We Took A Chance

My nerves begin to ease up as the movie progresses and I don't feel as awkward anymore. The fact that everyone is watching the movie is helpful if going unnoticed. I'm grateful I haven't had to have a conversation with Niall's friends yet. Now that I've met them I can mentally prepare for the next time. If there's a next time. When the movie is over and they announce that they are leaving, I wonder who will take me home. It seems that all 3 of them were headed elsewhere after this so I wouldn't want Jeff to drive out of his way to drop me off.

Niall is at the door, walking his friends out and saying their goodbyes as I watch from the couch biting my thumb. The thought of excusing myself and taking a bus runs through my mind but Niall quickly gets rid of that thought.
"Glad they're gone." he states and sits back down next to me. Was he actually wanting to be alone with me? I'm not sure if I should feel afraid or glad.
"They seem like nice people." I assure him before looking around his living room. Not sure what came over me but at that moment I get up and walk towards his guitar wall to admire it. "Do you play?" I ask wishing I could touch them.
"I do." he replies and walks over to the wall to stand beside me. He grabs the only acoustic one of the 5 hanging . "Do you want me to play something?"
A smile couldn't help but appear on my face. "Yes, please."

We walk back to his sectional to sit and he balances the guitar ever so delicately on his knee before beginning his tune. I couldn't recognize the song but it sounded beautiful. I secretely wished he'd sing, but he didn't.
"You play really well. I'm impressed." I compliment him and his eyes squint with the big smile displayed between his rosy cheeks.
"Well, I'm glad you're impressed." He gets up and places the autographed guitar back in it's place and then returning to sit beside me.
"So tell me, Zoe, when can I show you around London?" I had forgotten he'd offered, but I'm glad he remembered.
"I don't know, honestly. I'll have class Tuesday through Friday, I work weekends and Monday mornings. Basically I only have free time in the evenings. I'm sure you're busy plenty, too."
"You'd be surprised, I have a lot of free time lately." he chuckles a bit and I remember Leah mentioning his band's break. "I know we'll find time, though." something about his sureness made my heart flutter. Niall wants to hang out with me?

We continue our conversation and I tell him about my anchorwoman job waiting back home and how I was pressured to attend university right out of high school. I even told him I wanted to backpack through South America but I never mention Andrew. I don't want to reopen that wound at the moment. I noticed that the conversation was mostly based on me. Whenever I'd try to steer it his way, he'd answer but turn it around so it can be about me again. I desperately wanted him to mention his job as I felt it was the elephant in the room. Without a doubt he must know I know, but yet he avoids talking about it at all costs.

It isn't until I check my phone when Niall excuses himself to the bathroom that I realize how late is was and I have to wake up early for class.
"Shit!" I excclaim to myself but then see Niall approaching the spot we've been sitting on for the last 5 hours since his friends left.
"Everything ok?" he questions rubbing his palms on his jeans.
"It's past 10, I have class early tomorrow." I answer with panic in my voice.
"Shit, I'm sorry Zoe. I shouldn't have kept you here this long. Time just flew by, I thought it was earlier.." he apologizes but he doesn't know I wouldn't have wanted to do anything else but this. What I was fearing to be an awkward afternoon turned out to be great.
"No, Niall, it's not your fault. I really enjoyed being here, it's just we really lost track of time."
"I'm glad to hear that." he smiles slightly, " I'll take you home, come on. I don't want you to oversleep tomorrow." he grabs his wallet from one of the shelves next to the tv and I grab my purse from the coffee table. Before exiting, I take one last look at his place. Who knows when or if I'll ever be back.

Notes

Niall, oh, Niall. You've been so unproblematic for the past 6 years. WHY?!!?
I'm happy for him, though.