Teaser Tuesday

Well, I'm gonna tease again!

This takes place while Aly and her younger sister Caitlin are visiting Andrew and Tanner on tour.  They are checking out the stage when Andrew notices how happy Aly is.

“Well, I was going to tell you later, but, I got into Northwestern and the program!”  Her voice shook with excitement.  “Architectural Engineering and Design: here I come!” 

“I’m so happy for you,” he said.  He kissed her forehead and gave her a huge hug.  Andrew still had his arms around her when Aly spotted Jacob off to the side of the stage.  

Aly stood still and watched him walk towards them.  All of her preparation for this moment failed.  He looked in her direction and caught her eyes over Andrew’s shoulder.  Aly inhaled deeply, she’d forgotten the little details of his face and how handsome he really was.  Andrew let go of her and held her at arms length to look at her, noting her instant tension. 

His brow furrowed.  “Are you okay?” he asked.  

“Of course,” Aly said.  She stepped back out of his grasp and cleared her throat to regain her composure.  The last time she saw Jacob he left her standing on the beach in tears. He smiled at her now but she noticed the smile never reached his eyes.  Jacob hugged Caitlin warmly and then greeted Aly by awkwardly hugging her with one arm and a pat to her back with one hand.  The kind of half-hug a guy would give a buddy.

“I’m glad you could come.  It’s good to see you.” Jacob said.  His voice was tight, not the deep rich voice she remembered.

“Jacob, it’s good to see you too.” 

He fidgeted with the lanyard around his neck then looked back to the side of the stage.  A tall blonde joined them.  She stood next to Jacob and put a hand on his shoulder.  He looked anxiously from her to Aly and back.  Aly almost laughed at seeing Jacob so uncharacteristically flustered, but the sick feeling in her stomach kept her silent.  Jacob said, “I want you to meet someone.  This is my girlfriend Eryn.”

     “Hi Eryn. It’s nice to meet you.” Eryn daintily shook the hand that Aly offered.  

     Eryn stood formally with perfect posture.  “I’ve heard a tremendous amount about you.  Andrew speaks of practically nothing else and now I understand why,” She said with an unnaturally exact cadence. “Have you been to one of their concerts before?  It is truly wonderful.”

     “No, I haven’t.  We’re excited,” Aly responded, putting an arm around Caitlin.

     “You must be Caitlin, Tanner’s girlfriend,” Eryn said.  She extended her hand to Caitlin.

Caitlin immediately blushed. “I’m his friend,” she corrected.  Her voice was barely audible. “It’s nice to meet you.”