Sidewinder

Chapter 20

"Alright Mary, you ready?" Ask Van through the microphone.
"Yes!" You smile, bubbling with excitement. The lads all simultaneously begin to play their instruments. You were all cramped up in Larry and Van's garage where the boys were going to play you the album they recorded from start to finish. Music filled your ears as they play, each one so focused on playing. It was quite attractive really. You stand up, grab Larry's hand and begin to dance with him, a look of jealousy flickers across Van's face. You spin around the room, smiling and giggling. Van's voice blares through the speakers, Bob rhythmically hitting each part of the drum, Bondy and Benji both strumming their guitars. The concert lasts up to lunchtime.
"Right lids, do ya wanna get somthin' to eat?" Asks Van, slipping his arm over your shoulders.
"That sounds great." Says Bob, tying his mass of blonde curls into a bun.
"Yeah alright, where do ya wanna go?" Benji asks as he ever so carefully places his bass in its case.
"There's a nice café I used to work at that we could go to?" You suggest.
"Well if we're goin' some place fancy I should probably take a shower." Says Van before placing a gentle kiss upon your forehead and disappearing inside.
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You and the lads walk down the lonely streets, the air getting colder as the days go on. Leaves crunch under your boots as you reach the wooden sign that reads: 'Saffron'. After hanging up your apron for the last time you never thought you'd step foot in here again. The faint tinkle of a bell echoes around the café as you all walk in. Not much has changed since you left. The orange and white interior stands out against yourself and the lads black outfits. You all take a seat at a booth and look over the menus.
"I think I just order myself a basket of hot chips." Says Bondy, looking rather unimpressed as he puts down the card menu.
"I think I will too." The rest of you say in chorus. A tall girl, probably no older than yourself walks over, her posture straight and her black hair wavy.
"Anything I can get you lot?" She asks, flipping over her notepad.
"Yeah we'll have six baskets of chips thanks." You order.
"And I'll have a water too please." Bob chimes in, his cheeks ever so slightly pink.
"I'll have one too!" The rest of you say.
"Alright then, so six waters and baskets of chips?" She smiles at Bob.
"Yes, that's everything!" He smiles back, his dimples showing.
"I'll be back soon." She winks at him before turning away and going into the kitchen.
"I reckon you fancy each other." You smirk.
"Oh shut up, I do not!" Bob says defensively.
"You do mate, you're blushing." Van pitches in, Bob turning crimson.
"Okay, maybe I do."
"Well slip her your number then!"
"And how do I do that Van?"
"Give her a tip and put your number in with it!"
"Of course you'd suggest sneakily slipping her his number." You giggle.
"Well it worked with you didn't it?" Smirks Van.
"I don't have anything to write it down with though!"
"Ah, I can help you there Bob!" You exclaim, pulling a pen out of your jacket pocket.
"Thanks Mary." Bob blushes as he takes the pen.
"Quick sern, she's coming back!" Van stage whispers.
"Here you go!" The waitress says as she places down a steaming tray on the table.
"Thank you!" The group chimes in unison.
"Uhm, here's the money for it and um a tip." Bob says, awkwardly handing the girl a handful of money and his number.
"Thank you love." She smiles and winks before leaving to put the money in the cash register.
"Go get 'em lad!" Exclaims Van, patting a rather embarrassed Bob on the back. "Right let's dig in shall we?"
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That night you lay awake, thinking of your encounter with Matthew in London. Did he know where you lived? Was he following you? Did he pose a threat to you? These thoughts raced around your mind as you tried to sleep. You tossed and turned but no matter how hard you tried, Matthew could not escape your brain. Growing restless you get up and walk down to the kitchen, to your surprise Larry was sat at the dining room table.
"Hard time sleeping?" He asks, his voice sounding sad.
"Yeah, are you okay there?"
"Not really."
"Aw Larry what's wrong?" You ask, sitting opposite him.
"Liv wants us to take a break. She says that she can't deal with having a boyfriend right now. She says she's too upset about your mum."
"Oh Larry, I'm so sorry!"
"Don't be, it's not your fault."
"You do understand how close she was to my mother though, right?"
"Yes."
"And she'll just need some time to get her head 'round things okay?"
"I suppose."
"Hey, don't be sad, she'll come round."
"But what if she doesn't?" A tear begins to roll down his cheek.
"Oh love, don't worry about that! She loves you to pieces!" You get up and wrap your arms around Larry, pulling him into an embrace. "She loves you, don't you ever forget that!" You say placing a kiss on his forehead.
"And what the hell is this here?" Asks Van standing in the doorway, anger flashing over his face.