180 Degrees- Completed

Chapter Thirty Two

We climbed out of my car, locking it behind me. It had been a long drive home tonight just to get back a day early so we could celebrate today's win. We'd pulled a fast on my parents. I'd told them I had an assignment to do. I didn't. I just couldn't deal with the being tied inside on a weekend. It was boring now. 

It was 1am on Sunday morning now. Luckily, Caz had driven some of the way and I'd been able to get changed in the car, then we'd swapped so she could do the same. The other girls were coming down later on today, they were celebrating up there but I knew that was a risk I didn't want to make so me and Caz drove the 10 hours back down here straight after the match. 

I'd kept my phone turned off to ensure the surprise to James. I'd missed him a lot the past 2 days. I was so used to seeing him pretty much everyday it was weird being away from him and not even being able to text or call like we normally would. I had asked Ashley if I could stay with her over winter break instead of being home. We'd come up with an excuse a little closer to but at least I could speak to him daily then.

"Okay, let's go." I smiled, pushing my keys into my pocket and walking down the normal route with Caz right behind me. "His face is going to be so funny. He had plans for us to go out for dinner tomorrow. Said he'd pick me up at 8 and I could fill him in on all the drama from being home." 

"That's cute. When did he say that?" 

"Before I came out. We didn't really speak after the park, you know my parents being about and everything. I did text him when we went to bed but he didn't reply. Then I text him again this morning and after the game but nothing. They've delivered. I guess he's been busy with the guys. He did say they might be going up to the lake before the party tonight." She nodded. It made sense. We had this issue a few weeks ago where his phone didn't notify him of WhatsApp messages. Luckily I was with him and could see him across the room. But he looked and we both tried to work out what happened. It must have been a glitch or something. 

I saw the house coming up and I couldn't stop the electricity across my entire body. 

"Hey. Is that Oscar?" Caz pointed at one of the guys stood in the garden, drinking away from everyone else whilst they chatted. 

"He got back quick. I wonder if he came home yesterday after his game." 

"I heard they won." 

"Weird that he'd come back so soon then." I raised an eyebrow, giving him a wave as we walked into the house. He smiled softly, giving a single wave and watching me leave. All eyes turned to us as we walked in. I wasn't wearing something I'd normally wear to these things. A checked skirt and matching shirt with sneakers. Normally I was a heels and tight little dress for these things. But it was easier to drive in this than anything tight fitting. 

I reached the usual place where he would hang with his friends, pouring us both a drink as Caz looked around. 

"I can't see him." 

"He'll be around somewhere. I can't even see Bradley or Ashton." I stood on my tip toes. "Maybe they're outside where we usually go." She nodded and I sipped the drink, moving through the house and out to the back of the house. 

"Avery?" I turned and smiled at Bradley. "What are you guys doing here?" 

"We drove down to surprise James. Have you seen him about?" He looked over my shoulder and back at me in the space of 3 seconds. I turned around, dropping my cup as I watched him holding some other girl against the wall like he had with me when this thing started. 

"He- Um- He's had too much to drink."  I looked at Caz who looked just as confused as me. I was surprisingly calm. I walked over to him quickly but smoothly, tapping him on the shoulder. He turned his head for a second before spinning his whole body around. 

"Vee." 

"Funny. You're either stupid or fucking blind because I'm a brunette and she's a blonde." I snarled at him, turning and pushing past Caz, through the house as he followed me. "You want to play games like this James. I can fucking play too."

"Avery. Baby. Wait. I didn't know you were back." I rolled my eyes stepping down into the garden and tapping Oscar on the shoulder. 

"Vee?" 

"You want to kiss me Oscar now's your chance." 

"What?" 

"If you don't do it now, I'm walking away and you won't get another chance." He looked at me and then James behind me. "Fuck him." He raised an eyebrow, wrapping his arm around my waist and kissing me like I'd always wanted him too. 

It was hot and intense. Exactly like I had imagined it being. His free hand held my face tight and I could hear a commotion around us but I didn't care. I wasn't going to allow myself to look like the fool here.  

The taste of his beer was laced across his lips. I feel like I could taste smoke as well. Like he'd had a cigarette recently but not directly before this. He smelled the same. Musky and deep. Almost like the forest after a rain storm. That's what it smelt like. My favourite scent. 

My stomach was flipping like a gymnast. Somersaulting as my inner child jumped and screamed that we were finally here kissing him after 4 years. I pulled back from him then. Catching my breath as I looked up at him. He was taller than I remember. A good deal taller. Like a foot or something.  

"Pass me your phone." I whispered and he did. I noticed the photo of our volley ball group was set as his wallpaper as I text myself. "Use it." I walked away. Leaving his team mates to hold James back as he screamed at me. Caz was walking behind me as I pulled my phone out and called Izzy.