Unconditional Validation

Chapter 9

As I scanned the room while speaking a familiar face came through the crowd. Was I imagining him being here? Why would he be here? As I froze on stage, the crowd stared at me. What am I doing?

"Anyways, I won't take up a-anymore of your time. T-thank you all and have an amazing rest of your evening"

I tried my hardest not to run off the stage and stay calm. My breath was catching in my throat and I could feel my heart rate elevate. Did I really see Justin here? And who was the man he was sitting with? I couldn't help but feel like I recognized him from somewhere. After exiting the dining room I headed straight for the bathroom. Hopefully no one was in there, I really just needed some room to breathe. Was I stuttering on stage? I'm gonna hear a lot from my mother about it if I did. My mind is racing, what is happening to me?

I was lucky enough to be the only one in the bathroom however, that did not last long. The door creaked open and I heard the steps of some dress shoes. To my surprise, they stopped and stood right in front of the stall I was hiding out in.

"I'm starting to wonder if maybe you have a secret love for bathrooms if this is where we have to keep meeting?" The person stated.

Wait, I know that voice. It was Justin that I saw, oh my goodness. I slowly opened the stall door with wariness because I really didn't want him to see me like this again. Especially on the night where it was all about me and my work.

"H-Hey Justin", I stuttered softly.

"Hey Tyler", Justin smiled warmly towards me, "What are you doing in here?"

"I could ask you the same thing", I mumbled.

"Well, my dad is one of the top lawyers here in the city. One of his clients invited him, which then he invited me. I was ecstatic about accepting his offer when I heard the event was for said client's 'famous' son who was great at drawing and fashion", Justin explained while smiling.

"Who could that 'famous' guy you're talking about be?" I asked playfully while trying not to blush.

"Definitely not the guy hiding in the bathroom", Justin smirked. I laughed at his remark.

Justin extended his hand out to me. I was hesitant to grab it because of the unanswered feelings toward him.

"Come on, let's go celebrate you and your amazing work!" He smiled and motioned to his hand so I could grab onto it, this time I actually did.

The second our hands fully touched I felt this electric shock in my heart. Is this what people mean when they see fireworks with someone? I'm still not sure what's going on with my feelings. There's no way I have romantic feelings for him, right? I mean, he is a guy after all, wouldn't that be inappropriate.

I led Justin to the table my family had and introduced him to my parents. America and Skyler were shocked to see him by my side when we showed up. Skyler gently grabbed my arm and excused us before pulling me aside to speak.

"So you wanna catch me up on what's happening? Why is Justin here and why the hell were you guys together? I thought you ran off to the bathroom? Is this why you started to stutter and ended your speech early?" Skyler was getting upset and I wasn't exactly sure why. Justin wasn't the one who exposed things last night nor did he seem to know what happened.

"Skyler, would you take a breath and calm down. You do realize that Justin has nothing to do with what happened last night right? He wasn't even in the same area as what happened. Why are you getting so upset? And yes, I freaked out when I saw him in the audience. Mom is going to give me enough crap for the stuttering, I don't need it from you too." Skyler and I hardly ever argue so for this to be happening is really nerve racking for me

"Tyler, I know Justin didn't expose us but he's friends with the guy who did. Not only are they friends, it was Justin's party that this happened at. And might I add if he makes you stutter like that then yeah it's a problem. I know mom is going to come after you for it but just be prepared for what you're going to say when she does. I don't want another big blow out."

Skyler had a good point. If I don't think about how I'm going to respond to my mother about the stutter, the outcome could be catastrophic. I calmly explained to Skyler about why Justin was there and she seemed to feel a little more comfortable. We agreed to table this conversation for a later time so we didn't leave America and Justin alone with our parents for too long.

Justin sat and talked with everyone before heading off to find his dad who was mingling with possible future clients. My mother was shocked to find out who Justin's father was. I guess they didn't expect their 'cold hearted lawyer' to have any kids?

The rest of the night flew by pretty fast and I didn't stop to think about previous events at all. We finally called it quits and made our way back to the limo for our departure home. The ride home was pretty silent, both my parents had their fair share of drinks so they were feeling pretty tipsy and tired. Skyler was on her phone most of the ride talking to god knows who. I was pulled out of my silent thoughts by a notification coming through to my phone but to my surprise it was a text message from Justin.

'Just wanted to say congrats on your new collection. PS.....you look real charming in a suit ;)'

The second I read the message I felt my face heat up. Was he flirting with me, was it friendly banter, was I just as confused as before? I've never really felt like this and I'm not sure how to act. I have to respond though right?

'Thanks! You didn't look half bad yourself, would definitely be willing to see it again. Goodnight!'