Typical [L.P. + N.H. + A.I.]

3.3 - Summer - Lunch

'Hello, Jess! How are you this fine afternoon?' Louis asks with that wide proud smile of his.

'Jessie? I didn't you work here!'

'I do! Nice to see you guys! Ready to order?'

'It's gonna take a while. Those two never know what to pick!' Michael says pointing at Luke and Calum.

'Alright, take your time. I'll be back in a bit.'

I go to where we prepare the drinks and I fill glasses of soda for another table. Then Ash comes up to me.

'Ash, I'm working. What do you want?'

'Wow, nice to see you too!'

'Don't get me wrong. It is nice to see you. But I'm working and you're making me nervous.'

'I just, yesterday, before Mike interrupted us, I didn't get the chance to ask for your number.'

'Well, I'd be happy to give it to you after I'm done with work.'

'And when is that?'

'I only have one more table other than yours. So if you stay long enough, I should be able to leave when you do!'

'Awesome. See you later, cupcake.' He quickly kisses my cheek.

'Nop, not cupcake.' I tell him before he walked away.

I serve the drinks and then go back to where I usually wait, Anna comes up to me hurriedly.

'Oh my god! Did Ashton just kiss you?'

'No, it was on the cheek it's nothing. Nevermind.'

'You're blushing! You like him!'

'Let it go, Anna!'

'No! Your cheeks are as red as his hair! You like him!'

'Okay, maybe I do! So what? It's not like he likes me.'

'Oh, I think he does! I mean, He's even looking at you now.'

'They're probably just ready to order. Excuse me.'

I walk over to their table. 'Ready to order?'

I take their order and continue doing my job properly. It's a little frustrating cause all I want to do is to sit with them. But I can't until I'm off.

Eventually, they finish eating, and I can finally leave work. I go out through the back door like I usually do, only to find two cars parked in front of me, in one there's Liam and Tommo and in the other I can only see luke on the front passenger seat, I'm guessing Calum and Mike are in the back, because Ash is outside leaning on the side of the car.

'What's going on?' I ask him.

'You told me you'll give me your number when you're off work. And you're off work.'

'Seriously? You're holding off 5 people for a number?' I ask, holding my hand out for his phone. 'You know you could've just asked Liam for it.' I tell him, writing my number down then giving him back his phone.

'I had a feeling he wouldn't give me it for some reason.'

'What? No way. Anyway, where are you all going now?'

'To the studio. Wanna join? There's still place in the back seat.'

'I think I'm gonna drive with Liam. I haven't seen Louis in two weeks I miss him.'

'Okay, see you there then!'

I go to Liam's car and sit in the back seat then we start driving back to the studio.

'So, Jess, Liam caught me up with the news.'

'Yeah? What do you think?'

'I just want you to be happy. So if you like Ashton and he wants to be with you then yeah go for it.'

'I mean I don't know if we're there yet, all we do is occasionally flirt here and there. He did mention going out alone just me and him yesterday. But he never mentioned anything about a date. So I don't know. But I was honest with him. I told him I'm still getting over someone and need some time before jumping into anything.'

'And what was his reaction?'

'He was very understanding, but his attitude hasn't changed.'

'Hmm...'

'What do you think that means Louis?'

'From what I saw today, I'm sure he likes you.'

'But I told him I need time. Shouldn't he like distance himself, or like move on? Like I'm not worth waiting for. Especially that he's leaving in less than a month.'

'Well, he doesn't seem to think so. He's staying around, and he's making sure that you're noticing him.'

'Liam?' I ask.

'You know what I think.'

'Why are you so against me and Ash happening? It's not just about Niall. Even Ash felt it, he told me that if he asked you to give him my number you wouldn't have agreed.'

'Of course, I wouldn't have.'

'Even if she agreed to it?' Louis asks Liam.

'Yes.'

'But why?'

'Because! I don't want to be stuck in the middle. I don't want to be the one who has to pick up the pieces on both sides when it doesn't pan out! It's tiring.'

'Has Niall been talking to you?' I ask Liam.

'Yes. Everyday. Asking me about you, Jess. Because he can't talk to you directly since he's giving you space or whatever. I'm tired of it!'

'Well, tell him to stop asking. That I'm fine and he should just move on.' I tell him.

'Don't you think I've tried?'

'I'll talk some sense into him.' Louis suggests.

'And Liam. I'm sorry if I put you in this position. I really didn't mean for it to happen this way. And you don't really have to worry about me or "picking up the pieces" I can take care of myself. We're all grown up here. We all know things don't always work out. I'm fine with it. He should be too.'

'Fine.' Liam throws.

'Fine?' I question.

'You can give it a shot with Ashton when you feel like you've really moved on from Niall. I won't be opposed to it anymore. But only, if you've moved on!'

'Thank you, Liam! You're the best!'

'Umm, Excuse me!' Louis exclaims.

'Aww! Louis, you're the best too! I love you both so much!'

'Love you too!' They both say simultaneously.