MISSING YOU; Bradley Simpson

14.

EVELYN

We arrive at the restaurant soon. A man in elegant suit leads us to our table and everyone sits down. I sit between Brad and Joe, across from Tristan. We look through the menu, ordering red wine and a lot of food.

"Eve, how is Faith?" Joe asks.

"She's great," I smile. "My mom said she cries a lot, probably because she misses us," I smile at Brad, who returns and while looking at me like I'm the most precious thing in this world. This makes my heart melt and for a moment, I forget to breathe.

"Who are the godparents?" Connor asks.

"My brother and her wife," I smile. I feel like they're gonna ask a lot of questions about our daughter tonight. I don't mind, though. I'm more than happy and proud to talk about her.

"Can she talk or walk?" it's Tristan's turn to ask his question.

"Well, she can walk a little," Brad answers before I could.

A waitress comes with our food and places them in front of us. I begin to eat, listening to the boys gushing about their show today. From what James said, this was their biggest show yet, and they are really happy to start playing arenas instead of clubs. Seeing those happy smiles, I'm happy too for them. I know how much they worked on becoming a well-known band, and it's working now.

The topic changes from them celebrating their success from telling me embarrassing stories about each other that happened during their concerts. I can't help but laugh at every story. There were a lot of trips and falls.

"Brad, I... I need to talk to you after dinner," James speaks up and my eyes widen.

"Why not now?" Brad asks, furrowing his eyebrows.

"It's kind of... personal," James stutteres, feeling awkward by all of our gazes. Most of them are curious, but for some reason, when I look at Connor, he has a worried and knowing expression. Does he know about the kiss? Oh, God.

"Well, okay," Brad agrees, continuing his meal.

For the rest of the dinner, I keep looking down at the table, being too ashamed of myself. I know I wasn't the one who initiated the kiss and I didn't continue either, but Brad will still flip out and I'm scared he'll break up with me.

—

"You did what?!" I hear Brad's voice from afar. Him and James walked a few feet away from the restaurant, while the rest of us wait for them in front of the entrance. "I can't believe you, mate! I thought you were my friend!" he keeps shouting and I squeeze my eyes shut. I can't be the reason of another friendship ending. I mean, I know him and Tris are fine now, but they weren't when they both liked me, and that caused them to practically hate each other. I don't want that to happen to James and Brad, too. They've been best friends since they were kids.

"Evelyn, come here!" Brad shouts, turning around. I look down and keep watching my legs move as I walk up to the two of them.

"I'm sorry Eve–" James starts, but Brad cuts him off.

"Fuck off!" he shouts at his friend. "Is that true? Did you fucking kiss James?!" he turns to me this time and continues shouting.

"I didn't. I pulled away as soon as I realized what was going on!" I defend myself. I know this might completely ruin their friendship, but I can't let my family fall apart. It's finally together. I'm so fucking selfish!

"This keeps getting better," Brad mumbles, turning his back to us. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" he turns back to James.

"Okay, stop!" I interrupt, shouting louder than ever before. "We were both drunk and don't forget the fact that we were broken up that night," I point my finger at Brad. His features soften a little, his breath returning to normal.

"You're right," he sighs. "I just don't understand how that happened..."

"I don't, either," James sighs. "I don't know, maybe the alcohol made me attracted to her or... I don't know," he explains. I'm not even mad about the fact that he wouldn't be attracted to me without alcohol. I'm glad, actually. "I'm sorry, mate."

"I, uh.. I need some time alone," Brad walks away.

I look at James worriedly before turning around and watching as Brad sits in a cab instead of the van that's waiting for them. Everyone turns to look at me and James once Brad's cab drives away, hoping to get an answer for their unsaid questions. I sigh, walking back as I try to fight back my tears. I can hear James following me. I walk past the group, saying a simple 'bye', before taking a cab as well and telling the driver the hotel's name. From there, I can find the tour bus. I look back once more and see that James is talking and everyone is looking at him with disapproving expressions.

When the cab pulls up in front of the hotel, I pay the driver and climb out. I start walking towards the parking lot my tour bus is in, passing a bar. I stop in front of it for a few seconds, thinking about drowning my sorrow in alcohol, but I shake my head and continue walking. It's probably not the best idea to get drunk.

Once I reach the bus, I walk inside and without a word, climb into my bunk. I take out my pajama from my suitcase and decide to take a shower. Jess and the others just watch as I drag myself into the bathroom, not saying anything. I'm glad, I don't want to explain why I am like this.

Twenty minutes pass and I finally get out of the shower. I dry my body and hair, putting on my pajama, which is a hoodie I stole from Brad and sweatpants. I walk back out and straight to my bunk. I check my phone once I lie down, hoping to see a message from Brad. There isn't any, but I still send him one.

Me: i hope we can work this out. i can't lose you again.

I plug in my earphones and start listening to music, hoping to fall asleep. Sleep isn't coming, but a reply from Brad does come.

Brad: you're not gonna lose me, babe. i love you.

Brad: i just needed some time to cool off.

Brad: can we meet?

A grin spreads across my face as I read his messages and type in my reply. I hit send and jump out of my bunk. I told him where we're going to spend the night and he replied he'll be here in a few minutes. I wait for him in the living area, sitting on the leather couch. Once he sends me a message, I run out of the bus and jump in his neck.

"Damn it, I thought we're done for good," I say, tears threatening their way out.

"I could never let you go. Not again," he whispers in my ear as he lifts me up from the ground in our embrace and kisses the top of my head.

"I love you," I cry into his shoulder.

"I love you."