Point Of View 2 [*Do not read until you've read the same chapter of ATW]

Chapter 154 Sweet Little Lies

*James*

I had a feeling things would escalate between Julia and Nate. Paul and I watch the two of them battle it out in the backyard. Jonah, Casey, and Trisha all hightailed it out of here, so they didn't have to deal with it. I don't blame them there. 

With a heavy sigh, Nate drags his ass back into the apartment. Both Paul and I shake our heads at him with smirks on our faces.

"Don't even." Nate shoots us a look.

"C'mon, Gallo, let's go grab a coffee from the cafeteria," Paul says with agitation, clearly not in the mood to deal with drama. I clap my hands once, and Maggie follows us out. While walking, we start up a conversation.

"Soooo... does this mean you and Julia are done?" I raise a brow at the bodyguard, who stiffens at the mention of the subject. Paul is silent for a good minute straight, making me think he isn't going to entertain this chat, but then he surprised me when he finally speaks.

"What is it about Hollan?"

I laugh a little at this question I have asked a million and one times.

"When you figure it out, let me know, ok?" I chuckle. "But you didn't answer my question. Does this mean it's over between the two of you? You don't give women second chances."

"She's not just any woman."

It's the only thing I get from Paul the entire way to the cafeteria. Once there, he helps me with my coffee and makes one for himself as well, but never answers my question.  Will this be the one time Paul lets someone in? A SECOND chance??  Did Julia break the bodyguard? I'm shocked!

As we exit the cafeteria, we both see Nate. What the hell is he doing?? Did he leave Julia in the apartment by herself??

"Yeah, yeah. I know." Nate sighs. It's obvious their blowout was an emotional one by Nate's puffy red eyes and disheveled look.

"She can't be alone in there, boss." Paul casts his eyes down the hall and back to Nate

"She left... probably baring her soul to fucking Maloney in the garden." Nate begins to walk away, but we follow.

"You let her leave by herself?" I ask.

"We were fighting, Gallo. I thought it was you two dips coming back in when I heard the door, not her leaving."

Nate stops short when he reaches Mike Maloney's room.

"May I help you, fuckface?" Mike and his amazing vocabulary.

"Julia didn't come by?" Nate asks. Wait- He DOESN'T KNOW where Julia is??? I glare at him and can sense Paul doing the same.

"Does she look like she came by? You look like shit, pal." Mike lowers his book with a laugh.

"Julia- have you seen Julia?" Paul's voice is low and concerning, making Maloney drop his attitude and stand up.

"You mean YOU don't know where she is??" Mike glares at the bodyguard and pulls his hair back in a ponytail before brushing by all of us. Maggie is the first to happily follow the felon, though he gives her no attention, which I find odd. Maggie possesses an exceptional sense of character. She would never engage with a questionable person, yet she was immediately drawn to Mike. This speaks volumes about the man. While he may appear rough externally, my dog can sense qualities that go beyond superficial traits. Mike may have an addiction problem that got him into some serious trouble, but he has a good heart. I can see it right through the way Maggie walks by his side, paying no attention to anyone else but Mike.

"She's probably outside," Nate says nervously.

"You better hope she's outside, asswipe." Mike walks a little faster. We head out to the garden to find it empty.