Since We're Alone |NH|

Chapter 53

"Free!  We're free!  Free at last!" Andy shouted as he ran out the door of the Anderson School of Management building.  "God, this day couldn't have gotten here any sooner!"

I laughed at him.  We had just presented our final and felt very good about it.  School was officially out!

"So, what are your plans for the summer?" I asked as we walked down the sidewalk towards our cars.

"Go home for a bit.  Oh, but I will go to the little cookout Niall is having, if that's alright with you?  It seemed like he kind of sprung it on you."

"Oh, it is more than okay with me.  He did spring it on me but it was a pleasant surprise.  I had begun to feel like he didn't want to get to know any of my friends.  I mean, the only one he seems to really talk to is Tomi."

"Well, count me in, sweetheart.  I'd love to come see where the rich and famous live."

"Oh, god, Andy, don't be that guy, please.  Niall is probably the most normal "rich and famous" guy we're ever going to meet."

"Haha, yeah that's probably true.  I've met a couple of Hollywood A-listers who were quite the snobs."  I laughed at him.  "Hmm, speaking of which...is that Niall?"

Andy was looking off in front of him towards the parking lot.  I followed his eyes and there, walking towards us, was Niall.  He looked to be carrying something in his hands.

"What's he doing here?" I wondered aloud.

"Didn't know he was coming?"

"Nope."

"Huh.  Weird.  Maybe he just wanted to surprise you?"

"Yeah, probably.  He does know today was our last day.  And he did help study for the final I took this morning.

"He's probably more thrilled than I am that classes are out.  He can have you all to himself for two straight weeks.  I still can't believe you're taking a summer class."

"Yeah, well, you'll be wishing you had, too."

He laughed, "Probably."

During this time, we moved closer towards Niall, who was carrying a bouquet of flowers, it looked like.

"Aww, he got you flowers," Andy gushed, elbowing me.  "He already seems like a keeper.  In case the bruising wasn't enough for ya!" The grin on his face got wider.

"I'm never going to live that down, am I?"

"Nope."

"Hey, Niall," I said as we finally reached him.  "What are you doing here?"

He leaned in and kissed me on the cheek.  "Hey, babe.  Thought I'd surprise you.  Got you these for finally be done with your semester.  And officially having one year to go."  He handed them to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

I looked down at the flowers.  They were roses, which internally made me cringe.  I hated roses.  But, he didn't know that, so I took them and smelled them.  They smelled like your plain, run-of-the-mill roses.  But, I knew it was the thought that counts.  Later I'd find a way to let him know that roses weren't my kind of flower.

"They're beautiful.  Thank you."  I smiled before kissing him lightly.

"Hey, man," Niall said, turning to Andy and sticking out his hand to shake.  "Glad the semester is over?"

"More than glad," Andy said, nudging me a bit.  "I was just telling Ophelia, here, that I think I will come to this shindig you're having Sunday.  If the offer still stands?"

"Of course, it does!  Glad you can make it.  I'll let Ophelia text you the address.  That okay?" He asked me.

I nodded, "Yeah, that's fine.  I'll just text it to you."

"Cool.  Alright, well, I'm gonna get going.  See you both on Sunday!"  Andy waved and walked off.

"Surprised?" Niall asked, turning to looking at me.

"Yes, very.  What brings you over here?  Another meeting?"

I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my head on his chest as we turned and headed to the parking lot.

"No, I just wanted to surprise you and, yeah, that's about it.  Is that okay?"

"Yeah, it's fine." 

"So, what do you want to do for the rest of the day?" Niall asked.

I shrugged, "I was originally planning on going home and napping until work tomorrow."

He let out a little laugh and looked back at me.  "Sounds good."  He bent down and whispered into my ear, "Want any company?"

I glanced up at him and allowed a smirk to appear on my lips.