The Assistant // Louis Tomlinson

22 - Saddle Up

I know the last chapter wasn't the best so hopefully this long one makes up for it!!! tell me what you think!!!

Irresistible

"Are you sure about this?" Louis asks as we ride beside each other in the car.

"I'm positive." I smile, looking over at him.

"I'm nervous."

"You should be," I quip under my breath.

"What was that?" he questions with wide eyes, obviously hearing my remark.

"Nothing!" I smile innocently at him.

He narrows his eyes at me, obviously not believing it, but he doesn't push it, nonetheless.

I'm taking Louis--and the boys who are going to come later--to a dinner with my family at my grandparents house. My family had been planning it anyways because they wanted to see me, I just invited the band to join. Needless to say, Louis is nervous.

I have a pretty close-knit family. Growing up, my cousins were like my best friends, even though my sister and I are the babies of the family and some years younger than the rest of them. They were always around and would love playing with us. My mom has two brothers, and one sister, so it's a decent sized family, making it even more intimidating. I tried to explain the family dynamics to Louis a little, but it seemed to only freak him out more.

I mean yes, my family can be slightly judgmental when it comes to some of our new relationships, but once they like you, you're in. You become part of the family pretty quickly.

I don't think there will be a problem. I have faith in Louis, and I think he will fit right in. We're all a bunch of freaks, anyways.

I look over and see him clutching the wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white, as we approach the corner of my grandparent's street.
I reach across the dash and grab his hand in mine as he pulls into the driveway.

He turns to face me once he turns the key to the car towards him, turning it off, but leaving the key in place as he grips my hand with his. I know he is still unsure about this, and I know all he wants to do is twist the key in the ignition and drive away. Still, he takes a deep breath and does his best to control his nerves.

"You'll be fine," I assure him comfortingly.

"I love you."

I smile back at him with genuine eyes. "I love you, too."

He takes a deep breath. "Let's do this then."

I chuckle and lean across the console to peck his lips softly.

"Let's do this," I whisper as I pull away.

We both pull back and open our car doors, stepping out. He takes my hand in his as we walk up the stone entrance to the framed glass double doors.

Without knocking, I gingerly twist the knob and push the door open.

"Hello?!" I call aloud. I haven't been here in years, but it's still the same as I remember; spacious, homey, and familiar.

"Wow. Nice place," Louis breathes, looking around at the rustically ornate decor of the place.

"It's not bad. Perfect for my grandparents, and big enough to hold my family when need be."

"Hey, guys!" I hear my grandpa and he walks from his bedroom door in the hallway off to the side.

"Hi, Pop!" I beam as I move in to hug him. He wraps his arms around me and places a kiss atop my head. He smells just as I remember: clean and fresh, but with a hint of horse from the barn. I know that may sound strange, but his scent was always a sign of safety as a child. When I was young, I spent quite a lot of time here, so when we would go swimming or take a bath when we stayed over, I would wear one of my grandpa's T-shirts, which smelled just like him. I felt safe with him around me.