Finally Jeremy Kyle finished and Joel's eyes became unglued to the TV.
"Hello, stranger," I joked.
"Hello," he said, his voice low.
"I'd better get dressed," I said, looking down at my lack of clothes.
"I like you in that shirt, though," Joel flirted.
"It's certainly cosy," I replied.
"Do you want to shower?" he asked.
"You trying to tell me something, Peat?" I teased, "But yeah, please. If that's okay with the others." I knew they all shared a bathroom, so I didn't want to get in their way.
"'Course," Joel said simply.
"Okay," I said, standing up and kissing him briefly on the mouth, "See you in a few minutes."
"Yep. Love you," he said, looking back to the TV screen. I sighed internally; he needed to find some decent programmes to watch.
I scurried through the kitchen, relieved to find it empty of people, but full of unwashed plates and bowls. I began to pile them into the dishwasher before Joel yelled,
"I'll do it!"
"Thanks!" I shouted back, and made my way up the stairs. He was the perfect boyfriend.
I found my way to the bathroom and hopped in. It felt like I was washing away memories of last night with Joel, which disappointed me, but also made me feel... Cleaned. Not of bad stuff; but of a dark, hot evening where thoughts and feelings became muddled. A nice muddled, though.
I was just wrapping a towel around my body when the door flew open. Damn it, I thought, Why didn't I lock it?
It was Ryan.
"Ah shit, sorry," he said, averting his eyes.
"It's okay, my fault," I mumbled. I was so glad I was covered by the towel.
"Yeah, you might want to remember to lock the door in future. You know, if this becomes a regular thing."
"A regular thing?" I questioned, standing my ground.
"Yeah. You staying the night."
"Well, I'll keep that in mind," I said tersely. He turned to go.
"Ryan," I called after him, "If you have a problem with me and Joel, I think we'd both rather you'd just come out and say what it is."
"Who says I have a problem with you and Joel?" He asked, trying to seem bewildered.
"It's obvious," I said, "You've been acting... Weird around us."
"Whatever," he muttered, and slammed the door shut between us. I sighed; how was I ever going to sort this out with Ryan?
*****
After changing into my leggings and top in the bathroom, I went into Joel's bedroom. He was already in there sat on the bed, his phone in hand. He looked up when I came in.
"Hey," he said, smiling.
"Hey," I said, sitting down next to him.
"You okay?" He asked.
"I kind of ran into Ryan in the bathroom. Or rather, he ran in on me," I said pointedly.
"Oh," Joel said, "Did he say something?"
"He just denied acting strangely. Have you spoken to him?" I asked.
"Yep. He didn't give much away." I sighed in exasperation.
"I know, it's annoying," Joel said soothingly, "But we need to ignore it for now."
"Okay," I replied.
"I'm gonna go have a shower," he announced. I nodded.
"I'll check my emails to see if that Ruth Grey has given the all clear," I said.
"Good idea." Joel planted a kiss on my cheek, and left the room.
I opened up my emails on my phone and refreshed them. Nothing. I refreshed them again. Still nothing. I refreshed the page once more, until I was convinced I did not have a reply from LMC. I also sent Mum a text.
Hey. Hope you're okay. I think I'll be hanging at Joel's for most of the day. Love you x
Send. Wait 20 seconds. My phone buzzed.
Ellie I thought you had work again today???
"Shit," I muttered. My work started at 10; it was currently 10.04.
"Shit," I said again.
I got up from Joel's bed and knocked lightly on the bathroom door.
"Joel?" I called. I heard the shower stop.
"Yeah?"
"Sorry, it's me. Ellie," I said, "Um, I forgot, I have work. Well, work started 4 minutes ago."
"Do you need a lift?"
"No it's okay, I can walk."
"You sure? Won't that take too long?"
"Yeah but you're still showering," I pointed out.
"One sec." 20 seconds later Joel's head was poked round the door and a towel around his waist.
"Hiya," I said.
"Hello," he replied. There was a long pause.
"Really, I can walk," I insisted after a while.
"Yeah, maybe I can't drive you," he said, looking down at his lack of clothes.
"And your hair's wet," I said, bringing a hand up to his head and feeling the damp cling to the stands. Without it styled up into a quiff it hung down across his forehead, making him look younger.
"Yeah," he agreed.
"Well I'd better go," I said.
"Yeah. Text me."
"Will do," I said, and turned to go.
"Ellie!" Joel called down the landing, "Did you get a reply?" I shook my head in response, and Joel smiled.
"See you later," he said.
"Bye."
I walked downstairs to find Andy still watching TV in the lounge.
"Bye," I shouted.
"Where you going?" He asked, tearing his eyes away from the screen.
"I'm late for work," I explained.
"Say no more," he said laughing, "See you later."
"Yep, bye," I said, before closing the door behind me.
I checked my phone: 10.07. I was going to be very late.
YOU ARE READING
First Kiss - A Lawson FanFic
FanfictionJoel Peat Lawson fanfic - Ellie meets Joel at her music exam and it's like they were meant to be together. But will they able to hold their relationship together alongside their musical ambitions? N.B. contains mild language and graphic sex scenes.