The Tour

15

Picking an outfit had never felt so difficult. It was only lunch I didn't need to look unreal just presentable, but it felt like I'd done circles around my wardrobe. Well it's hardly a wardrobe it's a hand full of clothes I was allowed to bring on tour. None of which I'd planned to use on a lunch with a new guy.

It was also zero help in not knowing where we were going. For all I know Oli could turn up and we're going to McDonald's. I quickly began my 5th flick through the clothes and stopped placing my hand on an oversized grey knitted jumper that I'd had for years and probably should get rid of but there was something about it that was comforting and I could easily dress it up with a black mini skirt and some tights.

I quickly dressed myself pairing the outfit with my usual silver Tiffany necklace I'd had since I was 18, a few small rings, and some bracelets before forcing my feet into the doc martens that did nothing but cause pain to my ankles. The time that was disappearing as I got ready suddenly felt slow. I had 5 minutes to kill which in hindsight isn't long at all but I knew would feel like a million years.

What if I said something stupid. What if he's forgotten we were going to meet up. What if I've read the situation wrong and this is actually going to end up being a business meeting. What if we're caught. What if Luke sees... shit what if Luke sees then what do I do. What do I say?

The noise in my mind was quickly silenced when a loud knock echoed through the bus causing me to look at my phone. He's early. I quickly got up from the couch pulling my skirt down slightly before opening the door seeing Oli stood there with a bouquet of purple and white flowers in his hands.

His brown curls sat perfectly on top of his head and the small bits at the front of his face were perfect. Smart casual was clearly the look he had gone for, wearing a loose white tee with grey suit trousers.

"These are for you" he said holding out the flowers as I took them from him smiling

"Thank you, I'll go put them in some water then we can leave" I replied walking back into the tour bus and doing what I said I would.

Before I went back down to him I quickly grabbed my phone and sent a text to Kensie

Nicky: My god he's so hot

As soon as I hit send I placed my phone in my bag and ran out to meet back up with Oli

"Where we going?" I questioned as he pointed to an old white Porsche parked further down the road

"I know I said lunch, but Michael mentioned you have a slight thing for cars so I thought we could go for a little drive" he suggested as I smiled amazed that he had taken the time to find out about my interests and plan something more than just a meal

"Michael playing matchmaker is he?" I laughed as we began walking to the car

"No I just listen more when people are telling me what the beautiful girl I'm taking out is interested in. He did specifically mention Japanese cars but this was the best I could get short notice" he explained before opening the passenger side for me

I quickly thanked him before placing myself into the passenger seat feeling my cheeks get hotter by the second. In the two years I'd been with Luke I'd never had something so thoughtful organised for me. It was simple but was so meaningful. He'd listened to Michael and had taken inspiration from that to plan something for me. He'd planned it for me.

"Come on then tell me more. I need a bit more information than your name, where your from and that you like cars" He said as he began driving

"There's not much more to say" I laughed as he shook his head

"Lies come on 5 fun facts go" he suggested as I laughed at his excitement

"I grew up in east London... I-"

"Boring! Come on Nicky give me the stupid ones I wanna know if you put pineapple on pizza because if you do I'm taking you back to the bus" he explained as I laughed "I'm being serious" he said barely holding in his own laughs clearly finding himself and my own giggles entertaining

"Okay okay fine... I have a French Bulldog at home called Steve" I blurted as he continued laughing

"Steve? Of all things you called a French bulldog Steve" he laughed as I nodded

"I got him when I was like 13 and jokingly told my mum his name was Steve and it just stuck" I laughed as he shook his head

"That's insane... come on next one"

"I've had the same guitar since I was 15 and I cant bring myself to get a new one" I said as he hummed

"Sentimental I like it" he smiled before placing a hand on my thigh and the butterflies from yesterday instantly set back into my stomach

"Tell me more?" He asked as I shook my head

"If I tell you everything now I'll have nothing to tell you when I see you again" I explained as he nodded

"This is true, I'm not in the states for much longer" he explained as I sighed

"Really?" I questioned not wanting to be a fling for him. I'd been hurt enough I didn't want to be a side piece for him to use when it was convenient for him.

"Yeah I was only here to do some writing and producing and I bumped into Michael at the studio and that's why I was at the gig last night. It wasn't a planned visit" he explained as I nodded "I'm still here for a few more weeks though. I'm sure we can work out another date, I think you're really great Nicky I really want to get to know you" he said before quickly turning to me and smiling

"I'd like that a lot" I said feeling reassured by his words

"Me too"