Nothing Like Us

chapter 5

I'm standing just off stage watching Justin glide around with such ease and flawlessness it proves once again that he was born to be exactly where he is right now. I love to watch him perform now just as much as I did the very first time...maybe more. I'm completely focused on him, unwilling to miss anything and don't hear Fredo coming up behind me until he grabs my shoulders gently "Hey Bobbi...still a sucker for J on the stage I see."

I smile and turn "Whatever, mind your business Flores."

He laughs and shakes his head, pointing to the guy beside him who looks fairly familiar "This is my cousin Brandon...can't remember if you guys have met or not."

I remember it vaguely now, but pretend to recall in detail out of politeness and extend my hand with a warm smile "We've met. How are you Brandon, good to see you again."

He takes my hand in his and holds it just a second too long "Yeah, I've met Bobbi..." he reminds Fredo while still looking at me "Be real hard to forget this one."

I break contact by reaching into my pocket for my phone, holding it up to my ear and asking the imaginary person on the other end if I can call them back after the show.

Fredo cocks his head towards the stage "Kaili seems a little off tonight." He points out, referring to one of J's dancers. I actually really like her, the feeling is less than mutual however.

"Yeah..." I agree "Has it been...I mean..."

He knows right away what I mean "No, this is new. All your fault girl."

I sigh and shake my head "That makes me feel bad."

Fredo turns his attention to Brandon to explain "Kaili's got a major thing for Justin...she's not happy Bobbi's back."

Brandon gives me a flirty wink "Trouble maker."

I nod and turn back to find J taking selfies of himself on someone's phone "Yeah, I guess that seems to be the case."

Fredo nudges me with his elbow "So what's going on tonight? You wanna go out?"

I groan "No thanks...I feel like vegging out in front of the TV with a blunt. But Justin said something about getting everyone together for a movie."

"More like wants to get together with you to watch a movie." He corrects.

"No...he specifically said everyone so shut it." I joke.

He rolls his eyes as if I'm clueless but lets it go.

A half an hour later Justin is coming towards me, his face lit up with the most beautiful smile. Its infectious...if Justin smiles at you, you can't help but smile back.

"What'd you think Bobbi girl?" he asks, dragging the tip of his finger over my cheek.

"You were fantastic...you always are."

"Brandon!" He says, reaching out for that complicated guy handshake that consists of slaps and curled fingers in some order they all seem to instinctively know "Didn't know you were comin' bro."

"Last minute thing...you killed it out there."

"Thanks man...but listen, I was thinking we should all chill in my room tonight Couple drinks, couple blunts, a movie or whatever. You two in?" He only addresses them, automatically assuming I'll be there. He's right.

I shoot Fredo an I told you so glance and smirk "Yeah Fredo, you guys in."

~

"You always pick the worst movies J..." I complain from my spot beside him "I'm starting to think you do it on purpose just to fuck with everybody."