A Light in the Dark // Flicker Series Part I #wattys2019

That's When I Knew

Chapter 87
Evie's POV // That's When I Knew

Niall surprised me by making the rest of the day a recreation of some of our firsts.

We ate dinner where we had our first lunch date. A classic Tennessee barbecue joint that I had suggested for us the day Niall arrived for the music festival.

After dinner, there was no Harry Styles show to attend at The Ryman, but we did enjoy a smaller show at the venue.

After all of that, we landed at a place that has been my home away from home for the last two years: Beck's Cafe.

"Hey you two." Beck chimes as we walk through the door.

"Hi Beck." I reply in a blissful but sleepy tone.

The cafe was quiet with it being so late and the day before New Years Eve. All of our activities from the day have left me exhausted and excited to spend the last bit of our time together cuddled up on the couch with a hot cup of coffee.

Truth be told, this is exactly how I would have chosen to spend my New Years Eve had Niall not convinced me to throw a party. It will be nice to see all of my friends once more and say my goodbyes, but I'm glad I get to spend tonight with Niall.

"I didn't know you two would be in tonight." Beck comments.

"Yeah we're kinda doing a little New Years date for the two of us." I explain, leaning into Niall while we stand at the counter.

"Yeah, Nora told me you can't be there tomorrow. That sucks, man." Beck says, addressing Niall.

"I hate it." Niall says plainly. "But, I couldn't leave without celebrating New Years with my girl." He smiles down at me.

"I understand that. I'm on my way home to have a movie night with mine." Beck tells us, he and Niall exchanging proud grins in the process. "What can I get you before you go?"

"Do you really need to ask, Beck?" I smile knowingly.

"Two regulars, coming right up. Have a seat and I'll bring them to you." He smiles, nodding towards the couches while pulling two cups from the stack of disposable cups next to the register.

We took a seat on one of the couches in the middle of the room and I tucked into Niall's side as he instinctively wrapped his arm around me. His fingers twirled around a stray piece of my hair adding to my perfectly content feeling.

My head on his shoulder allows me to feel him humming along to the song being sung by tonights live act at the cafe.

In a perfect world, this would be my ideal date night both now and forever. This is one of my favorite ways to spend any night for that matter.

Beck's Cafe has been my home away from home since the first moment I stepped foot in the place. The welcoming decor, the smell of fresh coffee being brewed, and the sound that makes up the heartbeat of music city. It all screams home to me. Sitting here with the man of my dreams makes me feel like everything I dreamt about growing up is finally my reality.