An Unorthodox Deal
6: Lauren's POV
"£7.20. £7.20" Joey proclaimed as we walked into the cinema screen "and that doesn't even include food and drink. At least you're not a cheap date"
"Stop moaning, will you? I'm worth it, right? And I'd think very carefully about how you answer that question" I informed him
"Of course you are" he replied "but this place is a rip off, babe"
I shook my head and sighed as we walked up the steps, trying to find our seats. I located them and sat down, Joey sitting down next to me. Thankfully the screen was pretty empty apart from some schoolgirls down at the bottom…
"I can't believe you've let me drag you here" I admitted as the trailers began to play "I must be pretty special"
"You are. I wouldn't let just anyone do this, y'know" he replied, chuckling
"I know you wouldn't, and that makes it even nicer" I informed him "are you just gonna hog the popcorn all night or am I actually gonna get some?"
He smirked and set the popcorn bucket in between us so we could both reach for it whenever we wanted. As the film began to start I moved my position in my chair, getting myself comfier…
7: Joey's POV
This was the first time I'd let a girl drag me to the cinema to see a film of their choice, and the first time I'd paid for them too. I'd known from the very first moment that Lauren was different, and the way I was acting when I was around her just proved it. I glanced at her as she moved her position again, her head resting on my shoulder and her hand entwining with mine. I smiled as I noticed her eyes drooping shut…
"Don't you dare fall asleep on me, Branning. Not after I paid the price I did for these tickets" I whispered
"Shush, let me sleep" she begged
I didn't argue and I sighed, feeling utterly relaxed as her warm breath hit my neck every time she exhaled a breath. God, she was gorgeous…
8: Lauren's POV
"Lauren, time to wake up, babe" Joey whispered, shaking me awake gently
"Don't tell me I missed practically the entire film?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow
"Unfortunately so. You looked too peaceful to wake up though" he admitted, smiling
"You charmer, you. Looks like we'll have to come back again, doesn't it?" I asked
"Only if it's your treat this time" he informed me "come on, let's go"
I nodded and followed Joey out of the cinema screen. As I placed my bag onto the shoulder I felt his hand grab mine and that's when I noticed it, a load of commotion in the foyer where someone had collapsed…
"You okay?" he questioned, pulling me to walk in step with him
I nodded and smiled, subtly glancing down at mine and Joey's entwined hands. We left the cinema and made our way out into the cold night air, Joey's hand still locked in mine. He dropped my hand as we arrived back at his car and I immediately missed it, the warmth that spread through not just my hand but my entire body. Sighing, I climbed in and buckled up, Joey starting his engine and driving off…
9- Joey's POV
It hadn't felt awkward holding hands with Lauren, and I knew I shouldn't have felt the way I did when I did hold her hand but I couldn't help it. That's why I kept hold of her hand until we got to my car. I'd immediately missed her hand in mine, just like I knew she had too as I dropped it and we climbed into the car, driving back to Albert Square, back to reality…
I pulled up outside my house and switched off my engine, noticing Lauren had fallen asleep again. I resisted the urge to move a piece of hair from her face. Glancing around I climbed out of the car and walked to her side, grabbing her handbag from her feet and unbuckling her seatbelt, picking her up into my arms before gently shutting and locking my car door, carrying her across to number five…
10- Lauren's POV
"Is she okay, Joey?" I heard Mum's voice ask worriedly as a door shut behind us
"Yeah, she's fine" he informed her "but she was asleep and I didn't have the heart to wake her up"
"She always falls asleep in the cinema" she chuckled "waste of money going if you ask me. I hope she paid for herself?"
"No, but it's fine. I don't mind treating her every now and again. Which one's her room?" he asked
"Second one on the left. Thank you, Joey" she replied
Joey shifted my weight in his arms and I felt him walk up the stairs, setting me down on my bed…
"Sleep well, beautiful" he whispered.
"Don't go, Joey" I begged, grabbing a hold of his hand as he turned to walk away
"How long have you been awake?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as I opened my eyes to meet his
"Since we were downstairs. Don't go, please" I begged, holding onto his hand still
"I have to, babe" he admitted "I don't think I'd make a very good impression on your Mum and Dad if I slept in their daughter's bed, do you?"
"No, but I don't care. I just want you with me, Joey. I like you company" I sighed
"Here" he stated, pulling off his jumper "imagine I'm here"
I smiled and took the jumper from him, the scent wafting into my nostrils…
"I'll see you tomorrow morning" he informed me.
I nodded and turned away from him, feeling him watch me for a little bit longer before leaving the house…