No Filter

Chapter XXVI (26)

I sigh heavily, sinking down on the couch. Another long day of work and I'm exhausted. My body is worn out.

I got out my phone, and a text message pops up on my notification. I swipe it and unlock my screen. Troy sent me a message. I read, Done with work yet?

I bite my bottom lip and reply, Yes. I'm so exhausted.

So am I, he writes. Where are you?

I'm in the living room, I answer.

He texts, I'll be there in a moment.

I close my phone and lean forward. I waited until I hear the door open. Troy enters the kitchen and walks around the couch to me. I stand up and give him a tight hug.

He presses his hands against my back softly and traces circles on my back. "What is this for?" He asks.

I moan, "I just really needed it. I miss you. We should work together or something."

"I agree," he says. "Tomorrow's Thanksgiving. How about we go out to eat tomorrow?"

I explain, "Liam wants the six of us to have dinner together. Dinner begins at six. Maybe we can eat lunch together."

"That's fine with me as long as we get some decent time together," he says.

I take in one last warmth. We pull apart. "I am going to take a shower, and you should too." I take a sniff and cough at the sweaty stink of his. "You stink," I comment. I push him back playfully, but he pulls me close to him and rubs his sweat on my face. I moan in disgust.

He chuckles and takes my hand. He leads me up the stairs. We part to our rooms. In my closet, I grab a new set of clothes. I head out of my room and enter the bathroom. I close the door and walk into the shower. Once I step inside, I let the warm water overtake me.
—
Liam's POV

Louis and I walked on the grass of the backyard. We just finished cleaning the stables.

"How are you and Cheryl?" Louis asks.

I reply, "We're good. I think we're passed the beginning stuff. Especially last night."

"Oh," Louis comments. "You guys did it last night..." I smile, remembering how amazing last night was. "Don't let Ally find out or you're toast."

I crease my brows. "What?"

He answers, "Well, you know, you use to have a thing for her before you got together with Cheryl. And I've been getting to see some looks you two have been sharing."

"We're just friends," I correct.

He raises an eyebrow and wets his lips. "I like Cheryl, but how long are you going to lie to yourself?" He asks. "I saw the jealousy in your eyes when Ally and Troy kissed in the morning, and I've seen it in her eyes too."

I shake my head in denial. "Louis, could it be that you're trying to connect your problems to mine? Because in all honesty, you should just tell Dinah how you feel. Don't lie to yourself or to her. I am glad to have Cheryl in my life. She is sweet and caring."

"I am sure of it," he begins, "but all I'm just asking for you to do is just to ask yourself, are you over Ally?"

"Yes," I answer without a sound of a doubt. "I am."

Louis shrugs, giving a losing sigh. We part as we head into the house. He walked into the kitchen while I walk pass the living room and climb the stairs. I walk into my room and dig into the closet for new clothes. I head out my room and walk down the hallway until I reach the bathroom door.