Saturday rolled around and I still hadn't spoken to my daddy. Or Connor. We were all three stubborn as all get out, so it didn't surprise me. I felt bad for rejecting Connor's marriage proposal, but it wasn't right for me right now. If he was still single in a few years then maybe, but I had to find myself first.

Momma cooked a big going away supper for me. The whole bunch attended and everyone laughed and cut up, except for daddy who kept quiet the whole meal. After dinner, I went upstairs to finish packing the last of my things. I didn't pack too much, though. My flight left Atlanta on Sunday afternoon, but I'd planned to arrive early to get some shopping in. I'd been saving for awhile so I was excited. Landon was driving me to the airport and I'd thanked him at least fifty times.

While getting ready for bed, I heard a light knock on my door. It startled me, especially when I opened the door to find my daddy on the other side. I would have never thought he would have been the first to try and fix things.

"Daddy, what's wrong?"

"I, uh, I - I just wanted to make things right before you leave. I don't think you're making the right decision, but I'm your father. I want you to be happy. I have to let you make your own mistakes to figure life out. I have to let my little girl go eventually." He looked down towards his feet. "Be safe." He turned to go, but I grabbed his arm and hugged him.

"Thank you, daddy. Goodnight!"

He forced a smile and went to his room. I got in my bed and decided to send Harry a text.

Tomorrow's the BIG day! Can't wait to see ya! xo -Loren

It didn't take him long to reply.

Neither can I! We've missed you! xx -Harry

++

I stood at the checkout at the last store. I'd spent way too much money and I'd bought clothing items I never would have normally bought. My suitcase was now full of converse and crop tops, rather than cowboy boots and sundresses. I was so ready to make this journey. I stopped in the airport bathroom to change before boarding the plane. I pulled on some cutoff high-waisted jean shorts and a baggy t-shirt. I laced up a pair of my new converse, slipped on my aviators, and took a look in the mirror. It wasn't a look that I was used to, but I definitely liked it. I ran my fingers through my tousled, wavy hair and made my way to the terminal.

++

My plane landed in San Diego and I clamored off the plane. Harry said he would meet me there but I'd picked up my luggage and still hadn't seen him so I decided to give him a call. He sent me to voicemail and then a text almost immediately.

Sorry, I had a last minute meeting. Josh should be waiting for you out front! -Harry

I found the entrance to the airport, and sure enough, Josh Devine was leaning up against a sleek, black sports car, waiting for me. "Hey! Look at you!" He took my bags from me and I noticed how his gaze barely left my body. I could feel my face turning pink. I'd hung out with Josh plenty of times before, with the other boys, but for some reason today he made me nervous - almost giggly. I didn't know if it was because of his bulging muscles under his tight shirt or if his smile had me swooning, but there was something about him that I'd never noticed before.

"Woah, where's the typical black SUV?" I giggled.

"I'm not as famous as the boys, so I don't have to have protection like they do. It's actually really nice. I get to do my own thing without all of the screaming girls." He answered as he opened my door for me.

"That is nice." I smiled as he climbed into the driver's seat. We talked on and on about
random things as we made the drive to the hotel.

Thankfully, everyone was off today and I would start my new job with Lou tomorrow as the boys had another show. I was beyond tired as Josh helped me get my bags up to my room.

"If you need anything, I'm right down the hall." He smiled, making me extra giddy.

"Okay, thanks!" I waved and closed the door to my room. I plopped onto my bed, smiling due to being with Josh. He was so sweet and he didn't have the crazed fans like the other boys did. It was nice being with someone like him. But, as soon as I realized what I was doing - developing a little crush - I stopped myself. I couldn't let anything of the sort mess up my job. I sighed and pulled the covers around me. It was only 8pm in San Diego, but my body was still on Eastern Time. I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.