Always You || Simon Minter (miniminter)

Chapter 14

Simon and I head into the house, closing the door behind us. We part ways as we go to our own rooms. I put my shopping bags down and flop onto the bed, lying still for a minute, thinking.

I'm excited for tonight, but for some reason, I'm also scared. I've come to the conclusion that I like Simon — a lot. My stomach flutters when he's around, my skin burns when he touches me, and my brain runs wild when he talks. I've completely fallen for this goofy blonde boy, and I don't quite know what to do about it.

I sit up and groan, my head aching from overthinking. I pick up my phone to check the time — 6 PM. I should start getting ready.

I move to my desk and begin doing my makeup. I decide on a classy, natural look; I don't want to overdo it. A soft smokey eye and red lips — a pop of color without looking overdone. After twenty minutes of struggling with lashes, I finally finish and sit back, admiring myself in the mirror. I feel... good.

A knock on my door makes me jump. "Millie?"

The door opens slowly to reveal JJ, looking kind of sheepish. My eyes widen as I take in his reaction.

"Wow... you look great, Millie," he beams, walking over and standing behind me, peering into the mirror.

"Thank you, Jide," I smile, looking up at him. He's shaved, fixed his hair — he looks good too.

"We'll be leaving in half an hour if you'll be ready?" He leans down to rest his chin on my head, and I laugh at how childish he acts.

"I just need to do my hair, then I'll meet you downstairs?" He nods before leaving me to tame the mess on my head.

I curl my hair into loose waves, letting them fall perfectly around my shoulders. I slip into my dress and quickly put on my heels. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror — I barely recognize myself. A few months ago, I spent my days in bed, feeling sorry for myself. Now, I'm here, with Jide, happy again. I smile, grab my bag, phone, and lipstick, and head downstairs.

Going down marble stairs in heels is a nightmare. I almost tumble to my death.

At the bottom, I glance around. Vik is in the kitchen, so I head there.

"Hey, Vik, you look smart," I say. He's in a black velvet tuxedo, crisp white shirt, and black bow tie.

"Thank you, Millie. You look incredible," he beams, holding out a glass of what I assume is champagne. I take it politely.

"Are you excited? You'll get to meet all of our friends," he asks, already a little rosy-cheeked.

"I'm excited... but nervous," I admit, sipping the champagne.

"Is it because of Simon?" he asks, eyebrow raised. My throat tightens — what does he know? "You two have gotten quite close. I wouldn't be surprised if something happened between you two."

I open my mouth to reply, but JJ bursts in before I can.

"You look incredible, Millie!" He pulls me into a big hug, spinning me slightly in the process.

"Jide! Stop, you'll ruin my dress," I laugh as he sets me down. He holds me by the shoulders, just like he did at the station a few months ago.

"You look happier," he whispers, his goofy smile infecting me.

"I am," I reply, smiling back. We hug again, longer this time. I truly feel happier here, surrounded by all of them.

Simon walks into the kitchen, and everything stops for a moment. Our eyes meet, and I feel my face heat up. His gaze travels over me, and I can feel my heart pound. He clears his throat, glancing around the room.

"Are we ready? Josh is already there with Freya," he says, still keeping an eye on me. My cheeks heat further, and he grins knowingly.

"Right, let's go. Taxi's here," Vik says, ushering us outside. We cram into a small cab, laughing and shuffling around until we arrive at Harry's.

⸻

We pile out of the car, and I stare in awe. I've seen the Stratford Halo on TV before, but never in person. It's breathtaking.

"Nice, isn't it?" Jide says, walking up behind me. "Stunning," I whisper, still mesmerized.

"Did you know JJ owns the penthouse?" Vik mentions. Wait... he owns it? That must be worth a fortune.

"Let's go," Simon pushes us forward, placing a hand on my lower back. His touch sets my skin on fire.

After Harry finally buzzes us in, we step into the apartment. I'm filled with anticipation — this place is insane. Freezy opens the door, welcoming us.

"You must be Amelia," he says, pulling me into a hug.

"I am, you must be Freezy," I laugh, hugging him back. He leads me to the kitchen for drinks, and I choose a glass of red wine.

"Millie!" Harry rushes in, nearly tackling me in a hug. "Harry, watch it!" I laugh. Harry is always so warm and welcoming.

It's strange — all these people hugging me, happy to see me. I still have a long night ahead, but for the first time in a while, I feel ready for it.