"Well, it's fine with me. They could do with some experience touring with other people." Taylor added. "Besides, they have been opening for us for longer than we anticipated - not that that's a bad thing of course."
"That's good, because they really want to." Walker said.
"Yep, not a problem." Zac put in. "Just let us know how things go with Oliver."
"I like Oliver." Isaac said. "He definitely knows what he's doing. Very talented, hard-working guy."
"Yes, he seems to be handling the touring well. I suppose only time will tell." Walker agreed.
**********
Meanwhile, back in LA...
"Just stop it ok?" Jess exploded.
Austin stared in shock.
"Stop, stop what?"
"Quit blasted asking me if I'm ok, when you blasted well know what's wrong."
He looked at her in confusion.
"But I don't."
"Oh, yeah, right."
Jess plonked down on a chair, turned her back to him and folded her arms across her chest.
"Uhh, Jess -"
"Oh, go make out with Avie."
"What?" the astonishment in his voice was genuine.
"Well? That's what you want to do isn't it?"
There were tears dripping down her cheeks as she stood up and faced him.
"Don't deny it Austin. I, I saw you."
Austin stared at her. Then he left the room. Jess collapsed back in the chair and burst into tremendous sobs. The next thing she knew, Austin had thrown down a stack of paper in front of her.
"That's the script for the movie." He explained.
Then he knelt down next to her and started turning pages.
"I didn't know how to tell you." He continued. "Avie and my characters are playing boyfriend and girlfriend. I mean, I figured if and when you ever saw the movie you'd find out, and that I probably should tell you before you saw it. But you know, I mean, how do you tell your girlfriend that you have to kiss her sister at work?"
Austin shuddered slightly.
"Don't get me wrong. I like Avie. But not like that!" he said, tracing her jaw line. "Jess, she'll never be you. No one will ever replace you."
Jess sniffed.
"I feel like an idiot." She admitted, wiping tears from her eyes as Austin embraced her in a hug.
"No, I'm the idiot. For not telling you. Jess, I'm sorry I put you through all that. I really am."
They sat there for a moment, embraced in each others arms. Then Austin pulled away and looked into her eyes.
"Me and Avie? Eww!"
Jess burst out giggling.