~*~ A Storm Brewing ~*~
In the two years they’d been married, Andi and AJ had gotten through the making of two CDs and numerous videos, one tour and one promotional tour, and a wide variety of guest appearances that included award shows and charity events. Andi had also finished college, passed her state boards, and gone to work as an ER nurse at Orange County Memorial. Whenever she could, she’d join AJ and the world could tell exactly how in love they were. They were as passionate about each other now as they were the day they’d married.
Unfortunately, into every life, some rain must fall and it was about to pour for Andi and AJ. The Boys were just a week away from kicking off their 11 month ‘Black and Blue’ tour and Jive had thrown a massive party for them. Andi was able to get the time off by working several double shifts, which only served to irritate AJ even further.
Returning home from the party, AJ’s mood was dark and sullen. He’d asked Andi repeatedly over the last month, tonight being one of those times, to take some time off to join him but she’d said ‘no’ stating that she wanted to save her time for when she got pregnant. Tonight, after she’d refused to take the time off, he had proceeded to get trashed despite her pleas, and the guys’, to stop.
At the house, the driver opened the door for them and Marcus got out first to open the house for them. As the couple followed him, AJ had his arm around her waist holding her close, not wanting to let go of her. He was also having trouble walking.
Inside, Marcus asked, "Need anything, Andi?"
As AJ stumbled to the couch, Andi shook her head, "I think I can handle it now. Thanks, Marcus."
"No problem." Lowering his voice, he asked, "I know it’s none of my business
but…what’s going on?"
Andi looked at her husband as he now staggered to the bar. "He’s mad because I won’t take time off to join him on tour, that I’ve put my job before him."
"That’s ridiculous. Besides, he’s always been proud of you."
"I know and I’m sure he still is."
"Well, I’m here if you need me."
Andi gave Marcus a hug. "Thank you."
As Marcus left, AJ made his way back to the couch as he snarled, "So, did you tell him what an ass I’m being?"
Softly, not wanting to provoke him, Andi said, "No, baby. I just told him that you were disappointed I couldn’t go with you on this tour."
"BULLSHIT! It’s NOT that you CAN’T, it’s that you WON’T!! I’m sure you didn’t tell him that, did you?"
"Alex, I’m not gonna get into this with you while you’re drunk," said Andi coolly and she turned to head upstairs. "I’m going to bed."
A ‘whoosh’ went by her ear and glass shattered on the wall in front of her. "BITCH! Do NOT walk away from me!"
Andi bit her tongue and continued up the stairs. She could feel the slow trickle of blood on her cheek but she was not going to let him know. She’d learned from the very beginning that he was irrational when he was drunk and he was also an angry drunk. No, arguing with him wouldn’t serve any purpose.
**************
He never came to bed that night. Instead, he’d finished a fifth and passed out on the couch and she’d tossed and turned all night. It was only when he was away that she slept alone and it was strange to not have him the bed with her.
Andi found AJ the next morning, an empty Jack Daniels bottle in his hand. Quietly, she took it out of his hand and was startled when he grabbed her wrist, pulling her to him where she basically fell on him.
"What time is it?" he asked gruffly.
"Noon. Want something to eat?"
"What I WANT is another drink."
"We’re out," she responded flatly.
"Fine! I’ll just have to go get some more."
AJ all but pushed her off him causing her to fall to the floor. She’d had enough and as he headed to the door still wearing his tux from the night before, she shouted, "Drinking won’t change my answer."
As the door slammed shut, Andi’s anger finally got the better of her and she slung the empty bottle towards the door. The sounds of shattering glass echoed through the house.
