We're sitting in my car on an empty McDonald's parking lot, listening to some random radio channel while eating ice cream.
"Like, if you think about your future, what do you see?" I ask, throwing my legs up at the seat in front of me. We're placed in the backseat, staring at the dark ceiling.
"I'm not sure.." She shrugs, taking a deep breath. "I told you about my ex boyfriend, right?"
"The one who cheated?"
"That's him." She looks down at her ice cream. "His name was Adam, and I was so sure that he would be the one I'd build up a life with. I saw a future with him, I really did. But when he cheated and we broke up I kind of.. I don't know, I guess I kind of just lost hope that I would ever find the future I once saw."
"What did you see?" I ask, my voice close to a whisper.
"I saw myself working at a record label - which I'm still hoping for. I saw us getting married, moving into a house or a big apartment. Maybe getting kids someday." She mumbles softly. "But right now I don't know what I feel."
"I kind of feel you." I admit. "When Anna left me I felt like I'd never find love again. I probably would have given up the whole idea of a life and a family if I didn't have Riley."
"Well, she's a lucky girl to have you as her dad."
"Do you want kids?" I ask, looking at her. "Like, is kids something you can see yourself having in your future."
Paige looks down at her hands. "Probably, yeah.. If I would find the right guy, of course."
I smile softly. "So kids doesn't scare you that much then?"
"No." She shakes her head. "I grew up with three little siblings. From 5 to 7 years younger."
"Really? That's cool." I say. "I've always wanted more siblings, especially a brother. I only have an older sister."
"I have three sisters, I want a brother as well." She chuckles. "I would probably want a son if I ever had kids. A son and a daughter."
"Me too, I'd like a son when I get older.."
"Just know that I wouldn't do anything to hurt you or your daighter, Calum." She eventually says. "I'd never."
"I know that, I do." I say, trying to sit up a bit. "I just want to make sure that it's just not a fling or a game to you. Because I can't afford doing something like that with a three year old to think about."
"It's not just a fling, Calum." Paige looks up at me. "I mean, right now it may not feel like you're the dude I'll grow old with and stuff. But you're not just someone I'll have some fun with and then leave."
"I'm not asking for marriage, I'm just asking for someone who can handle the fact that I'm a dad, and that I always will have to put Riley first." I look down at the ice cream, poking in it with the spoon. "I know that it can't be easy jumping into something with my baggage."
"I totally understand that. I would probably have done the same thing if I was in your position." Paige nods slowly, her green eyes finding mine again. "And I respect that. And I can only promise you that this isn't a game. I like you."
I can't help but smile, studying her face in the dark. "I like you too."
"Just... Let's take it slow, okay?" She smiles softly at me, reaching forward to press her lips against my cheek. A incredible sweet and careful gesture, giving me goosebumps.
"Sounds like a plan."
-
"I can't believe my girlfriend is gone for two weeks!" Luke plays himself on the last chair next to Jasmine and Ash, staring at me and Michael.
"C'mon, guys. Stop being so grumpy!" I say, trying to sound as positive as possible.
"Just because you totally got lucky last night doesn't mean we all need to be all over the moon." Michael chuckles from next to me, leaning his back against the wall.
"I'm sorry?" I turn to look at him, my cheeks turning slightly pink.
"As if we don't know that you and Paige did something last night."
"Calum's a father and he still succeeds more than I do. This is just unbelievable." Ashton throws his hands in the air.
"We ate food, had a talk. That's all." I say, trying to defend myself.
"When do we get to meet her?" Jasmine looks at me.
"Never."
"Oh, c'mon." Luke groans. "Why not?"
"Because you guys will scare her away!" I glare at the four of my friends. "And I'd like to keep her around for at least a little longer."
"We're your best friends, Cal. We have to see her."
"You don't have to." I mutter. "And before I know if we're taking this any further or not, you're not allowed around her."
"Yes we are!" Jasmine stands up. "Calum, bring her over. Michael will clean our house and we will all behave."
"Excuse me, Jasmine, but I'm not cleaning anything." Michael snorts, looking over at his girlfriend.
"Yes you are." Jasmine stares at him, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Anyway," I say, "who's willing to come with me and ship Christmas presents?"
"I want to!" Jasmine jumps up, smiling big. "Oh my god, please, I love shopping or Riley."
"Fine, sure." I say, grabbing my keys and phone from the table. I quickly glance on the phone, smiling softly when I see a text from Paige waiting for me. "Let's go then."
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A/N ~
Short chapter, I know. I'm sorry, but things will happen in the next few chapters!
Comment and vote and share and all that guys.
Love you all
