Looks Can Be Deceiving

After changing and feeling a bit more covered up, I made my way back downstairs to hear all three men laughing. I found them sitting at Austin’s island in the kitchen. As soon as I stood by Austin’s side, he wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me close to his warm body. I looked up to him as Tally and Ryan focused their attention on the MacBook that was sitting on the counter. He smiled and gave me a wink, balling up the material of my shirt that covered my hip.
“So, Pandora,” Ryan began, “Austin tells us you’re from England?” he raised an eyebrow as Tally kept his eyes on the laptop. I nodded.
“Sheffield,” I replied.
“Oh!” he looked to Austin, “That’s where Oli lived, right?”
“Yeah,” Austin nodded, “She’s actually really close with Hannah,” he looked down to me.
“Ah,” Tally smiled, looking up from the computer. “She’s a cool girl; fun to hang out with.” I nodded.
“Austin, what color do you want to set for the background?” Tally turned the computer to us so Austin could see it.
“Hm,” he hummed, “What do you think?” All three guys looked down at me as I kept my eyes on the screen. Austin rubbed his thumb against the skin on my stomach, making me looked up.
“Me?” Austin broke out into a smile as he chuckled.
“Yes you. What color do you like?”
“Uh,” I nervously laughed. “Well, it’s not my website…” I shrugged.
“Let’s change that then,” Ryan smiled. “Seeing as how Austin fancies you so much, you can help out with our clothing line.”
“Oh you guys are starting a clothing line?” I smiled at Austin. “That sounds fun. What’s it for, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Austin, Tally and I are coming out with a brand of clothing for our talk show, The Sunset Rat Pack. It wasn’t until a week or two ago when Austin came up with the idea to start up a clothing line.” I looked down at the computer, scanning through some of the shirts they had up for sale.
“So what color?” Austin asked, resting his chin on my head.
“What about blue? It’s a gender neutral color,” I said, looking between the three guys.
“She’s right,” Ryan nodded.
“Blue it is,” Austin smiled. Tally turned the computer around adjusted some things.
“So how long have you two been seeing each other?” Ryan asked, grabbing a bottle of Naked Juice from the fridge. I bit down on my lip, not knowing what to say. Austin could take this one.
“Not long enough,” Austin joked. “This one here is a tough nut to crack.”
“Tough is good,” Tally laughed, closing the MacBook.
“This is true,” Ryan added, nodding. “Tough means she’s gone through a lot of bull shit,” he looked to me. “Am I right?” I nervously laughed.
“I guess you could say that…” I looked up to Austin, laying my head on his chest. “But this guy has treated me so well. I’m glad he convinced me to give him a second chance.” Austin seemed surprised at what I said.
“Second chance?” Tally raised an eyebrow. “What did you do?”
“Eh,” Austin sighed. “Alan got a little wasted.” Ryan rolled his eyes.
“Dumbass,” he muttered.
“I considered getting him AA classes for his birthday one time,” Tally said, pressing his palms into the counter. Ryan burst out laughing.
“And?”
“I decided that wasn’t such a good idea. Last year at Warped, Tyler tried telling him to slow down on the Tequila and let me tell you, Alan had no problem letting him know what his thoughts were on that.”
“Tyler Carter?” Ryan asked. Tally nodded.
“It was quite entertaining to watch Alan drunkenly scream about how he could drink as much as he wanted. After that he went back to the bus and passed out in the shower,” Tally burst out laughing.
“Yeah… Alan’s a charmer,” Austin grinned, letting out his breath. “I was the one who had to pull him out of there and put him in his bunk. For being a scrawny ginger, he’s quite heavy.”
“Come on Carlile, you’re well known for those guns,” Ryan chuckled. Austin looked down to his lengthy arms.
“The only guns I have are the ones Tally got me for my birthday last year. They come into great use during the hot summer tours we go on. Fill those babies up with cold water and you’re good to go.” I giggled a bit and sighed as Austin moved behind me, now wrapping both of his arms around my body. He slowly rocked back and forth as Tally looked around.
“Speaking of Alan, where is he?”
“He and the guys went out of town last night for a party. I think they got a room. Either that or they crashed at someone’s place.”
“And you didn’t go with them? You’re always up for a party,” Ryan pointed out, tossing his now empty bottle of Naked Juice in the garbage.
“Nope, I decided to stay back and spend my night with this pretty lady.” Austin pulled my back up against his chest, causing me to feel his heartbeat.
“So no more parties?” Tally frowned. Austin laughed.
“Oh no, there will be parties,” he shrugged, “Just a little less than usual.”
“Well, Mr. Life of the party,” Tally laughed, “Ryan, the crew, and myself, are throwing a huge birthday bash for Dingo; you in?”
“When is it?”
“Tomorrow night.” Austin was quiet. “I know it’s a bit short notice, but there’s a blank spot on the VIP list and it’d only look right if your name was in its place.”
“Ugh, I don’t know guys.” Ryan looked down me.
“Take your girl with,” he smiled. “I’m sure all the guys would love to meet her.”
“It’s okay, Austin. Go out and have fun with your friends,” I looked up to him and smiled. “Don’t skip out because of me.”
“Why don’t come with?” Ryan suggested again. I shrugged.
“I don’t want to ruin your guys’ time together.”
“Well, if I’m going, you might as well come with,” Austin smiled. “All the guys will love you.” I looked to Tally and Ryan who were both nodding.
“If there’s room I’ll tag along,” I smiled a bit, starting to worry about the people I’d encounter at this party. I wasn’t used to living Austin’s rich lifestyle. What if I didn’t fit in? What if he ditched me and left me with people I didn’t know? What if I kept him from having fun? I glanced down at the floor, trying not to show him that I was worrying. I couldn’t show my weakness.

Notes

What's gonna go down at this party? Will Pandora fit in?
~ Sampiternal