The Staircases // 5SOS

Chapter 28

Bristol's P.O.V.

I was busy making popcorn while talking to my friend Louis at the front counter. I was so glad when I got to work today and saw he was working. He was so fun to be around.

Sometimes when nights were slow like today, we'd drink all the slushie flavors combined when the manager wasn't around or we'd go watch the movies even though we weren't supposed to. At first I was very hesitant of these ideas when Louis brought them up. I didn't want to get in trouble or fired! But Louis had a way of getting out of trouble, but also staying clear of it, and so far we've had no problems.

"So what are your plans for this next weekend?" I ask him as I shut the popcorn machine door. I wipe my hands on my apron and lean against the counter. There's not much to do, like I said we're slow, and there's no one in the lobby at the moment.

"I'm going on a date with Eleanor" he says referring to his girlfriend he talks about constantly. It's really cute. I saw her once when Louis brought her in for a movie on his day off. She was gorgeous with brown hair and eyes.

"She's finally got some time to see me now that midterms are over" he explains with a love-struck look in his blue eyes.

"That's great!" I exclaim excited for him. "What are you guys gonna do?" I ask.

"I was thinking we'd drive around a bit then maybe take a winter stroll at a park near her college. Nothing special" he claims but I thought it was genuinely romantic.

"That sounds fun Louis, she'll love it" I assure him.

"Thanks" he says and nods his head behind me towards where the front counter is, hinting someone's there.

"Customer" he clarifies and I turn that way and walk to the cash register.

Luke?

For a second I stand there speechless and my mind is anywhere but here.

Say something!

"Hi" I croak and I'm mentally scolding myself. "Uh what would you like to see today?" I smile and try to stop the nervous feeling in my stomach I get anytime I'm working and see someone I know.

"Hi" he smiles back as I take note of his sweater vest and glasses, like he wore all last week to school. It's much different than his attire last night while he was singing.

I lift my eyes from his clothes back to his face which is tilted up looking at the movie options.

"Any recommendations?" he asks and bites his lip looking back at me. It takes all I have not to melt right there on the spot like the butter on the popcorn here.

"Uh-um-I" I stutter. "I heard The Wedding Ringer was funny, and Project Almanac looks good. I saw American Sniper, it's great, but sad" I say in a mouthful, hoping I breathed between all my words.

He smiles a bit and bites his damn lip again and I just want to kiss the lips he's biting but I can't imagine doing that or him even wanting to kiss me. I've never even had my first kiss! How would I go about it anyway?

While I was having an argument with myself Luke must've said something but I missed it.

"Huh?" I question.

"What do you want to see?" he asks looking at me curiously and I'm confused. Why would he ask me?

"Uhh" I say considering his question. I really wanted to see Love, Rosie or THE DUFF, kind of more girly movies. Should I say that to him or lie? I decide to just be honest.

"I'd want to see Love, Rosie or THE DUFF" I confide and can feel myself blushing a bit at my choice in movies. Of course he doesn't want to see those! Why would I even mention them to him?