The next morning, Brian was sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee when Kate came out. She could tell by the look on his face that something was wrong. Without a word, she poured a cup of coffee and sat down across from him. She took a sip then looked at him. His eyes were bloodshot, like he hadn’t slept all night. Finally after almost 15 minutes of silence, Brian cleared his throat.

“I think you should move back to New York.” He said quietly. Kate nearly choked on her coffee.

“W-what?” She stammered. Brian sighed and looked down into his empty cup.

“I think it would be a good idea if you moved back to New York.” Kate shook her head to fight the tears away.

“But why? Did I do something wrong?” She asked. Brian gripped the cup and closed his eyes.

“No Kate you didn’t. It’s just I’m not used to living with someone.” He said. Kate didn’t believe him. She looked him in the eye and shook her head.

“Everything seemed fine. We were getting along fine Brian. I don’t understand.” She said.

Brian pounded his fists on the table hard and stood up. He was running out of things to tell her. He sighed and turned around fast.

“I’m seeing someone Kate!” He shouted. Kate felt like someone had punched her in the face. She blinked and just looked at him.

“You, you are?” She asked. He nodded and gripped the kitchen counter.

“Yes. Since we got back. I lied to you that night at the club I wanted to make her jealous and it worked.” He said. Kate stood up slowly and looked at him.

“I don’t believe you.” She said quietly. He swallowed hard and faced her. He had to seal the deal.

“Kate I love her.” He said. That was it. Kate had heard enough. She sighed and let a tear fall.

“Oh, I see. I guess I’ll leave as soon as I can.” She said as she went to her room.

Brian started to follow her, but she slammed the door in his face. He pressed his ear against it and heard her crying. His heart broke into pieces. Anger boiled inside him and he left the house. He made it to the porch before his anger spilled over. He started punching the cement posts in front of the house. He didn’t stop until he saw blood stains on them. He brought his hands to his face and then Brian Haner hasn’t done in a long time. He cried.

When Kate had calmed down enough, she picked up her phone and called Val.

“Hello?” She said.

“Val, are you busy?” She asked.

“No Kate, what’s wrong.” Kate took a deep breath.

“Brian told me to move out.” She said. Val gasped.

“Oh my God. Hang on I’ll pick you up.” She said.

They hung up and Kate went into her bathroom to wipe her face. Brian had stopped crying and got on his motorcycle and sped off. When Kate heard him leave, she felt herself tear up again, but forced herself not to cry. A few minutes later Val pulled into the driveway and beeped the horn. Kate walked out and got in her car.

“Is he home?” She asked angrily. Kate shook her head and Val rolled her eyes.

“He’s lucky.” Kate smiled weakly, then Val took off.

Val drove Kate to she and Matt’s house. Kate had never been there before. It was a house that was very similar to Brian’s. They pulled in and Val dragged Kate into their living room. Matt was sitting on the couch when they got there.

“Did he call you yet?” Val asked. Matt shook his head.

“No, I’m surprised actually. Kate, tell me what happened?” He asked. Kate sighed and sunk down on the couch.

“I don’t know. I came out for my coffee and he was sitting there just, staring and then he just says I think you should move back to New York.” Both of their eyes budged. Matt shook his head.

“Did he say why?” He asked. Kate looked away.

“He said he was seeing someone and that he…he loved her.” She choked out. Val’s hand flew to her mouth and Matt looked confused.

“What?” He said. Kate nodded.

“It doesn’t make sense right? He said they got together when we got back from tour. But I’ve been with him this whole time and he never mentioned a girl or even talked to one.” She said. Matt looked away and started to say something, but his phone rang.

He got a text message from Brian.

“He wants to meet me somewhere.” Val shook her head.

“Matthew do not take his side on this.” Matt smiled and kissed her cheek.

“Don’t worry I’m not. I just want to know what the hell is going on.” He said. Val nodded and Matt left.

“Don’t worry honey. It’ll be alright. Matt will talk him out of it.” She said. Kate shrugged.

“I hope so.” She said. Val sighed, then they went into the kitchen to have some breakfast.

Brian had asked Matt to meet him on the public end of the beach. He was sitting on his motorcycle smoking a cigarette when Matt pulled up.

“What the hell is going on with you?”Matt asked after cutting his engine.

Brian inhaled and motioned for Matt to walk with him. They sat down on a bench and Brian looked around before answering.

“Kate’s dad told me something last night.” He said. Matt nodded and waited for him to go on.

“He said they had people tracking Scott for a while but…” He trailed off.

“Brian, what are you saying?” Matt asked. Brian groaned and gripped the bench.

“They can’t find him now. They have no idea where his is except that he’s not in New York.” He said quietly. Matt shook his head.

“No way. How do you just lose someone!” Matt shouted. Brian shrugged.

“I don’t know. But what I do know is Kate’s not safe here anymore. If she went back to New York she might be.” Matt sighed.

“Do you really believe that Brian? And if this is the truth, why don’t you just tell Kate instead of making her think you’re seeing someone? He asked. Brian shook his head.

“Her dad made me promise not to tell her.” Matt put his hand on Brian’s shoulder.

“You have to tell her man. She deserves to know that her life is in danger.” Brian shook his head.

“I don’t want to scare her.” Matt chuckled.

“No, you’d rather just kick her out into the streets.” Brian rolled her eyes.

“I’m not kicking her to the streets. She still has her apartment in New York. She can easily move back into it.” He said. Matt sighed.

“Do you really think it would be easy for her just to pick up and leave?” He asked. Brian shrugged.

“Sure, why not?” Matt shook his head.

“Maybe because she’s crazy about you and maybe because you’re crazy about her? And what makes you think that Scott won’t find her once she goes back to New York? If that happens, no one will be there to protect her.” Brian closed his eyes.

He had been thinking that very same thing all night.

“I know Matt but this is the only way. Besides, her dad will be there and he’s a cop. I’m sure he’ll put a protective detail on her to ensure her safety.” He said. Matt nodded.

“Brian I know you think you’re doing the right thing but, I really think you should reconsider it.” Brian shook his head.

“Matt I’m not just gonna have her here like a sitting duck just waiting for him to attack her again. I’ve got to do something to protect her.” Matt sighed and nodded.

“What are you gonna tell Kate when you go back?”Brian asked. Matt sighed again and stood up.

“That you’re in love with a mystery woman and it would be best if she left.” Brian sighed.

“Thanks.” Matt shook his head.

“Brian, don’t thank me.” Brian closed his eyes and Matt drove away.

Brian sighed and got back onto his bike and sped off shortly after.

What either of them failed to realize is someone was listening to the whole conversation.