Chapter 7: Clubbing (Or Not)
Niall’s POV
“Oh, hey, guys, I just got a text from Perrie. She, Danielle, Eleanor, and Ed are at some nightclub and want us to join.” We were all in the living room, watching Nell dominate at FIFA and the rest of us suck, when Zayn piped up. I groaned inwardly. I really had no desire to go clubbing, especially tonight, me being so tired, and when the guys hung out with the girlfriends and Harry went off with Ed I was left by myself.
“When should we leave?” Harry asked. He loved clubbing. I knew he would go, and Liam and Louis couldn’t turn down an opportunity to hang out with their girls.
“Perrie says we should get there as soon as we can.” With that, all the boys cleared out and started to get ready. I went and sat on the couch next to Nell. We didn’t say anything, just stared at the match that was paused. It had been between her and Zayn.
When the boys finally filed out, I said, “You guys go ahead. I’ll drive Nell home.”
“Oh, shit, right. I’m sorry, Nell, I didn’t even think about that. You can come with if you want,” Liam said.
“Actually, no thanks, I’ll go with Niall. It was really nice meeting you guys.” She smiled, staying on the couch next to me.
“Alright. Well, just text Harry anytime, and get our numbers from Ni. We’d love to see you again,” Liam responded, ever the gentleman. This time, however, he was being sincere. He really liked her (as a friend, of course. He only had eyes for Dani).
With that, the boys left, yelling out their various goodbyes. I had her all to myself, but I didn’t really want her to go home yet. So before she could say anything, I turned to her and asked, “Are you hungry? Because I’m starving.”
She laughed. “Actually, I am a bit. Harry doesn’t really give very big portions.”
I grinned. “Finally, someone who understands!” I said. “All the guys say that it’s just me. But I have another opinion now.”
We got up and headed into the kitchen where I warmed up some pizza for us. We sat down at the counter, side by side, and I had a beer and she a water while we ate.
“You’re sure you don’t want a drink?” I asked. I never knew anyone to turn down a pint from an Irishman. “They’re quite good, straight from Ireland.”
She laughed. “Yeah, I’m good. I try not to drink too much. Besides, I’m underage,” She said mockingly. “You wouldn’t dare give a seventeen year old a beer, would you Niall?”
“Absolutely not,” I played along.
We ate in silence for a while, comfortable silence, like there wasn’t that much to be said. I just enjoyed the feeling of her being next to me. She was gorgeous, even in Liam’s shirt and athletic shorts. “Tell me something about yourself,” I said, wanting to get to know her.
“Well, I have a little brother, who I believe I’ve already mentioned. His name is Clyde, and he’s my best friend ever. I love him to bits.”
“How old is he?”
“He’s six, almost seven. In first grade at school.”
“That’s cool.”
“Yeah. He’s great. Do you have any siblings?” She asked. It actually sounded like a genuine question—one where she legitimately wanted to know the answer. Zayn had mentioned that she had this affect, that she made you feel worth something.
“Yeah.” I answered. “I have an older brother. He's awesome. Someone to play football with.”
“Yeah. I know what you mean.” Just then, it occurred to me that she had been running when Liam ran into her. “Hey Nell?” I asked.
“What?”
“Do you want to, like, shower? Not that you need to, you’re fine, but I know you were running and—”
She laughed. “Actually, that would be pretty nice. It's a little late, now, but I’ve told my mother that I won’t be back until an undetermined time, so she’s okay with me being out.”
“Okay,” I answered, my heart pounding at the thought of her showering in my flat. “I’m sure I can find some clothes for you. I promise they’ll be clean,” I said, winking.
I got up and walked over to my room. After rummaging in my closet for a while, I found what I had been looking for. I remember I had gotten a package from an event I had been going to, who sent me a box with some clothes for my date to wear. I hadn’t needed them, though, as I had gone solo. I pulled them out. They looked to be about Nell’s size. It was a white tank top and some green skinny jeans. I brought them out. “Look what I found! I got these from some company for whatever reason. Are you cool with them?”
“Yeah, they look great!” She smiled. “So, I’ll just…”
“Oh, um, right. The bathroom’s just over there.” I said, motioning down the hall. "I’ll be here whenever you’re done.”

Notes

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