We're Just Friends

Chapter 11

Lauren's POV

The next morning, I woke up with a massive smile on my face. And also the worlds biggest headache. I groaned slightly as I shifted my position, which was a lot harder to do in a tent with a cast on one arm.

"Are you ok, babe?" Joey asked, sitting up.

I smiled, "I'm fine, love. Just a headache, that's all. How are you?" I asked, turning my head to look at his face.

"So, so happy," he said with a smile.

"Aw, JoJo," I said. I cupped his face with my hand and stretched up to plant a kiss on his lips.

We spent a long time just wrapped up in each other's arms, not wanting to leave and pretend we weren't together. When we heard our friends' voices, we decided it was best to get up. Just as I was about to unzip the tent, Joey pulled me back in for a kiss.

"Just one more for luck," he whispered before we headed outside to join everyone.

Everyone helped me with my breakfast, seeing as I only had use of one arm. And by everyone, I meant Joey. Though everyone was too wrapped up in their own conversations and food to really pay attention.

Today we were going for a walk around the town. We only had today and tomorrow left before we went home on Saturday, and everyone wanted to spend tomorrow at the beach.

After breakfast, I went back to the tent to get ready. I chose a pair of shorts and a shirt to wear with my black converse. I brushed my hair through, but didn't do anything fancy with it because I couldn't manage it. I put a bit of makeup on before calling it a day.

"Damn, Lo. You look good," Joey said, walking into the tent. I smiled and wrapped my arms around his waist.

"Thanks JoJo," I whispered into his chest.

"You ok, babe?" He asked and I nodded.

"I just like your hugs," I said, blushing a bit. I have never been this affectionate with any of my past boyfriends. Joey really brought out a different side of me.

He smiled and held me tighter. "Well I'll just have to keep hugging you then, won't I?" He asked.

I gazed up into his eyes and got lost in them for what felt like a hundred years.

"Joey! Lauren! Are you guys coming?" Joe called from outside the tent.

Joey and I instantly dropped our arms and I grabbed my bag. "Coming," we called at the same time. I quickly gave Joey one last kiss before we exited the tent, zipping it up after we left.

The beachside town was so beautiful. I took loads of photos, both of the scenery and of my friends. We came across a little cafe that looked good for lunch, so we all headed inside. We sat down at a table of 8 and started looking through the menus.

"What are you going to have, Lo?" Joey asked, subtly placing a hand on my thigh.

I smiled, "I think I'm going to go for the salad. What about you?" I asked, turning to him.

"I was thinking the club sandwich," he replied. I nodded, approving of his choice before turning my attention back to our friends, Joey's hand still firmly resting on my leg.

After lunch, we carried on walking, stopping off in some of the shops. I giggled as Joey kept coming up to me wearing silly hats in one of the shops. He was doing all he could to make me laugh.

"JoJo, stop," I laughed. I was getting weird looks from everyone around me but I didn't care. Joey disappeared only to reappear a few moments later wearing another hat and some glasses. He pulled a face and I burst out laughing again.

Unable to stop laughing, I decided to leave the shop to avoid the looks from everyone. Once outside, I walked to the other side of the road to calm down. Seconds later, I felt a pair of hands on my waist.

"You ok, Lo?" Joey asked, smiling as I carried on laughing.

I took a few breaths to calm down, and eventually stopped giggling. "Don't do that again. I almost peed myself," I said, holding back another burst of laughter.

He smiled and pulled me into a hug. "I told you your laugh was my favourite thing to hear," he whispered, kissing the top of my head. I smiled into his chest and inhaled his scent.

"I haven't laughed like that in a long time," I said honestly.

We pulled apart before our friends left the shop and started to walk back to the campsite. Joey's hand was interlocked with mine the entire time. If anyone noticed, they didn't say anything.

The rest of the evening was spent with all of us together. This past week had been such a surreal experience. I couldn't believe it had been only a week since Will was at my apartment. In that time we'd broken up, and Joey and I had gotten together. Part of me worried I was rushing into things with him, but deep down, I knew Joey and I were meant to be. We'd been closer than friends for a long time, but neither of us seemed to really notice. It all just felt so natural, and this was the last piece of the puzzle that was falling into place.

That night, Joey and I were lying in each others arms once again. We laid in silence, with one of us occasionally breaking it to either say something or kiss the other one.

"What do you want to do about telling everyone?" Joey asked suddenly.

I sighed, "I don't mind. I've enjoyed having it as our little secret, but I want the whole world to know I'm in love with Joey Richter," I said, smiling as I said it.

Joey squeezed me just a little tighter. "And I want everyone to know I'm in love with Lauren Lopez," he whispered, planting a kiss to my head.

"I've got an idea," I said suddenly. Joey hummed, waiting for me to continue. "Why don't we have a bit of fun with them tomorrow? The girls know I was going to say something to you about how I felt. I'm sure the guys know as well."

"What do you mean by fun, Lopez?" he asked a little hesitantly.

I smiled, "oh you know, just being a bit more touchy-feely, bit more flirtatious. Just drive them mad I guess," I said and he smiled.

"Sounds good to me," Joey whispered as I brought my lips to his, kissing him one last time before we both fell asleep.

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Hope you enjoyed chapter 11!

This book is almost done but I'm really enjoying writing some new stuff so hopefully I'll have more to publish soon!

E xo