bad timing

seventeen

"I'll let you know later tonight, Robbie." I let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand into my hair. "You were supposed to start your job three days ago, Alex." He says, clearly annoyed that I was still in Michigan. "You think I don't know that?" I exclaim, closing my eyes momentarily. "Just decide. Tonight. You can't keep them, or me, waiting any longer. If you keep this up I'm not gonna let you stay with me anymore."

"I'll call you back tonight." I quickly hang up the phone, setting it on the table and groaning. I had no idea what to do. I finally had Sam. After all of these years, I was finally with him, and it was going better than I ever could have imagined. On the other hand, the job I would be taking had been my dream for my entire life. But then again, so had Sam.

"Everything okay?" Jake asks, passing by me to get a glass of water. I chew on my lip, turning to look at him as he leans on the counter, taking a sip. "I don't know." I mumble, rubbing my forehead. "You still haven't decided, have you?" His voice was low, like he didn't want the others to hear. I let out a sigh and shook my head, "I don't know what to do." I admit sadly, and he only nods, "Alright, let's go talk about it." He says, nodding towards the stairs.

He takes my hand, pulling me through the living room. "We have to talk about something. We'll be right back." He tells his brothers, then gives Sam a goofy grin, "Promise we won't makeout this time." "Jake!" I exclaim, then look at Sam. "Well I would hope not." He says, standing up and pulling me away from Jake. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me into him and pressing his lips to mine. He kissed me like he wanted to make sure I knew that I was his - and only his.

His soft lips melted onto mine, and I kissed back immediately. There was such passion in the kiss it almost made me dizzy. I wrapped my arms around his neck, never wanting it to stop. But then it did. He pulled away, looking down at me, and leaving me wanting more. I supposed that was his intent. Josh jokingly gags, and I laugh as I pull away completely from Sam. I reach over to flick Josh on the forehead before following Jake up the stairs and into Sam's room.

Jake shuts the door before leaning back against it. "Alright, let's do pros and cons." He says, and I looked up at him before nodding, "Okay, um," I begin, scratching my head. "The only con for each thing is, well, not having the other thing. If I stay, I don't have my dream job, and I don't know what my future holds. If I leave, I don't have you guys." I frown a little. "Do you think you'll get another job offer as good as this one? Maybe somewhere closer to here?" He asks, taking a seat beside me.

I shrug, "It's possible. I only graduated a couple months ago. I have a couple other offers in the area, but," I sigh, rubbing my forehead, "I don't know." He takes my hand into his, looking at me, "I might just be biased, but do you think it's a good idea to live with your brother, anyway? You guys have never gotten along, and if you do this, you'll be stuck with him. Maybe it would be a better idea to wait it out and see what else comes your way." He offers, and I chew on my lip. "Yeah, I guess you're right." I couldn't help but feel a little sad about not going, but then again, it was probably the best idea for me to stay.

I look up to see Josh peak his head in the room, and I give him a small smile. I wave him in, and he sits down beside me, opposite Jake. "So..." Josh begins, "Have you decided?" He asks, looking over at me with a raised eyebrow. I let out a soft sigh before nodding. "I'm gonna stay. I can't imagine starting my life over, especially now. And I would miss you guys way too much." Josh's face lights up, "Really? You're staying?" I nod a little. He wraps his arms tightly around me, "Thank god. I don't know what I would've done if you left me here alone with them." He says, making me laugh.

"Yeah, that's the main reason I'm not going." I chuckle, then hug him back tightly. Jake hugs me from the other side, and the three of us laugh. "I could never leave you guys." "Oh, that will never happen. We would've followed you to New York." Josh grins, resting his head on top of mine. "I would hope so."