Julie had never been particularly close to her younger brother, Scott. Their parents had split when they were both young, and Julie had gone to live with her mother, while Scott spent his life with their father. It wasn't until they were thrown together at an uncomfortable family gathering that Julie learned some secrets about her brother.
"Mom, remind me why we're going to this stupid thing." Julie whispered on the airplane as they jetted over the Atlantic Ocean towards New York City from France, where they'd been vacationing.
"Because, Julie, my mother wants us to be there." Julie's mother, Anna, replied for what seemed like the millionth time. "And, before you ask, she wanted your father to be there also. She always had a soft spot for him, even after we split. He'll be bringing Scott so you two can finally spend some time together." Anna put in the earphones provided by the airline for one of the in-flight movies. Julie sighed and ordered a glass of champagne.
"Dad, seriously, I'm not going to enjoy this at all." Scott said as he unloaded his luggage from the car onto the sidewalk. His father emerged from the other side of the taxi, then grabbed his own suitcase.
"Well, son, that's too bad, because we're here and you're going whether you're up for it or not." Julian replied. He made his way brusquely to the door of the hotel, which was opened for him by a uniformed doorman. Scott was left to pay the driver, and left him a generous tip for having to put up with his father.
Two days later, the family reunion was in full swing, with Anna's mother the belle of the ball. She flitted from table to table, making sure everyone was comfortable and happy. She kept a glass of merlot in her hand at all times. Eventually, she made her way to the table where Julie and Scott had been seated - the 20something table. True to its name, everyone seated there was between the ages of 20 and 29. Relatives from all over the world were there for the once-in-a-lifetime event. Julie was speaking fluent French to a foreign cousin - hailing from Denmark - while Scott talked sports with his mother's cousin's son. Neither sibling at spoken a word to the other one.
Julie happened to glance over to her mother at one point during the evening, and saw her in deep conversation with a man. Peering closer, Julie found that it was the last man she'd expected - her father! She caught Scott's attention, and nodded her head toward their parents, who at that moment excused themselves from their present company and hurried to the doors. Scott and Julie shared a swift glance, and quickly followed the pair. Outside, Julian and Anna hailed a cab, and immediately started kissing as soon as they were safely inside.
Julie could not imagine what was going on. She looked over at her younger brother, and he looked as confused as she did. They stood for a few moments, stunned by the recent events.
"I was under the impression that they did not like each other." Julie finally murmured.
"As was I..." Scott breathed. "But apparently, we were both wrong. I wonder why they've stayed apart for so long? It's been what, 17 years?"
"Yeah, about that..." Julie mused. Then a thought struck her. "One of us doesn't have a place to stay tonight. We'll have to find out where they went so we don't accidentally walk in on them." Scott nodded, and whipped out his cell. He called his hotel, and found there was a "Do Not Disturb" block on his room.
"Looks like they're at my hotel. Can I stay with you tonight, sis?" Scott grinned. Julie smiled back, with less enthusiasm.
"Of course. I'm actually about ready to go. You?"
"God yes. I can't stand much more of this. Let's go make our excuses and head back to the hotel for some room service." Scott offered his arm to his sister, and they returned to the party for a brief moment. Their grandmother wasn't quite sure who they were, and was happy enough to let them go. Her glass of merlot was still attached to her hand. In the middle of the sibling's apology, she saw an uncle and tottered off to speak to him, leaving Julie and Scott to make a hasty retreat to Julie's room.
"Finally. Can I grab a shower? I feel like all those relatives are still crawling all over me." Scott asked, doffing his jacket and unbuttoning his white and black dress shirt.
"Of course, help yourself. I had the same idea, actually." Julie smiled, trying not to watch her brother's abs flex as he moved.
"Well you're welcome to join me..." Scott winked, then moved into the bathroom. Julie didn't hear the lock click. She shook herself, mentally berating herself for even considering taking up his offer. Tempting, though...
He was even more gorgeous than she'd remembered his pictures being. Tall, dark, and forbidden. His green eyes shone with humor, and yet could darken with intensity at a moment's notice. All his muscles were well-defined, and his hair flopped across his eyes in such an adorable way... Julie felt herself getting hot. She shook her head, trying to get his face out of it. Turning on the TV, she flipped through the channels, trying to find something they both might like.
