"I've never met a guy who loves to shop more than I do," Vicky said to AJ as they walked around the mall.
"What's wrong with that?" AJ asked.
"I didn't say there was anything wrong with it...I've just never met a guy quite like you."
AJ looked at her. "Is that a compliment?"
"Maybe."
A teenage girl with long blonde hair and a skimpy white dress sauntered past them. She captured AJ's full attention; he watched her every move. He let out a low whistle. "Damn..." he said.
Vicky felt a pang of jealousy. Why am I jealous? she asked herself. He can look at other girls if he wants. It's not like we're going out or anything. "Pig," she said.
"What?!" AJ asked.
"You're a pig!"
"Well, I'm a guy! Sorry! Why are you getting so bent out of shape? You jealous of something?" he asked.
"NO! Why would I be jealous of that skanky lookin chick?"
"I dunno; but if you are, you shouldn't be. You look better than she does anyway," he said, looking at her. She wasn't sure whether or not to believe him. "I mean that. You're beautiful."
Before things could get too serious, AJ picked Vicky up and threw her over his shoulder. "Ah! AJ, put me down!" she screamed.
"Nope," he said, walking toward the exit of the mall.
"People are staring," Vicky said.
"Don't care," he said.
Vicky sighed, giving up. She decided to make the best out of the situation. "Nice ass, AJ."
AJ laughed. "I knew you'd be checkin out my ass."
"I really wish you could come to the concert," Brian said to Lily, referring to the guys' first concert.
"I wish I could, too; but it's not good for Caitlin to be around all that noise," Lily said.
After their afternoon in the park, Brian and Lily were a lot closer. They shared a bond that neither one could explain. Brian felt like weight had been lifted off him. He was glad he had talked to Lily about Rachel and finally gotten off out all the emotions he had kept bottled up for three months. Brian had become more open and outgoing. Lily had lost some of her shyness. They found themselves flirting lightly at times.
Brian sighed. "I know...Hey, maybe Vicky could stay with Caitlin."
"I could ask her," Lily said.
"Will you?" he asked, his blue eyes begging.
Lily smiled. "Yes."
Brian smiled back. "Cool. I really want you to be there."
"Well if I can't come, will you give me a private concert?" Lily asked.
Brian gave her a cute little smile. "I think I can arrange that," he said slyly.
"Please?!" Lily begged her sister.
"No," Vicky said.
"Why not?"
"Because AJ asked me to go and I already told him I would," Vicky replied.
Lily sighed. "Fine..."
"Why do you want to go so badly?"
"Because Brian wants me there and I want to see him perform," Lily answered.
"What's up with you two?" Vicky asked.
"I don't know. We've been with the guys for almost two weeks now, and I've gotten to know Brian really well. I like him a lot, but I don't know how he feels about me. I mean, I think he likes me, but he's still really sad about losing his girlfriend. And I know he's not ready for a relationship now. I'm rambling now, so does that answer your question?"
"Yeah," Vicky said.
"What about you 'n AJ?" Lily asked.
"What about me 'n AJ?" Vicky asked innocently.
Lily smiled. "Come on, I know you like him."
"Well...maybe, but he's still a stubborn pig." Lily just laughed. "So you mad at me?"
"Naw...Bri said he'd give me a private concert if I couldn't go," Lily said with a smile.
"Ohhh...." Vicky said in a sing-song voice. "I think he likes you, Lily," she said.
"I don't know...."
"Come on, girl...I've seen the way you two flirt. I don't even think you it, but you two flirt all the time."
"We do?" Lily asked.
"Yep," Vicky replied.
"That was so cool!" Nick exclaimed as he and the other guys went backstage after the concert.
"I know! I can't believe how many people were in the audience," Brian said.
Vicky ran up to them. "You guys were amazing!" she exclaimed.
"Did you really like us?" Howie asked.
"Yes! I didn't know you guys were so talented."
"Thanks...I think," Nick said.
"You ready for the after party?" AJ asked Vicky.
"Of course. I'm always ready to party," Vicky said.
"You comin, Bri?" Kevin asked.
"Naw...I'm kinda tired. Think I'm gonna go back to the hotel," Brian said.
"You feelin okay?" Kevin asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just wanna play with Caitlin before she goes to bed and see what Lily's doin," Brian answered.
"Okay," Howie said, "I guess we'll see you at the hotel then."
"Alright," Brian said, heading for the door.
"So, how did it go?" Lily asked Brian. She had been waiting for him to return to the hotel, and asked him the moment he walked in.
"It was amazing! I was so nervous, but once the music started all I could think about was putting on a good show. And the audience loved us! I have never been so hyped in my life!" Brian exclaimed.
Lily giggled at his excitement. "I wish I could have seen you," she said.
Brian smiled. "Me, too. Hey, you up for your private concert now?"
"You gonna dance for me, too?"
"Not this time," Brian said.
"Damn...I like watchin you move," she said, surprising herself and Brian.
"Oh, you do?" Brian asked with a smiled. Lily blushed and looked down. He lifted her chin with his finger and gently brushed the hair away from her face. "Come here," he said, taking her hand and pulling her up.
The song "Melt Away" by Mariah Carey was playing on the stereo. Brian wrapped his arms around her and gently held her in his arms. Lily looked up at him as they swayed to the slow beat of the song.
As the song ended, Brian slowly leaned in and kissed Lily softly on the lips. She was shocked by the action, but kissed him back tenderly. He pulled away and they looked at each other, neither one sure what to do next.
