chapter 17:A night to remember or forget

I glared at Tony's reflection in the mirror, trying to muster up some annoyance, but my eyes just felt puffy and tired. "Just didn't sleep well, okay?" I muttered, splashing some water on my face.

Tony chuckled. "Ah, come on, Milly. You can't let Andrew get to you like that. He's just trying to make amends.I turned to face him, my expression incredulous. "Amends? You think what he did was just something to be forgiven and forgotten?"

Tony held up his hands. "Hey, I'm not taking sides. I just think you should try to move forward, for your own sake."

I sighed, feeling a headache coming on. "Whatever. Let's just get this meeting over with."

Tony grinned. "That's the spirit! Now come on, we don't want to be late. And by the way, you look stunning in that suit. I knew it would be perfect for you."

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help a small smile. Tony might be a bit of a jerk sometimes, but at least he was consistentI froze, my heart racing as Andrew's hand wrapped around my waist. "What are you doing?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Andrew's grip was gentle, but firm. "I just wanted to talk to you for a minute," he said, his voice low and husky.

I tried to wriggle free, but he held me in place. "Let me go, Andrew," I warned, my eyes flashing with anger."Please, just hear me out," he said, his eyes pleading. "I know I hurt you, and I'm so sorry. I want to make it right, Emily. I want to prove to you that I'm not that same person anymore."I glared at him, my mind racing. Why was he doing this? Why now?

Tony's voice broke the tension. "Hey, hey, what's going on here?"

Andrew released me, and I stumbled back, my heart still racing. "Nothing, Tony," Andrew said, his eyes never leaving mine. "Just trying to make amends."Tony raised an eyebrow. "Well, maybe save it for later, okay? We have a meeting to get to."

Tony smiled and winked at me. "Anytime, Milly. I've got your back."

I smiled back, feeling a surge of gratitude towards him. "Thanks, Tony. I owe you one."

As we walked to the car, Tony asked, "So, what's the deal with you and Andrew? You two have history or something?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But something about Tony's kind and genuine demeanor put me at ease. "Yeah, we do," I said quietly. "He bullied me in high school. Made my life a living hell."

Tony's expression darkened. "That bastard. I had no idea. No wonder you're always so tense around him."

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Yeah. It's been hard to forgive him."

Tony put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Well, you don't have to forgive him if you don't want to. But maybe, just maybe, he's trying to change. People can grow, right?"

I looked up at him, surprised by his insight. "Yeah. Maybe they can I taught you

   Maybe you have forgotten, you know tony back then I had a crush on you and one day when I was sick you came to the hospital and I told you about how Andrew treated me you guys fought, well it okay if you don't remember ever one forget something I said.

Tony's eyes widened in surprise, and he stopped in his tracks. "Wait, Emily...I think I do remember," he said, his voice filled with a mix of shock and nostalgia.

He turned to face me, his eyes searching mine. "You were in the hospital, and I came to visit you. You told me about Andrew, and I...I lost my temper. I went to confront him, and we got into a fight."

Tony's expression softened, and he took a step closer to me. "I had no idea you had a crush on me back then. I'm flattered, Emily."

He smiled, and his eyes crinkled at the corners. "I'm glad I could be there for you, even if it was just to punch Andrew in the face."

I laughed, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "Yeah, that meant a lot to me, Tony. It really did."

Tony's expression turned serious, and he placed a hand on my arm. "I'm sorry I didn't do more to help you back then. But I'm here for you now, okay?"

Don't think am nice Milly he said then continue driving.

I smiled wryly, feeling a mix of emotions. Tony's words were a reminder that he wasn't just the charming, affable person he seemed to be. He had a complex past, and a rough exterior that he only occasionally let his guard down from.

"Okay, Tony," I said, settling back into my seat. "I won't make that mistake again."

The rest of the drive was quiet, with only the sound of the radio breaking the silence. I couldn't help but steal glances at Tony, wondering what other secrets he was hiding behind those piercing blue eyes.

As we arrived at our destination, Tony turned off the engine and turned to me. "Let's get this meeting over with, shall we?" he said, his expression all business once again.

I nodded, grabbing my bag and following him out of the car. Little did I know, this meeting would be just the beginning of a very long, very complicated day.

********†***

As we walked into the sitting room, I saw Andrew slumped on the couch, a bottle of whiskey clutched in his hand. Tony's eyes narrowed, and he strode over to Andrew, his movements swift and decisive.

"Andrew, what the hell are you doing?" Tony demanded, trying to pry the bottle from Andrew's grasp.

     Andrew looked up, his eyes bleary and unfocused. "Mind your own business, Tony," he slurred, trying to hold onto the bottle.

Tony's expression turned stern. "You're going to kill yourself, Andrew. That's my business."

I watched in surprise as Tony easily wrestled the bottle away from Andrew and set it on the coffee table. "You need to slow down, Andrew. You're going to hurt yourself."

Andrew's face crumpled, and he buried his face in his hands. "Just leave me alone, Tony. I can handle it."

Tony sighed and sat down beside Andrew on the couch. "I'm not going to leave you alone, Andrew. You're my friend, and I'm not going to watch you destroy yourself."

I felt a pang of surprise at Tony's words. I had no idea he cared so deeply about Andrew's well-being. Maybe there was more to Tony than I thought.

I shook my head, chuckling to myself as I left the two of them to their antics. Andrew's singing was certainly... enthusiastic, but I had no desire to join in. And Tony's encouragement was only making things worse.

I made my way upstairs, eager to escape the chaos and get ready for dinner. As I entered my room, I couldn't help but smile at the memory of Andrew's silly singing. Despite his flaws, he was trying to make amends, and that counted for something.

I began to get ready, my mind wandering to the dinner ahead. What would the conversation be like? Would Andrew try to make small talk, or would he continue to be his usual awkward self?

As I finished dressing, I took a deep breath, preparing myself for whatever the evening might bring. Little did I know, it would be a night to remember.Tony glanced over at Andrew, who was now sprawled out on the couch, snoring softly. "Yeah, he's out cold," Tony replied, chuckling. "I think the whiskey finally caught up with him."

I nodded, smiling wryly. "Good. Maybe he'll sleep off some of that stubbornness."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "You think a little sleep is going to fix Andrew's attitude?"

I laughed. "Probably not, but a girl can hope, right?"

As we exchanged a knowing look, I suddenly remembered my friend Mira. "Oh no, I haven't spoken to Mira in days! I need to call her."

Tony nodded. "Go ahead, I'll keep an eye on Andrew. Make sure he doesn't burn the house down or anything."

I grinned and headed to my room to call Mira, wondering what I had missed in our conversation.

  "Hey girl! I'm so glad you called! I was starting to think you'd forgotten about me," Mira said, her voice bubbly and enthusiastic.

I laughed. "Of course not, Mira! I'm so sorry I haven't called in a while. Life just got crazy busy."

Mira's tone turned serious. "I know, I know. I've been following your drama with Andrew on social media. How's that going?"

I sighed, flopping down on my bed. "It's been...interesting. He's trying to make amends, but it's hard to forgive him for everything he did."

Mira's voice was supportive. "I get it. But maybe this is an opportunity for closure? For both of you to move on?"

I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "Yeah, maybe you're right. I just don't want to get hurt again."

Mira's tone turned fierce. "You won't, Emily. You're stronger now. And I'm here for you, no matter what."I stormed upstairs, still fuming from seeing both Andrew and Tony passed out on the couch. But as I grabbed the blanket from the linen closet, my anger began to fade. What was the point, really? They were both just trying to escape their own demons.

I returned downstairs and gently covered Andrew and Tony with the blanket, trying not to disturb them. They looked almost peaceful, despite the chaos they'd caused earlier.

I shook my head, smiling wryly. "Men," I muttered to myself.

I went back upstairs, feeling a mix of emotions. Frustration, yes, but also a hint of affection for these two imperfect, lovable guys.

As I crawled into bed, I couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring. More drama? Or maybe, just maybe, a little bit of peace.

I closed my eyes, letting out a deep sigh. Tomorrow could

wait. For now, I just wanted to sleep.

Lilly had tried to drive a wedge between Anthony and me. She had always made it clear that she didn't think I was good enough for him, and now here she was, acting like they were long-lost friends.

"Hey, Emily," Anthony said, finally releasing Lilly from the hug. "Lilly's going to stay for a bit. Isn't that great?"

I forced a weak smile, trying to hide my true feelings. "Yeah, great."

Lilly's eyes sparkled with amusement as she turned to me. "I'm so glad we can all catch up together. It's going to be a lovely day."

I doubted that. With Lilly around, the day was already looking ruinued

As we entered the house, I felt uneasy seeing Lilly and Anthony smiling together. Lilly asked me for a drink, and I wished she would just leave. Andrew pulled me into the kitchen, asking angrily, "What's wrong?"

I struggled to answer, feeling frustrated and hurt. Andrew's eyes blazed with intensity as he asked, "Do you like Anthony?"

I whispered, "Yes, I love him."

Andrew's face twisted in frustration, and he let go of my hand. "Then why are you pushing me away?" he asked, his voice filled with despair.

Anthony's voice came through the door. "Hey Milly, is everything alright?"

I didn't respond, not wanting to talk to anyone right now. I was still trying to process the drama with Andrew and Lily's sudden departure.

Anthony's voice came again, "Lily said I should tell you she's leaving. She's going to stay with her aunt for the summer."

I still didn't answer, feeling a mix of emotions. Relief that Lily was leaving, but also guilt for feeling that way.

Anthony's voice was softer this time, "Milly, I know you're in there. If you need to talk, I'm here for you."

I appreciated his concern, but I just needed some time alone to sort out my thoughts. My first day of summer was indeed hell, and I just wanted it to be over.