It's always been you

Chapter 31 - Puglia

JOSEPH POV

I'd been on the continent for almost a month. I travelled all through Germany and loved it. The architecture, the food, the beer, the people, the language confused the hell out of me and I couldn't pronounce a thing but I tried my best. I'd been to Austria and Switzerland and then entered Italy in the North and headed south to where I was now in Puglia.

Today was my 21st birthday. I'd had phone calls from everyone back home. But I did feel a little lonely. My fault I know. I wasn't regretting this adventure. But I could have times it better I guess. Camille and Lucy were determined to throw me a welcome home/belated 21st birthday party when I got home in two months.

My mind flashed back to my last night in London. Nikki had gone to stay at Hannah's after saying goodbye to me, leaving Camille and I alone. I made love to her most of the night and I knew I'd miss her. A lot. When we woke up the next morning we did it all over again. In my bed. In my shower. Almost on the couch but Nikki and I promised each other neither of us would have sex in common areas in the flat. So we went back to bed until I absolutely had to leave or I'd miss my flight.

Camille had cried in my arms and kept saying how much she was going to miss me, which I said back to her. And I meant it. I really would miss her. And I'd miss Nikki and Hannah, Ben, David, Ollie.

And Lucy. I'd miss Lucy.

I'd left London to try and get her out of my mind but anytime I experienced something new I kept thinking "Lucy would love this."

I couldn't for the life of me get that girl out of my head no matter where in the world I went.

I was currently sitting on my hotel room balcony on a cliff top looking over the ocean enjoying a solo lunch of my new favourite pasta I'd discovered here. Puglia was my favourite place so far and I was so glad I'd chosen to spend my birthday here. Even if I was alone.

I'd splurged to stay in a nicer hotel for my birthday week. I'd spent the majority of my time in backpackers hostels. Some of them were pretty grim. But this hotel was beautiful. As I sipped my wine and finished my last forkful of pasta there was a knock on my room door. I called out "come in" expecting it to me housekeeping but instead there was another knock.

I frowned, stood up and made my way to the door, opening it to see a sight I was not expecting to see. In Italy of all places. My jaw dropped.

OLIVER POV

"SURPRISE!" We all yelled. Joes face was priceless. He stood there opening and closing his mouth in shock for a few seconds before he launched himself at us in a group hug. He pulled away long enough to kiss Camille throughly before he grabbed Lucy in a bear hug, followed by the rest of us. "What the hell are you lot doing here?!" He was grinning at us and had unshed tears in his eyes.

"Well you did tell us to meet you in Puglia for your birthday!" "I was joking! I didn't think you'd all come! Guys! I'm honestly so touched!" His voice cracked with emotion slightly and we all grinned at him, tackling him in to a group pile on the floor of his hotel room. "I can't believe you're all here!" Eventually we all stood up off the floor and began talking over the top of each other excitedly. "Quinn what did you have planned for your birthday if we didn't show up?" "I just ate my favourite meal and I'm having a glass of wine. Then I was going to go for a swim and a walk."

"Not anymore! We're going out!" "How long are you all here for? Just the week. We all have to get back to work." "We?? You're working? Did you guys get a part?!" Lucy grinned excitedly. "I picked up a theatre role. It's only small but it's great for my resume." "Oh good girl Luce! That's awesome! What about you Ollie?" "Another theatre part. Different show but it's a paying job and yeah like Harris said it's great for my resume!" "Oh that's brilliant guys I'm proud of you!"