Tennessee Whiskey AU

CHAPTER FOUR

"The day the rain stopped".

I've got to admit after falling asleep with the biggest smile on my face, I woke up to glorious sunshine. Shining through the hotel room window and into the dark reaches of my mind. I felt just a little bit lighter. Still a long way from ok but baby steps help. I quickly showered and dressed ready to meet up with the rest of the crew and figure out what the plan for the day was.

I couldn't hold back the groan at the thought of another day of press tours and questions. I love what we are doing but if I could live without any part of it, it would be this. Not because I didn't want to connect with people but because there is only so much, I wanted people to know about me. There is only so long fake smiles can stay in place. I always feel like I'm about to crack at any minute. Today might be a little easier but I feel safe and okay.

"what's put the smile on your face?" Chloe asks, "Maybe a certain someone I saw you having a nice long chat with last night," she winked as she turned and walked away.

"What happened anyway? I don't think any of us saw you much after our casual exit to give you some space."

"Not you too Hales! We talked that's it and yes it was nice, yes, he has my number and yes, he has been in touch already. But he also has someone in his life. Anything else?" I answered starting to feel my good mood slipping, I know I  Shouldn't be getting angry with them and yes, I also know their questions come from a good place and how much they care, but just for a little while I wanted to stay lost in my fantasy. It felt like ages since my head had seemed to have had a natural good thought, especially about a man. I wasn't ready for reality to come crashing down on me just yet.

"Hey, I'm just asking, I was worried if we should have done it, especially when I saw you had left. Which is why I messaged you, but from the looks of you this morning I might have risked interrupting something." Haley responded.

As I was about to answer and honestly apologize, my phone beeped through with a message.

JA – Hope it's ok, had a text from Rob, and he said something about a thing tonight. Wanted to see if I wanted to come. Wanted to ask if it's ok.

SM- Fine by me, would be nice to catch up, yah know seen as how it's been so long.

JA- not going to lie read all that message in that sexy British accent of yours

SM- nice to know what you find sexy about me.

JA- never said that was all I found sexy now did I?

SM- Maybe you could fill me in on some of those ways tonight?

JA- I will look forward to it and see if I can find any more.

SM- see you later then, and just so you know I can think of a few things I might find sexy about you too.

JA- see you later gorgeous and look forward to exploring more.

Who the hell was this person? I can't remember the last time I flirted with anyone. But you know it felt good. I know all this flirting won't lead anywhere, there is still someone else in his life after all but if casual flirting helps the healing process and makes me smile like this, I'm all for it.

"I was going to ask if everything was ok, but I think I can recognize that smile on your face."

Haley asked.

"Let's just say I'm enjoying something for the first time in a while. I'm not getting carried away or in over my head but yeah, I kind of like this feeling. It's nice to feel like woman,"

I walked away feeling on top of the world. I had my friends to keep me grounded and hopefully not do anything too stupid like jump his bones when he walks in tonight, not gonna lie it's a hard task they have ahead of them.