It was a short ride to the only resturant in town. There was only a few people there so we got our orders quickly. Alexa and Ethan said I could get whatever I wanted, so I decided to pig out. I got a burger, curly fries, diet coke, and a Seeley shake. Instead of scolding me for getting all this food, they both just smiled and said no one must have fed me in awhile. We sat on a bench and had a real family dinner. We laughed and talked about some of things we could do over the summer. I was sipping my shake when a friend of Alexa's came. She was around my parents' age and she had someone standing beside her. I didn't really pay attention to them until someone mentioned my name.
"Joe, say hi to Kelly and her daughter, Aimee. " I looked up at them and smiled to Kelly and then I saw her daughter. Wow, she sure was pretty.
"Hi, I'm Joe." I shook Kelly's hand and nodded to Aimee because she was carrying bags of stuff. She smiled to me and said a small "Hello". They continued to talk about the gift shop and the rental place Kelly owns. The whole time I was stealing glances at Aimee. I didn't think anyone noticed, cause I was wearing my trusty Ray Bans. Alexa noticed though.
"Joe, why don't you give Aimee a ride to her house. Ethan and I are thinking of helping Kelly organize her store."
"Do you really think I can drive-"
"Of course you can. Now take the keys and Aimee tell him where you live."
"Okay Alexa." I threw away my trash and walked towards the blue truck. Aunt Alexa flashed me a smile before we got in. I guess I wasn't as smooth as I thought. I haven't really been driving since the "incident". Even before then, I wasn't exactly the best driver. I pulled out and felt a little good about driving again.
"So where do you live?"
"Two houses down from where your Aunt and Uncle live." Aimee looked about a year younger than me, so around 17 or almost 18. She had curly golden brown hair that reached down an inch or so below her shoulders. She wore sunglasses but before I noticed she had blue/green eyes. They looked really pretty in the sunlight.
"That's really cool."
"Yup. So how long are you here for?"
"The whole summer."
"That's really good. I guess we will be seeing a lot of each other." I really hope so.
"Ya. How old are you Aimee?"
"Almost 18. You?"
"Almost 19." She smiled again and messed with the radio. She left it on Marry for Money by Trace Adkins. I guess since I am a musican I like listening to the lyrics and let's say these lyrics are pretty hilarious. I couldn't help but chuckle at them. Aimee joined me and apologized for how cheesy country music is. I was going to mention my music isn't any better, but even though Aimee seemed down-to-earth, I didn't want her to continue hanging out with me just because I'm part of the Jonas Brothers.
"Cheesy country music is the best."
"I have to agree with you on that. But, I think I am biased on that decision."
"Why's that?"
"I grew up on the stuff, so I am more inclined to stick-up for it." I laughed a bit bitterly. Would I do the same for my music? In the recent months I don't think it's really been my music. If I had a say, I would probably generate a song describing how drinking removes your problems. But, I work for Disney, and I can't really go around preaching that. I would be a "bad" role-model. Like a person with multiple personality disorder is any better? I glanced around and saw we were closely approaching my Aunt and Uncle's house.
"Did I pass your house?"
"Umm... No. It's the next driveway." I pulled in and saw she lived in a cabin almost identical to Alexa's and Ethan's. The only difference was it was stained a dark color and had a small guest house. Aimee slowly gathered her things, almost like she was waiting for me to say something. Should I? I mean, I do like her but I don't think she can deal with the troubles of dating the "drunk" known as Joe Jonas. "If you don't want to go home to an empty house, you're welcome to come in." She shyly smiled and her cheeks got a bit rosy. I couldn't help but love that, it made her even more beautiful. Should I go in? I could and deep down I really, really want to. But then again I don't wanna subject Aimee to the troubles that can come from my life. The whole time I was contemplating this Aimee's grin slowly fell and her cheeks grew even more redder. Screw rationally thinking, this descision is coming from south of the belt buckle.
"Sure." Sure? Was that all I could say? My one word answer didn't seem to phase her. We walked in and I saw how tidy the place is. Man, if her parents saw the way I lived, they would be scared. "It's really organized." Oh great, another smooth answer Romeo.
"I know, it's weird," She flopped onto the dark leather couch. "My Dad is a huge neat freak. You should see the rental office."
"Rental office?" I sat next to her, but no to close, just close enough.
"My parents own the only sports rental place in town."
"Now I know who to call during the summer." I laughed and she joined me. We sat in silence for a bit longer before I brought up this sure fire conversation-starter. "It's a really good day outside." Dumb lines-2 Joe-0.
"Ya, but I think a storms coming."
"Why?" I glanced outside and saw a picture-perfect day. Blue sky filled with white puffy clouds.
"Earlier in the day I was watching the weather and saw a storm is making it's way up here."
"Oh." I nodded and began to twidle my thumbs. Could this go any worse?All I need to do is bring up I'm a recovering alcholic and the whole day would be so "much" better.
"Do you want something to drink?" Aimee switched on the HD tv and walked over to the kitchen.
"Coke if you have any."
"Diet okay?"
"Ya." I started to flip through the channels when I came upon E!. Ryan Seacrest and that Julianna girl were covering a story on how Lindsay Lohan was seen shopping at some BOHO store in Beverly Hills. Ryan then decided to talk about celebrity trainwrecks. And guess who's face was on the screen? I guess that gives away the answer, right? At least it was a good pic. It was taken a bit after the accident and my hair was straight (as always), I had the same Ray Bans as today, skinny jeans, and plain black t-shirt. Big Rob and my Dad were crowding me and trying to get the press out of my hair. I saw I didn't look like a person who barely escaped death. Most people would be in church praying or have a huge smile plastered across their face. I didn't. My eyes were downcast, I wore a frown, and looked like I was in hell. If I look in the mirror I would probably look the same. I kept looking at the screen and the hole came back. I had the sudden urge to drive to "home" and look for the bar Uncle Ethan didn't lock.
"Don't you just hate E!?" I looked up and saw Aimee. She gave the tv a scowl and handed me my drink. "They always critcize people for not doing this, or doing that. But I bet if they were in the same situation, they would do the same. Joe are you okay?" She placed one hand on my shoulder. I noticed my hand was trembling and shaking my drink. Everything just seems to be coming back to me. The reasons I would drink are staring me in the face and taunting me to take a drink to send them away.
"Ya...just..." What else could I say? I barely know this girl, but she makes me feel different. She didn't remove her hand from my shoulder and I felt safe. Her touch was warm and seemed to drag my demons away. "I should probably go home." She nodded and moved her hand to walk me to the door. I soon felt cold and vulnerable. Even though the cabin was two houses down it seemed like it was a very long ride. God, how I wish I could have even a little sip of booze.


Ohh SNAP! Lol couldn't resist =] Will Joe succumb to his weaknesses or will he prove to be a better man? dundundunnn -Danica =]