Who do you Love? | Joey Graceffa&Sawyer Hartman

Chapter 87: Stay.

Claire: Mariella you're closing late tonight..

Mariella: What?! I can't. I have to take my sister to the airport.

Claire: I'm sorry, you should've told me sooner.

Mariella: What about Evan or Angie? Can't one of them do it?

Claire: Angie's a minor. I certainly don't trust her! And, Evan already left. So, that just leaves you.

Mariella: My sister will miss her flight.

Claire: Call someone..

I groan as she walks off to the back. Is she still trying to get me back for last time? I continue wiping down tables, frustrated as to who I am going to call. I still don't have any of my old numbers programmed into my phone. I'll just have to call Veronica and see if she can call someone last minute. I won't even be able to say a proper goodbye to her. I dial her number, it begins to ring.

Veronica: Hello?

Mariella: Hey, V..

Veronica: You on your way home?

Mariella: Well-...

All of a sudden, there's a rhythmic knocking coming from behind me. I spin around, holding my phone up to my ear. It's Joey, standing at the entrance, grinning. I couldn't be any happier to see him!

Veronica: Mariella? Hello??

Mariella: Oh, Um, I gotta go.

Veronica: Wait, Wh-...

I didn't mean to hang up on her, but Joey showed up at the perfect time! I rush over to him, not even saying hello.

Mariella: I'm so glad you're here!

Joey: Aha really? Why?

Mariella: You're saving my ass! What's Tyler's phone number?

Joey: What's going on?

Mariella: I'll explain after!

I quickly motion him to take out his phone. He pulls it out of his back pocket, handing it over. I snatch it up, scrolling through his contacts. I dial Tyler's number and save it before calling. I half smile at him. I cover the speaker, whispering.

Mariella: This will only take a minute..

I hand him back his phone. He takes it, slowly nodding. A confused expression plastered on his face. The phone rings three times.

Tyler: Hello?

Mariella: Hey, Tyler. It's Mariella.

Tyler: Hi..

Mariella: I know we haven't spoken in awhile, but I just got a new phone, so I had none of my old contacts.

It's quiet. I take in a deep breath, than exhale.

Mariella: Look.. I'm sorry about the way I acted. I was upset and I took it out on you. You've been nothing but helpful and I couldn't thank you enough! I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to be so rude.

The line was silent as I waited for a reply.

Tyler: Apology accepted.

I smile to myself.

Mariella: I'm so glad to hear that from you.

Tyler: I'm just glad you finally decided to call me.

We both chuckle.

Mariella: I know, I'm sorry! It's been hectic lately..

Tyler: Why did you have to get a new phone?

Mariella: It's a long story! But, I have something important that I need you to do for me.

Tyler: What is it?

Mariella: I need you to take Veronica to the airport tonight. I was going too, but I'm stuck closing the cafe late and can't get out of it.

Tyler: What time does she need to be there?

I mouth, "What time is it?" to Joey. He glances down at his phone.

Joey: 9:39.

Mariella: Like, now! Her flight boards at 10:45.

Tyler: I'll leave right now.

Mariella: Thank you, so much! Tell her I'm sorry I couldn't take her, but I'll definitely be there to pick her up when she gets back.

Tyler: Alright, call you later.

Mariella: Bye.

I hang up, sighing in relief, holding my phone to my chest. I turn around, grinning at Joey.

Joey: Where's your sister off too?

Mariella: Home, for Thanksgiving.

Joey: What about you?

Mariella: I have to work.

Joey: Oh, I see.

Claire: Mariella..

I turn in the direction of her voice.

Claire: Did you get ahold of someone?

Mariella: Yes.

She walks up to me.

Claire: Alright, well don't forget to close up good.

She eyes Joey.

Mariella: I won't. See you tomorrow.

She half smiles, walking out. I turn and face Joey again.

Joey: Does she not like me?

Mariella: Who knows. She still seems to be mad about me being late back the other day.

Joey: Ah.

Mariella: So, what are you doing here?

Joey: Just came by to see how you were before going back to my hotel.

Mariella: Hotel?

Joey: Uhh, yeah. Meghan and I broke up. So, I was kicked out. Again.

Mariella: Oh, I'm sorry. I guess that's kind of my fault..

Joey: No, it's not your fault. I knew it was coming sooner or later.

Mariella: Are you okay?

Joey: Yeah. To be honest, I feel kind of bad that I'm not upset about it.

Mariella: Well, I hate that you have to stay in a hotel.

Joey: It's not that bad, I'll cope. But, how are you doing?

I frown a bit.

Mariella: Well. I'm fine.

He just smiles.

"How could she do this to him? She knows he has no where to go."

Joey: Well, I don't want to keep you here any longer. I'll let you get back to closing up.

"I wish, I could do something."

Mariella: Wait, Joey!

He gazes down at me.

Mariella: Uhh, why don't you stay at my place?