"You're actually upset right now? Look at everything the world has given you, Luke."
"And that's great, but I'd rather have you."
• the story before "count on me" by sircalyum • book 1
// smut included //
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MONDAY MORNING. I couldn't remember the last time I was late for work, but I was twenty minutes late walking into the office. I was mad, both at myself and the world for being a little extra frustrating today.
"Good morning!" I tried not to scowl at Emma's greeting, and I mumbled a greeting on the way to my desk. I hated taking out any frustration on Emma, so I tried to force myself into a better mood. I sat my things down and then walked over to the coffee maker, knowing I would be attached to it for the rest of the day. "Everything okay, Jo?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," I said, trying to stay short to protect her from a sudden outburst. I knew once I had some coffee and I got over being upset with myself for being late, I'd be fine. The room grew silent and I sighed quietly, knowing I should just tell her what was upsetting me. "I had a shit weekend... and I slept in because I couldn't get to sleep last night."
"Wanna talk about it?" Emma asked and I grabbed my coffee that had brewed before walking over to her desk and sitting on the edge.
"I had a great night on Friday with Luke, and the morning was fine... and then he didn't text me back all of Saturday, but I tried not to care! I really didn't want to care, because there's no reason to care. But then he didn't respond to me yesterday, either! And I can't understand why I care. It's so frustrating." Emma's eyes widened ever so slightly as I began to rant and I shut my eyes for a second, just to let myself breathe. "No—I don't care. I really don't care. I'm just confused, that's all. My weekend wasn't that bad... I'm just in a mood. I didn't talk to Luke all weekend but I talked to Calum."
"Okay, can we talk about this for a second? Like actually talk?"
"What do you mean, Em? We are actually talking."
"Josie... do you have feelings for Luke?" I looked up at Emma slowly before beginning to laugh.
"Oh, Em, you always know how to cheer me up."
"Joseline... I am not joking," I shrunk at Emma's tone, but began to shake my head.
"No, Emma... I don't have feelings for him. I just have this weird fear that I did something wrong. I'm feeling insecure, maybe, but it's because I understand that I could easily be nothing to Luke Hemmings."
"Josie, you're the one that's been reminding everyone that they're normal people. If you're worried about him dropping you on your ass, then he's an asshole. Just because he's Luke Hemmings doesn't give him any reason to treat you badly." Emma, of course, had a fair point. "But also... your relationship with him doesn't obligate him to be in constant contact, you know? It really might mean nothing. But don't let that stop you from showing him that two can play at that game."
