wishing she'd change her mind and go out with him.
"Thank you," she said looking to Brian who was speechless. She waited for his response.
"You look stunning. We're going to be pulling guys off you left and right," Brian said. He didn't want to say that he was actually thinking she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen and made him think things that he shouldn't be. She carried so much confidence with her. That was one of the things he'd always liked about her.
"Not if I keep her close to me," AJ said wiggling his eyebrows. Shayla giggled at him. "There's just one problem with your lips though. I noticed it earlier today too," AJ said very seriously.
"What do you mean? What's wrong with my lips?" Shayla asked getting defensive, putting her fingers on her lips.
AJ moved closer to her acting all serious. "They're not on mine," he said starting to laugh. Then he gave a her a sweet kiss.
"AJ!" Shayla scolded, although she still liked his kisses.
"I can't help it. You look absolutely yummay! Friends can kiss. They can do other things too," he said wrapping his arms around her waist and looking her up and down.
"Uh, no they can't," Shayla said pushing him away.
"Damn, well it was worth a shot. I'll get ya drunk and maybe I can change your mind," he said cackling evily.
"Ha, ha, very funny," she said. "Look at you two. You're looking pretty hot yourselves. I'm gonna have the two best looking guys in the place on my arm."
"Ok it's getting a little deep in here. Let's go," Brian said. He was tired of watching them flirt.
They went through the garage because the media was outside at Brian's. Even though the property line was divided with thick trees, they didn't want to take any chances on being spotted. They pulled out with AJ driving Shayla's car and Brian and Shayla in the back. They guys body guards were parked down the street waiting and followed behind them.
They pulled up to the club's valet parking and the bouncer at the door let them in immediately and they were escorted to a booth near the back. "Wanna dance?" AJ asked Shayla.
"Sure," she answered. "I'll give ya a run for your money." Shayla was a very good dancer.
"Now I'm intrigued. Let's go," AJ said holding is elbow out for her to link her arm through.
"I'll get some drinks," Brian volunteered. "What'd ya want?"
"Gimme a beer and a shot of something," AJ told him.
"I'll have a beer," Shayla said. She and AJ headed for the dance floor.
AJ was very impressed to say the least. She was good and that made them get along great dancing. There was a lot of bumping and grinding. If they hadn't decided to be just friends, he would've been totally turned on and probably would've taken her somewhere and done her right then and there. They spent 3 songs dancing before going back to the table. Shayla slid into the booth next to Brian with her arm around his shoulder.
"Whew, you should see this girl on the floor. She can shake what her mama gave her," AJ said to Brian.
"How ya doin? Have ya seen any hot chicks yet?" Shayla asked Brian teasing him. She noticed all the empty shot glasses sitting on the table and noticed Brian's heavy eyes.
"I'm not looking. I've decided not to fall in love again remember," he slurred.
"Oh baby, come on, don't be so hard on yourself," Shayla said rubbing his back.
"Who said anything about love? We're here to have fun. And if we get lucky in the process, it's just a bonus," AJ said laughing.
"AJ, don't be crude," Shayla said smacking him on the back of the head. "Looks like you've had quite a bit to drink. Come on you need to work some of that off or you're gonna get sick. Dance with me," Shayla said to Brian as she downed her beer.
"You're the boss," Brian said as she led him to the dance floor.
They danced a song then a slow song came on. Shayla was going to suggest they go sit down, but Brian took her hand and pulled her to him wrapping his hands around her waist. His hands felt good and it felt good leaning against him. She put her arms around his neck and her head on his shoulder as they danced. Brian could smell the sweet scent of her shampoo and perfume. He liked the way she felt in his arms, she was so soft. And he was totally drunk. The song ended and they went back to the table. AJ had gone off flirting with some girls. Brian ordered some more drinks.
"Ya want another beer?" he asked Shayla.
"No, I'm gonna drive back so I'll just have a coke," Shayla told the waitress.
By the time AJ got back Brian was getting really drunk. Shayla had tried to get him to slow down but he wouldn't listen and kept rambling on about nonsense. "I think we better get him home," Shayla told AJ.
"You guys go ahead. I'll get a cab. I found me a fine young thang, so I'm gonna stay and party," AJ said giving Shayla a kiss goodbye.
"Ok, come on Bri," Shayla said helping him up.
Brian's body guard helped get him to the car. By now he was stumbling and half out of it. Once they got to Shayla's she helped him inside and up to his room. He kept mumbling something about him and her that she couldn't make out. Shayla sat him on the bed and took his shoes off. She started to lay him down and he grabbed her arm pulling her down with him. She fell on top him with his arms around her. He looked up at her and smiled a cheesy grin.
"Stay here with me," he said.
"Brian, you're drunk, you need to go to sleep," Shayla said trying to pull away but he pulled her down again.
"No, no, no, I just want you to stay with me. I just need to know you're here," he said slurring all his words.
"I'll be right in the next room if you need me," she said. She realized she was still on top of him with his arms around her and struggled to get up.
"Please, Shay? I'll be good, I promise. Just lay next to me. You're my best friend right now and I need you," he said.
Shayla knew he was totally wasted but she felt bad for him. "Ok, just for a while till you fall asleep," she said.
She layed down next to him pulling the covers over him tucking him in. Within minutes they'd both fallen asleep.