Between a Rock and a Hard Place // c.h.

34 - Shots

  "I love you." I muttered, pressing my face into Cal's chest. It was far too early to be awake, but he would be leaving to board a plane any minute now and there was no way I was going to miss saying goodbye to him. He held me in a tight embrace, the sweet smell of his cologne filling my each and every breath. I looked at him, seeing the worry in his sleep-ridden expression. I stood on my tiptoes, kissing him tenderly, dragging it out a little longer than I usually did. "Hmmm," I smiled into the kiss as I pulled away slowly. Cal's hands balanced my hips, his thumbs twirling circles against my body.

"Remember you can hang with Luke. He and Michael were going to a party in town tonight. I think you should go, have fun." He kissed my temple, speaking again my skin. I looked at him.

"Oh yeah. I love parties you know.. Especially when my boyfriend won't be there." I said sarcastically, leaning away from Cal while holding onto his hand. He laughed, squeezing my fingers in his own.

"Just a suggestion." He winked. A sudden buzz sounded from his pocket, shaking us both to reality. He grabbed his phone, looking at me sadly. "I've got to go. I'll be back in two days." He hugged me tightly, pulling my chest against his. He kissed me cheek hurriedly and turned to leave, stopping mid-step. "I love you." He spoke, walking out of the room.

I watched the door for a few seconds, hoping that maybe, just maybe, Cal would walk back into the room. I had no such luck. Sighing, I walked back to the bed, sinking into the warm sheets. I allowed myself to fall back asleep, sinking into the oblivion of my conscious.

-

I yawned, gripping my black t-shirt in my fingers. My other hand ran over the loose braid that twisted over my shoulder. I looked at my phone screen. Ten o' clock in the morning. Cal's plane had left at six, and he'd had a two hour flight. He hadn't messaged me, which made me worry, but his Hawaiian fans had been posting on Twitter since his plane had landed. I knew he was ok, I just didn't know why he hadn't talked to me.

I shrugged it off, assuming he'd forgotten or was busy. Scrolling through social media, I made my way to Luke's hotel room. He, Michael, Abby, and I were driving down the shore to a small town on Oahu, where we'd be attending a party later that night. I drummed my wrist against his door, waiting for an answer. After a moment or two, the door opened sluggishly. Luke stood inside of the room, wearing a black button-down and dark ripped jeans. His shirt was undone until about mid-chest, exposing part of his upper body. His hair was brushed to the side, and his nails were painted just like Cal's: black and chipped. I smiled, he repeated the gesture back half-heartedly, exhaustion filling his features.

   "You can go back to bed." I noted, looking at him in his obviously tired state. He shook his head, grinning and walking into his room, leaving the door open for me. I followed him to the bathroom, where he grabbed a black snap-back off the counter, shoving onto his hair carelessly. Somehow he still managed to look good.

   "We've got a limo to catch." He grunted, scratching the scruff on his face while smiling. He played with his lip ring, biting it like he always did. I picked up my bag, which contained money, headphones, and -at Cal's request- pepper spray. We walked out of Luke's room, pausing in the hallway so he could lock his door.

   The limo picked all four of us up from the secluded hotel at noon, after we'd eaten brunch and bummed around aimlessly for whatever time we'd had left. I'd spent my time talking to Luke, catching up on everything and enjoying a talk that I'd needed so desperately, though it hadn't seemed like it. He was more awake after he ate, so our conversation sparked. By the time the limo had arrived, we were more than ready. A feeling of nervous excitement filled my stomach. I was excited for a party, but I was nervous about going without Calum. I fidgeted in my seat, tapping my fingers on my knee. Luke seemed to sense the tension I felt.