Look After You

Chapter 18

   Louis laid the precious notebook gently on the bed as he heard the front door open and three of his friends shuffle in, along with the chaotic racket that always seemed to follow the boys, especially Niall. "Lou, we're here! Get your ass down here, it's partay time!" The Irish lad shouted up the stairs, a loud clash soon followed. "Sorry! I'll clean that!" Louis would've shaken his head at the boy that probably had just broken something really expensive, if he wasn't so drunk on happiness.

   Louis quickly flew down the staircase and passed by the three boys, grabbing his grey beanie on his way towards the door. "Lou, where are you going? We just got here!" Liam asked, only to be answered by the door slamming behind the striped shirted boy.

   "He's gonna go party with Harry!" Niall winked at Liam, who smiled approvingly.

   "Oh my God, Niall..." Zayn sighed as the blonde erupted into loud laughter.

   PRIMROSE: 25 MILES

   The speedometer stayed at 70 as Louis kept driving, his grip on the steering wheel turning his knuckles white.

   PRIMROSE: 20 MILES

     The queasy feeling of excitement twisted his empty stomach into knots.

   PRIMROSE: 15 MILES

   The nervous hiccups quickly slipped through Louis' lips as he turned a sharp right to continue his journey.

   PRIMROSE: 10 MILES

   Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. OH MY GOD.

   PRIMROSE: 5 MILES

   I think I'm gonna throw up.

   Louis sharply whipped his steering wheel to the left to maneuver his vehicle into an available  parking space. He sat in a nervous panic for a few minutes after he killed the engine, trying to gain the courage he needed for what he was about to do. Once he felt he was ready, he shoved the door to his car open and slammed it behind him, hands beginning to shake slightly. He took a much needed deep breath before grabbing the cold metal handle that lead into the building. He pushed through the door and ended up in the extravagant lobby with crystal chandeliers and high ceilings. He was greeted by elderly woman behind the main desk.

   "Oh! Mr. Tomlinson! So nice to see you again, love." Her eyes twinkled with recognition at the lad, a kind smile on her wrinkled lips. 

   "Evening, Cheryl! Looking lovely as usual." He returned the smile, enjoying the distraction from his nerves as he leaned against the desk.

   "What can I do ya for this evening, cheeky?" She rolled her eyes at Louis' flattery, but continued to smile. She liked Louis, he reminded her of her grandson.

   "Ah, Cheryl! You know me too well!" He let his head fall dramatically against the top of the front desk for a few seconds before he rested his chin on his arm. "I'm here to see Harry." He was extremely nervous. He swore he would've gotten sick if it weren't or the woman behind the desk distracting him.

   "Oh, yes. Mr. Styles." Her knowing smile made Louis feel slightly uncomfortable as she dug around in one of her drawers.

   "He hasn't left, has he?" His heart fell slightly, but the old woman's cheerful laugh brought him back.

   "Of course not! He doesn't leave unless he's with you boys," she smiled, lifting a small clear glass bowl of candy. "Lollipop?"

   "Thank you, love." He grinned, reaching into the bowl and pulling out a cherry lollipop.

   "Don't tell anyone, this is my private candy bowl!" Louis nodded seriously. He didn't appreciate candy thievery, especially since he use to have to stash his candy from all of his little sisters. Lottie was the worst. He promised to keep the woman's secret as he swiftly ripped off the wrapper and popped the candy into his mouth. "Would you like me to ring Mr. Styles and tell him you're here, dear?"

   "Oh no, that won't be necessary. It's a surprise visit!" The stick of the lollipop bobbed up and down as he spoke and the butterflies flapped wildly within his stomach, almost painfully.

   "Very well. Go right on up, Mr. Tomlinson." She hit the button, unlocking the door that led to where the flats were hidden.

   "Call me Lou!" He threw over his shoulder as he pulled the door open.

   The woman pursed her lips at the request before loosening her facial muscles. "Have a great day...Lou."

   "You as well, Cheryl!" Louis beamed at the woman before running up the first flight of stairs.

   "Now I know why Mr. Styles always talks about that boy." She grinned to herself before returning to her typing.