Short Kings Anthem

Part 9

Lauren would be lying if she said she hadn't been watching the clock for most of the day, not because she wanted to see Tom it was quite the opposite. A little part of her was curious as to what he looked like now, was he drastically different? Had he cut his hair? Done a Chris and grown a beard? She liked to think she was doing okay after the break up, her career was certainly on a good path as well as her social life now thanks to Chris but she didn't want to seem like she was overcompensating and look like she was trying too hard because in all honesty, she didn't care what he thought as he had already proven himself to be a massive twat.

She had filmed some voice overs for her vineyard series which was shaping up to be a good one. It was something a little bit different and Lauren had immensely enjoyed her trips over the past two days, it had meant that she hadn't seen Chris since Tuesday morning and was excited to see him later that day. It was five pm and usually Lauren would be getting ready to see Chris if they were meeting or she was planning that night's dinner. In an effort to keep up her practice she decided to sample some wines and maked tasting notes as she studied for her licence and her videos. Her loud doorbell rang through at five forty five Lauren hoped it was Chris, when she went to her telecom she instead was greeted to the sight of someone much taller.

"Come in," Lauren buzzed him up, "where the fuck is Chris," Lauren whispered to herself knowing he was surely on his way as Tom was early. Less than two minutes later Lauren heard three loud and sharp knocks at her front door. She opened it and gave a very small smile to be polite.

"Come in." Lauren studied Tom who brushed passed her without a word. He was five eleven but often told people he was six foot, his dark brown hair was the same length, shorter at the front but slightly longer at the back where it curled over a little. His usually clean shaved look was replaced by slight stubble around the chin area, he never could grow any facial hair well.

"Place has changed," he uttered as he looked around the open plan living room kitchen area.

"Just some furniture rearranging, the box of your stuff..." Lauren started but was interrupted by a knock on her front door. She was hoping it was Chris, but since the outdoor buzzer didn't go there was a good chance it was either Harry or Cal, any company would do. Lauren rushed to the door and her face broke out into a relieved smile when she was Chris standing on the other side, he obviously had come straight from filming as he was in his football strip.

"I came straight over. I hope that's okay..." Chris tailed off his sentence when he saw Tom standing rather awkwardly at first in the hallway. When the taller male saw Chris he stiffened his posture slightly.

"That's fine, the box is in the spare room I'll just go and get it." Lauren quickly walked over to the spare room leaving the two males in the living room, air thick with tension.

"This is all I have now," Lauren handed the single small box to Tom who placed it on the sofa next to Lauren's phone.

"Thanks. Can I just use the bathroom quickly?" Tom asked and Lauren simply nodded, when he was safely out of earshot Lauren exhaled a big sigh.

"Thanks for coming over, I hope it's not too awkward," Lauren went to Chris's side and placed a hand on his back lightly. Chris put his arm around Lauren's waist and planted a quick kiss to the side of her head.

"I mean I know why it's awkward but does he? It's fine, how long was he here for before I came?"

"Less than a minute." The pair separated when they heard the toilet flush and Tom walked back into the room. He grabbed the box before giving Lauren one last look.

"I guess I'll be off then," he muttered.

"Okay." Lauren said nothing more but showed her ex to the door and opened it, Tom giving one stern look at Chris before going on his way."