ONCE IN A LIFETIME ≫ h.g

Chapter 7

BROOKE'S P.O.V:

It was early morning and Nash was chilling in my room. We had set an alarm super early so that we could spend some quality time together. It wasn't always that easy because we were surrounded by so many people. We had just finished watching two movies and had time to talk about life.

«Nash, outfit now», I commanded and pointed at the clothes scattered all across the floor. The room I stayed in was huge and I had managed to make the biggest mess of it in a matter of two days. "What's the occasion?" he asked me as I picked up some dirty underwear that lied underneath one of Nash's t-shirts that I always borrowed. Oops. "Starbucks with Hayes", I responded and continued to pick up dirty clothes, feeling slightly embarrassed that I made such a mess as a guest. In my own room and own house it was okay, but I didn't want to disrespect Mrs. Grier, who kindly allowed me to stay here, by being as untidy as I usually was. Nash picked a crop top from my suitcase. "I like this one", he said. "And just wear those high-waisted shorts I bought you from Texas. That'll make a cute outfit for your date". He winked at me. "It's not a date!" I yelled, but it was too late as Nash had already left the room.

But it was the truth. It wasn't a date. At least I didn't think so. Hayes had been very casual about the whole thing, and asked if I wanted to go to Starbucks with him after he finished his practice. However, the entire Magcon crew was at the Grier's house at the moment and I was the only one he asked to join. He could've invited everyone. But I was probably reading into it. The outfit Nash had put together turned out to be really sweet. The light blue high-waisted shorts he had bought me fit well with the crop top. I decided to put on some light make-up, just to not look like I just woke up from the dead, brushed my hair and went downstairs just as soon as Hayes walked out of the bathroom. It was clear that he had freshened up as well, I could tell that he had shaved his face at least. Maybe the outing to Starbucks was as Nash believed, a date? Or maybe I was reading into things one more time. Magcon started tomorrow. He could have freshened up for that, and not even thought of me for a second.

...

The walk to Starbucks went smoothly and soon we were standing in line and I ordered a venti Chocolate Creme Chip Frappe. While Hayes recited his order, which he had practiced a million times in the line because he did not know how to pronounce at least two of the words, a bunch of guys that looked our age came up behind me. "Hey there, pretty lady", one of the taller ones said with a weird smile. Hayes, who had just walked up behind me, tensed up and put his arm around my shoulder? Why? That was a bit funny, as Hayes hadn't really shown that much affection before. "Hi there, douchebag", Hayes said and not only did his voice sound angry, but his whole attitude and body language expressed hostility. "She's actually here with me and this is a date so you guys need to back up". Surprisingly, they did, and Hayes dragged me to a booth where we sat down.

"A date?" I said and winked at Hayes. He took a sip from his Caramel and The Words He Couldn't Pronounce Frappe and looked over at the guys. "Yeah, sorry 'bout that, just didn't want them to bother us, or you, mostly". I nodded. The guy hadn't really bothered me or made me uncomfortable, it was just a friendly comment and I could turn down a guy myself. I felt a slight disappointment, maybe I had hoped that there actually was something to the word 'date'. But it was just another empty word. "Are you okay?" he asked, shyly, probably sensing my change of mood. "Yeah, I'm just fine", I responded, and was quick to set up a smile. "Why wouldn't I be?" Hayes shrugged. The rest of the time, we sat there quietly, drinking our frappes. Hayes made an occasional comment and I laughed or came up with a witty response. And that was it. A nice silence rested over us, a comfortable one.

...

Walking up the driveway I took my chances and glanced over at Hayes from time to time. He was incredibly handsome in a goofy way. I personally thought he looked better than Nash, but I wouldn't tell either of them that. I'd never hear the end of it. The second Hayes opened the door, Nash bombarded us with questions. I had barely made it inside and he was already up in my face asking how the "date" went. "Not a date", Hayes said, which settled it quick and easy. "All right", he said and gave me a small smile as if saying 'sorry about that'. As if he had anything to feel sorry for, it wasn't a date after all. "Did you have a good time, even though it was, as you clearly specified 'not a date'?" I noticed all the boys and Mahogany in the living room. They were listening in on our conversation. "Yeah, the frappe was good", I said nonchalantly, to prove to Nash, the rest of the gang, Hayes, and maybe even myself, that it really didn't mean anything.

"Amazing". Nash's face cracked up in a huge smile. I didn't know what to say, it was like he knew something that we didn't. At least he thought he did. "MAGCON NEXT!" Shawn randomly screamed, breaking the silence. Everybody cheered and started chanting Magcon. I laughed. I was honestly so excited to be spending this time with them, even though I obviously wouldn't even be on stage. I truly loved these guys.