happiness begins [joe jonas]

33

Emmie couldn't help but notice Nick watching them too, his eyes wandering to where his older brothers were seriously enjoying themselves. She watched him toy with the glass in his hand, taking rather large mouthfuls of his own drink, as he spoke to Priyanka. She could sense that something was up with him, although he would never mention it. He wasn't upset, but maybe slightly bothered that he wasn't spending time with the other two.

"Kev." Joe grinned, holding up his glass once more. "Shot contest, ready?"

Kevin nodded happily, smiling just as widely as Joe. He stumbled forward, reaching for his own glass, when Dani quickly stopped him.

"No, I think that's enough." She laughed, holding onto his arm.

Kevin muttered something under his breath but it was inaudible.

"No fun." Joe whined, pouting as he looked over at Emmie, who couldn't help but laugh.

"Maybe later?" She suggested, removing the glass from his hand, setting it back down on the counter.

"I'll hold you to that." He grinned, tapping the end of her nose.

"Hey.." Nick mumbles, with an awkward smile, appearing beside them. He stood between his two brothers, placing each hand on their shoulders. Joe raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Kevin.

"Can we talk?" He continued, this time his smile was genuine. Emmie looked at Joe, to see him shuffling awkwardly from each foot. He looked at Nick, before nodding silently.

Nick shuffled down the hall, explaining that they would be back shortly, his brothers following behind. The silence was loud, hearing the footsteps get quieter as the girls looked at each other.

Emmie wondered whether they were finally going to get over their differences. She hoped that Joe and Nick would finally have the chance to explain to each other how they really felt. Or maybe Nick just felt like he wanted to spend time with them, on his special day. Either way, she hoped they would come to a solution.

"What do you think they're talking about in there?" Priyanka giggled, taking a sip of the drink in her hand. Emmie smiled, glancing down the hallway with a shrug.

"I've not no idea." She admitted, "It must be important, if it includes all three of them."

"I'll get Kev to spill once he gets back." Dani winks, causing the girls to laugh amongst themselves.

The hall was silent, with no way for the girls to tell what was happening. As much as they tried their best to eavesdrop, it was impossible. No sound could be heard.

Eventually they gave up and went back to talking about their own selves, giggling away. Emmie had missed spending time with the girls. There was never a dull moment with them. She promised herself that she would make more of an effort to see them in the future.

She had almost completely finished her drink, tapping the glass in her hand, before the door swung open, all three of them turning their heads.

Joe appeared in the doorway, an unreadable expression on his face as his eyes darted around the room. Emmie noticed he almost looked panicked. He made no eye contact, storming out of the room, a hand through his hair as he rushed across the hall, slamming the door behind him.

The girls look at each other eyebrows raised as Nick and Kevin wander into the room. They stood in silence, shuffling awkwardly as they glanced around the room. That's when Emmie could tell something was wrong.