Curious

Chapter 16

We had arrived at the hotel early hours this morning and I was relieved to hear Peter tell me I actually had my own room this time. We were going to be in Birmingham for three nights so I unpacked a few things in my room to make it a little more welcoming. I have no idea how famous people can deal being in different hotels and places constantly whilst on tour. I had gotten a few hours sleep once we were checked in and I had never been so grateful for a proper bed. I text Archie to let him know I was now in Birmingham and I would ring him after rehearsals. 

We had a quick soundcheck at the arena and then went into the dance studio to rehearse whilst the boys did their own soundcheck on stage. “You guys want one last run through on the stage?” Mabel asked us after being informed the boys were just finishing up. The stage was still unfamiliar territory to me so I immediately nodded and off we went. The boys decided to sit and watch whilst sitting on the rows of plastic chairs in front of us. We were half way through ‘Boyfriend’ when one of the assistants walked in with a bunch of flowers, not too over the top but still some thought had gone into them. Whosever those were, they were very lucky. The performance stopped whilst we waited for the assistant to pass over the flowers. Half expecting them to be for Mabel, I focused on adjusting the waistband of my joggers and almost missed her shout, “Olivia Bellwood?” My eyes shot up, flowers for me? Mabel shot me a wink and nudged me forward  to go get them. 

Suddenly I felt like I was on a catwalk when everyone’s eyes were on me walking towards these flowers. I thanked the assistant before taking the flowers and searching for a gift tag. I picked the card out of the bunch and examined it closely. Feeling the close presence of others, I knew they were reading it too. “Way to go, Liv.” Mabel said hip bumping me. “Nice move.” Aaron agreed, raising his eyebrows at me. “Who the f**k is Archie?” Brad said, trying but failing to hold back his annoyed tone. Aaron put his hands on Brad’s shoulders, before gently tapping his cheek in a playful manner. “Calm down Rocky, he’s the lad from the club.” He laughed before heading back to his seat. Everyone else returned to positions except Brad, desperately searching for my eyes for some sort of confirmation. “I’m meeting up with him tonight, here.” I confessed. I shuffled awkwardly on my feet. “Aaron’s idea.” I quickly added in but then instantly regretted it as I Brad’s teeth clenched and shot a look towards his best mate. 

The rehearsal resumed and before I knew it was time to go and get ready for the show and meet Archie. I had rang Beth and told her everything. “Good for you though Liv, you need to start being selfish and having a little fun. It’s the perfect time for you.” She replied down the phone. She was right, it was time for me to start having fun. I missed the reckless and experimenting stage everyone else seemed to have around 18 because I was in a long term relationship. “So what are you going to do tonight with Archie boy?” She asked, sounding excited. “I’ve actually got to go meet him now and bring him back stage whilst I do my thing on the stage.” I said, glancing up at the large clock on the dressing room wall. “Well go get your man, Bellwood.” She laughed through the phone. I rolled my eyes and laughed back before saying my goodbyes. 

I walked through the corridors, starting to feel slightly nervous. This was only the second time I would be seeing him and I was in my incredibly short shorts.  Taking a deep breath, I motioned for the security guard to open the door and let Archie in. Seeing him stood next to a plain white wall made me remember why he caught my eyes that night in the club. His auburn, almost red, hair stood in a quiff style but looked effortless and messy as well and styled and looked after. His eyes were a fiery chestnut colour, almost as if they were glistening in the bright lights. He stood with dark slim fitting jeans, a white tee and blue denim jacket to accompany it. I looked at him and gave him a smile as he made his way over to me. “Hey.” He said with a raspy voice. “Hi.” I almost squeaked. How could I forget just how good looking Archie really was?!