Styles on Tour

"Looks Like You're Going On A Road Trip"

Em's POV:

I climbed off of Connor's motorbike, pulling the spare helmet from my head. He followed suit, pushing his hands into his pockets as he sent me a smile.

"So you're off in a couple of days?" He asked. I had a weird sense of déjà vu, remembering this similar scenario before I went on tour with the boys.

"Mhm, all packed," I replied, blowing out a loud breath as I looked up at my house. 

I had spent the last three weeks getting together everything I would need, in amongst hanging out with Connor. He had proved to have a use after all, doing an excellent job of keeping me busy so that my mind stayed off Niall. The day I had text him we had gone for dinner so that I didn't have to sit and eat with Mum and Sam. He had tried to kiss me in the car park afterwards but I had pushed him away, making sure he got the message that I wasn't interested in him. And despite his player reputation he surprised me by not trying anything like that again. And he hadn't once pried about Niall. He knew we were together, it was all over the news half the time, but he must have guessed now that we weren't anymore. Whatever he thought, I was glad he hadn't brought it up. Going off on Connor's motorbike had been a welcome relief from Mum, Sam and my heartache over Niall.

"Well I hope you have a ball," Connor grinned, bowing gracefully. I rolled my eyes but smiled at him.

"I plan to. It'll be good to get away," I nodded. "Don't fuck up your apprenticeship on the first day. And no sleeping with your co-workers for Christ sake," I said with a grin.

"No promises," Connor replied with a wink. I rolled my eyes again and laughed. I bit my lip before quickly pulling Connor into a tight hug. We had never been friendly in all these years that I had known him, but in the last few weeks he's become something of a friend and right now a hug from a sort of friend was something I needed. Connor chuckled and wrapped his arms around me, squeezing me back. 

"Didn't know you had it in you to be affectionate," Connor said softly. I chuckled and pulled away.

"Just needed that," I shrugged, blinking away any tears. I saw Connor looking at me curiously but I diverted my gaze to my feet. I didn't look up until I felt his arms going back around me, hugging me again.

"You'll be okay," he whispered into my ear before stepping back. I blinked and nodded, assuming he meant at uni but from the look in his eyes it occurred to me that he may mean about Niall as well despite not knowing any facts about the situation. I took a deep breath and forced a smile, appreciating his efforts.

"Thanks Connor." I stood and watched as he climbed back on his motorbike and started the engine. He waved before pulling away and I smiled and sent a short wave back before he turned the corner and was out of my sight. 

I walked into my house, hearing the TV on so I knew Mum and Sam were in the living room. I didn't bother stopping for a chat. I had seen the look on Mum's face when I had come home with Connor three weeks ago and she had not looked impressed. Whether she thought I was using him as a rebound or not I didn't know, but I certainly didn't want a lecture from her about it. I went straight up the stairs to my room where I found Benjy lounging on my bed. At the sound of me entering, he stretched out on his back with his paws above his head silently begging for tummy rubs. I chuckled to myself and sat on the bed next to him, scratching his tummy as he purred. 

I looked around my room at the boxes I had packed with everything I was going to need. I had spent yesterday packing my clothes into bags and now my suitcases and holdall were full and leaning against one wall. I frowned as I took in the amount of stuff that I had and then thought about my mini parked in the driveway. There was no chance that all of this was going to fit in my car. I'd forbidden Mum to come with me, not wanting her to spend the day fussing over me in front of my flat mates and I certainly didn't want to run the risk that she'd bring Sam along.