“You guys are too much!” Kristin laughed, her face red from laughing for the past two hours straight. That’s how long it had taken AJ to ask all of his questions.
“Thanks for everything, guys,” Kassy said, regaining her composure at Howie’s feet. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go get working on this.”
“You’re not coming to the photo shoot?” AJ whined, sticking out his lower lip. Rolling her eyes, Kassy stood up and shook her head.
“I have to get working on this,” she repeated, regretfully, “otherwise, I would.”
“Why don’t you bring a laptop?” Howie suggested. “You could borrow one of ours-“
“I have one,” Kassy interrupted.
“Okay, so bring your own,” Howie continued smoothly. “You might get even more information there. You’ll get to see what we’re really like when we’re working.”
“It’s not a pretty sight,” Kristin whispered loudly as she collapsed into giggles. Kevin pouted and she kissed his lower lip.
“I . . . guess I could go,” Kassy said, doubtfully. Then, she shrugged. “Sure, why not. Just let me go get my stuff.” Leaving her notebook in AJ’s hands, she leapt up the staircase.
“This isn’t good,” Kristin said, leaning back against Kevin.
“What isn’t?” Nick asked.
“You know why she didn’t want to go to the photo shoot?” she asked.
“Why?” Howie asked, fully aware of the reason.
“Because Brian might be there . . .” Kevin said, thoughtfully.
“ . . . Or Brian might not be there,” Kristin finished. “She’s afraid of rejection.”
“And she has every right to be,” Kevin sighed.
“I’m sorry, Kev, but I never thought your cousin could be this clueless.” Kevin sighed.
“I know,” he said. “I just wished there was something I could do. I’ve tried every subtle way of approaching the subject, but he refuses to believe it.”
“And, meanwhile, Kassy’s hurting like hell,” AJ sighed, leaning back into the couch. The couple nodded.
“Is there anything we can do about it?” Nick asked. “I mean, I really don’t know Kassy that well, but I really don’t want to see her get hurt.”
“Shouldn’t we just leave them alone?” Howie suggested. “I mean, they’re adults. If it’s meant to be, they’ll figure it out for themselves. Just let nature take it’s course.”
“Normally, I would, D,” Kevin explained, “but Brian and Kassy are two of the most hardheaded people I know, minus AJ, no offense, Jay-“
“None taken.”
“- and I know they won’t do anything unless someone gives them a little shove.” Kevin sighed, resting his chin on Kristin’s shoulder. “I really don’t think nature’s gonna supply that extra push, do you?”