Since We're Alone |NH|

Chapter 56

By the time, dinner ended, Ophelia had opened up a bit more. Everyone had gotten their questions out, most of which consisted of what drink she had made, to which she then got asked if she could make more. I tried to interject and say she wasn't the bartender tonight but she stopped me and said she would. Paul volunteered to help her because he had tried my drink earlier and had guessed nearly every ingredient but two, apparently. It had become quite entertaining watching him try to guess and have her say "nope" every single time. It was cute and hilarious to watch. It also helped her relax.

While she did that, I made my attempt to talk to Matt and Andy. I needed to make myself realize that they weren't trying to be anything but her friend.

Andy looked like he was having some deep conversation with Britt, so I started with Matt because I still hadn't thanked him for what he had done long before I even met her. While she and Paul made the drinks, I pulled him aside.

"Hey, uh, I've been wanting to, um, thank you for, uh, what you did for Ophelia a few months back. She told me about what happened. And how you intervened."

Matt looked around a little before answering, "Yeah, of course. Unfortunately, I see guys do that shit all the time. First time I had ever noticed someone slip it into a drink from their own mouth, though. That was a new one. Surprised I caught it."

"How did you?" I asked, curious.

"Trained eye. He had been acting weird all night. She also looked a bit uncomfortable and was trying to loosen up a bit. As you can see, she gets nervous in groups. I've only known her a few months and I've never seen her act so free with anyone. And from what Tomi has said, she agrees. So, you've got my vote, if that's what you're searching for."

I smiled, "Uh, thanks, I appreciate that, but I really do want to just thank you. I could've met a completely different girl that night; one who wouldn't have given me a second glance; one who wouldn't be here right now."

Matt nodded. "She's a great girl, Niall. She's become a good friend. Like a sister to me, really. She and Tomi both. I'm glad to see them finally with good guys."

"Thanks, man, I appreciate that. Really do. I'm trying to be the best I can for her." He smiled at me. "And I'm glad you guys were able to come out tonight. Nice to talk with you outside of your job."

He laughed, "Yeah. It's been nice. Great way to kick off the summer. And I know she's been wanting you to know us better." I smiled at him. He really wasn't a bad guy and somewhere inside me I also knew Andy wasn't either. "Speaking of...think she's looking for you."

He nodded his head and I turned around to see her coming back outside, Paul behind her carrying a tray of drinks. They set them on the table and everyone gathered around to grab their glass.

Matt and I made our way back towards them. Reaching the table, I wrapped my arms around her waist from behind.

"Shit, Niall, you scared me for a second," she said, before leaning against me.

"Oh my god, this is delicious!" Deo shouted. Everyone turned to look at him. "What?"

"Didn't have to shout, mate," Mully said, while rubbing his ear.

"Oh, sorry. But, yeah, Ophelia this is amazing."

"Thank you," she said, softly. Everyone else, in turn, agreed they liked her drink. I felt her relax further into me as they all agreed.

The rest of the night was spent playing various games in various groups. Ophelia definitely loosened up and got a bit competitive during a couple of games, which allowed her to show off just how smart she was. At one point, I walked off into the kitchen to get more snacks when I found Deo in there, scrummaging through my fridge.