So can we pretend that I'm 22 today?
Dancin' on the tables with you, oh yeah
Can we pretend that we all end up okay?
I just wanna forget with you, oh yeah
Can we pretend that we both like the president?
Can we pretend that I really like your shoes? Hell yeah
Can we pretend? 'Cause honestly, reality, it bores me
Let's pretend, oh, let's make believe
Can we, can we pretend?
Noelle
"Drink up birthday girl"
Hannah shoves two drinks in my hands before I can protest and swallows down the content of her glass.
"What's this?" I ask her bringing the glass to my nose and wrinkle it at the smell.
This is strong.
We have been at the George & Dragon for an hour now and I already drank my fair share of cocktails.
Seems like it's Hannah's and Carter's mission to get me drunk tonight.
"Caipirinha" she explains "C'mon, drink up. Carter is ordering shots for us"
"Hannah... My dad and Mae are here, I don't want to drink that much in front of them" stumbling on my heels I put one glass on a table near us and take a long sip from the other.
"I talked to your dad. He told me his friends had to carry him out of a pub when he turned 25. Told me he'll be disappointed if you don't do the same", she tells me, crossing her arms on her chest.
I side-glance at my father, seated in a corner with Anne and Hannah's parents "I don't believe you. He didn't tell you he'll be disappointed"
My best friend laughs "Okay... Maybe he didn't say that, but I know it's not a problem for him if you drink a bit"
I sigh, "This is not a bit Hannah, I'm already tipsy"
"Perfect!" she cheers "I'm gonna see why Carter is taking so damn long with that shots" she turns on her heels and walks quickly to the bar.
Playing with the black straw in my mouth I look around me: Mae and Harry are speaking in a corner of the room, Alice and John and examining the little buffet that George - the pub's owner - has prepared for us, Michael and Gemma are enveloped in each other in the other corner.
This little get together is going well this far, and beside Tweedledum and Tweedledee trying to get me drunk, I'm having a good time.
Honestly, it's been a good day.
Waking up this morning I found myself covered with a blanket that Harry must have put on me before going home.
My dad made his infamous english breakfast that we ate in the living room with Carter and Thomas. They weren't really convinced about eating black pudding but eventually, they swallowed it down, under my father's hard stare.
After breakfasts, we went in London - as planned - and I showed them the loft.
As I expected they fall in love with it. Mae has adored the little walk-in closet and has already planned to spend as many weekends as possible with me in the flat. Thomas had already seen pictures on the place and liked it even more.
My dad suggested I could use a bicycle to go from the kitchen to the bathroom seeing how big the place is.
After that, Carter and I went to see the works at the restaurant are going, to check if everything was going under schedule. We decided not to bring my dad, Mae and Thomas along with us - we preferred to show them the place only when finished - instead, we let them have a look through Camden Market.
As every time I see the soon-to-be-restaurant place, I fall in love with it over again, even more now that it's taking shape.
We decided to eat something from the market stands and after, we came back home to get ready for my party.
Mae had fun dolling me up tonight. She made sure I wore the navy blu jumpsuit she and dad gifted me, and spent extra time doing my make up and curling my hair.
"Did I already tell you look beautiful in blue?" Thomas voice startles me and I realize I must have been lost in my head for quite some time.
I smile, as he arms sneak around my waist and he pulls me to his chest "You can always say it again"
Taking a long sip from the straw I finish my drink and sigh when I remember I have another one waiting for me on the table.
"You look beautiful love" he leaves a gentle open-mouthed kiss on my neck "This will look even better lying on my bedroom floor though" he whispers seductively in my ear.
I shiver from the unexpected contact and turn around in his grip, lacing my arms around his neck "I bet It will be" I reply with a mischievous gleam in my eyes.
What can I say? I'm tipsy, very much in love, and very very horny.
Thomas eyes are ravenous as I bit the inside of my cheek "You don't know what you do to me baby"
"Oh trust me, I know," I say, closing the gap between us and kissing him.
"Oi! Why aren't you drinking?"
Why every time I try to have a make-out session with Thomas someone has to interrupt us?
"I'm not drinking that shit Car. You can drink it if you want" I snort at my friend, hiding my head in Thomas' shoulder.
"Well... You can not drink it. But I have tequila shots for us!" he slurs, clearly already more than tipsy "C'mon Sunshine, it's time to drink, you can dry humping your fiancée later"
"Carter!" I scold him when I realize is tone of voice is louder then necessary and probably everyone in the room heard him.
"Who was dry humping who?" Hannah interjects from behind Thomas and looking up I see her with two shoot glasses in hand
"I caught love birds here with their tongue down each other throats... Again" Carter explains managing to pull me away from Thomas arms.
"Let them be Carcar. You are just jealous because you are the only one not getting some tonight"
As I said Tweedledum and Tweedledee are on full party mode tonight.
Sometimes I ask myself why I thought it would be a wonderful idea to introduce them
I look at my fiancée for help, but he just shrugs and hugs me from behind "Let them have their fun babe. C'mon drink up" he says, taking a shot from Carter hand and handing it to me.
"To Noelle" he cheers taking the drink left on the table and swallow it all down in one gulp.
He can surely hold his liquor.
I hear the room cheer with him and when I look up after gulping down the tequila, I spot Harry looking at me.
I give him a gentle smile as he tilts his glass in my direction, smirking.
"Happy now?" I ask my friends drifting my eyes to Carter and Hannah.
They both grin at me and then look at each other "More tequila!" they say at the same time.
Behind them, Alice and John are approaching us, both of them with a dish full of different food.
"Love, why don't you slow down a bit? There are mini quiche at the buffet, you should eat some" John suggests, putting a hand around Hannah shoulders, and for once I agree with him.
"Yes, why don't you go with her Carter? I saw sausage rolls, your favourites" I tell him, knowing he didn't eat anything after our lunch
He looks at me for a second, thinking about it, " I'm actually a little hungry" Hannah nods "But when we come back, you are ours. We are not done with you" He threats pointing a finger at me.
After they are gone I turn again in Thomas arms, facing him "Please, don't let them make me drink so much, I already feel buzzed" I give him puppy eyes.
He nods, smiling widely "I'll try, but you know how those two are together "
I snort, burying my head in his chest "You know... I was thinking" he starts and I look up at him "There's something that will match your dress perfectly. "
Running my hands up and down his arms I hum, waiting for him to explain further.
"Your ring"
Oh.
Breath catches in my throat and I feel my eyes widen, "I know you are scared to lose it and you prefer to wear as a necklace but, just for tonight, I'd really like to see it on your finger my love" he explains, running a hand through my hair.
"You know I'll put it back on the chain right? It's not only that I'm scared of losing it, Thom. But with my work, I'd have to put it back and forth all the time"
He nods, "I know. Just... for tonight, let me see it where it belongs" he pleads and I can do nothing but agree.
I bring my hands behind my neck to unlock the ring chain but he stops me "No, let me"
I let my hands fall on my sides as his take their place around my neck "What's this?" he asks, feeling the second chain I have on since early this morning.
"Oh it's a gift from Harry", he brings the necklace out from under my jumpsuit top and examines the apron pendant, frowning.
"I didn't see him giving this nor the bracelet to you though" he complains thoughtfully.
Fuck. Fuckity. Fuck.
I told Thomas about the bracelet because he obviously saw it - you should have seen the smug grin on Hannah's face when she noticed it - but I forgot to show him the necklace and to tell him when exactly Harry gave them to me.
In my defence, he didn't really ask me before.
"You didn't see him because he gave them to me yesterday. Or better... Earlier this morning" I murmur looking at the little apron as I feel Thomas tense "Uhm... He came into my room soon after midnight to wish me happy birthday and gave me this and the bracelet. He used a ladder, like when we were kids"
I decide to tell him the truth, not wanting to hide anything from him.
"He was in your room? After midnight? And he climbed a ladder to do so? Couldn't he wait for the morning?" He asks getting nervous.
" I know it sounds bad Thom, but we have always done it. It's our thing I guess" I try to eas my case and make him see that he has nothing to worry about.
Too bad Harry used my words yesterday, and Thomas noticed.
"Seems like you two have a lot of your things" he grumbles, twisting the chain in his fingers.
"They are just old habits, Thomas... I swear it's nothing you have to worry about. I love you" I assure him, taking his face in my hands and fixing my eyes in his to let him see I'm being completely honest.
He sighs, leaning his forehead on mine, "I know ... I'm sorry. Sometimes I can't help myself, and... I'm just scared of losing you sometimes" he admits huskily, looking behind him for a split second.
I leave a gentle kiss on his lips and smile, "That's not going to happen. Now... Let's put on this ring before I change my mind" I joke and he chuckles unlocking the right chain.
"Close your eyes" he demands gently and I tilt my head at him, try to understand what's on his mind "C'mon, close them"
I give him a playful look but oblige, feeling him take a step back, my left hand clutched in his big ones.
I hear him moving and someone gasp from behind me.
Taking a peek I can't help but smile and bring my right hand on my face in surprise as I see my already-fiancée kneeling in front of me.
What the fuck? What on hearth is he doing?
" I know I've already done this, and that you already said yes one time" he jokes "You are probably hating me right now for doing this with so many people around us. The first time a proposed, it was just you and me and I know how much you wished for your family to be there, so I want to ask you again in front of them" his voice is slightly shaking and - even if, yes, a part of me is hating him for doing this - I feel tears in the corner of my eyes " Noelle, love of my life, I knew you were it for me from the moment I laid my eyes on you in that bar, and I know it's always gonna be you, nobody else. Will you marry me, my love?"
I let my eyes travel around the room noticing a few people at the bar counter looking at us.
"Let's say I'll marry you. Are you sure you want to put up with me for the rest of your life? I can be a real ball-buster " I joke. After all, he already knows my answer, I can as well play it cool now
"She's not joking man. I lived with her full time for eighteen years" I hear my dad say and roll my eyes smiling.
"Jim. Be quiet" Anne whispers in return and I'm sure she's giving him a dirty look.
Thomas cracks a smile "Never been more sure"
"Well, if you say so... Yes," I throw myself at him, exactly like the first time he asked me to marry him, while everyone cheers for us.
Thomas hugs me tight and leaves a peck on my lips "If possible, I'm even happier than the first time you said yes" He whispers on my lips.
Smiling, I watch him put the ring on my finger and turn around wrinkling it at our audience.
Gemma, Anne, Alice and my sister come near me to congratulate again. Anne keeps wiping the tears under his eyes. My dad gives a side hug to Thomas, whispering something in his ear that makes him laugh.
Before Hannah and Carter are able to approach me with another round of shots I tell Thomas I'm going out for a smoke and make my way outside, avoiding their shouts in my direction.
Putting on my coat I step in the cold air and light a cigarette up, taking a long drag.
I watch the ring on my finger shine under the streetlights and sigh, exhaling the smoke.
A movement on my side catches my attention and turning in its direction I see Harry, seated on a bench without coat on, looking at the ground.
"Hey, what are you doing out there?" I sit beside him, crossing my legs.
He side-glances at me, running a hand through his curls "I needed some air"
Taking another drag I offer him the smoke "You want?"
I know he doesn't have the habit to smoke, but in the past, when things became too much, he used to ask me for a cigarette now and then.
He shakes his head "I'm good. Thanks though" he mumbles "Thomas put on quite the show back inside"
I clear my throat, the smoke burning my lungs "He wanted to do something sweet"
"Yeah... Sure" he grunts, taking me by surprise when he reaches for a glass beside him and swallows down its content in one gulp.
"Easy there, tiger. You should slow down a bit"
He snaps his head, giving me a hard stare "I just want to have fun. It's a party, isn't it?" he bits back.
Bringing up my hands in surrender, concerned by his behaviour "I don't think you need to drink much to have fun Harry"
He looks at my left hand, where my engagement ring is, "You are not my mother. We are barely friends, I don't need you to baby-sit me" he says harshly.
I beg your pardon?
What the fuck is wrong with him?
I knew it was too good to be true. I knew things couldn't be normal between us. I knew he was going to do something like this.
I'm such an idiot.
How do they say? Once an asshole, always an asshole.
"You know what Harry? Go fuck yourself" I lash out "I don't know what's biting you in the ass, but if you think you can treat me like that when I didn't do anything wrong, you are so damn wrong"
Standing up, I throw my smoke on the ground stepping on it with my heel and turn around to go back inside.
"Elle. Wait" I don't give him a second glance, simply flipping him off before going back inside and make my way to the bar.
"Vodka. Straight. Make it double" I say to the bartender as soon as he approaches me as I tap my fingers on the counter.
"Look who's here. Miss Evans in all her glory" a voice behind me exclaims
I turn around to understand who the voice belongs to and stop and my tracks.
"Caleb?" I ask, shocked.
My first real boyfriend, the one that took my virginity and then left me because jealous of my friendship with Harry, is standing in front of me with a big smile.
Remember when I wished I could be an ostrich?
I really wish I could be one now.
"I didn't know you were back in town" He explains taking a step in my direction and giving me a quick hug "You look ravishing"
"Uhm thank you", giving a nod to the bartender when he puts my order in front of me I take a big gulp of the transparent liquid, letting it burn my throat. "I'm not really back, I'm staying here just another couple of days" I explain, giving him a fake smile.
"Oh, I see... How's life treating you? It's been soo long since we spoke to each other"
Ask your self why.
"Everything is going well" I reply shortly, twisting the ring on my finger in agitation.
Caleb's eyes fall on my hands and he smiles "Finally he grew the bollocks to pop the big question I see... Honestly, I didn't even know you were together. I should have expected it"
I tilt my head in confusion, finishing my drink.
"Harry. Always knew you two would and up together. It's always been him for you, isn't he?"
He speaks slowly, giving me a knowing look, and I'm sure If I still had the vodka in my mouth I would have choke with it.
"My fiancée name is Thomas. Harry and I are not even friends" I reply harshly, remembering Harry's previous words.
"Oh. Well... Tell him I said good luck. He'll need it" he gives me a smug smile and I ask myself why I'm I even giving him the time of a day.
"Right... Will do," I say shortly, turning around and joining my friends.
Thankfully the rest of the night goes well, I don't see Harry after our argument outside and Anne tells me he didn't feel well, so he went home.
Liar.
Carter and Hannah supply me with a large amount of drinks that I take joyfully. Caleb's words keep replaying on my mind, remind me of the time we spent together.
It's always been him for you.
Funny thing is, I didn't feel anything for Harry when me and Caleb where together yet he got it right.
Tell him good luck, he'll need it.
What the fuck did he even mean?
Thomas doesn't need luck, I love him, and nobody else.
My head is spinning with thoughts and alcohol when we finally reach Thomas hotel room. The events of tonight have completely drained me.
Kicking off my heels I turn around as he closes the door behind him and smash my mouth on his.
I just need a distraction, something to keep me away from my thoughts.
Thomas is quick to understand my intentions as his fingers run on my back and reach for the jumpsuit zip, pulling it down.
Our movements are rushed and full of lust.
Our kisses are messy and rough as we undress each other.
We don't waste time with foreplay, both more than ready for the other.
"God. I missed you" he moans on my mouth when my back hits the mattress and he sneaks in between my legs.
"Missed you too" I huskily whisper when his fingers start to rub my bundle of nerves between my legs, making me moan
"Need you" I add, stopping the movement of his hand.
Grabbing his length I stroke it a couple of time, watching as Thomas rolls his eyes in pleasure and bring it to my opening, lifting my hips to let him know I'm ready.
"Love you" he chokes out when he finally enters me, giving me time to adjust to him.
I leave a kiss on his lips, running a hand through his hair and tug harshly at it when he starts moving.
He doesn't take long for us to be a mess of moans and whimpers, both lost in each other, my mind finally shut.
All I can think about is Thomas as he thrust into me, whispering sweets nothings in my ear.
"Love you" I moan when I reach my high, followed by him.
He stays inside me, resting his weight on me as he hugs me tight.
"That was so much needed" He chuckles, kissing the crook of my neck.
"Yeah" I agree, still out of breath.
We stay silent for a while: me running my hands on his back, he leaving kisses where he can reach from his position.
"I need to tell you something babe", he whispers breaking the comforting silence surrounding us.
I hum in response, tilting my head to look at him.
"My mum... She got you a gift, or rather she got us a gift"
"Your mum?" I ask confused, If there's one thing certain is that that woman hates me guts.
Why? Good question.
"How sweet of her" I chuckle, sarcastically.
"Noelle" he scowls me, getting up on his elbow to look at me "She hired a wedding planner to help us"
Breathe stops in my throat and my eyes widen "A wedding planner? I choke out, suddenly nervous.
"She's just worried about the wedding preparations, said we're left behind schedule ... And if you think about, it it's true, we have set the date for now, and time is running short." he strokes my cheek tenderly, trying to make me like his mother's idea.
I know she is right, we are definitely behind schedule with the preparation, but hiring a wedding planner seems a bit overboard to me, especially since she didn't ask me first.
"She knows we want a small ceremony right?" I give in still unsure, knowing that this will easy Thomas mind.
Something less to think about I guess
"Of course. And I already told her we want to celebrate it here" he gives me a toothy smile, clearly happy.
"You did? Are you sure you don't want to do it in New York?"
He nods, giving me a kiss " I know you want to get married here, to feel your mom close. So that's what we'll do. My family will travel here"
Smiling, I mold my lips on his again, kissing him deeply.
"It's all up to you. Venue, restaurant, flowers, invitations, number of guests. As long as it makes you happy, I'm happy." he murmurs leaving a trail of kisses on my jaw, "I can't wait to see you walk down the aisle in a wedding dress and call you Mrs Monreau"
Hold your horses.
"I'll keep my surname. At most, I can give you the hyphen" I breath out, deadpan "Evans-Morneau"
He looks up at me frowning his brows and sighs "You are impossible woman"
"You are the one that wants to marry me. My dad warned you" I smile cockinly.
"That he did" Thomas laughs, blowing a raspberry in the crock of my neck.
"Why don't we just go to Vegas?" I suggest "You, me, and a fake Cher wannabe to celebrate everything"
Thomas looks at me, a mix of concern and amusement adorning his features "You don't really mean that. Plus my family and yours will kill us. I think Mae and my mum will have our heads if we run in Vegas"
"Yeah... You are right" I agree thinking about it "Could have been fun though"
" We could have our bachelor and bachelorette parties there if you want" he proposes, giving me a knowing look.
"Really?" he hums in reply and I adjust my head on the pillow "Hannah and Carter will go nuts," I think out loud.
"Have you asked her to be your maid of honor?"
Still above me, Thomas plants a kiss on my collarbone
"Yes," I confirm "I want her and Mae by my side... What about you? Did you ask Mark?"
Mark is Thomas' best friend, they have known each other since they where kids.
Mark is already married, and he and his wife - Carla - have two baby boys.
Thomas is the godfather of both of them.
"Of course, he is already planning the bachelor party" he smirks
"See? We already are halfway with the planning" I chuckle leaving a kiss on his cheek.
"Uhm Uhm" he replies peppering kisses all over my face "Perfect match we are if you ask me"
I whimper when I feel him hardening inside of me again.
I look between us and then give him a knowing smile "What can I say? Imagining you in white gets me, hard babe"
No word is exchanged between us after that, just the sound of our bodies mashing together again, for the rest of the night.
Harry's and Caleb's words long forgotten.
Hiii!
Ehm... What do you think of the chapter?
I have to warn you... Things just started to get in line, so much as to come, and shit is gonna hit the fan.
Prepare tissues cause next chapters are gonna be a bit sad.. we are going to understand one thing about a character and this will make Noelle think about the past.
Are you enjoying the story so far? I really hope so.
Infinity hit 1k reads yesterday and I'm sooo happy about it.
I really didn't think it will have gone this far.
Anyway, let me know your thoughts.
Vote/share/comment.
All the love,
Didi