midnight rain - walker scobell

chapter fifteen; willow

"i'm begging for you to take my hand; wreck my plans, that's my man." willow by taylor swift

gwencollins has added to her story !

gwencollins HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOST FAVORITE GIRL EVER!!!!! you are literally like a ray of sunshine, you get me through so many hard times. I love you so so so much please never stop being my best friend. party hard! 💕💕💕

"Gwen! Almost ready to go?" Sunny shouts from the other room. I quickly stroke the some mascara through my lashes. I do it too quickly, causing it to smear below my brow.

"One sec!" I shout. I use some makeup remover to clean up my lashes. I run my hand through my curled hair, double checking that I look good.

Today is Leah's birthday, which means we're all going out to dinner and then a little party. That also means I'm seeing Walker.

It's been exactly a week since I last talked to him and it was barely a conversation. My mind keeps bringing him back into my mind no matter how hard I try to shove him out.

Dylan has sent me a few messages, talking about us hanging out again. I responded with quick responses, not saying no but not saying when we should. Dylan is sweet but I don't want to trust him and get my heart broken again.

"Gwen, let's go," Sunny says, popping her head into the bathroom. "We're gonna be late."

""Okay, chill." I spray my Billie Eilish perfume before running to grab my bag and Leah's present. "Ready!"

Sunny and I hurry to the elevator. I call a cab on the way, hoping we'll get out faster. It's five, so the traffic will be bad. The text Leah sent was to be there at six forty five.

I swing open the door and walk outside. The warm sun makes my skin feel like it's glowing. I take a deep breath. Sunny stands next to me now. Her eyeshadow glistens in the light.

"Are you nervous?" She asks.

I shrug. "I don't know. A little. I'm more anxious to see what Walker's gonna act like."

"I'm sure you'll be fine." Sunny smiles as our cab pulls up. "Come on."

"Leah! Happy birthday, baby!" I wrap my arms around Leah's shoulders and squeeze. I step back and take a look at her outfit. "Omg, you're stunning. Switch lives with me."

Leah laughs. "Please! You're the prettiest girl ever."

I grin and give her another quick hug. Leah guides me to where the presents are before taking Sunny and I to the back party room where we're eating.

As I walk in, I scan the room for a pair of blue eyes. When I catch sight of them, my heart skips a beat. He's staring right at me, observing me. We exchange small smiles before he looks away, starting conversation with Charlie.

I find a seat next to Dior. Her face lights up when she sees me.

"Gwenny! I missed you!" She squeals. "I feel like it's been forever."

I laugh. "It's only been a week."

"Exactly, too long," Dior declares.

"How's filming been?" I ask.

"Pretty good. We just filmed the third episode, so we're making progress." Dior shrugs. "What about you? Any interviews coming up? Thinking of any new songs?"

"I have a vogue interview later this week," I say, taking a bite of a pretzel bite. "But I'm dry when thinking of songs. I don't have much inspiration."

Dior gives me a soft smile. "You'll find it eventually." Her eyes trail slowly down the table, landing on Walker.

I purse my lips, my eyes glued to him. His blonde hair looks as if it's darkened from the last time I've seen him. I notice he's wearing the same shirt he wore when we first met in person. Walker's deep in conversation with Charlie but I can't help but notice the light that seems to radiate off him.

"Gwen!"

My eyes snap away from the boy, darting to Sunny. "Yeah?"

"Come take pictures!" Sunny becomes me over. I stand from my chair and slowly walk toward them. Dior is already snapping pictures of Leah. "Here."

I grab Sunny's phone watch her pose.

The entire dinner is a blur. I stayed in conversation with the girls but the boys would get looped in. It became harder and harder not to steal glances at Walker. Sometimes, I look at him  and find he's already staring at me.

We stayed at opposite sides of the table until we took a group picture.

"Okay!" Leah claps her hands together. "Boys, come down here for a picture."

They obey and walk towards us. I tense as I sense Walker standing behind me. He gingerly rests his hand on my shoulder. I inhale and try to focus on the camera and not the hand on my arm.

"Okay!" The waiter announces.

Before letting go, Walker squeezes my shoulder. A feeling of comfort washes over me. My shoulder goes cold, wishing for him to put his hand back.

But he doesn't. Instead, he walks back to his seat.

NOTES

so this sucks but i was super rushed. as you guys know im not updating as much as i wish. please trust that once volleyball tryouts are over i will be more active!