Running in circles(Post Malone Story)COMPLETED

07

After the short phone call with my mom, I begrudgingly traipsed back into the crowded nightclub, eager to grab my purse and head home. I had seemingly thousands of photos I needed to sift through and edit to meet our noon submission deadline the next day. I returned to our section a moment later, Austin's eager eyes meeting mine as he halted his conversation with Smitty, "How's the family?" He asked sweetly. I forced a smile, not wanting to blurt out an honest response. Well, my mom's fine and my dad's dead.

"They're fine," I managed to say, reaching behind the couch for my purse. I slung it over my shoulder and grabbed my camera off the small table littered with empty solo cups in front of us.

Austin turned to Smitty, "Her dad makes the best deep-fried turkeys for Thanksgiving. They're incredible," He beamed, "Hopefully he'll make me one when we come to visit," He rubbed his hands together in anticipation, earning an eager nod of approval from Smitty.

I cocked my head to the side and narrowed my eyes slightly, "Visit?" I questioned.

Austin nodded, "Yeah, for tour? Dallas is next week," He grinned excitedly. I opened my mouth to speak but the words caught in my throat and instead I managed a very unconvincing smile accompanied by a slow nod in reply. It was stupid of me to assume Austin wouldn't perform in his hometown, I just wished it hadn't been so soon. Austin narrowed his eyes slightly at me but brushed it off and returned to his beer.

"I'm going to head out, I guess I'll see you Friday?" I asked Austin. 

He stood up from his spot, leaving his beer can behind on the table and patted his pockets, "Yeah, buses leave at ten. Let me get my jacket I'll take you home," He muttered, grabbing his coat off the back of the couch.

I waved him off, "No no, it's fine, I'll just get a cab," I told him, reaching out to gently grip his arm to stop him from gathering his things.

His eyes darted to my hand and then quickly back up to my eyes, his cheeks flushing slightly at my touch, "Regan, I'm not going let you get in a cab at night in L.A. alone," He said sternly, throwing his jacket on.

"Are you okay to drive?" I questioned, nodding my head to Austin's beer can.

"Of course! That's only my second one." I rolled my eyes slightly, but nodded reluctantly, knowing Austin and his ever-present need to take care of those around him meant he would win this argument.

"See you Friday Regan," Smitty said, pulling me in for a tight hug. As I let go, I couldn't help but notice the uncomfortable look on Austin's face as he watched our embrace. I gave Smitty a soft smile and called out a goodbye of sorts to Bobby who was too busy trying to get into the pants of a raven-haired beauty who he had pulled off the dance floor and into his lap.

"Ready?" Austin asked me, his bodyguard perched behind him awaiting Austin's next move.

I nodded and gave him a soft smile, hoping the car ride wouldn't be as awkward as I imagined it would be, "Lead the way." He smiled down at me and nodded, I assume silently thanking me for having a pleasant interaction for once. The crowd was dense, thick with bodies, dancing, touching, making out and getting lost in their surroundings. I struggled to keep my eyes on Austin as he wandered out in front of me, navigating the crowd with ease. I found the exit and after another moment of trying desperately to find him in the sea of people, I let out a quiet huff and veered off from the path, pushing my way through the horde of people. The swarm of bodies crushed my lungs as I waded through them. When I finally made it outside I let out a sigh of relief and glanced around, looking for any hint of Austin and let out another huff when he was nowhere to be found. I pulled my phone out to call a cab when a roar of screams coming from those loitering outside took me by surprise. I glanced over to the exit, Austin and his bodyguard trying their hardest to keep fans at bay as he desperately attempted to make his exit. I let out a quiet chuckle as I crossed my arms across my chest, amused at the adoring fans throwing themselves at him. Austin's eyes searched the crowd, I guessed for me, as he fumbled with signing autographs and posing for pictures. His eyes finally found mine a moment later and I could almost swear I saw him exhale harshly as he finally released the tense breath he was holding. I brought my hand up and managed a slight wave, earning a relieved smile from him in return.