Beside You

Chapter 12

My head is spinning when Luke leaves. I keep playing the kiss over and over in my mind. I was so worried that he didn't like me...

I look at my reflection in my vanity mirror and jump back when I see the dark mark on the left side of my neck. My heart beats when I replay how it felt when Luke created that mark.

It takes me longer than usual to sleep that night, as I can't quit thinking about ,the evening.

Jess is barely home over the weekend. I procrastinate on my work until Sunday night, so I am exhausted on Monday morning when I leave for work. When I get to Modest, Harry gives me a stack of paper about ten feet tall. I roll my eyes and head to my office. As soon as I sit down, my office phone rings. It's Harry. I let out a sigh and rub my temples to relieve my headache. I don't do well with little sleep.

"Paisley, can you meet with the boys and together come up with a setlist for next year's tour? I'll need it to finalize by three. Thanks." I swallow three advil before heading down the hall. 

Halfway to the boys' office, my heart rate increases as I try to imagine how Luke and I will act in front of one another. Obviously, we can't tell anyone that we kissed, and I'm sure it was just a one-time thing. I assume we will just be friendly, as usual. 

When I get to the office, my eyes instinctively scan the room for Luke. Our eyes connect for a second before he quickly looks away. At least he isn't acknowledging what happened. 

I clear my throat and sit on the couch at the front of the room. I clap my hands together. Luke looks at me and his eyes travel from my low-cut white top to my high heels. He swallows.

"So, guys, Harry wants us to come up with a setlist for the tour next year. Let's start by writing down every one of your songs. I mean, we can slightly switch up every other venue, but let's just brainstorm every single song we have a studio version of."

Michael throws his small hand in the air. I can't help but laugh. "Mike, you don't have to raise your hand,"

"Amnesia, Don't Stop, She Looks So Perfect-"

"Michael! Go slower, I have to write all these down." Once we have a list of about thirty songs, I reread it and highlight ones that should obviously be performed on tour.

"Okay, guys, how many songs are you thinking per show?" 

Calum quickly responds, "I would say about fifteen." I nod and write it down. I read them the list that I've written and most nod, except Luke, who's been acting oddly quiet this whole time. After about another hour, we've come up with a setlist that I'm proud of. I high-five all the guys, and Ashton even gives me a hug.

Calum joins Michael on the Xbox and they both yell into their headsets at the opposing Fifa team they're playing and Ashton puts in his headphones while looking over the setlist notes I made. Luke reaches for his guitar and starts playing some chords on the couch.

"Hey, uh, Luke? Can I talk to you?" He looks up at me.

"Oh, sure Paisley." He sets his guitar down and puts his hands in his pockets before standing up.

"Is everything okay? You've been acting kinda weird..." I admit.

"What do you mean?" He looks at his feet. My headache seems to have returned. I now feel completely humiliated. How can  Luke not realize he's been avoiding me?

"I just feel like you've been avoiding me today. Did I do something to upset you?" Luke's eyes are wide when I say this and he runs his hand through his hair.

"What? No, I-" Luke quickly storms out of the room. I look around, completely embarassed. Thankfully, none of the other guys seemed to have noticed. I grab my notes and walk back to my office.

What the heck? Why is Luke being so ridiculous? We not only hung out the whole evening, but we had, what I thought was, a pretty intense kiss. And he even invited me to dinner.