Ready to Run Part 2

Chapter 8

Niall

When we land in Georgia the first thing I do is check my phone to see if Lexie's flight is in yet. I love Liv and Liam, but seeing them together and so happy only makes me miss Lexie even more. I'm glad they finally got their shit straightened out. It was exhausting seeing them go back and forth so much. But still, it would be nice to be able to see my girlfriend anytime I want like Liam can. We talk on the phone and Skype and FaceTime and text (and sext) all the time but it just isn't the same.

She texts me back immediately telling me she is waiting in a private lounge so I lead the way with the two honeymooners trailing me. When I open the door she is sitting in a chair looking beautiful as ever with her long, dark hair forming a curtain over her face while she reads a magazine. She looks up at me and gives me the most dazzling smile that takes my breath away before hurling herself into my arms. I hold on tight, taking in everything about her from the smell of her light perfume, to the way her head fits perfectly under my chin, before I tilt her face up to mine and kiss her softly on the lips. I really would like to do more but I remember we have an audience. When Lexie and I break apart I see Liv leaning into Liam, with his arm around her shoulders, wiping tears from her eyes and sniffling.

"It's been two minutes and already you're crying." Lexie groans lovingly before stepping forward to wrap her best friend in a hug.

"I'm sorry! You guys are just so cute! And I missed you!" Liv says, still crying a little.

"I missed you too." Lexie admits and hugs her tighter. She tries to hide it but I can't help but notice the tears forming in her deep blue eyes. It's funny how similar the relationship between Liv and Lexie is to me and Liam. Only it's reversed. Liam is protective over me the same way Lexie takes care of Liv. I guess that's why we fit so well together.

After our initial reunion we all make our way to the car and head to the condo we rented for the week. Lexie and I are still trying to keep our relationship secret so we have to maneuver a little bit to avoid anyone seeing her with us. It takes a little maneuvering to avoid being seen by anyone. Liam, Liv and I all exit together and make our way to our car. As expected there are a few fans and paparazzi waiting outside. Liam and I stop and take pictures with some fans before while Liv gets in the car. With everyone distracted, Lexie is able to climb in from the other side undetected. Once everyone is satisfied, Liam and I join them and we drive away.

"Well shit! I didn't think we were going to be able to pull that off!" I say once we are on the road.

"Of course we pulled it off! All those girls wanted was you two. We gave them what they wanted." Lexie says confidently.

"Did anyone say anything to you? Dammit! I should have stayed with you instead of posing for pictures. Are you ok?" Liam asks Liv, slipping into his protective mode.

"Liam, calm down. Nobody said anything. I actually had a few girls ask me for a picture too. They were really sweet!" Liv says. She seems genuinely surprised.

"From what I've seen, they actually really like you Liv. Everyone thinks it's cool how you were a fan and you're just a normal girl and everything. They think you guys are really cute together. Haven't you been on Twitter?" Lexie asks her.

"No. I've been too scared to look actually. It's been really hard for me to be so disconnected though to be honest." She admits.

"Well Livvy, I think it's safe for you to log back on. The people like you!" I tell her. The rest of the ride home I let the girls chat and catch up while I think. If everyone is so warm and welcoming to Liv, there's no reason they'd be nasty to Lexie right?

Once we arrive at the condo I call dibs on the master bedroom for Lexie and I. We are here because of me after all. We don't have much time to get settled because we are supposed to go to a dinner with Rory and the rest of the golfers tonight. I invited Liv and Liam but they made some lame excuse about being jetlagged and wanting to unpack so it's just me and Lexie. We both know the real reason they want to stay in. It takes the Jaws of Life to get those two out of bed these days. We just roll our eyes and take the opportunity to call them out and embarrass the shit out of Liv.