Let's Be Mature About This BN by Renee LaRuse

laughter from all three caused nearby diners to look over at them curiously.
    “Yo, Gavin. Your girl ain’t half bad.”
    “Emphasis on my girl. Stop ogling her!” Gavin wrapped an arm around her waist protectively and kissed her on the cheek. Jay smiled and gave a friendly wink to Sydney. She winked back.
    "Um, I have to go boys. I gotta get to work."
    "Aw man!" Jay and Gavin said. The three stood up from the booth and Sydney gave the two men a hug and hurried off to work. Gavin and Jay sat back down.
    "Do you plan on apologizing or do I have to kick your ass?" Gavin said flippantly before popping one of the peppermints the waitress had given them into his mouth. Jason gave him an angry astonished look as Gavin rolled the peppermint around in his mouth.
    “I’m not going to apologize for looking out for you!”
    Gavin crunched down hard on his peppermint. “Are you kidding me? Even though in the end you warmed up to the idea of Sydney, the moment you met her you didn’t show her any respect whatsoever. You shouldn’t have grilled her like that.”
    Jason leaned forward and pointed at Gavin. “I’m trying to look out for you . That’s all I’ve ever been trying to do. At first I got the sense that Sydney was another Elise, some pretty girl looking for a free ride out of you.”
    “You hardly gave Sydney a chance. I’m surprised she didn’t rip you a new one. The only reason I can think of for her putting up with your attitude today was the fact that she really cares about me.”
    “You don’t think I do too?”
    “Jason, that’s not what I’m saying.”
    “No, I think I’m hearing exactly what you’re saying. I stick by your side no matter how miserable you get or how you can’t seem to pencil me into your busy life schedule and as usual I get reprimanded like an ignorant child!” Gavin looked at him speechless. He had no idea how angry Jay had been feeling for a while now. They talked about everything. Why didn’t Jay say something long ago? 
    “Jason, I didn’t know. You never told me you felt that way.”
    “Of course you didn’t know!” Jay said bitterly. “For someone so damn sensitive you sure don’t know shit about anyone else’s feelings.” He tossed a twenty dollar bill onto the table and left a guilt-ridden Gavin behind in the restaurant.
    ***
     
    “Oh no! He seriously said that?”
    “Yes, and now he won’t answer my calls. We’ve both been busy. I’ve had work and, well, you. Jay’s been busy with the photography gallery that he opened. He never let on that he felt I was putting other things ahead of him or putting him down. The encouragement I was giving him, to be wary of all the time he was spending playing the field and playing himself, he took that as me belittling him. I’m his best friend! I’m the one who’s supposed to tell him the truth as a friend, not a critic. I’m so angry at him but I feel so guilty at the same time.”
    “He probably just needs some time to cool off. I feel weird about this. When I left the restaurant I thought all the issues had been settled but it looks like I stirred up more than I thought. He really doesn’t have to apologize to me. I’m past it now.”
    “No, sweetie. Don’t feel guilty about this. Jay and I are the only one’s responsible. Am I wrong to feel that he should take responsibility for being rude when it was in no way warranted? He says he’s looking out for me but it’s coming off as jealousy.”
    “Maybe.”
    Gavin sighed. “You’re right. I should give him some time, but he’s wrong if he thinks I’m the only one who owes someone an apology.” Sydney yawned. “Okay, I’ll take a hint,” Gavin laughed.
    “Sorry honey, it’s been a long day.”
    “Okay, goodnight Sydney. I…um, I love you. So much.”
    Sydney’s heart skipped a beat. It was the first time he’d said this to her not in a joking and casual manner. It was the first time she’d heard it from any guy.
    The words had just fallen out.