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.

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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!