Curious

Chapter 20

Olivia’s POV

It was travelling time again, however this time I was happy about it because in just over 4 hours, I will be on my way to my hometown! We had just left Birmingham and after two really fun days with Archie and his friends, we had to say goodbye, not really sure when we would be seeing each other again. He had left me a steamy kiss as we said goodbye before I got on the bus, well aware I had an audience. “See you soon, Liv.” Archie smiled, giving me a quick wave as the bus doors shut. It was almost impossible to wipe the smile off my face. I had a feeling things were going to progress with Archie. He was sweet but funny and most importantly, he let it be known that he wanted me and only me.

I was sitting on one of the sofas on the bus, scrolling through my social media. Lucy had found my i********: so I gave her a follow back, noticing she had uploaded a photo of us both in Popworld the other night. I smiled instantly at my phone. “Can you not even have 5 minutes without speaking to each other?” A voice snarled. I looked up with a frown present to see Brad stood there with his arms folded. “You know you’re on our tour right? The last time we actually spoke was back in Eastbourne.” he spat. I was taken aback by his venomous tone. What was his problem? “God forbid I have a life outside you guys.” I bit, rolling my eyes in annoyance. “What have I said about rolling your eyes at me?” He said, sounding almost angry now. “Who the f**k are you? My dad?” I snapped, now standing up to face him despite the height difference being comical. I saw him wince at my last words. Everyone knew my dad was a deadbeat, just like Aaron’s dad. I guess the girls in our family all had a taste for dickheads and I had gotten my membership with Lewis. “I can do what I want Brad, I don’t need babysitting and I definitely don’t need you.” I shouted, pointing my finger at him. I was furious and I still had another 3 hours of this journey to go. 

I stormed past him, letting our shoulders collide angrily, passing Aaron on the way. “What the hell was that all about?” I heard Aaron ask Brad. “Nothing. It was nothing.” Aaron said through gritted teeth. I took myself to my bunk to calm down. One of my downsides was how hot headed I was. When something angered me, there was no reasoning with me and I definitely took no s**t. “Liv.” Brad started as he came closer to my bunk. I held my hand up to his face, “Don’t want to hear it.” I spat out. “Oh yes you do, you two in there and sort this out now.” Aaron ordered us, pointing to the sofas at the end of the bus. I huffed and walked towards the sofas. “Sort, whatever this is, now.” Aaron said looking angry, motioning between Brad and I, before slamming the door shut. 

An awkward silence filled the room. I watched Brad, pace back and forth near the door. His face was a frown but I could see his mind doing overtime. His hair slightly messy where he had been running his hands through it and his jaw clenched, letting the world see his beautifully defined jaw. His biceps were flexed as his hand reached up for his hair again. His t-shirt rose a little to reveal his sculpted V lines. I felt my breath hitch a little at the sight before. Thoughts definitely not suitable for innocent minds filled my head as I frantically tried to think about something else, but failing massively as I bit my lip in desire. 

The sound of my phone signalling that I had a text, knocked me out of my lustful daydream. “Is that Archie?” Brad asked, almost sounding sheepish. I glanced down and saw the text across the screen. “No, it’s Beth.” I replied, shortly. “Why are you so bothered about Archie?” I asked, curious as to why he was so intrigued in him, a small something in me hoping he could have been jealous. A silence fell and I scoffed in annoyance, seriously what was his problem? “I’m not bothered about him. I’m bothered about you.” He started, I tried to ignore the butterflies that were now in my stomach. “You’re one of my best friends Liv, I don’t want you to get hurt again after we all spent this time picking up the pieces from Lewis.” He continued with the straightest face ever. I felt my gut wrench, unsure if it was the mention of Lewis and the reminder of what he did or if it was the fact he had ultimately friendzoned me. “I’m not going to get hurt.” I said, looking down at my hands. My voice came out a lot smaller than I anticipated. “At least not off Archie.” I whispered to myself. “I don’t want to fight with you, Olive.” Brad said, sighing. My eyes snapped up at his choice of name. He was the only person to ever call me Olive. 

Another silence fell over us, a more comfortable one this time. “Okay.” Was all I managed to spit out. My mind running over the past few weeks and all the things that had happened. Finding out my fiancé of nearly 6 years was having an affair the whole time I was in London, the secret rendezvous with Brad, meeting Archie, becoming a professional dancer for Mabel. I flung my head back on the sofa, wondering when my life became so complicated. I couldn’t help but think if Lewis never cheated if any of this would have happened? “What are you thinking about?” Brad asked, using a more softer tone with me now and sitting next to me. “How my life would make a great film right about now.” I laughed, shaking my head. “Yeah, living with a boy band would make a good movie.” Brad laughed. I don’t know why I did this, but it felt right. I moved my body so my head was laid across his lap. I let out a sigh of comfort.  Brad didn’t move, internally telling me he was okay with this. 

We must have sat there for quite some time, laughing and talking s**t, because the next thing I knew we were almost in Newcastle.