QOTD: fave original song of olivia??
i swear i didn't stan that girl as much as josh but after hearing her quarantunes, they're almost equal at this point
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Josh's POV
𝐈 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃𝐍'𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏 𝐁𝐔𝐓 smile over to Adeline as she tried to pep herself up. I was going to meet her family for the first time. Yet she was the one who probably needed encouragement that it was going to be okay. But I get it, she hadn't done this since Jordan - and after meeting him today I understand why she'd have doubts at all.
I still couldn't wrap my head around how a guy could do that to her. Addie wouldn't hurt a fly, I hoped that she'd never have to feel that betrayed again.
But again, I knew why she was nervous - because this wasn't even real. A fake boyfriend was meeting her family in order to lay off her for not dating anyone. I wouldn't have expected myself to go in this far with her, but it was like the more she pushed me away from doing it - the more I wanted to. I just wanted to stick around.
"Okay Josh you're an actor right so you remember everything I told you - how to be perfect and shit and what our story is so we don't get caught" Addie spoke quickly and Blaire looked over to me and laughed with pity.
I was so rehearsed in fact, that when Addie first gave me the guidelines, I typed them all in my Notes.
"Addie gave you homework, classic" Angelo commented and I looked back to him and playfully rolled my eyes. Addie then slapped her brother's arm making him laugh even more.
"Look Addie I know you're nervous, but I won't let you down," I assured and she looked up to me and let out a shaky breath. My words helped - but we all knew Adeline was just a worrier.
"Hey and if he forgets the lines he can always improvise, and that's on Season 1 Episode 10" Blaire added. I grinned at her and pointed, to let her I know I appreciated the backup and she smiled in return. It was so awesome being surrounded by people who really appreciated my work.
I slightly brushed my hand over hers to get her attention, as she was just looking at the door before she turned to me. Addie nodded but I sighed as I could still tell she was not confident. This anxiety of hers would just ruin the whole thing before I even started talking to her Mom.
"Okay would it help you if you ran me through it all one more time?" I asked. She finally smiled and took in a deep breath before turning towards me. Blaire and Angelo just huffed, as they had to wait behind us for a bit longer.
"Okay just like a few pointers maybe...just remember you need to compliment Mom's food and eat as much as you possibly can and if she asks if you want a drink just say water. And you know Aunty G is tricky but just hold conversation and don't seem intimidated and if she offers you gum you take it like you need it to survive - she has so many in her bag and pockets for her smoking but like she'll offer some if she doesn't hate you - "
"I remember feeling like a boss when she gave me one" Blaire chimed.
"Exactly, oh and don't mention my dad. Mom's mad at him for not making it already, and don't mention the ball around them. That's it I guess -"
"Wait, why not the ball again?" I then interrupted.
"Well 'cause they'll get all on your case about 'taking me' when that's not even what you're doing - like you're going to perform but they'll just pressure you as much as me, and we don't need that" Addie clarified like it was obvious.
I looked back to Blaire and saw she was glaring the back of Addie's head, angered by her cluelessness. Cool, at least we were both thinking the same thing. I just wished Addie understood. Blaire then told me with her eyes to fix the problem, I cleared my throat and tried to figure out how to word it.
"Wait but isn't that the whole reason they wanted you with someone now? Like your Aunt kept saying that she wanted you...like there with someone. I-I mean I wouldn't mind-"
"You guys what the hell I'm hungry and we're just standing at my front door - gimme that" Angelo suddenly urged before snatching the keys Addie was fumbling. She also snapped out of her thoughts and moved back for him to unlock the door.
Here goes nothing.
"Mooom we're here!" Angelo yelled throughout the house. Blaire closely followed him and mouthed to us "Good luck" and we both smiled gratefully. However she said it so mischievously as she was so excited to see how it'd go down.
"Hey guys," Addie's Mom chimed as she walked into the room, before her eyes landed on me, "and you must be Joshua, I've heard - not much about you - but it's good to finally meet you" she said whilst side-eyeing Addie, making the girl roll her eyes. I simply chuckled and shook her Mom's hand.
"It's so good to finally meet you Mrs. Phillips, dinner already smells great" I added, which made Mrs. Phillips smile.
"Oh - why thank you...and please, call me Eva" she replied and that brought the biggest smile to my face. I glanced at Addie quickly to see that her brows were raised.
"Now, would you like anything to drink Josh?" she asked as she already started walking away. I had Adeline's notes in my head, there was no reason for her to worry.
"Oh that'd be great, I'd love just a water" I replied. I was impressed with myself to be honest at this point. I had met a couple of girl's parents before - but I had never wanted to impress them as badly as I did right now.
"The healthy choice, I like it. Guys just make yourselves comfortable and I'll bring everyone water" she said as she perused all our faces. I thanked her in response and as Eva, Angelo and Blaire walked away - I turned to Addie. Her mouth was slightly hanging.
"Leveled up already Adeline, is someone a little speechless?" I whispered as I neared her. I said it in the cheekiest way that I think it took Addie by surprise.
"Oh p-please, the night has barely started my Mom's just happy an older boy's in the house - it's Aunty G that'll run you over" she taunted and I faked a scared expression.
My face was so close to hers at this point so no one could hear us, but I was craving the intimacy more than expected, "well let's see how that goes" I said before seamlessly embracing my hand in hers. She scoffed but walked ahead of me, our connected hands propelling me behind her.
Blaire approached us and went close to Addie, "Time for you to be an actress Ms. Phillips" she teased and Addie nudged her away. We all knew she sucked at lying, but her lie started this - and she was going to have to lie to not make it worse...?
"I may just have a panic attack" Addie whispered. Blaire's teeth gritted but she grabbed onto her best friend's shoulder.
"Hey it's going to be fine - don't think about the future right now and shit. Just know you have a literal actor acting as your other half and he's probably more prepped than you are," she assured. Blaire smiled over to me and I returned it gratefully.
"Exactly Addie. We're here now there's nothing we can do, I know you suck at lying but I'm here to help" I added. I found myself squeezing her hand again, I couldn't help myself.
"I'm just sorry you are here, in this mess. But I guess we gotta just finish it off now" Addie responded and I felt my happiness dim. I hated when she put herself down for including me in this.
"For the last time Adeline, I wouldn't have stayed around this long if I didn't wanna be here. In fact it was my idea - so shall we do this?" I urged. Addie's eyes then connected to mine and it's like we had a conversation just through that. She was prepping herself for good, I could feel it.
"He used your full cLASsiFied name so you know he's serious" Blaire added and I giggled with her. Her best friend seemed to be the perfect confidante - I'm glad Addie at least had her through everything.
"Okay - okay let's do it" Addie announced. Blaire went for a fist bump and I returned it proudly. Blaire then walked back to the kitchen and it was just us walking to the lounge.
The first person to see us now was Aunt Gwen, her eyes darted to our hands and I felt Addie seize up slightly - I think her Aunt made everyone nervous. But again, I squeezed her hand to let her know we're fine.
"Why look who it is, it's the lovebirds that refuse to admit they were lovebirds" Gwen announced proudly after taking her eyes off her phone. Eva then walked in and gave the three of us some water and gave telling eyes to Gwen - they seemed to say 'Go easy on him.'
I chuckled lightly, "Yeah that was a uh - confusing time," I replied and Addie only nodded, "but it's really nice to see you again Gwen, how've you been?" I asked. Gwen's lip raised into the weakest smile before putting her phone aside.
"I've been alright Mr. Bassett, just sorting out deadlines and such for our upcoming gigs and clients - in fact I just finished editing Adeline's article. Not bad sweetie." she said, trying to get the blonde's attention.
"T-thanks Aunty G" she replied. I almost wanted to laugh at her shyness. Aunty G was family but she was just so stressed to lie to her the wrong way, I felt her lean further into me for protection. I didn't mind it though.
"How's the album coming along then?" she asked me and I tilted my head slightly. It was getting somewhere, but not by much.
"Oh y'know, I'm writing a couple songs - I've got my co-star Olivia helping me with one. Still working on trying to find the thing that really brings it all together I guess" I detailed and she nodded with a smile.
We then proceeded to talk for a few more minutes - Addie casually had her one-liners and laughs but otherwise she was very comfortable watching me get along with her Aunt.
"Addie you seem to be awfully quiet, I don't see why you're stressed - Josh is the new guy yet he seems to be talking to me as if we're friendly...unlike some people" Gwen sassed. I couldn't help but smirk down to Addie and she squinted her eyes at me.
"Sorry I just uh - I guess I didn't wanna interrupt, I'm fine listening" she replied and Gwen chuckled to herself. She then reached into her bag, she brought out a packet of cigarettes but then she brought out another small item.
"Excuse me guys I just need my nicotine fix - Joshua do you want one?" Gwen asked, as she extended her arm with a piece of gum in her hand. I smiled wider than I should have, as Gwen's brows creased at my happiness over a confectionary item.
"I would love one Gwen, thanks" I assured before she dropped it in my palm. After Gwen walked off, I held the gum in front of Addie's face and I watched her just stare at it.
"I don't know how you do it Allstar" Addie whispered into my ear. I wanted to jitter as I felt her breath tickle my face. The sensation was doing insane things to me.
"Oh please, the night has barely started" I mimicked. Addie giggled before she lifted her head to meet my gaze. My grin then faltered - as did hers - as we just concentrated on each other for longer than usual.
"Dinner's ready guys!" we then heard Eva yell. Addie's eyes shook out of focus and she shot out of her seat. She quickly gestured for me to follow her, and I did as I was told.
I wanted to believe we just had a moment. Adeline had to have felt something just then. Right?
─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
--- notes ---
y'all my motivation is really low at the moment suakdkdkkejtj
tiktok has also shadowbanned me so im breaking up w her
but hope you enjoyed the chapter b!
votes and comments really keep
💞 me inspired 💞