whiplash

I sit at my desk at work, chin resting in my hand, tapping my pen against the manuscript I am supposed to be proofing. My brain is not functioning well today. It hasn’t been working properly for the past week or so. Who am I trying to kid here? My brain hasn’t been normal since Niall happened to my life. The more I try to not think about how much I wish he would call or text me the more I end up thinking about him in general. It is a double edged sword of annoyance and longing that I can’t seem to escape. My pen keeps tapping away as Niall’s face appears and floats through my mind, blurring the words on the page in front of me for the millionth time today.

Tap. Tap. Tap.
His face inches from mine.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
His lips grazing over my own.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The smell of his skin under my nose.
Tap. Tap. Tap.

I am so lost in the thought that my chin actually slips off my hand. I catch myself quickly, but I still look around to make sure no one saw. How embarrassing would that have been? I go back to reading, but this thing is so boring its only minutes before I’m right back to where I started.

Niall.
It’s always Niall.

He is the only thing I’ve been thinking about now for…I take a quick mental count…eight days! Eight freaking days. And it’s starting to really wear me. After day three I said he probably wasn’t going to call me which is a pretty normal assumption to make about a guy. After day five I gave up on the notion completely. Now on day eight I can’t stop fantasying about him while I’m sitting at my desk trying to work. Jesus! I’ve got to get him out of my head, but I don’t have any clue how to accomplish that! I hear someone clear their throat next to me and I jump, knocking the manuscript to the floor, losing my place completely.

“Dammit.” I say as I bend over to pick it up.

The tones of another more familiar Irish accent float past my ears and I look up quickly to see Jamie, my coworker, speaking to me. “You okay? I called your name probably four times. I was just checking to see if you were done with that? The way you were staring so hard at it, it must be good.”

His eyes crinkle up when he smiles at me and I suddenly get very flustered. Jamie is that guy in the office that everyone loves. He’s tall and handsome, sweet and charming, and he has a great sense of humor. I think I’ve been flirting with him for the past year or so, successfully I might add. But when he catches me off guard like this I turn into gibberish, rambling Harper, who doesn’t know how to stop talking. "Oh…um..hi..yeah, sorry, I’m actually not done. At all. Not even halfway. Which is sad because I feel like I’ve been staring at the freaking thing for hours and it’s probably only been five minutes, really. It also doesn’t help that it’s the most boring thing I’ve read as of late.“ I flip through the pages with my thumb. "It’s like someone wrote a memoir about watching paint dry.” I look up at him seriously. “And the paint never dries.” That earns me a little chuckle and I smile. “I’m rambling. Sorry.”

He shakes his head and flashes me a grin. “It doesn’t bother me in the least.”

I decide to turn on the charm because why not? This was the man I’d originally set my sights on. I flirt. He flirts. That’s how it’s always been. Time to get that going again. With an impish little look, I say, “Good thing because my brain doesn’t always react well to being surprised by good looking men.”

Jamie leans against the wall next to my desk with a pleased look on his face. “I’ll keep that in mind the next time I see one around you.”

“I recommend large sticks to fend them off.” I look around as if there’s a crowd waiting to hound me somewhere in the room. “Right now though I think you’re safe.” I lean in and hold my hand up to my mouth to whisper conspiratorially. “You’re the only one around.”

He chuckles and raises his brows before speaking. “Flattery will get you everywhere with me, Harper.” The look on his face sends a small twinge to my gut reminding me of another Irish face but I ignore it. But before I can say anything back someone calls him over. “I’ll get that manuscript from you later. Good luck with the drying paint.”

I watch him walk away and let out a slow breath. Damn. He’s got a nice butt too. I shake my head and open up the stupid, ridiculously long text again. I grumble to myself as I find my lost place. “Better get this over with.” I say as I prop my elbows up and do my best to focus again on work.

I’m somewhat successful because I manage to lose track of time. A few hours pass before I’m happily interrupted by Jamie again. He’s leaning down on my desk, looking over my shoulder, reading along with me. I glance over at him and I catch my breath because he’s so close. I find my voice. “Can I help you, Jamie? Did you need something? Or are you just trying subtly catch a peek down my shirt?” Normally I wouldn’t joke about that, not here at least, but the fact that I’m wearing a very high collar, impossible to see down, wool sweater makes it funny. I sit up and grab my shirt with a mock look of offense. “You are aren’t you?”

He tosses his head back laughing before nodding with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He stands up and hold his hands up in surrender. “You got me. I’ve got a massive thing for fuzzy wool sweaters. I’m having trouble controlling myself.”

I’m having a fit of giggles. He really is the cutest and I love it when he flirts with me like this. I’ve been wanting him to ask me out for ages, but he never does. Maybe one day. Once our laughter calms down I gesture towards the paper stack on my desk. “I’m almost done, if this is what you wanted.”

He shuffles from one foot to the other, nervously. “Yeah, sure, I’ll take it. But I also wanted to ask you something.”

I sit forward and look up expectantly at Jamie. “Oh? Yeah, sure! I hope it’s not on the merits of drying paint because honestly, there are none.”

His eyes light up as he smiles and lets out a soft chuckle. “No. No paint drying for me. I was actually wondering if you would like to go to dinner with me? Tonight, maybe? If you’re free and would be interested.”

I’m pretty sure my mouth has dropped open slightly from the sheer surprise of him asking me out. In the year that we’ve worked together, the thousands of times we’ve flirted, never once has he asked me on a date. I need time to think. Dammit. I can’t tell him no. What if this is my only chance? Then, as if my brain hates me even more guess who’s face decides to make an appearance?

If you said Niall you’ve won!

I know that I need to give Jamie an answer. I want to say yes. But I don’t know! I take a breath, finally reaching my decision, not sure if it’s the right one or not. I’ll leave it open ended. “Jamie, I’d love to but I can’t tonight. I’ve already got plans with a friend.” His face falls just a bit before he shrugs it off. “Can I have a rain check?”

“Of course, Harper, anytime.” He smiles and picks up the manuscript from my desk. “I guess I’ll go bore myself to tears with this for a while.”

I watch him walk across the office and it takes everything in me not to bang my head on my desk in frustration. What am I doing? I know I didn’t turn him down technically, but I might as well have. My mind travels back to Lily’s words yesterday. She told me that I needed to stop thinking so much about Niall.

“It happened. Now let it go. I like the guy. It seemed like you had fun with him. And from what you said it didn’t get weird until the end. But after this long, you’ve got to say to yourself that he’s not calling.”

I know all of these things, but that doesn’t stop me from dreaming about Niall’s lips on my skin. Or picturing him hovering over me. Or waking up with my thighs clenched together.

Fucking Niall. Who knew that one hit was enough to become addicted?

What would Lily say if I told her right now that Jamie, the cute guy at work, just asked me out and I told him I had plans. Well, for one, she wouldn’t say anything, she’d smack me in the back of the head first thing. Then something along the lines of ‘Are you crazy?’ would come out. But really what am I doing? This man is nice and sweet. He’s cute as hell. And he’s actually asked me on a date. I sit up straighter in my chair as I make up my mind once and for all. I will not allow myself to be hung up on a guy that obviously got what he wanted and doesn’t need me anymore.

So I stand up, smooth down my work trousers and make my way over to where Jamie is dutifully reading. I clear my throat just as he did and he jumps just slightly. I giggle. “Oops! Sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you.” I see his red marks across the page. “Or interrupt you.”

He sits back in his chair and taps his pen on the open pages. “Oh, you’re fine! You are always an acceptable interruption. Anytime.” I clamp my lips between my teeth as my face blushes hard and it makes Jamie grin. “What can I help you with on this fine afternoon?”

I chew on my lip for a moment because I am inexplicably nervous. “Um, well, my plans for tonight fell through. So I was wondering..” Now I’m the one shuffling my feet anxiously. “I was wondering if I could still accept your offer.”

Jamie twirls his pen in his hand, smiling up at me. “You know part of me says that I should make you wait.” I catch my breath. Oh god. Is he going to turn me down? That will be beyond embarrassing. Luckily he continues, “But then the other part of me tells that one that he’s an idiot and to be quiet and to stop giving out useless suggestions.”

He has me chuckling softly. “I’m glad you’ve got that second part, honestly.”

He nods, “Me too. I’d love to take you out tonight. Can I pick you up? Around 8?”

“That sounds perfect, Jamie.”

He grins and dips his head down a look of satisfaction written on his features. “Good. Then it’s a date.”

I make it back to my desk without further incident. The rest of the afternoon floats by like a breeze. I spend most of it wondering how exactly tonight will go. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a proper date. The kind where he opens the door for you and kisses you goodnight. I’m actually really looking forward to it. Not only is Jamie the guy I’ve had my sights on for months, but he’s cute and funny. He’s a catch and I’m all smiles from thinking about the evening as I walk to my car and climb inside. As I start my engine, it hits me that I haven’t thought a single thought about Niall since I agreed to go out tonight with Jamie. For the first time in 3 weeks I haven’t thought about that blonde asshat who takes up my whole brain. It feels wonderful not to be so preoccupied. I put my car in gear and start for home with a smile plastered to my face. It turns out that this may have been the best remedy yet.

I’m almost home when something brings my mood down, but only a little. A few familiar notes start to play through my stereo and I recognize them immediately, but I’m not fast enough because Niall’s voice fills my car. I scowl and press next.

Bastard.

My diminished mood lasts all the way home, which isn’t that far, but still. When I go up to my flat, unlock the door, and walk inside, I try and refocus my brain on Jamie. Sexy funny delicious looking Jamie. Yet somehow Niall’s stupid face keeps butting in and I’m starting to rethink this whole date idea. Why, I don’t know, but maybe this isn’t such a good plan after all. I’m pacing my bedroom floor trying to decide just what to do. I can’t cancel on him. That would be rude. And I am not rude. Not on purpose at least. No. I can’t cancel. I don’t even want to cancel. The whole idea is just silly. Why would I? For Niall? Yeah, right. A random night with one guy does not make a commitment.

But just like before, the more I try not to think about him the more I do. Why? How does that stupid man have this effect on me? It’s probably the most annoying thing I’ve experienced in a long time. The inability to get him out of my head. I wonder if he does this to all girls? Or is it just me? Maybe I’m the jacked up one?

I fall back on my bed and pick up my phone, calling Lily. She can help me. She always helps me. I launch directly into my problem after she answers. “I’ve got a date tonight.”

“With Niall?” She exclaims.

“No. With Jamie.” My voice is sour and disappointed.

“Jamie? The really hot guy from work that you’ve been drooling over?” Her voice sounds like mine should, full of excitement and anticipation. “Wait. If you have a date with Jamie why do you sound like someone just kicked your dog?”

I groan into the phone and spew out my rant. “I don’t know! What is wrong with me? It’s been like two weeks!” My voice grows whinier as I continue. “Why do I even care that Niall hasn’t called me? Why? I don’t want to care. I want to not think about him. I want to not dream about him. I want to be done with this. Why can’t I let it go?”

Her voice is soft and I can hear the laughter beneath it. “My dear little Harper, can’t get Niall Horan’s dick off of her mind. Poor girl.”

I’m in indignant and my voice is laced with laughter. “Don’t make fun of me! You’re supposed to help me!”

“Okay! I’m helping! I’m helping!” She laughs out the words. “I have one solid piece of advice. Just one. But it works ever time.”

“I’m all ears. Hit me.”

“You know what they say is the best way to get over someone?” She pauses a moment before continuing. “You get under someone else.”

I snort. “Your solution is sex? You’re saying I should sleep with Jamie to get Niall off my mind? Not the best idea considering he’s someone I work with every day.” I emphasize the last word.

“Harper, you don’t have to fuck him after the first date!” She huffs out. “All I’m saying is that you should go out with him tonight. Have fun! Laugh! Hell! Kiss him goodnight! Slip him some tongue. And forget about the little Irish douchebag for a while.”

I sigh and let out a hard breath. “You’re right. You’re always right.”

“I know.” She laughs lightly. “When are you going to learn that?”

“Probably never.” I stand up and walk to my closet to pick out something cute for tonight. “I’ll call you later and tell you how it went, okay? Love you!”

“Love you too sweetie! Have fun!”

An hour later and I am dressed and ready. I wasn’t sure where we were going to eat so I went with a cuffed blazer over a thin, loose white shirt and a pair of dark skinny jeans with heels. I look cute and sorta dressy but not really. The closer it gets to eight the more nervous I am becoming. I hope that we have fun. I mean, I’m sure we will have fun, but what if we have a terrible time? We get along well at work, but what if this is different? Before I have too much time to over think everything my doorbell rings. I brush my hands down the front of my pants and take a deep breath before I open the door. Jamie is standing there with his hands shoved in his front pockets, looking good enough to eat, but the moment is somewhat ruined when my mind flashes back to Niall standing in the exact same position. I close my eyes and take another quick breath before I smile.

He smiles back at me and leans forward to kiss me on my cheek. “You look beautiful, Harper. I’ve never seen you outside of work and I knew you’d look amazing, but I’m blown away.”

My cheeks blush crimson and I wave my hand at him. “Stop it you.”

He shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly. “I’m only speaking the truth.”

“I bet you say that to all the ladies.” I flick a brow up at him and grin, grabbing my bag and keys.

“Only to the ones I like.”

His words actually make me giggle as I lock my door. We head out to his car and like a proper gentleman he opens the door for me. We make small talk as he drives and I find my nerves fading away at the ease of our conversation. He’s always been easy to talk to I don’t know why I expected any different. We finally reach a small little bistro and he walks me inside, his hand resting on the small of my back, leading me, sending shivers across my skin. We are seated at a small little table where a flickering candle sits in the middle. We take our seats and for a moment or two we look awkwardly at each other as if we are not sure what to do now, but then I start to laugh and it sets him off too. Soon we are both looking at each other with giant grins on our faces.

“You’re very cute when you laugh Harper.” His words cause me to blush again. “And when your cheeks turn pink like that too. I didn’t realize you were so easy to blush.”

“Yeah, it’s a curse really. Everything makes me.” I shrug. “I can’t seem to get away from it. I’m lucky though that my other nervous tell is to smile and laugh. It always seems like I’m having a marvelous time when I’m silently freaking out on the inside.”

The waiter comes and Jamie orders bottle of wine for us. He pours two glasses and tips his towards me. “Here’s to making you nervous then.” And right on cue I blush and smile. He takes a sip and his mouth matches mine. “Yes, just like that.”

The meal itself passes by easily. I learn more about him and we laugh together at some our more strange similarities. Like our childhood fear of the dark and our mutual dislike of horror movies. Once the plates are cleared, we both sit back in our seats and enjoy each others company for a bit longer. Though it seems like time stands still as I look across the table at him and laugh at his silly stories, the hours pass by quickly.

I take a sip of my wine as Jamie’s eyes examine me. “I’m enjoying getting to know the Harper that exists outside of work. Tell me some more things. What else do you like to do?”

I think for a moment before I answer. “Well, I love to read. Hence the job. But I will literally read almost anything. I even have a secret stash of really cheesy romance novels when I feel like reading about some Scottish barbarian claiming some poor girl as his.” I watch as Jamie’s eyes light up with a smile. “Let’s see…what else? I’m weirdly good at trivia mainly because I remember really useless facts for a very long time.”

His brows shoot up. “Oh really? Hit me with one.”

I laugh. “That’s not really how it works. They always pop up randomly when I see something or hear something. But I’ll make sure the next time it happens, I tell you first.” I wink at him quickly before I continue. “What else can I say about me? Um, I really love music. All kinds of it. My collection is pretty eclectic and ranges from old to new. I grew up listening to 50’s and 60’s. So my love progressed from there. I love going to see shows and listening to a live band.” I sigh. “It just makes me happy. Almost as happy as words on a page make me.”

“We should go catch a show together sometime. It could be fun.”

I nod at the idea of standing next to Jamie watching a really good band play. “Yeah, I would love that actually.”

I listen as he tells me some of the bands that he loves and we actually like a lot of the same stuff. I don’t know why I’m even surprised. So far everything about Jamie has been perfect. Perfect and just right for me. He’s beautiful and gentle. The way he looks at me makes me want to kiss him, but it’s not the intense kind of want I had when it came to Niall. I’m attracted to him, but just looking at the way his lips move doesn’t make start to think dirty thoughts. The sound of his voice doesn’t make my center start to ache. I don’t want Jamie to rip my clothes off and I don’t think he’s the type of guy that would. He’s too nice for all that and I don’t know if the fact that that makes me a tiny bit sad is okay. I’m determined though to see this through and to not let that other damn Irishman ruin my night. I don’t need some man to bust through my door and take me right there, do I? Sometimes tender and sweet is just right.

I keep that thought in my head while Jamie drives me back to my place. This has been one of the best dates I’ve ever had. It’d been so long since a man treated me so well. I feel special and wanted, something every woman craves I think. But then I have to ask myself why do my thoughts keep making that turn back to Niall? Why is it that when I try to imagine inviting Jamie into my place Niall’s face is the one I see? It’s his lips I’m feeling on my mine when I think of kissing Jamie goodnight.

It’s really starting to get on my fucking nerves.

When Jamie pulls up to my building he parks and comes around to open the door for me. I smile to myself thinking about how sweet he is and then I feel like a bitch because it seems like all I’ve done is secretly think about another man. I wanted this date to help take my mind off everything but somehow I’ve just been comparing how they each make me feel. It is so different too, and I think I’ve finally figured out what it is.

Jamie is the happily ever after while Niall is the secret affair.

Jamie is the guy you want to meet your mom because you know she will love him as much as you do. He’s the type that you find yourself acting like a kid with while playing in the park. He’s the guy you cuddle lazily with in bed on a Saturday morning. He’s the good guy in the romance novel and Niall is the rogue. Niall is the man that you want to pin you against a wall while his hands take free reign over your body. He is the guy that as much as you hate him, one look from him and you turn into a puddle of need. He’s the reason the sheets come off the bed and you end of lying naked in a sweaty pile on the floor. They are two different creatures and it’s messing with my head.

Jamie is walking me to my door and I’m starting to get nervous. He’s going to kiss me. I want to get lost in his kiss. No more Niall. Only Jamie.

We stop there in front of my door and I pull my keys out of my bag, playing with them in my hand. I look up to see Jamie’s blue eyes gazing down at me, a small smile is playing on his lips. It strikes me that his eyes are darker than Niall’s. Instead of flecks of yellow, his are flecked with stormy grays. They are pretty, but they don’t take my breath away like I want them to. I ignore the feeling of foreboding creeping up into my stomach and I concentrate on the man right in front of me. I lick my lips and open my mouth to speak. “I’ve had a lovely time tonight, Jamie.”

“As have I, Harper. We should definitely do it again.” With ease, he smooths a fallen piece of hair from my face. His eyes glance at my lips and my nerves start to jump, anticipating what’s about to happen. He bends his head and presses his lips to my own. They are soft and smooth as they skate across my own. I close my eyes and savor the feeling of them. I lose myself in his kiss. I feel my shoulders press into the cold hard wood of my door, a stark contrast to the heat radiating into my body where his chest is pressed against mine. It sends shivers up my spine. My lips open to him, inviting him in. A sweep of his tongue over mine and I melt into his chest more. His hands wrap around my body pressing me tightly to him. My own slip into his hair, longing to feel those wispy blonde curls between my fingertips. And it hits me.

This is Jamie.
Not Niall.

I’ve been imagining myself kissing Niall. Using this poor sweet man as a stand in for my own ridiculous fantasies. And he doesn’t even realize it. With a tiny gasp, I pull back, my breathing fast, my face flushed, and anger at myself coursing through me.

Jamie looks worried. His voice is drenched in concern. “Are you okay? Is something wrong? Should I have not kissed you?”

I try to laugh off the whole thing, but my attempts sound affected and awkward. “Oh no! Uh…It’s nothing! Really! I wanted you to kiss me. Oh God. I’m sorry! I’ve ruined everything!” I put my hands up to my face, covering my mouth. “I’m terribly odd sometimes. I’m just feeling really overwhelmed at the moment. That’s all. Um..yeah..I’m..I’m so sorry! I’m so bad at this! Please forgive me for being such a mess! Can we pretend like that I didn’t do that? Let’s go back to where you were a proper gentleman, walking me to my door and being so sweet and charming? Maybe give me one tiny kiss that I don’t mess up this time?” I chew on my bottom lip, my face doing a terrible job at masking my worry.

Jamie places his hands on my shoulders and rub the tops of my arms. “Harper, you are nothing if not amazingly cute and funny. I find your bumbling honesty to be one of the most adorable things about you. So, yes, we can pretend that didn’t happen.” He fists his hand and bring it up to his mouth where he clears his throat. “Ahem. Harper, I had a lovely time tonight.” He grins as he waits for my answer.

My face is flushed with left over embarrassment and I hold in a giggle. “I did too, Jamie”

He reaches up and cups my jaw in his hand and touches his lips to my gently, pressing a small kiss to them. “We should definitely do it again sometime.” I nod my head like a child and he chuckles. He waits as I unlock my door and as I step inside, he says, “Goodnight, Harper…”

“Goodnight, Jamie..” I say with a smile that is both a mixture of sincerity and doubt and I slowly shut the door. The mixed smile drops from my face as soon as the door closes and I am alone.

I let out a long breath of exhaustion and toss my keys to the table next to the door with a loud clang. I stalk grumpily to my bedroom and strip off all of my date clothes, throwing them to the floor in frustration. I grab a simple white tank to put on and my bra joins the pile of discarded clothes. I pull on a pair of cotton shorts, not even bothering with underwear and walk angrily back out to the living room.

I let out a bitter growl of annoyance as I pick up a pillow from my couch and throw it back down in frustration.

“Fucking Niall.”

I start to pick up things around my living room, moving them from place to place for no real reason other than to keep my hands busy. I move the couch cushions and fluff them aggressively.

“Why the fuck do you have to be in my head? I was having a perfectly lovely night. Perfectly lovely. And then your sorry ass had to come around. Fucking hell, can I get a break? No. Why would I be able to have one night where I didn’t think about that blonde fuckface? Gah!”

I move to my kitchen and I start cleaning off the counter tops, but my phone rings, interrupting me. I walk back to the door and pull it out of my purse and answer with an angry, 'Hello?’ before I stalk back to the kitchen and start cleaning again, throwing trash away and moving pans around in the cabinet.

Lily’s voice comes through the speaker as I set the phone down so I can use both hands. “Whoa, I was calling to see how your date went, but judging by your hello, I’m guessing not too well.” I’m still making a ton of noise as I move throughout the kitchen, listening to my friend and seething with my own exasperation of myself. “What the hell are you doing anyway? What is all that racket?”

“I’m doing some light cleaning.” I almost yell, banging pans against each other clumsily as I start to load the dishwasher.

Lily’s voice raises a few octaves. “It’s 11:30 at night! Who fucking cleans at 11:30?

I huff angrily as I grab plates from the sink and start to load those as well. "I do when I am so pissed off at that man that I can’t even think straight!”

Lily is intrigued now. “Oh! What did Jamie do? Was it a terrible date?”

I forcefully laugh out sounding just this side of maniacal. “Jamie??? HA! I wish it was Jamie! He didn’t do anything except be gorgeous…” I let the plate in my hand fall into the sink with a crash. “…and sweet…” A handful of silverware is next to join the plate. “…and absolutely fucking charming!” The sound of breaking glass fills the room, followed by a string of obscenities from my own tongue. “Goddammit! Great! Just fucking great! Now I’ve cut the shit out of my finger and it’s ALL HIS FAULT!”

“Whoa! Honey! Calm down! What’s wrong? What happened?” Her voice soothes me through the phone as I suck on the small gash on my finger and sink down onto my kitchen floor.

“Niall happened. That’s what happened.” I sound defeated. “That stupid asshole who refuses to leave my fucking mind and I’m done. I just wanted to have a nice time with Jamie! And I did! Minus the hundred different times I thought of Niall! Even when Jamie kissed me, there he was, fucking blonde asshole Irishman, hanging out in my head.” I feel like I could scream. “GAH!”

“Oh.” Is all Lily says and I know she understands. “Do you want me to come over?”

The fight has already started to drain out of me, due partially to my war wound of stupidity. “No. It’s late. I’ll be fine. How about I call you tomorrow?” She gives me an 'alright’ and I hang up. I bandage the stupid cut on my finger and murmur to myself. “This is what happens when you let idiots into your life.”

I drop my shoulders resignedly and go and grab the broom to sweep up my self made mess. Once it’s clean and I’m sure there’s no glass anywhere, I pour myself some wine and take a seat on my couch. “I’m going to sit here and relax. I’m not going to think about Niall. At all.” I take a sip and lean back, letting my body relax into the cushions. But then I hear my phone buzz from the table and then again once more. I groan. I don’t want to move, but it’s probably Lily. I lean forward and grab it, swiping the it open without even reading the notification. But then I feel the anger start to boil up inside me when I see that it’s not Lily.

It’s Niall.

Two new messages.

I haven’t heard from that dick in a week and now I’ve got two messages. I open them up to read just what the little shit has to say.

“I’m craving tequila.”
“You were the last time I had any.”

“AH! Fucking hell! You’ve got to be fucking kidding me right now?” I cry out in frustration and I throw my phone across the room into a chair. “Of course. Of course you text me now! Why not? It’s just like they always fucking say…”

“Speak of the devil and he shall appear.”

Notes