all i need // l.p {au}

chapter thirteen

My eyes were wide and I didn't say anything for a few moments, speechless. "Excuse me?" I finally said, wanting him to repeat the words.

"I'm going to London for a few days. It's my sister's birthday and I would like it if you joined me. I hate traveling alone. I asked Niall to come along, but he's so infatuated with his girlfriend that he won't come."

"Do you really think that's a good idea?" I swallowed the lump in my throat trying to figure out the right answer. When I was little, I always dreamed about going to a different country. This was a wonderful opportunity, but I barely knew Liam.

"Why not?" He asked, leaning his shoulder on the wall. His height towered over me, making me feel small. "Look, it's just a simple trip."

"A simple trip? It's going to London!" I exclaimed.

"Ok, but it doesn't come with strings attached. I'm not going to introduce you as my girlfriend and I don't expect anything from you. I just want company."

"When?" I asked, trying to figure out the logistics. I needed to know if I could take off work and how long I would be gone.

"Wednesday and we would come back on Sunday."

"Liam that's three days from now! How am I going to be able to take five days off of work?"

"I'm sure you've got vacation time. Come on, Logan! It's going to be so much fun."

"Alright, I'll talk to my boss," I told him without thinking.

"Yes!" he exclaimed, picking me up by my waist and spinning me around.

"Ok, stop freaking out. I didn't say I could go yet," I laughed. "I better get going, though. It's late and I'm tired."

"Ok, bye Logan," he told me, giving me a kiss on the cheek.

When I got home, I changed into some sweats and a tank top and settled into my bed. Daisy found her way into my room and jumped up next to me. Thoughts about this trip flooded my mind, wondering if I had made the right decision. I knew that Liam told me that there were no strings attached, but I felt as though there were. What were his parents and sisters going to think? I was nervous that he would slip up and kiss me or something more would happen. Maybe I should just tell him that my boss wouldn't let me take off work or suddenly become sick. I drifted off to sleep, worry overtaking my thoughts.

***

The next day, I showed up to work a few minutes early in order to talk to my boss. I walked into his office, trying my best to look confident.

"Logan, please have a seat," he gestured to the black cushioned chair in front of his desk. "What did you need?"

I took a deep breath. "I was wondering if I could take a few days off this week. I know it's short notice but I just found out last night. My friend is taking a trip to visit his family in London and doesn't want to go alone."

"London, hmm," he scratched his chin in thought. "I've always wanted to go to London. I think it would be a crime for you to turn it down. How many days off will you need?"

"Wednesday to Sunday," I smiled.

"That should be just fine. Tristan can take over your shifts. We really should hire another bartender. Maybe I'll put up a sign that we're hiring. We should still do alright with one more employee."

I only smiled because he was rambling. "Well, thank you. I really appreciate it."

"No problem. You deserve some days off."

I walked out of his office and back to the bar. A few customers came through the doors, taking seats in the stools. I fulfilled their orders before leaning back against the bar waiting for someone to ask for a refill.

A while later, Tristan came up to me standing awfully close. I moved a step away from him, feeling a little uncomfortable.

"So, I hear you're going to London. Is it becoming serious with British boy?" His voice was taunting, but jealous. 

"Stop calling him that, Tris. And no, it's not serious. We're just friends." I felt bad for Tristan. I hadn't spent any time with him outside of work since our movie night. I wanted to be friends with him, but I also didn't want to always talk about LIam with him. It seemed like the only subject he wanted to talk about. 

"Doesn't sound like it," he shrugged and walked off into the back.  

I folded my arms over my chest, wondering if he was right. Was going on this trip showing Liam that I wanted more from him? Did he want more from me? I wasn't ready to commit because I knew one of us was going to let the other down. I didn't want to break him down again after what he went through with his old girlfriend.

***

The next morning, I pulled out my suitcase from the storage closet and started pulling outfits together. I wasn't sure if his sister's party was formal or not, so I picked out a few options. By the time I put everything in the suitcase, I had trouble zipping it shut. I had always been an over-packer, but I wanted to be prepared. I sighed with relief after finally getting it zipped and collapsed on my bed next to it.

I suddenly thought about needing to pay liam back for my ticket. I dialed his number and he answered on the second ring.

"Hey, Logan. What's up?"

"Not much. I was just wondering how much go needed to give you for my ticket. I probably need to head to the bank to get it."

"Don't be silly. You don't owe me a thing except your company."

"That's crazy, liam. Of course I owe you," I said, frustrated.

"No, you don't. Seriously, I'm just grateful you're coming with me. I'm a horrible traveler and I'm going to need you to calm me down."

"Fine," I said giving up. "I'll see you tomorrow. You're picking me up at eight right?"

"Yep, see you then," I could hear the smile in his voice and I could already tell that something was going to happen on this trip that I was going to regret.

sorry this chapter is kind of boring. please vote and comment xx zoe