Let's Try it Again

[6]

You OK?" Caite Lynn took her seat in the small club the two girls were in the front row, the stage before them was bustling with activities as the show was almost ready to start.

Amelia stuffed her purse under the seat. After Donnie had approached her and said those things to her, she was lost in thought. What had he meant when he said to let him in? All he wanted was a quick lay, then he'd be gone. He was a man and that's what they did. They hurt you, made you cry, let you down and made you feel like a fool for falling for them.

She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "I'm fine."

Her answer was short and clipped, a tone that told Caite not to pry. The two girls had been friends since pre school, as close as any sister. They knew each others moods, when to back off and when to step in. Caite knew not to press the issue. Amelia could come around, she always did. "OK."

Amelia sat there, staring at the stage. She let out a breath a few minutes later. She was going to finally admit it. "I am falling for him. That's why I fight him. I'm scared to death."

Caite turned and looked at her friend. "Oh 'Em, I know you do. I know it's hard, but you need to know, that he feels the same way. Joe told me so. You need to quit antagonizing him and let him in."

Amelia felt the tears sting her eyes. "It's so hard Caite. It's so hard."

The crowd was small, but they cheered the boys on as they performed. Amelia and Caite were the loudest, shouting their approvals. Donnie always looked to see where Amelia was and gave her a smile. And that's when Caite noticed something. Not only was Donnie watching Amelia..but someone was watching the two of them. She had never spotted it before, but there was Joe looking at Amelia, a frown on his face as he watched Donnie flirt with her.

***
"Hey..you two..wait up!"

The two girls turned when their names were called to see Joe running up to them. They had just finished taking pictures with fans and Amelia and Caite waited in the hallway.

He smiled as he approached them."The guys want to go out to pizza." Joe flicked his gaze to Amelia, than back to Caite. "You game?"

"Sure!" Caite smiled.

Amelia noticed that Donnie, Danny and Jon walk into the hallway, coming towards them. Her eyes met with Donnie and she felt her heart jam. "Uh..no..I'm kinda tired."

"Aw come on Shorty." Joe said as he put his arm around her. "Please?" He stuck out his bottom lip and pouted. This was a move that made all the girls swoon. When he pouted, his dimples came out. Amelia couldn't help but smile, he did look so cute like that.

"Ok Geez, McIntyre. Fine." Her smile fell from her face as her eyes once again locked with Donnie's.

The Family Fun Center was just a few blocks from the club venue and due to it being a few hours till closing time, there was hardly anyone inside the building.

"Oh! They have skee ball!" Caite exclaimed. She tugged Amelia toward the game. "Amelia, come on!"

Donnie chuckled. "Let me guess..you are a champ at this too?"

Amelia turned and winked at Joe and the rest of the guys. "Actually, I'm not really good."

Donnie smiled and rubbed his hands together, a Cheshire Cat grin on his face. "Good..I finally found something I can beat you at." He grabbed the balls and rolled them down the lane. In four trys, he finally hit 150. He handed them to Amelia. "You're turn love."

She sighed and grabbed one holding on to it. "OK. I'll do my best." Donnie watched, his jaw hitting the floor when each ball she hit, ended up in the 100 mark. She turned to him and smile. "Uh? Beginners luck?"

"Fuck."

She stood up on her tipey toes and put her mouth near his ear. "OH don't be mad Wahlberg, I"m sure there's something you're good at."

She pulled back and he looked at her, amazed at her playfulness, wondering if this was the real her. "Hmm..you'll have to find out." He said with a smile.

Donnie turned around, and for a brief second, saw the frown on Joe's face as he watched them. If Donnie didn't know any better, he saw jealousy on the young man's face.