*Coming Attractions* Chapter Five

“ That was one dark movie,” Natalie commented as AJ turned off the tv.
“ Gotta love the gore in that one, though,” He laughed and she gave him a sideways smirk.
“ What’s Nick doing?” She asked, realizing that he was home.
“ I have no idea. Probably unpacking his stuff or something. What happened today? With the limo?”
“ He ran into the back of my limo,” AJ looked at her.
“ Seriously? How badly was it damaged?”
“ Not too badly. Cost nearly six hundred though,”
“ Hmm...” They met eyes and AJ wondered if he should say anything now.
“ So, how’s it like being in showbiz?” He asked instead, feeling it was too personal seeing as they barely knew each other.
“ Tiring,”
“ That’s everywhere, Babe,” He chuckled and glanced at the wall where Natalie was looking.
“ Is that your Mom?” She asked, her eyes on the framed photo of AJ and Denise.
“ Yeah,”
“...Does she live nearby?”
“ Nope. She lives in Florida...What about your’s? Does she live nearby?” Natalie was quiet for a second, scanning the rest of the wall.
“ She’s...She passed away,” She answered finally, her voice apprehensive as she glanced at AJ.
“ Oh, I’m sorry-...I shouldn’t have asked,”
“ You didn’t know. And besides, that makes you the only ‘real’ person who’s asked that,”
“ What do you mean?”
“ Besides reporters.”
“ What about your family?”
“ They don’t really bring it up at all. And most of my siblings and I don’t get along,”
“ Don’t get along?-...” He persisted but he could tell the subject was closed for the moment.
“ Yeah...It’s getting late and I’m pretty tired. Thanks for the movie,” She stood up and gave him a smile.
“ Thanks for keeping me company,” He stood up too and walked her upstairs.
“ I’ll make it over ok,” She said when he walked out to the back porch with her.
“ Ok, then I guess I’ll be seeing you,”
“ Thanks again,” He watched her leave, half wanting to give her a hug but knowing that she was the type of person who didn’t like to get too physically close with someone she barely knew. He waited until she went to her front stoop before walking back inside. AJ went back into the den and picked up the remainders of the drinks and popcorn before turning off the light. He threw the stuff away in the kitchen and walked to the second floor.
“ Nick? You up?” He knocked on the door and he heard the lockcatch click as it was unlocked.
“ Huh?” Nick asked, opening the door slightly and looking at AJ.
“ What are you doing?” AJ asked curiously.
“ Nothing. Did Natalie leave?”
“ Yeah. You ok, man?”
“ Yeah. I’m kinda in the middle of something so I’ll see ya later,” He moved to shut the door again and AJ shook his head before walking up to his floor ( him and Nick made a compromise; Nick would get the 2nd floor to himself and AJ would get the 3rd)...

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