The Makeup Artist (Norman Reedus)

Distance

A few days had passed and Norman and Louise still had a bit of awkwardness, They hadnt really spoke about what had happened, Louise was constantly texting Mia on advice or moaning about how James may of 'fucked everything up' and  how Norman cant handle it and Mia's advice mainly involved sex, something they certainly were not doing at the moment.

"Can we talk?" Louise asked Norman, they were alone it was the perfect opportunity. "Not right now, im off to work" he said without looking at her and closing the door. Louise rolled her eyes, she really was trying here, they both had work together today so it was just going to be overly awkward for makeup later.

Arriving at work, thankfully no one asked why they arrived separate they probably thought one of them was going home for Liam later on. "Lou!" Mia called eyeing her to come over to her "how is it...you know" Mia whispered, Louise groaned "please dont even ask!" She put her hand up exacerbated. "I think James is getting his way...." Louise mentioned trying to refrain from crying as Mia pulled her into a quick hug.

Working on the cast and extras took Louise's mind off everything although not when people asked how 'the wedding plans were going'  which made her heart sink slightly. Mia was on hand to change the subject if she could see Louise was uncomfortable. Having to apply makeup to Norman, Louise wanted to stay professional, something she promised herself and Greg when she got with Norman. Louise couldnt make eye contact with Norman as she felt like she could burst into tears, as she applied dirt to his muscular tanned arms she felt him gently squeeze her free hand, this sent shivers (the good kind) down her spine, "i love you" he whispered causing her to finally look at him and smile "i love you more" she mouthed back in reply.

Catching up on a break Norman came straight to find Louise at the coffee stand "baby im sorry for being an ass" he whispered pulling her round the corner so no one could see "no dont be i am, i have to sort this out once and for all" Louise said placing a finger on Norman's mouth. Kissing her on the cheek he asked how she would do that "Ignore him, Liam probably told him not thinking that we were arguing since we got back and it makes him happy, im not going to speak to him anymore, only for Liam's sake and his sake alone. And when he comes to the house, i wont be there" Louise firmed. Norman nodded, hoping her plan would work and James would stop trying to come between them. "If it wasnt for Liam i regret ever being with that man" Louise mentioned folding her arms across her chest as Norman lead her back to set. "I think you need set some ground rules, like i'll be there whenever James comes to pick up Liam or drop him home" Norman suggested.

Norman finished before Louise and headed home, Liam was already back and was studying in the living room. "Alright bud?" Norman asked as he came in and sat down, still covered in grime from set. "Yup" Liam stated still entranced by his book, "listen, i want to talk to you before your mom gets back....your dad....doesnt like me does he?" Norman asked "why would you say that?" Liam asked slamming his book shut "my dad has never said anything about you!" Liam snapped storming out the front door. Norman sighed and watched Liam storm down the road, "smooth Norman" he muttered to himself. Louise came back shortly after as work had quietened down and the rest of the artists could manage. "Where's Liam?" Louise smiled as she came in the kitchen, "i opened my mouth about James and he didnt like it" Norman grimaced as he said it, she looked at him to explain further "i only asked if his dad liked me and he went off" he explained. "Its fine dont worry, ive been there, he will always protect his dad" Louise sighed reassuring Norman with a kiss and a hug.

Louise went out to find Liam and was pleased he was in the first place she looked, the skate park, sitting alone she made her way to the bench beside him. "go away" Liam warned Louise. Ignoring him she sat down anyway, "do you want me and dad to get back together?" She sighed, Liam ignored her "i love your dad...but for you...we dont work together and you know that, Norman didnt mean anything by what asked but Dad doesnt help me and Norman when he tries to wind him up and i dont want you being in the middle of all this its not fair" Louise explained, Liam eventually looked up to her "i want you to marry Norman but i just feel bad for dad he has no one" Liam said spinning his soccer ball between his hands, "honey, your dad is the reason we are not together, he went with another woman, thats why he is alone now." Louise defended herself as she wasnt sure where Liam was aiming that comment. "Come on, lets go home, forget all this now, dont worry about your dad please" Louise said helping Liam up and they headed back to the car and went home.

"He's alright, just fed up of being stuck in the middle i think" Louise explained to Norman quietly as Liam went upstairs to bed. They had just got home and Louise wanted nothing more than to make up properly with Norman and ushered him upstairs to the bedroom "want a hand cleaning that dirt off?" Louise flirted pulling him into the ensuite.