The Mighty Storm (Raura Revised)

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

I overheard Susie talking to my mum one day. I never told Ross though.

He shrugs again, and I get the feeling there's something more, but I don't press it, and then the waiter appears with our pizza.

After that we just fall into conversation like we've never been apart.

We talk school and childhood memories.

He tells me stuff about the band and his label, which bands he has signed to it.

I tell him about my time at university, living with Simone and my job as a music journalist at the magazine.

But mainly we just talk music, like we used to. Recent and old stuff. And Ross' music.

I haven't spoken to anyone about music in the way I'm speaking to Ross now. Not in all my time at university while studying it, and not even in all the time I've worked at the magazine.

It's how we used to talk about it, with real passion. And to me Ross was and is music, it's what glued us together, and now it's like a dam is opening back up and everything Ross is just flowing out of me.

One thing I don't talk about it is Will. And he doesn't ask.

I also notice he doesn't mention Jonny. It must still be so raw for him to talk about.

I also notice he's only had the one beer all night. I'm glad because he's driving. I like that he's being responsible. Because the Ross I'm used to seeing in the news, never appears responsible, despite all his success.

But the more time I spend with him, the more I feel like there are two Ross'.

The one the world sees, and the one I'm getting to see here. The one I used to know.

I've kept light on the drink too. Funny, because earlier I thought I would need it to get me through the night. But not at all.

This is one of the best nights I have had in a long time.

We talk for hours, and when we're finished, Ross calls Stuart to let him know he needs him to bring the car, then he pays the bill.

"Let me pay my half," I press, as we walk to the exit.

He laughs. "No Laur. Just call it birthday present number one of twelve."

"I owe you twelve birthday presents too, remember?"

"Oh, I haven't forgotten. I'll start collecting on them soon."

And there it is, that flirty undertone again.

No wonder women are always throwing themselves at him. I'm having a pretty difficult time myself not doing just that.

Ross gestures for me to go first up the stairs.

"You still eat like a dude," he says from behind me. "But your ass is definitely all woman."

I gasp.

Pausing, I turn and look at him, agape.

"What?" he feigns innocence, stopping behind me, but I can see the look in his eyes and he's close, so very close to me. "I told you I'd let you know what I thought of your ass, and I'm telling you it's perfect. Even better than I remember."

Eyes back front and I'm up those stairs quick march. My insides turning over with embarrassment and want.

Okay, there I've said it. I want Ross.

He's beautiful and sexy, and flirty. And he's a rock star. And he was my boy next-door. But of course nothing is ever going to happen.

Because he's Ross Lynch ... and I'm just Laura Marano.