Destination: Beautiful (It's back!)

Chapter 16

The next two weeks blew by, filled with work, friends, and planning for Hollis's brother's visit. 

His girlfriend Lindsey had stopped by a few times, giving us the details about arrival times and Josh's schedule for the week that he was back.

When the day finally arrived, I waited at my apartment for Hollis to arrive with his brother. I didn't want to intrude on his time with his older sibling, so they were coming by for awhile, and then heading out to go to a Yankees-Sox game and get some drinks. I was to be picked up later for the family party at Hollis's apartment, where I would meet his parents.

I was a bit scared to meet his parents. Not because I thought the wouldn't aproove, just maybe they think Hollis can do better, which he probably could. I brushed the thought away and waited for the boys to arrive.

They arrived around noon. I answered the door, and smiled as I took in a man who could have been Hollis's twin brother. 

They had the same sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. The only difference was that Josh had strong cheekbones and more mature features, being 5 years older than Hollis.

I welcomed them inside, and got them both a coke, feeling important playing hostess.

"Wow Elle, you are quite the entertainer." Hollis laughed, motioning me to sit next to him. 

"Yeah bro, she's quite the catch." Josh smiled and I blushed and thanked him.

"Eh, she's alright." Hollis said nonchalantly. I whacked him on the head several times with my throw pillow.

"Okay, Okay, you're spectacular or whatever." He muttered, chucking the pillow across the room.

I gained my composure and smiled tentatively at Josh.

"How was your flight?" I asked.

"Long, but bearable." He answered simply.

We made small talk for a short while before it was time for them to head out.

"I'll see you later Elle, it was nice meeting you." Josh smiled. He turned away politely while Hollis kissed me goodbye and told me he would pick me up at seven.

I must have dozed off on the couch after that, because I woke up to a loud knock on the door.

I jumped up off the couch and fixed my ruffled hair. I opened the door sleepily.

"Hey there kitten." Ugh. Only one person occasionally called me kitten.

"Hi Will." He waved and strolled into my apartment.

"Sure, sure, come on in." I said sarcastically.

He sat on the couch and I sat in the small recliner across the room. He stared at me for a long while, his knee popping up and down slightly, he looked like he was trying hard to be at ease, but it was failing.

"So how are you?" I asked, breaking the heavy silence.

"I'm good. Found myself a job at a school. It's hard finding a job when you didn't go to college." He said breezily.

"Yeah, they don't really see 'failed reality T.V. star' as a good credential." I joke. He laughs, which is a relief, because he used to be really sensitive about it.

"Yeah, I guess not."

We lapse into silence again, avoiding awkward eye contact. There are so many things to be said, wounds to be stitched up, but neither of us goes there. Instead he offers light conversation.

"You still talk to Holly?" He asks.

"Yes, we're still inseparable. Even though you almost caused us to have a falling out." I hesitantly smiled, hoping he wouldn't react.