Chp 4
Alex must not have noticed Howie and I looking at each other in disbelief, because he wrapped his arm around my shoulders and announced dinner was ready. I went and sat down next to Dad. All the guys were sitting down. Denise next to Dad, Alex next to Denise, Brian next to Alex, Kevin next to Brian. Howie was just about to sit next to me when Nick ran up and stole the chair. Everyone at the table laughed, except for me. I looked at Howie and he just shrugged his shoulders and smiled at me. At least with him across the way a little it would be easier to look right at him. Alex started yapping. I had realized Alex was really enjoying being the host of all these festivities. I must have zoned out, because the next thing I know everyone is laughing and Dad is elbowing me.
"I'm sorry...." I looked down, kind of embarrassed.
"I just asked what your plans are for the summer." Howie said. I looked at him smiling at me and almost melted. I shook myself back to reality before I really embarrassed myself.
"Um, I'm not really sure. I need to get a job, that's for sure" I replied.
"What kinda work?" Nick asked with his mouth full. Everyone groaned and Brian threw part of his roll at him.
"I really do not know. I don't really have any skills" I replied after giving Nick a dirty look.
"You could intern at the paper with me, Ginny..." Dad said. I meekly smiled and nodded slightly.
"So, what was school like?" Nick asked. I was actually very grateful he had decided to pipe in again. I did not want to discuss working for the paper like Dad. He had always wanted me to be a reporter, but I had no interest in it. The rest of dinner was spent discussing France, and school. We moved to the living room and the guys started talking about their newest album and the tour they had to plan for in about 6 months. It was only 8 when Dad and Denise started yawning and discussing going home.
"I'm sorry boys, but I am really tuckered out and I do have to be up early tomorrow." Denise explained. I got up to leave with them.
"Ginny, you don't have to leave if you don't want to.." Alex said. " We'll be discussing guy things, but I'm sure the fellas wont mind you sticking around." He looked around the group to see any protest. No one said anything.
"I think I should just..." I started.
"It's ok, Honey. You can stay if you want...." Denise interrupted. "One of you boys will make sure she gets home ok, wont you?"
"Yes, someone will drive her home. I'll call you tomorrow, ok?" Alex practically pushed them out of the door. He watched them drive away, and slammed the door. "Now, who needs a drink?"
All the guys got up and followed Alex to the kitchen, where he produced a large bottle of Absolut. He poured 6 glasses and everyone grabbed theirs. I grabbed the 6th, and started drinking. They kept drinking, refilling their glasses. They were all on their 3rd cup while I was still on my first. I went and sat on the couch, not sure why I was still there. I could hear them talking and laughing in the kitchen, but I just groaned and finished my drink. The thought of my warm cozy bed was looking pretty good right about now.
"You want some more?" I looked up at Nick slightly annoyed.
"I don't think so..." I replied sharply.
"Ok...." There was a silence for a few moments. "Well, will you let me explain about what happened? I mean, AJ told me you found out, but it's not what you think!" Nick exclaimed.
"Oh, so you deny that Alex asked you to take me out?" I asked. I noticed my face was getting pretty hot. The alcohol was definitely starting to get to me. I saw Nicks eyes soften.
"Well,.....But..." Nick started to stutter. I could tell he was upset I had found out, but I didn't let him finish. I stood up and walked to the kitchen were all the guys were standing. I stood for a second hoping they'd see me standing there. Alex was in the middle of telling a very dirty joke. The punch line came and everyone started cracking up.
"Will someone take me home?" I interrupted their laughing.
"Nick doesn't want to?" Brian asked laughing.
" Will someone take me home?" I asked again, agitated.
"I'll drive you" Howie volunteered.
"D, I need you to drive carefully. I don't want anything to happen to my little sis..." Alex slurred a little. He didn't hold his liquor very well.
I followed Howie out to his car and he let me inside. We drove in silence to my house.
"Thanks for the ride." I said as we pulled up.
"Not a problem. What happened that you wanted out of there so fast?" Howie asked.
"Its nothing, just something Nick and Alex did to really piss me off, that's all."
"You want to talk about it? It always helps me to get things off my chest"
I shrugged my shoulders, and turned to him. As I was turning I thumped my funny bone on the gear shift.
"Ow....." I yelped and started rubbing my elbow.
"You hit your funny bone?" Howie asked. I looked up into his eyes and could only nod. All of a sudden our lips met softly. As soon as it happened, I shot back, looking at him surprised.
"I'm sorry.....I didn't mean to do that..." Howie stuttered. It finally dawned on me what had just happened, and I leaned towards him and kissed him again. He kissed back and the kiss deepened slightly. He pulled away this time.
"Um, thanks again for the ride home." I hurried out of the car and to my house, not believing what just happened.
Chp 5
Chp 3
