Picture Perfect

Chapter 45

NICO's POV:

As I watched Toni and Gavin on the dance floor waltzing to Niall's song, I was simply blown away. I know how much Toni loves to dance and Gavin ... he really stepped up. And he looked amazing out there. They looked like they could be in a contest of sorts.

I was serious when I told Chris he needed to step up. Yeah, he seems to adore her, but there are always things that can be done better, including dancing with said girlfriend. Note to all guys – learn how to dance. Besides needing it when you get married, it's just a great thing to know how to do.

Toni is smiling when she and Gavin finish the song. She comes up to me and gives me a hug.

"That was so much fun. I love that song" she says breathlessly.

You two looked incredible out there" I tell her.

Turning to Gavin, "Gavin, you never cease to amaze me."

He smiles at me and nods before he winks and walks over to Chris. This is my chance to pull Toni away from the group.

"Come on, Toni; we need to get stuff ready for karaoke tomorrow. Cherry and I had some ideas..." I tell her.

"Yeah, yeah – I know you want to get me away from Chris. C'mon. Where are we going?" she asks me as we walk down the hall, away from the studio.

My friend knows me too well.

"Okay, I admit it – I just wanted to get you away from the group. I wanted to ask you something."

She turns to me as we are walking towards my room.

"Okay, spill it. What's the question?"

"Well, Louis wants me to go off with him after this event and Gavin has asked me to join him in London. I like them both, but you know me. I'm not really looking for anything permanent."

"Trying to figure out who to tell no? Or do you plan on letting them both down easy?" she teases me.

I giggle but truth be told, I do like them both and I have been intimate with Louis. He's a nice guy but I know he isn't in it for any length of time and Gavin ... well Gavin is just in it for fun as well. He would be open to just a few nights of fun and done. I'm not so sure with Louis.

"There's smoke coming out of your ears, Nico. What are you thinking about?"

I shake my head

"I'm just thinking. They both are great guys, you know?"

"And they both like you. You seriously considering giving Gavin some of your time? You know he's been trying to gain your favor for at least a year."

"Yeah I know, but there's something keeping me from going there" I say. I don't know what it is that keeps me putting up a defense with Gavin. He is sweet, handsome, and I know we'd have fun. He isn't looking for anything permanent, neither am I.

"Well, I think you should at least spend some time with him ... unless you'd rather spend more time with Louis" she says in her sing-song voice. She's trying to get me to admit to myself what it is I want.

"No, I don't want to get serious with anyone – be that Louis or Gavin or hell, the man in the moon" I tell her. I need to change the subject. "C'mon, Cherry wanted to talk to us about what she can do for karaoke."

Toni throws me some side eye. Some serious side eye.

"Uh-uh, I know you're changing the subject and because we have to meet with Cherry, I'll let it go, but you and I are coming back to this subject" she says emphatically. "Now, let's go find Cherry."