Trace of Innocence (No Control Book 3)

Chapter 69 - part iii

(No Control - 69. What Makes You Beautiful, third part)

We all get wired up to our earpieces and walk out onto the stage for soundcheck. The atmosphere is still strained, and we fluff our way through it, casting nervous glances at each other and over-apologising for any imperfections. We're just making our way backstage afterwards when Alex calls the four of us back.

"I don't know what's just gone off between you all," he says, once we're out of earshot of everyone. "But pull it together, yeah? This is your first show back after two months off. You need to smash it. So whatever squabbles you're having, put them to one side until afterwards, ok? The show must go on."

He looks harder at me and Louis than he does at Niall and Liam, and we nod meekly and murmur agreements and apologies. He gives us a curt nod in return and we slink back along the corridor.

"Niall - do me a favour," I say, in false cheeriness. "When Jess and her mates get here, you need to ask Maddie if she knows it's you who does the 'OW!s' in our song Heart Attack."

Niall turns round and gives me a confused look.

"Don't ask - it's just something Jess teases Maddie about. Apparently Maddie used to tell Jess all the time or something," I elaborate, and he gives a nod and grin.

"Say no more," he chuckles.

We're almost back at our lounge when a movement to my right catches my eye, and I look up to see Jess and her friends walking towards us, accompanied by one of the stadium security. Her eyes meet mine and I feel a pang of longing. I need her.

"Jessieeee!" Louis shouts from behind me, and she gives a little squeal and runs towards us. My stomach gives a little backflip at the excitement on her face, and I open my mouth to tease her for losing her cool, when she runs straight... into Louis' arms? What the fuck?

I give an exaggerated shrug and throw an exasperated look at Niall, but he's too busy laughing to pay any attention. Louis whispers something in Jess's ear and I really have to grit my teeth and hold back a nasty jibe.

I honestly don't know how to get over this. I'm in danger of ruining everything.

Jess laughs at whatever Louis has said, and then turns to me and envelops me in a hug.

The feel of her arms around me instantly calms me, and I squeeze her tightly as she nuzzles her face into my neck and breathes in.

"Oh, you've noticed I'm here then," I mumble, unable to resist passing comment.

"I only really have eyes for you, you know that," she whispers, and she reaches up and kisses me.

I do know this. Don't I? Fuck, I wish this jealousy would leave me.

"Get a fucking room," Louis' voice teases from behind Jess as I return her kiss. I stick my middle finger up at him and he sniggers.

"I've missed you so much," I whisper, so only Jess can hear me, once I've finished kissing her.

I want nothing more than to disappear somewhere with her and tell her all about what has just happened, and confide all my fears in her. But what if she takes Louis' side? What if she tells me, quite rightly, that I was out of line with the way I spoke to him and goes to comfort Louis instead? My rationality tells me the latter part of this is unlikely, as they aren't close enough for her to do that, and he has enough family around him to confide in anyway. But the thought of her thinking badly of me makes me feel sick, so I swallow my nerves and instead follow them into the lounge.

"Hey Maddie," I say, raising my voice slightly. "Niall's got something to say to you."

"Oh yeah," Niall nods, looking at Maddie. "Did you know it's me who does the 'Ow!'s in our song Heart Attack?"