This Year's Love // Michael Clifford

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen

Brittany Dawson

"I'm sor-"

"Don't mention it," I say, pulling the blankets up higher to my chin.

"I promise when I get back we will go out," Michael says.

"Don't make promises you can't keep," I mutter, remembering how I went to bed at ten yesterday and woke up at three to still an empty hotel room.

"What?"

"Bye," I speak louder, closing my eyes to block out Michael and the light peeking through the curtains.

He's silent as he exits the hotel room. Once the door closes, I exhale and sit up. I grab my phone from it's charging spot, scrolling the numerous notifications. One in particular catches my eyes, though.

From: Evan

Hey, it's Evan.

I giggle like a teen girl at that bit. As if I didn't know who it was. Dork.

To: Evan

Hello :)

From: Evan

You busy today?

To: Evan

Just had my schedule cleared actually. What did you have in mind?

From: Evan

It's a surprise. Just wear something comfortable.

To: Evan

Okayyyy. Haha.

From: Evan

Where are you staying?

I give him the name of my hotel, then dash out of bed to get ready. Michael may have ditched me but that doesn't mean my day has to suck. It might not be what I originally planned for while in New York, but I can't complain.

Once I was done with my hair, clothes, and make-up, I check my phone for any text messages from Evan. I found none from him, but instead three from Michael.

From: Michael

im so sorry b

That one was sent forty minutes ago.

From: Michael

fuck b i didnt know id have to do this shit today im sorry

And that one was sent twenty-five minutes ago.

From: Michael

have a good day baby. im sorry again

My heart flutters at the message sent five minutes earlier. Sure, I'm irritated with the situation. But it's not like Michael can help it. He has a job. I have to constantly remind myself I'm just a pit stop, despite Michael promising I'm not.

To: Michael

It's okay, Mikey. I'll be fine. Have a good day as well.

From: Michael

i lub u

To: Michael

You sound like Luke.

From: Michael

i mega lub u?

I chuckle, rolling my eyes at the message. Before I can reply, there's a knock on my hotel room door. I shove my phone into my back pocket, walking over to answer the door.

I'm greeted by Evan. He holds two lattes in his hands, offering one to me. I thank him, sipping the warm liquid cautiously.

"Ready?" he asks.

"As I'll ever be." I nod.

//////

"This is so cool!" I exclaim, latching my hand onto yet another colored rock.

Evan's fancy idea for today was to go indoor rock climbing. Needless to say, I am having a kick ass time.

"Having a good time?" Evan grins, bumping shoulders with mine when I reached him closer to the top (he is better at this than me).

"Yeah." I smile. "Best date ever."

"Date?" he smirks.

"I mean, um, day. Best day ever," I cover up, a blush finding refuge on my cheeks.

"I'm just teasing. Of course this is a date," Evan replies.

I roll my eyes, climbing up further to get away from him.

"Nice view," he gleams.

I whip around, staring down at him. He winks and I throw my head back laughing.

"You're such a guy," I chortle.

"Yeah? Well, what do you say we get out of here and go get some lunch?" he suggests.

"Okay." I nod.

One of the workers assists us in fleeing down from the wall. Basically, you just push off and sort of parasail down. Once Evan and I made it to the ground unharmed, we ventured outside into the big city.

"What are you in the mood for?" he questions.

I shrug. "I'm up for anything. I'm really just starving," I say.

"How about some good ole fashion burgers and fries?"

"I like the way you think."

//////

After my little date with Evan, he willingly walked me back to the hotel (we didn't even bother with driving because New York traffic is hectic).

"I had a good time." I smile, stopping at my door.

"Yeah? Me, too."

Next thing I know, the curly haired boy is beginning to lean in. He places his hand on my left hip and the other on my cheek. My breathing is erratic as he lips hover over mine. In a moments time, I'm ridded of my third kiss (stolen by the second guy).

"Bye." I bite my lip after he pulls away.

"Bye."

I hide my smile as I turn around to unlock the hotel room door. As the door shuts, so do the feelings I have for Michael. Or thought I had.

Besides, I can't wait around for him forever, can I? Is it so wrong of me to pine after other guys?

My answer is proven when I walk into the bedroom suite. Michael is sitting on the bed, knuckles white. He's gripping his iPhone, staring hard at the bright screen. Upon my entering, he dares to look up.

"Have fun with your boyfriend?"

Shit.