Spin

Thirty-Five

[RORY]

"Bloody hell, that was insane. Was that a Kardashian? I think I saw a Kardashian. Just the hair, though. And it was like, perfect. Everyone is perfect. Did you hear how many people were screaming when they saw the lads? Mad, just absolutely mad."

If I wasn't so agitated, I might have found Lucy's awestruck ramblings endearing. The two of us stood just inside the lobby of the venue, just beyond and tucked away from the red carpet madness.

To my complete and utter surprise, the pair of us had been quickly, but quietly, ushered right past it to wait for the boys inside.

I was silently stewing, unable to indulge my company.

"I never thought I'd see a red carpet in real life," she obliviously continued with wide, glazed eyes. "I don't feel worthy."

"Why would you?" I asked, unable to disguise my tone. "You should be walking it but instead, we're being forced to hide in the shadows as if our existence is offensive."

Lucy was quiet and I immediately felt bad, knowing I should backtrack for her sake.

"Sorry. I'm just pissed off because Dylan clearly doesn't want us within a 10-foot radius of them."

"Oh, you think?"

"I know. Otherwise, we'd be walking the red carpet with Pete and Finn."

"Fuck if I would be," she laughed incredulously, shaking her head with wide eyes. Though her hair, makeup and dress were a bit Tim Burton meets Coco Chanel, I thought the look suited her and she looked pretty - surely pretty enough to walk the red carpet beside her boyfriend. "Dylan asked me if I wanted to. I wouldn't be caught dead out there. I'd vomit all over myself. And probably Pete, too."

"She asked you?"

Picking up on context clues, Lucy hesitantly nodded. I knew if I thought on it too much, I'd let my emotions get the best of me. Instead, I tried to shift back to the present.

"You're right, though. Carpets are pretty nerve-wracking. One time, my dad brought my sister and I as his dates to a premiere. We loaded up on candy in the limo and the second we got in front of the cameras, I projectile puked."

Any tension dissipated as Lucy snorted, trying to contain her laughter. I nodded with a low sigh.

"I try to avoid them now."

"Did you want to walk?"

I knew better than to air all of my grievances, partially answering the question.

"I wanted to support Finn, so yes. But it's whatever."

"At least you look great," she smiled, nodding at my outfit. "The bow in your hair is so cute. And that dress looks insane on you."

"Doesn't it?"

I startled, posture tensing — only briefly. Familiar fingers gripped my hips from behind, tugging my back against a sturdy, warm chest. I couldn't help my smile as Finn wrapped his arms around my neck, playfully rocking me side to side. His cologne was intoxicating, but not his usual.

"Too much fabric, though."

I pinched the inner part of his bicep over the suit jacket in silent reprimand. Lucy laughed but was quickly distracted by her own barnacle, leaving Finn and I to our own devices. Days had passed since our argument and though the majority of tension between us had eased, the slight aftertaste remained. I assumed that was because it had never been resolved – not really, anyway. Finn got caught up with work and I'd been more than happy to sweep it under the rug, for better or for worse.