Stay

34

*NOTE: the song that Niall "sings" in this chapter is by City and Colour. Linked on the side. Feel free to give it a listen when he mentions it

EVIE

I could feel his eyes glance over at me ever so often. I take my chance and look at him in my peripherals. His eyes are trained on the road in front of us, but there’s a smirk playing on his lips.  The setting sun glistens on the spark in his bright blue eyes. I bite my lip, looking away because if I don’t, that same fluttering feeling in my stomach won’t go away. 

The music plays softly in the background. I can’t seem to put my finger on what it is, but I like it. It’s soothing... a soft acoustic sound. One thing that I always appreciate about Niall, is his taste in music. One of the few things that we have in common. 

I slide my sunglasses over my eyes. Theres a nervous tremble in my hands. I keep them in my lap, hoping that they stop shaking. It was embarrassing... I had hoped all day that I wouldn’t be nervous tonight and that I’d be able to conceal my nerves well. I didn’t think that seeing him again, being in this close proximity with one another, I’d feel this way. I was a complete mess inside. All because of this goof. This... guy. When did I become this girl that get’s all nervous because of a boy. 

His hands grip the steering wheel tighter, only loosening to make one final turn into a busy parking lot. He is quick to find a spot, making a quick turn to back in. 

“We’re here,” he said, shifting his car into park. 

I follow close behind him as we walk the short distance to a back door. It was hard to see but it looked like we were at a club of some type. There was a line up of hipster looking folk, lining the edge of the building.

A burly man stands outside the door. His arms covered in a set of tattoos. “Name?” 

“Niall Horan. She’s with me,” he explains, nodding his head towards me. 

“You’re playing tonight?” The bouncer asks, looking at a sheet of paper that he pulled from his back pocket. 

“That’s right.” 

“Go in.” 

Niall walks through the opened door and I’m quick to follow close behind. Everything was dimly lit. Groups of people were dispersed around but it seemed like Niall knew where he was headed. 

“Hey mate. ‘M here to play tonight,” he says to another guy, who stands busily behind a soundboard.

“Niall?”

“That’d be me, yeah.” 

“Great. You can set up over there,” the sound tech motions towards an amp and free chair. It was a simple set up, similar to the last few gigs I attended before. The club was dimly lit all throughout. It resembled more of a lounge than anything else. A relax feel all throughout. There were exposed brick along the walls and a large chandelier hanging up above. I knew already that I would like it. 

“Jones... I have to do a quick soundcheck but you can hang out on the side stage if you want,” he said, while he plugs in his guitar to the amp. He’s using the guitar strap that I gave him for Christmas. Of course he is. 

“Uh, sure...” And like the awkward human being that I am, I walk over to the side of the stage. There’s a stool in the corner that I grab for myself, and a slide on to sit. If I’m going to be that girl that stands on the side of the stage awkward and uncomfortable, at least I’m going to sit while doing it. 

I sit back and watch as Niall plays a few chords on his guitar. It’s not a song per say, but it sounds great regardless. 

Groups of people begin to trickle into the lounge - club place... I should really ask Niall where we are. Is this a club? I guess it is... And it soon becomes packed with people.