Chapter 10
It was mid-afternoon the sun was out and Nicole sat on the sidewalk her sunglasses covered her eyes she continued to look up and down the street and still no sign. She took her phone and scrolled through the 'recent calls' list and seeing Shane's name and she replayed his message to her from this morning and how he had suggested if she could get out of school a bit earlier, and without thinking she agreed to it straight away. She only hoped the principal and deputy principal found out because they wouldn't at all be impressed. Now she sat out here at the school's back gate waiting for Shane to turn up and she could feel her nervous starting to kick in. All of a sudden Nicole heard running footsteps form somewhere behind her but ignored it; only for a backpack to land right net to her moments later.
'Fine I can accept you want to ignore me.' Vickie remarked Nicole burst out laughing.
'Sorry Vick but like I'm really nervous right now I mean I sort of knew it would just be me and Shane but not until 4pm.' She answered.
'Why are you leaving so early though?'
'My boss at the pet store in Neutral Bay left a message on my phone asking if I wanted to start at 1:30pm until 4pm and then I don't work tomorrow,'
'There is nothing else going on here anyway just sport so no point hanging around for it,' Vickie said she slipped on her sunglasses as well and pulled out her drink bottle.
'I'm kind of nervous too you know this is like such a big deal for me, people are going to know about me and I'm not looking forward to it,' she replied Nicole nodded her head.
'I bet you'll go great today. Who cares what everyone else might think anyway they are all jealous and you shouldn't worry about them.' She replied Vickie couldn't help but laugh at her friend being so wise.
'Thanks Nic but since when did you suddenly become so wise?' she asked causing them both to laugh. Shane turned his car up the street seeing the two of them sitting and chatting together.
'Here we go.' He said and drove up along the curbside Nicole and Vickie immediately looked around their conversation stopped and Nicole could feel the nerves returning to her stomach.
'Hey, Shane you look great!' Vickie said.
'Thanks Vick good to see you not nervous yet.' He replied he got out of the car walking up to the pathway he hugged her.
'Yeah; not yet but I will when the time comes,' she replied.
'By the way how is Mark?' she asked.
'I think he's fine saw him briefly before I left and he seemed to be a bit tense,' He said.
'Ok that is cool I'll give him a call later when I'm at work.' She said Shane now turned his attention to Nicole she just looked at the ground feeling a little embarrassed Vickie got the hint.
'All right well I better go, can't be late I'll see you guys later.' She added and picking up her backpack she headed off down the street; Shane walked up and sat down beside Nicole she shifted her backpack out of the way to give him some room.
'So. How are you today?' he asked.
'Good, it's just been the usual school day and everything seems to be back to normal now.' She said.
'That's good especially for the two of you.' He remarked.
'Well I think we should start to get going, I've already made a reservation for us at a restaurant in North Sydney for lunch,' he added and getting to his feet he held out his hands to her, she accepted and was on her feet as well.
'Which restaurant is it?' she asked though Shane only shook his head with a smile.
'I can't tell you but you will see it.' He answered he picked up her backpack and put it in and they both got into the car he stared up the engine and pulled away from the curbside and back to the main road.
'Is Mark really going to be ok about today?' Nicole asked,
'I think so. I can tell he just wants to get this off his chest and the sooner he gets it done than the better. Sometimes it is not always good to keep things because as individuals it can be tough, this way at least they may not feel like they can be themselves when they are out.' He replied.
'Here we are.' Shane said parking the car and turning off the engine. Nicole looked up at the tall revolving restaurant; it was one of the rare tall buildings this side of the North Shore. The front entrance had two very well dressed guards standing outside they stood so still for a moment she thought they were statues.
'Are you ready to go?' Shane asked Nicole realized he was stood in front of her with the car door open.
'Thank you.' She said he smiled he could tell she was being a bit overwhelmed, and the two of them walked up to the entrance and one of the guards opened the door for them and Shane nodded his thanks he could feel Nicole a little tense.
'Relax, Nic we are here to have fun and eat some lunch. We won't worry about anybody else even if they see us,' he said she smiled and nodded her head.
'You're right I will.'
'Good.' They stepped into the waiting lift and headed up to the top floor; and when they stepped out the front desk clerk immediately greeted them.
'Can I help you?' he asked.
'Yes, I mad a reservation earlier for 1:30pm.' Shane said.
'Ok what is the name?' the clerk asked he scanned down the list from the book he had in front of him.
'Shane.'
'One moment.'
'Ah ok here we go. All right well if you follow me please.' The clerk replied he scooped up the menus and took them through the restaurant and Nicole noticed the floors were wooden and occasionally it creaked beneath their feet, tables were set at an angular stance covered by a pale red table cloth with the necessary cutlery put in place making her wonder if they would suddenly all fall apart if somebody touched it.
'This all looks amazing,' she whispered to Shane he only nodded his head a smile gently graced his lips.
'Here is your table.' The clerk said he had taken them to a table right by the window giving them a perfect view of the city; and it was neatly behind a row of fake pot plants.
'Thank you.' Shane said the clerk nodded his head he placed their set menus on the table.
'I'll have one of the waiters' come by in about ten minutes to take your orders but please don't be in any rush.' He explained and then he disappeared. Nicole was just about to pull her chair out to sit down but Shane moved swiftly and pulled out the chair for her instead.
'Oh-I-uh-thanks.' She replied blushing a little.
'You're welcome,' he said and went to sit in his seat directly opposite.
'It's a nice place isn't it?'
'Yeah it is great I don't think I've ever been here.'
'I liked it the minute I saw it. Anyway I don't want you to think I am trying to be all posh straight away, I just thought it would be a good chance for us to get to know one another without the others being around us,' she explained she couldn't help but laugh remembering the way the rest of the lads kept on hassling him the other day.
'They were just having some fun.' She answered he rolled his eyes.
'Yeah just typical stuff us lads get up to all the time.'
'Anyway we don't need to talk about them I'm more interested to hear about your artistic work,' he answered.
'Oh, well not much to say about it really.' She said playing with her napkin his hand moved and rested on top of hers, she looked up at him a bit surprised he only smiled.
'There isn't heaps to tell really I told you and Kian most of it anyway. It is just something I started when I was in primary school and enjoyed so I kept it going,' she remarked.
'That is good though I haven't seen anything you have done yet it seems like you got a talent for it.' He said.
'Thanks.'
'Can I take your orders?'
The waiter interrupted Shane and Nicole, a young man probably in his mid 20s dressed in a navy blue waist coat with a matching pair of trousers and a white fitted shirt tucked inside of the trousers.
'Yes.'
After the waiter took down their orders they were again left alone Nicole took this time to observe the view it was absolutely breathtaking she had never seen Sydney city in this way.
'I love the view.' She remarked.
'Yeah it is nice.' He answered he relaxed into his chair also taking in the view.
'By the way just how did you find out about it? I mean, I live here and I've not even heard of it,' she added.
'One of my friends who had visited Sydney last year recommended it to me, he's actually a flight attendant and travels a lot and he was in Melbourne just a couple of months ago.' Shane replied.
'Erm…Nicole, I hope you don't mind me asking but…. well…. I was just wondering if you…. you're with anyone at the moment?'
Nicole looked away from the view a shocked expression on her face this was a question she hadn't expected to be asked from Shane.
'No.' She shook her head Shane sighed with relief.
'Here you go.' The waiter interrupted again this time he had their drinks.
Shane and Nicole had enjoyed their lunch together they chatted easily, shared stories and laughs of their different childhoods. When they left the restaurant they walked side-by-side resembling a couple of best friends just out of school instead of a potential couple.
'Ok, Shane I get the feeling there is still much more we have to do?' she asked.
'How do you figure?' he asked he unlocked the car they both of them got back in and he put it into reverse.
'Oh, come on you wouldn't have even suggested to me about leaving school early it was just to do lunch,' she said.
'Ah yes you do have a point a very good guess Nic—oh maybe that isn't such a good idea.' He said she frowned.
'What isn't a good idea?'
'Don't worry.' He said.
'Anyway the next stop from here is the city; and I thought we could take a bit of a stroll through Darling Harbor.'
'Yeah that would be nice I actually think you might like it.' She answered.
Vickie was hard at work in the pet store and in keeping busy she was able to forget her thoughts on this afternoon. She had already completed the task of cleaning the puppy play area and now each puppy needed a bath. The sink in the backroom was wide and very deep and her arms were elbow deep in warm soapy water. Every now and again when she had a free moment she did ponder about the impending afternoon, she knew Mark wanted to let everyone know about her and though she had agreed to do it because it would help them out, she was still worried about everything after it. He seemed pretty casual about and not at all worried.
Since the five lads didn't have any work obligations until their work at Fox Studios for the TV show Anto didn't mind allowing them to continue to roam around just as long as they didn't get into too much trouble and he had a lot of trust in the lads. Mark also knew Vickie was at work she had texted him to let him know; and he didn't waste a second in heading out and now as he parked his car in the side street just around the corner from the pet shop he wondered if it was such a good idea now to go inside and disturb her. As he sat in his car thinking over this he suddenly heard a bit of giggling from nearby he had a look around to see a small group of three girls they had recognized him straight away they stayed put just laughed together with silly smiles on their faces. By this point he had made up his mind what he was going to do he got out of the car locked it up the girls became a bit more serious as they watched him and when he looked around again they squealed and waved in excitement he smiled and gave them a wave in return. Mark strode up the side street and rounded the corner going onto the main road no one looked at him twice and it was comforting for him not to have somebody asking for photos and autographs for once, It wasn't as though he and the lads didn't appreciate the fans they always did it was just a case where at times they wanted to go un-noticed by everyone and blend straight in. Mark walked into the pet store and he was immediately greeted by the sounds of birds chirping and dogs barking, music coming from a radio and a few chatting customers.
'Hello there!'
Mark was caught a bit off guard by a young brunette girl probably about two-three years younger and she wore a black t-shirt with the shop's name and logo printed on the right-hand sight of the shirt in bright pink.
'Erm-hi.' He answered.
'My name's Sarah so can I help you with anything?' she asked.
'I'm looking for Vickie,' he said.
'I see, yes she is here follow me please.' Sarah replied they weaved through the shop's many products spread out across the floor and they passed by customers asking a lot of questions and got closer to the back room. He heard a lot of noise going on there as the door had been left wide open. * I wonder what is going on there. * He thought; Sarah indicated for him to head on through and when he did he saw Vickie stood at the sink her hands still in the water rubbing shampoo into a Siberian Husky puppy whom appeared to be enjoying the attention.
'Hey Vic you got a visitor.' Sarah announced; Vickie looked up and the puppy took complete advantage of the break shaking his body and sending soapsuds in all directions.
'I'll leave you two alone.' Sarah replied she stepped away and closed the door to give them privacy.
'I take it this wasn't the best time.' Mark said she shock her head.
'No it's cool.' She said running the warm water over the puppy and washed the soap away from his body then picked him up out of the sink Mark gave her the dry towel.
'Thanks. These little guys are always difficult to bath but its great fun.' Vickie answered the puppy grabbed the towel between his teeth and started to chew on it then tugged hard trying to take it out of her hands.
Shane and Nicole had arrived in the city and to his surprise they didn't go off to find a parking space straight away and they just cruised around for a bit. They came to a traffic light set he saw the place he wanted to get to, Hyde Park there was a number of people spread out and a few had picnics on the grass.
'So that's Hyde Park?' he asked.
'Yeah not too many locals hang out there its mainly a tourist attraction.' Nicole remarked.
'I see.'
When the traffic lights changed to green Shane moved the car ahead and at the nearest turn off he took it and parked the car.
'What are we doing here?' she asked.
'I'd like to take a look around the place,' he answered they were out of the car and walked down the street heading towards Hyde Park, getting there Shane lead the way towards the centerpiece of the park a beautifully crafted fountain statue, only a few people glanced their way for a brief moment Nicole though couldn't help but wonder why Shane seemed to be walking in a hurry.
'This will do.' He remarked they both sat down on a bench.
'Ok.' He said taking in a deep breath.
'Nicole, here is the thing. See, I really like you as I've gotten to know you these past few days especially after meeting you properly on Sunday.' He said she could only nod her head unsure of how she was to respond.
'I guess, what I am trying to say is, it would be great if we could see how this goes between us.' He replied. * Wow. This is kind of un-expected. * She thought.
'I-I-you know I'd like for that too.' She said.
'Really?' he asked the smile came back to his face.
'Yeah.'
She could feel her face getting hot she stared down at the ground getting a little embarrassed he lifted her head up their eyes met.
'I am glad you agree.' He said. He took the back of her hand up and kissed it, her whole body trembled excited by the feeling he brought to her. She wasn't sure but there was something about Shane she found irresistible and she felt privileged to be here now with him.
'Angel?' he asked in a whisper.
'Yes?' she replied he rested the palm of his hand against her cheek she wanted to speak and so did he but he eventually shock his head and drew her closer to him allowing for their lips to meet in a soft kiss. Her and Shane were so lost in it anything could have happened and they wouldn't even care about it.
'Excuse me' somebody said; Shane and Nicole pulled apart surprised at being caught, Nicole's face started to turn a shade of pink there were two girls of similar school age stood just in front of them.
'Can I help you girls?' Shane asked.
'Oh my god!' The two girls screamed.
'I can't believe it is you!' they added Shane smiled softly at them.
'Well you can believe it.' He said he was worried as the two girls began to jump around and yell at the top of their lungs excited the guessed right.
'Ok girls calm down no need to get crazy.' He added getting up and approaching them Nicole stayed seated she wasn't sure of what to do; Shane spoke with the two girls they gushed happily talking to him and asked for a hug. After a couple of minutes the girls started to walk away they looked pretty happy Shane sighed with relief glad the excitement of the two girls hadn't attracted more attention from others at the park.
'See you again Shane!' one girl called.
'Bye.' He replied waving at them when the girls disappeared down the street he turned back to Nicole she remained seated and watched the whole scene unfold.
'Sorry.' He remarked.
'No its ok. I thought that was pretty cool.' She said.
'Most fans are quite good and over here so far it has been quite different than back home,' he explained.
'So how about we go for a bit of walk now?' he asked she stood up as well.
'Ok sounds good.' Nicole agreed together they left the fountain and started down the path and followed it through its winding passage through the park.
'I was just thinking, maybe one day you guys could make a documentary about all of your travels,' she suggested.
'Yeah maybe, but we have a bit of work to do although if we get to do as much travelling like this you never know about the possibilities.' He answered. They had walked to the opposite end of Hyde Park and across from it a long line of small boutique type shops.
'I think I'll leave the car let's go and see what else they have around here,' he added Nicole raised her eyebrows.
'Are you sure? What if somebody sees it and gets tempted to break in and steal the car?' she asked.
'If that happens then I'm going to be in huge trouble but sometimes some things are just worth the risk,' he remarked.
'Besides if it really came down to it then I'd rather the car get stolen instead of you.'
'What?' she said shocked by his words he just smiled back and she pinched his cheek.
Kian was the only one of the lads' to stay back at the hotel with Anto while the others went out and did their own thing. He sat with Anto in his room listening to the phone conversation Anto had with Louis.
'Louis I am sure Mark knows what he is doing.' Anto remarked.
'Well to me if they didn't feel comfortable then it wouldn't be going ahead, yes of course that is it and I'm very sure about it.'
Anto caught sight of Kian listening intently on the conversation and motioned for him to move away and get out Kian shock his head he intended to stay.
'Yes Louis I will talk to him and I'll let him know. Ok yes before we leave I will. Ok. Yes. Bye.' Anto answered with a sigh he hang up the phone he ran his hands through his hair for a moment and then picked up his glass of ice cold water.
'Let me guess.' Kian said Anto glared at him.
'Louis isn't too thrilled about Mark going public about Vickie?' he asked.
'No he feels it is far too soon to even mention it and he also thinks they won't be able to cope with the aftermath of it all.' Anto said.
'When Mark came and told me he wanted to do this I had a feeling he knew he what he was talking about he just seemed to determined.' Anto remarked Kian was nodding his head.
'We agree with him too, after Anto have you seen them together? They're basically inseparable and have been since last year.' He answered.
'Yes I've noticed I just hope I won't have to deal with any more with the rest of you lot not in love yet excluding Nicky,' Anto joked.
'I wouldn't count on it,' Kian replied mumbling his breath so Anto didn't hear him as he thought about what Shane was doing right this moment. Kian left Anto to do his own business and headed back to his own room when he stepped out into the corridor he heard his name.
'Hey Kian.'
He turned around seeing Mark come out of the lift appearing to be in a far better mood then when he had left.
'Mark glad you're back where did you go anyway?' Kian asked Mark motioned for them to go inside to Kian and Shane's room.
'No where I just needed to clear my head for a bit is all.' He answered; in the room Kian immediately went to get a drink from the fridge and Mark stood near the window.
'You know, there's been something on my mind these past couple of days.' He said.
'Oh really? Well you can talk to me about it if you want.' Kian answered.
'It is about Bryan actually.' Mark said.
'Go on.'
'He has got this idea in his head that I want to sleep with Vick.'
Kian spluttered out his drink coughing hard as he tried to regain his breath Mark chuckled at his friend's predicament.
'Well you know Bry he's always jumping to all sorts of conclusions.'
'Anyway its' not like you will right?' Kian asked Mark didn't answer he looked at his friend without an expression Kian suddenly had an odd feeling.
'Mark.' He began cautiously.
'Are you actually considering it?'
Still he didn't get a response and that same feeling lingered in the air.
'Shit!' Kian exclaimed.
'Are you mad or something?'
'Kian shut up!'
'You're just jumping to conclusions.' Mark answered.
'Yeah, well what do you expect me to do you didn't even answer my question,' Kian replied Mark just sighed and rubbed his head. * Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. *
'I don't know how to answer your question Kian because I don't even know myself. I never said I was considering it and even if I did, which by the way I'm not just yet, but its like…I got this odd feeling is all.' He said Kian could only shake his head this made him very worried.
The walk down to Darling Harbor took quite a bit of time though Nicole and Shane had barely noticed enjoying each other's company, chatting and laughing and every now and again they stopped to browse through a few shops. They were also causing a bit of a stir with people who had recognized Shane when the lads had been on TV lately in news clips. One of the shops, a florist they came upon and Shane stopped he'd gotten an idea.
'Wait here for me.' He said she was puzzled.
'Shane what-' She didn't even get her question out before he disappeared inside the florist and leaving her stood outside confused by his strange behavior. She looked through the window he was mulling over the different varieties' he scratched his head; he wanted to find something that was simple and didn't make too much of a statement, and it wasn't for now it would be for a bit later.
'Can I help you sir?' the older woman asked she had just come out from the stores back room Shane nodded his head.
'Yes I hope you can, I'm looking for flowers that can give a very simple message, you know to show appreciation to a potential partner but at the same time I don't want it to over done too much and make it appear as if I'm expecting too much from her,' he explained.
'I see yes. We don't have any flowers to show this exactly but what I can do for you is make the arrangement myself if you have a few minutes to spare,' she answered Shane looked back outside of the shop Nicole had given up looking inside and instead was pre-occupied with watching other people walk past and the busy traffic so he turned back to the woman.
'I'll be one second.' He said dashing out of the shop Nicole turned around she smiled.
'Hey.'
'Hey, um-sorry if I'm taking a while this is kind of important,' he said.
'It's ok I was just thinking of going into one of the other stores a few doors down and maybe we can meet up when we're both done,' she suggested Shane was delighted she had suggested it.
'Great idea I don't think I'll be too long but take your time.' He remarked.
'Ok thanks I guess I'll see you soon.' Nicole said she headed off down the street Shane couldn't keep the smile off his face as he watched her; after a moment though he remembered about the florist lady and he re-entered the shop.
'A special lady?' she asked he blushed slightly.
'Yeah.'
Nicole passed by each shop window not really interested in what was on sale, to her it felt strange not having Shane beside her as they had spent so much of today in each other's company she missed his presence, she came to the store she wanted to see, a men's clothing store remembering she needed to start looking for suitable gifts for her dad and brother.
'Might as well take a look around,' she said walking inside the store but the sight before her eyes going on between the two store attendants, one a young guy and the other a young girl they looked to be about 20years of age were quite occupied. * They so shouldn't even be here! * Nicole thought in disgust; she quickly turned away from them and tried to focus her attention on the items on the shelf although every now and again her thoughts were broken up by the sounds of whispering and giggling coming from the couple.
'Hey' Shane said is whisper; shocked Nicole quickly spun around looking alarmed for a moment he had a cheeky grin on his face.
'Hi so are you all done?' she asked.
'Yeah all finished, I just had to arrange a special package for someone.' He remarked.
'In a florist?'' she asked.
'Yeah.'
'Oh ok.'
Nicole couldn't help by show her disappointment Shane tried to hide his smile.
'If you're good then you'll get something of your own.' He added she looked up at him a bit surprised before a sly smile appeared on her face.
'So will I like it then?' she asked.
'I think you will,' he replied he leant forward and kissed her. * Hmm….now this is starting to get quite interesting! *
'Sorry.' He said.
'I hadn't meant to get so carried away,' a little embarrassed and she was as well by her blushing face. Shane noticed the two store attendants were still having their way together and not paying attention to anything else going on in the store.
'What do you think we go over there and make them feel a bit more terrible?' he asked smiling; she nodded her head eager to see how this would pan out. Nicole followed Shane he went straight over to counter leaned on it and cleared his throat.
'AHEM!' he said; both the guy and girl whipped their heads around and jumped apart their faces red with embarrassment.
'I-oh my god we're so sorry,' the guy said fumbling to straight out his clothes the girl couldn't even look up as she smoothed down her hair Shane and Nicole laughed.
'I think it is a bit late now,' he answered.
'So can we-um-help you with anything?' the guy asked.
'No we're fine but maybe you two should consider where you do your thing next time eh? Especially with public curiosity.' Shane remarked turning away he took Nicole's hand and they strode out of the store; and the minute they were on the main street they burst out laughing.
'Did you see their faces? Classic!' Shane exclaimed.
'I know! That was so funny they looked so embarrassed they got caught.' Nicole said; they two of them continued to head down the street enjoying each other's company once again after they'd managed to control their laughter.
'Shane you know I'm really having a good time.' She replied.
'Me too.' He agreed.
Soon their walking had taken them towards the monorail station, it takes a different route around Circular Quay than the main public train system.
'Enough of the walking we'll use this instead,' he answered heading up the ticket office Nicole though quickly moved in front of him.
'Let me do it this time.' She said he shook his head.
'Nope this is my treat,' he replied.
'Oh quit being so stubborn Shane, besides I thought the lunch was already the big treat.' She said he only smirked in reply.
'Says so? I haven't decided yet what the 'big treat' is if you want to call it that just yet.' He explained Nicole blushed a little she hadn't meant to make it a huge deal.
'Can I help you there?' a man sitting behind the glass window asked.
'Yes.' Shane remarked he took a step forward and nudged Nicole to one side she went to protest but gave him; and before she knew it Shane held out the tickets.
'Ok so we're all done and according to the timetable the next rail comes in about 7 minutes.' They climbed up the metal staircase to the monorail platform there was only a very small group of people on the platform already waiting for the monorail.
'I still can't believe what you had said earlier.' She remarked.
'Really, well then I suppose I might need to prove it.' He said she shot him a bemused look, and out of the blue he grabbed her by her waist and started tickling her.
'Stop! Oh my god stop it!' she squealed laughing loudly unknown to them it draw curious looks from the other people.
'Shane! Please stop it already!' Nicole exclaimed gasping for air.
'Ok I will as long as you believe me.' He remarked.
'Yes, yes I believe you.'
He let her go she was relieved although secretly she did enjoy it the two of them found seats and sat down.
'I really don't see how a nice girl like you hasn't even got a boyfriend,' he remarked she was startled by the question.
'I, don't really know, but I guess I'm not looking for one at the moment,' she answered.
'Yeah that is what I think as well.' He answered she cocked her head her eyebrows burrowed together somewhat confused by his words but he didn't say anything else. The monorail pulled into the station opening its automatic doors people go off and got in and it took off again.
'What is the name of the show you'll be on this afternoon?' she asked.
'We don't know too much about it except we might have to watch what we say because it is live.' He answered she rolled her eyes.
'Do I even want to know?'
'Market city.' A voice from the PA system spoke up.
'We get off here I think.' He said Nicole wondered how it is he seemed to sort of know where he was going and to watch places she didn't question and let him lead the way. They left the monorail station and crossed the street towards Market City's factory outlets all housed under a five-story high old building.
'This is pretty nice.' Shane said walking inside of the building.
'I can bet you if I tell the lads about it they'll want to come down here.' He added. Nicole and Shane were quiet while passing by the different shops though Nicole noticed a lot of people glancing towards them and whispered to each other nodding their heads and pointed.
'Did you want some ice cream?' Shane asked suddenly.
'Yeah I'd love one but only on one condition.' Nicole said he smiled her way he already knew what she meant.
'Please?' she asked.
'Ok fine just this one time though,' he replied they walked towards the food court and headed straight for the ice cream store Nicole spoke to the man behind the counter before Shane went to interrupt.
'No, Shane I have a feeling you will like what I pick.' She answered he raised his eyebrows; curious he let her continue while he cautiously looked around at the food court he felt a bit uneasy. So far today everything had gone pretty well and he didn't want it to be ruined with some nosy journalist or photographer lurking around the corner waiting to catch him by surprise. Louis had laid down a strict law with the lads before they left and he wouldn't be too happy if his chargers went out and did the complete opposite of his instructions.
'Here you go.' Nicole said she turned away from the counter thanking the man he moved on to another customer at the other end Shane accepted the ice cream.
'Thanks.' He said they walked to a nearby table sitting down to eat their desserts when Shane's suddenly frowned his eye catching sight of something in the distance.
'Something up?' Nicole asked seeing his expression.
'Something a bit minor but you don't have to worry, I just want to check up on something with Louis first.' He explained he gave her ice cream to her he moved away from the table and took out his phone.
'Excuse me miss.'
Nicole turned around in her seat before she had the chance to even blink a bright flash went off directly in front of her face.
'Hey!' Shane exclaimed re-appearing the man with the camera spun around and was just about to take a second photo but Shane snatched the camera out of his hands.
'You give that back to me right this minute.' The man demanded the few spectators inside the food court began to congregate together to see what was the commotion. * This is not good * Shane thought he ignored the demands of the man and started to fiddle around with the camera, he was able to get the photos open and found the ones taken recently of Nicole and him and deleted.
'Just what do you think you are doing?' the photographer exclaimed he made another grab for his camera Shane moved aside.
'I'm deleting photos you don't need so don't try and take anymore, because if I see anything from today published anywhere; my boss will make sure your company will be in trouble,' he answered the photographer smirked.
'Like you would find out how it works down here.' He remarked Shane returned his smirk.
'Just you go ahead and try me.' He said.
'I have a job to do and you can't stop me,' the photographer added. Shane finished deleting the photos and held out the camera to the man.
'Take it somewhere else. I didn't come here to get disturbed.' He snapped; the photographer shook his head and mumbled under his breath, he gave Shane and Nicole a hard glare before stalking off out of the food court. Shane let out a heavy sigh relieved that confrontation was over he ignored the looks from the other patrons and sat back down he also avoided looking at Nicole. * When Louis hears about this I am so dead * He thought. He knew Anto wouldn't be thrilled as well.
'Shane.' Nicole said tentatively; she too was rather shocked by his sudden outburst. He eventually lifted his head to look her way.
'I'm sorry Angel, I didn't mean to over react the way I did just then. I just wanted to keep what is going on with us private. You know, especially with what Mark and Vickie are going through at the moment, the last thing I want is to add to the stress.' He remarked.
'Oh ok.' She said nodding her head his words circled around in her head with a bit of alarm. She's only known him a short time and as much as she liked him, she still wasn't sure if this was going to get far considering the band's short trip.
'Is everybody still staring at me?' he asked.
'No most of the people have already left,' she said.
'People will probably talk about what they saw here but I reckon they'll forget about it just as quickly,'
'Yeah well let's hope so.' He answered looking up again she smiled and touched his arm.
'Thank you for what you did by the way.'
'You're welcome.' Shane said. Nicole looked around she saw the entrance to the gaming arcade just across from the food court she glanced back at Shane he had caught on as well; without a word they finished their ice creams and went to the arcade the nearest game was the air hockey table.
'I don't think you would want to get on my wrong side here.' She said cheekily he smirked and wiggled his eyebrows.
'We will just have to see about it. For me losing never goes down well at all,' he replied.
'Game on then.'
The game was underway shortly both of them played hard and fast but it only took a few minutes before Nicole scored the first goal she cheered in delight he stared at her surprised still he smiled.
'Ok that I didn't expect.' He said.
'Oh figures as much, you want to be all big and macho now,' she said making him laugh.
'Right so this gives me an idea, winner of this game can buy dinner tonight.' He answered.
'Sure.' She agreed they got back into the game.
In the end Nicole had won it with a score of 9-6 she was thrilled at her victory and rubbed it in on Shane but he took it all in his stride.
'Well then I guess now you owe me,' he answered.
'Yep but don't expect too much,' she remarked with an impish grin.
'Hey!' he exclaimed good-naturedly.
'Are you trying to say I tried too hard at lunch?' he asked she only rolled her eyes in response pretending to be exasperated.