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Andronitis

Until Tomorrow

“You’re sure you’re okay?”

I can hear the noises behind Jo and know she’s on a quick break at work.

“I’m fine!” I insist.

“Lies. I told Adam. He’s on his way.”

“What? Why would you do that? That’s so silly.” I start rearranging things on the kitchen table just to have something to do with my hands.

“He was coming over anyway. I just told him so he’d be prepared.”

“For my parking ticket?”

“No. With ice cream.”

I woke up this morning and walked out to my car to find the orange ticket of death smacked to my windshield. As a grown woman, parking tickets really shouldn’t affect me so much, but there are moments in life where you pay your rent, you buy your groceries, you clean your apartment, and you start to feel like this adult thing might work out. Then you forget to move your car to the correct side of the street for cleaning and all of a sudden all of your life decisions are questionable and your ability to take care of yourself is tenuous. Right? Just me? Fair enough.

I sigh and give in. “Why do you know me so well?”

“That’s why I have the college degree, darlin’.”

“I think they just give those away these days. Tell Adam not to worry about it. I’ll just go to the corner store. Amir’s probably missing me now. It’s been like 48 hours.”

“But Adam likes to feel useful!”

“Well tell him to be useful some other way. It’s called self-pity for a reason.”

“Fine. Gotta go. Don’t worry about letting him in; he’s got a key.”

“He what?”

“Thanks so much! Cheer up. Just a bad day. Bye!” The phone clicks and I hang my head, chuckling lightly.


“Stephanie! How’s life?”

I nod to Amir as the bells signal my entrance to the corner store. I didn’t even muss with my hair before coming in. Adulting is difficult.

“I got a parking ticket.”

“Aw, I’m sorry,” Amir gives a polite frown and gestures over my shoulder, “Ice cream’s in the corner.”

“Oh you mean you haven’t moved it in the last three years?”

“Just trying to make your life easier.” Amir smiles at the next customer and I silently appreciate someone attempting to cheer me up.

I’m debating between cookie dough and red velvet ice cream when I feel someone standing behind me. I shift to the side to allow whoever it is room to move, although I’m annoyed by people hovering. Said individual doesn’t move. Normally I’d just let it go, but my nerves are already fried for the day.

“Look, I may be a minute, so if you need something--” I turn and my breath catches in my throat. I’m face-to-face with the same blue eyes that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about and a slightly panicked expression I’m immediately sorry to have caused.

“Sorry, love, I just thought I’d--”

“No! I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to snap. It’s just...been a long day.” I’m flustered. It’s Wednesday. I’m not supposed to see Louis for another 24 hours. That’s a whole day to shower, put on make-up, choose appropriate attire, and make it appear as though I wake up looking presentable for other humans. It’s also a day to pack the crazy away and appear carefree. Someone up there has it in for me today and I can’t decide between wanting to punch someone or curl up in the fetal position and cry.

“I can see that,” Louis grins and gestures to the two pints of ice cream I’m still holding.

“I’m crap at decisions,” I shrug. Any pretense of togetherness is already shot, so why not just roll with it.

“Well,” Louis shrugs closer and leans across my body to grab one of the cartons from my hand. He’s got to stop being so close to me. “When I have decisions I don’t want to make, I don’t.”

“That must be nice. What are you planning on doing with my ice cream?” I’m in attack mode. This makes sense. First man to show a decent amount of interest in roughly six months and I’m verbally abusing him. Well done, Steph. Ten points.

“I’m plannin’ on buyin’ it for you. That way you’ll have somethin’ to eat when you’re finished bitin’ me head off.” He turns on his heel and marches towards the cash rap. Touche, Mr… I don’t know his last name. I can’t even mentally sass him properly. Not my day.

Chagrined, I follow him and watch silently as he smiles at Amir, pays, and then moves down waiting for me.

“You’re not even supposed to be here until Thursday.” I grumble and pass Amir some change.

“What’s that, hon?” Amir leans over to hear better.

“Sorry, nothing. Just...talking to myself. Like a normal person.”

Amir laughs and starts bagging my ice cream.

“Oh don’t worry about it. I’m close. Although I’d take a spoon if you have it.”

“Sorry; not today. I’ll make a note for next week though. Just in case the city decides to spite you again.”

“Too soon, Amir. Too soon,” nevertheless I offer him a weak smile and move to where Louis is casually observing the exchange.

“So…” I begin.

“So.” Louis holds my ice cream behinds his back and begins to walk out the door. I have no choice but to follow. Although I suppose I could be content with my own purchase and not follow like a puppy for carton #2. Extricating myself would take too much energy so I decide to follow. See, I am capable of some quick decisions. I’m also, apparently, capable of an inner monologue that’s becoming annoying. When you start annoying yourself is when the real trouble sets in.

I hear a throat clear and look up.

“I do know we’re not supposed t’see each other until tomorrow. But I saw you standin’ there and I couldn’t help meself. I’m sorry,” he holds out the ice cream as a peace offering.

“Don’t be ridiculous. You didn’t do anything. I’m just out of sorts and not great with surprises--good or bad.” I attempt and fail at a real smile and shrug instead.

“Ah, so if you had to categorize it, which one would this go in?”

“Good,” I can’t help myself. “You’re a good surprise. That’s convenient because I’m the bad,” I joke and hold up my ice cream.

He reaches across and grabs my hand that’s holding the ice cream and twines our fingers together over the top. He’s standing about a foot from me and I’m adding asthma to the list of things that have happened today on account of the difficulty I’m having breathing. It has to be medically related. Certainly couldn’t be this shaggy haired man invading my personal space like it’s his.

“You’re not a bad surprise, love,” he runs his thumb over my knuckles and my cheeks flare red. “You’ve just had a shit day. Anythin’ I can do?”

Say shit again. I don’t know why that sounded so great when he said it. I can’t say that out loud.

“Don’t cancel on me tomorrow?” I manage. He laughs and breaks our contact. I’m going to have to work on keeping his laughter without negating his touch. I desperately hope they’re not mutually exclusive.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Um--” I gesture to his hands, “Did you come here intending to buy whoever was at the freezer some ice cream? Or did you have a plan to get something else?”

Louis blushes. I give myself a silent high five. I could get used to that.

“Right,” he hands over the carton he’d held hostage to this point, “See? You make me forget things. Naughty again.”

Say naughty again. He must have seen the flash in my eyes because his darken slightly and he moves closer again. I watch his hands but it’s his shoulder that bumps mine lightly before quickly retracting.

“Just...don’t go anywhere on me, yeah? Give me two minutes.” He runs inside before I have the chance to point out that it is still summer and ice cream still melts. Who am I kidding? Red velvet milk is worth waiting to see what he has to say.

I shuffle back and forth on my heels and glance at the door every so often. Louis comes rushing out shortly clutching two bags. He smiles when he sees me and slows down.

“Whew, thought for sure I’d lose you.” He comes to a halt in front of me.

“Well you didn’t give me a parking ticket, so you’re not on my list today,” I grant him.

“Ah ha! There’s the culprit. I’m not plannin’ on workin’ for the city anytime soon so I should be safe, hm?”

“Yes,” I laugh, “You’re safe. For now.”

“A little danger never hurt anyone, love.” His eyes are dark again and they’re daring me to respond. I’m not sure I have it in me. He winks and I’ve lost it. I just blush instead. He nods to my ice cream.

“Those are going to melt soon. You’ve got to get back, yeah?”

“I probably should,” I’m not sure how to broach this next subject without seeming a total control freak. “So, tomorrow?”

“Ah, yes, tomorrow. The date for the lady who hates surprises.”

“I promise I’m not trying to be difficult!” I protest, “I just, you know, I’m easier when I’m more prepared.”

“You’re easier?” There’s the one eyebrow again. I’m up to my knees in pavement thanks to the embarrassment I’ve caused myself.

“You know what I mean.”

“I do, but it’s so fun seein’ you squirm.”

I laugh and smack his shoulder. “Not nice.”

“Mission accomplished.” He grabs my hand, “Knew I could get you to smile.”

“Yeah, well, I told you. Anything chocolate,” I hold up the cookie dough ice cream.

“I remember.” He still hasn’t let go of my hand. I’d detach it and just give it to him if it meant I’d be able to concentrate better. “I was thinkin’ a picnic. Evenin’. Seven-ish okay with you?”

“Picnics are good. Seven works. Can I bring something?”

“Just you,” he squeezes my hand, “I’ve got the rest. Any allergies I should be aware of?”

“Not unless you were planning on bringing cold medicine.”

“Sorry?”

“I’m allergic to acetaminophen. Tylenol. But no food,” I offer.

“Well there goes my plan for the Nyquil night cap. Everthin’ else should pass muster though,” He laces his fingers through mine again and leans over. “Until tomorrow, Stephanie.” His lips brush my cheek and I can’t help but close my eyes. His breath is warm and all of a sudden I’m covered in chills. He drops my hand and I open my eyes. He’s looking at me half-lidded but unfazed. Maybe I haven’t ruined this after all.

“Until tomorrow, Mr…” I trail off.

“Tomlinson.” He finishes.

Tomlinson. Something in the back of my mind rings a bell and he’s watching me carefully. Almost on edge. I can’t reach whatever corner of my brain is nagging though, so I just smile.

“Mr. Tomlinson.” I give a wave and he seems to relax. Louis Tomlinson. There’s something there. I know there is. I just can’t get it. Damned if he doesn’t have an adorable walk though.

I head back down the alley and take deep breaths, restoring normal breath and hopefully normal color to my complexion. Until tomorrow.

Notes

Comments

Omg! I just started reading it and I love it so much! Louis and his sass is just perfect

Ransom girl Ransom girl
12/5/15

@LulaMae
We'll have Louis in the next update! Maybe it'll be a... disaster? ;) I totally get you. I'm probably taking a hiatus myself. How could we not understand the boys? Life's exhausting! I'm so glad you are back though! I really love this story. Can't wait for Stephanie and Louis to meet again :D x

@not_any_maryjane
I'm quite glad to be back. Turns out I needed my own hiatus. I feel like this is a viewership that understands. Quite enjoying your updates. Always love seeing Harry sweat it out for Jeanne :)

LulaMae LulaMae
12/3/15

please continue

Louis'lolies Louis'lolies
11/24/15

I'm glad you are back :) Looking forward to another update.

not_any_maryjane not_any_maryjane
11/22/15