Swimming in Stars | Byron Langley

twenty one

"Alright," I flopped on to the bed. "I know my mom is getting married in a month but she's driving me crazy."

Jackson laughed as he sat next to me on the bed, "where is she now?"

"With Andrew, she said she's staying the night." I replied and flipped on to my side.

"Do you want to invite your man over?" He asked.

"Hand me my phone." I said and pointed to my purse.

He got up and dug it out, tossing it to me on the bed.

"I'm going to get some water." He replied and walked out.

I grabbed my phone and saw that Byron had already messaged me. I opened it and it read, "I'm going to take pictures of Denver. Would you like to Join?"

I smiled and typed a quick 'yes' before pulling myself off my bed. I changed into a Shawn Mendes sweatshirt and a pair of leggings. Jackson walked in, sipping a glass of water.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"Byron invited me along to take pictures."

"Is he going to take any of you?"

"I don't think so." I shrugged.

"Why not? You need to spice up your instagram."

"Yeah but if I post them, Joe will know Byron took them." I said. "He'll know we were together."

"Just say it was a bonding thing." He shrugged as the doorbell rang.

"Look, I have to go but keep your phone on you. Okay?"

"Okay," he nodded.

I grabbed my purse and my phone, hurrying to the door. I pulled it open and saw Byron smiling.

"Hey," I smiled.

"Come on," He took my hand.

-------------------------------------------------

"This is the pretty side of Denver," I smiled as I looked up at Byron. "You're not getting the real Denver experience."

He shrugged, "I want pretty pictures not shitty ones."

I laughed and shook my head. I slid my small hand into his and hugged his arm. He smiled down at me as we walked.

"Do you want some pictures?" He asked.

"No," I shook my head, "I don't want to have to deal with the drama of it all."

"You mean explaining to Joe that we were hanging out." He corrected.

"Yeah," I nodded.

"Look he's been trying to get us to be friends since the beginning. I think it'd be okay to show him we didn't completely hate each other."

"Yeah," I shrugged, "But I'm not really in a picture taking mood."

"Yes you are," He smiled and pulled away from me.

He started in the direction on a big pond that was sat in the middle of the park.

"What are you doing?" I asked. "I wanted Chick Fil A."

"I know," He replied and continued to walk.

I scoffed in annoyance and jogged to catch up with him. He set up his tripod, placing his camera on it. He looked over his shoulder at me with a smile.

"Are you going to pose for me?"

"No," I shook my head, "I don't want any pictures."

I watched as he set a timer, pressing the button.