CHAPTER 4

Tristin was annoyed with himself for turning down the opportunity to see his cousin crash and burn while flirting with a girl. But he has not been feeling up to his usual self recently. The thrill of the chase finally ended when his past caught up with him.

Strangely, he felt uneasy when he heard the muffled voices coming from the foyer. The jovial exchange intrigued him. He got up from the couch and peaked into the hallway. He tried to read into their banter. All he could see was a slender girl who reminded him of a memory he tried to forget. Her laugh tinkled through the cool air and it brought shivers down his spine. He escaped Hartford to get away from the ghost that haunted him. Frustrated, he got up and decided to introduce himself to the guest.

Then his nightmare came true.

The slim figure bumped into him accidentally. Then she started to apologize. Midway through her apologies, she recognized him. It was a meeting he was not prepared for. Their eyes met. Her lips parted. His mouth went dry. Her hand lingered on his forearm to maintain her balance. Both of them were puzzled. Tristin was about to speak when another voice broke into his reverie.

"I see you've made your acquaintances," Graham said.

"I thought you said she wasn't a Mary," he questioned.

"Tristin," Graham chided, "I can't believe you said that in front of her! My apologies, Rory," he said coming between Rory and Tristin.

"Rory Gilmore, meet my cousin, Tristin DuGrey. I apologize for his crudeness," Graham said. "I told you he was a dog."

"The pleasure's all mine," Tristin said as he gently took her hand that still rested on his arm. Slowly, he bent from the waist and kissed her hand.

Rory was more confused than ever.

"We're headed out for some burgers. Do you want to join us?" Graham asked.

"Only if the lady invites me," Tristin said, not taking his eyes off of her.

"Sure," she muttered almost inaudibly.

"Then it's settled. Is fifteen minutes enough time for you to freshen up?" Graham asked.

Rory just nodded as Graham walked out of the room.