Before the Storm (A Jonas Brothers Fanfic)

Chapter 11

Aubrey

I walked in and looked down at my watch. 11:59.

"Aubrey," I heard from my left.

"Hey, come," I said, leading him to a corner table. He sat across from me and took off his sunglasses. "Why on earth were you at my house yesterday?"

"I told you, Aub, to-"

"Stop. Why do you call me that?"

"I just- I don't know. I thought you didn't mind?"

"I don't," she sighed. "Someone used to call me that."

He froze and looked at me. "Aubrey, who used to call you that?" He almost sounded like a little kid on Christmas morning.

"I don't know, Joe," and his face changed. He almost looked... Sadder? I don't know. "Anyways, I know it wasn't to invite me to Kevin's wedding, which, I'm afraid I'll have to decline."

"Wait, why?"

"I'm not taking your pity money, Joe."

"When was the last time you left California, Aub...rey?"

"Not since before my accident, but that's not the point, Joe-"

"But it is. You deserve it, Aubrey."

"You deserve the whole world, Aub."

I shook my head to get rid of the memory. "Not the point."

"Do it for Ronnie. I think her and Nick have a little thing, you know," he said with a smirk.

"Wait, what? Ronnie's too young to date, she-"

"Aubrey, jeez, calm down, we were -" And he froze. Stopped. Shut his mouth and just looked at me. "Do it for your sister."

"What were you going to say?"

"I-uh, just, you know. You and I, we grew up in a different time. Kids are dating younger now, you know."

"Well, why in the world would I want to take my little sister to New York to vacation with a guy she may be into?"

"Calm down, come on. You both need this vacation, you and I both know that," he said as he reached across the table and grabbed my hand.

I sighed and looked at him as he pulled his hand quickly away.

"Fine, Joe. You win. I'll go."

His eyes practically lit up. "Really? Aubrey, you'll have a great time, I promise. Don't worry about the hotel or flight or anything. We've got you covered. It'll be fun."

"What will be fun?" Travis said as he approached our table.

I smiled up at him. "Hey, I was just invited to a wedding with-"

"-With her sister," Joe said and Travis looked at him.

"Oh, really? You're getting married?"

Joe began to laugh. "No, my older brother is getting married."

"And you've invited my girlfriend?"

"Travis, it's no big deal, let's go," I said as I got up and smiled at Joe. "Thank you, Joe. Really. I appreciate it." Travis grabbed my hand and led me out the door.