In Other Words (Niall Fanfic)

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten 

 Roxy’s POV

A safety belt would have been helpful. As I clung on to the back of Niall’s bike, my thoughts drifted to and from the present. I was replaying that moment over and over in my mind. His hand on my cheek, the smell of his cologne, his warms lips. I’d guess we were on the road for another twenty minutes before arriving at the place he’d picked for lunch, which incidentally felt more like a late dinner to my stomach, which was still on London time. It was off the beaten path, which, I am gathering is his style. I’ve decided to suppress the urge to question him about that kiss (does that word even describe it?). The thrill still coursing through my veins has me thrown off my game, but I’m just going to go with it.

The bar we’ve parked in front of doesn’t have a name as far as I can tell. There’s only a big flashing “OPEN” sign in the front window. It’s quite large, and is decorated on the outside in an Old West theme. It’s also apparently a gas station. I clear my throat, take a breath and remove the helmet that has been my saving grace. “Quaint.” I said as he tucked the bike key into his front pocket. He rolled his eyes, and ruffled his hair a bit. “Only the best for you, Rox.” He said with a smile as he took my hand and led me up the creaky steps to the swinging saloon doors.

We grabbed one of the many available tables and I looked over the paper menu that was shoved in between the plastic salt and pepper shakers. The waitress was matronly, and a little rough around the edges. I liked her. “What’ll it be?” she asked, looking to Niall.

 “I’ll have a beer and a burger, medium-well, please.” He said in his best American accent, trying to not seem out of place in this dive.  I did my best to stifle my laughter.

“And for you honey?” she asked me.

“Yah, I’ll haf the same love. Tanks.” I said to the waitress, in my wretched Irish accent.  Niall just stared at me with his hands over his mouth stifling his laughter now.

Niall’s POV

The beer was as refreshing as I remembered. I watched Roxy sip and stare over the rim of the glass at me. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable. I think we both knew what the other was thinking. Of course, we wouldn’t mention it. I looked out the window at the lot where the bike was parked. “You driving on the way back, Rox?” I asked playfully. She stuck her tongue out in response. “Guess I’ll only be having meself one pint then. Got to get you home safely.” I said as our food arrived.

“Home?” she asked. “If this is the tour of LA that you advertised, I won’t be giving you a five-star review on Yelp.” She said, squirting ketchup on the corner of her plate.

I shoved a few chips into my mouth as I contemplated my next move. She was a tough nut to crack, but I was having a great time in the attempt. I found her approach intriguing; she was coy and yet blatant. And perfectly sarcastic. She poked fun at herself as much as she did me. Was this how dating was for normalpeople? I’ve been on the other side of normal for so long, that I am having trouble finding a point of reference. The time to keep Roxy a secret from the lads was running out. I needed their help.

Roxy’s POV

“That was an awesome burger, Niall. Good choice.” I said, wiping my mouth with my napkin and tossing it atop my plate with satisfaction. “I hope you’ll forgive me being skeptical.”

“You’ll learn to just trust me.” He said as he finished his beer and excused himself to the bathroom. I paid our tab and headed back out through the swinging doors and into the California sun. He came out a few minutes later, just as I was settling into my section of the hot leather seat. I handed him his helmet.  “You weren’t supposed to pay.” He said, taking it from me.