More Than a Fan || cth

Chapter 21

Lacie's POV 

It's been a couple weeks since I got the call from my best friend back in Colorado, Hazel. I can't stand to think about it. I told her I could come home right away, but she insisted I should stay. It makes me feel so guilty, but I know she'd kill me if I come back now. She's really selfless. 

I've been okay recently, I've definitely been stressed but preparing for tour and hanging out with Calum has really helped to distract me.

Anyways, I'm currently sat on the beach closest to Calum's apartment, alone. He's doing some interview or something, I don't know. I've been too occupied with my book and people watching to feel lonely in such a big place. Right as I say that, though, a shadow appears over my spot. I push my sunglasses up, hoping it's one of the like, seven people I know in all of L.A. 

"Whats up?" Calum's dark eyes meet mine, his lips pulled up into grin.

"How'd you find me?" I ask. He's wearing shorts and a dark t-shirt, his tan skin quickly fitting in with the other beach-goers here. His curly hair is mussed up by the breeze, making me gulp. I pull my sunglasses back down, laying on the towel again and closing my eyes to keep me from staring at him.

"Michael told me, you were texting him." Calum states, plopping down next to me on the sand.

"You finish whatever you were doing?"

He chuckles. "A meeting, yeah."

"Okay," I hum. We sit in a comfortable silence. Well, as silent as a beach with screaming kids can be. I sneak glances at him as he's watching the waves. 

"So," his voice is quieter. I open my eyes and turn to him. He's not looking at me, instead he's focused on fiddling with the sand beneath him. "Tour is in like, another two weeks."

I sit up, and he looks toward me. "Yep. Delilah and I got a ton of crap that I'd need when we leave." 

"Good." He suddenly looks nervous. "I'm glad you're going."

I scoot closer to him and nudge his shoulder with mine teasingly. "I know you are."

He smirks, his confidence reappearing. "Wanna get lunch?" 

---------------------

"Are we going home now?" Calum asks. We're in an Uber after having lunch.

"Actually, can I go to Delilah's?" I speak up, pulling my phone out to quickly text her and let her know. "I'll be back later, I just want to talk to her about something." 

He smiles and nods, but I can see the disappointment in his eyes still. He gives the driver Delilah's address and soon enough we pull up. Delilah is standing outside on the stairs, picking at her nails. I thank the driver, then turn to Cal who has opened the door for me. 

"See you later, thanks for lunch, Cal." I tell him, swiftly kissing his cheek and running off before he can say anything. I make my way up to Delilah, who's smirking widely. "I saw that."

"Yep, just friendly gestures," I muse, pushing past her and opening the front door. 

"Sure they are." she calls, following me into her kitchen. "So, you're here to steal my food?"

"No," I chime, grabbing a pack of raspberries out of her fridge and setting them down onto the counter. Delilah narrows her eyes at me. "I'm here because I wanted to see my girlfriend."

"Right,"

"How's your modeling been this week?" I ask, putting a couple raspberries in my mouth.