Chapter 1
Alyson leaned over to retrieve a soda can on the table next to her pool chair. She adjusted the sunglasses over her eyes and reclined back again.
"So when are you leaving," asked her best friend, William.
"Tonight." she replied, "At around 8, I guess."
"I see," he answered, gazing at his reflection on the crystal blue water, "Do you need any help?"
"Nah, I'm fine, Will."
He frowned, "I guess I have to look for a new roommate soon."
She took a deep breath, "You know I'm really sorry for laying this on you now. I didn't actually think I would make my audition, and I wouldn't miss this for the world. I need the money to pay for next semester's tuition."
William looked her in the eye, "Ali, I was the one who convinced you to do this, remember? You're my best buddy, I want the best for you."
Alyson frowned at the word "buddy". For five years, she was hoping for more. Ever since the day back in 11th grade, when she first set her eyes on that tall guy who bumped her in the hallway, she knew there was something there. However, he always treated her as a friend, nothing else. It was only this year, when he offered his apartment to her, that she realized it was actually love. But, that'll have to wait, the greatest job in the world was beckoning to her.
"It would have been much more fun if you were there too, " Ali said thougfully.
Will nodded, "Yeah, but knowing you, you can stir up fun, not to mention trouble on your own," he said with a smile.
Alyson watched as Will stood up and prepared to dive into the water. His slender body cut through the surface, and he began to paddle to the other side. She smiled, remembering the day of her 21st birthday, a couple of months ago. Will took her to a nightclub, and they were tearing up the dance floor. It was then that she was noticed by a choreographer named Fatima Robinson, who would eventually give her a job as a dancer for the Backstreet Boys.
Will resurfaced, and stood at the other end of the pool. Drops of water trickled down his newly-cut blond hair. His green eyes landed on her and he grinned.
Alyson closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, Will was right next to her, wiping off with a towel.
"I'll drive you to the airport." he told her.
She shook her head, her long brown hair flying off her shoulders, "No, that's ok, I can call a cab."
"I insist".
"Ok, if that's what you want." She turned her back on him, and smiled secretly to herself.
