Chapter 6

'So, what's the deal with you and Tom's chat this morning?' Danny asked over our dinner of Thai takeaway. I really need to start cooking some real food for us.

'I… I don't actually know. All of a sudden he just started talking to me, and asking me about my life story? It was so fucking weird, man. I mean, he hasn't spoken to me since I got here and now he decides we need to be best friends?' I replied, continuing to eat my pad thai between sentences. Danny looked dazed. Obviously he was as confused as I was.

'Yeah, Toms always been weird like that.' Danny said, I nodded in agreement. 'Maybe Dougie's idea of slutting around really did help him.' He finished. I laughed.

'Don't tell Dougie or Tom will kill me, but nothing happened between them. He sent her home.' Danny looked shocked, and I laughed again.

"Maybe he realised he didn't need to slut around, he's over her.' Danny offered.

'I doubt that very much.' I said before tucking back into my pad thai. It was weird, but I knew Tom was not going to get over Gi any time soon. Five years is a long time to be with someone. Danny stayed silent, pondering whilst eating his laksa. I got up, and put my dishes into the sink.

'Well, I'm off to bed, Night.' I said before walking to my room.

Tom POV

I'll admit it: I kind of like Mel. I mean, she's just… so different from Gi, I guess. She was good to talk to, fun to drink with, fun to just, be around in general. She was just as sarcastic as me, hilariously so, and the fact that she will call everyone out on their shit makes me feel like she would never lead someone on, like Gi ended up doing to me. I don't know, I guess I'm just attaching myself to the first person to show any interest in me, but this felt different.

My good mood was soon shattered when my phone went off in that familiar ring tone.

'Hello.' I answered bluntly, knowing it was her.

'You still have my couch.'

'Then come get it?' I said quizzically, knowing it would anger her.

'That thing is practically an heirloom, you think I'll just come get it in my freaking car? No, I'm getting a removalist to come by, it will be there at one. You better be home to let them in.' she said angrily. I smirked.

'I guess I can try, no promises though.' I said, comically. I heard a huff and the line went dead. Success!

Thank fuck she was finally getting that thing out of my house, it was horrifying to look at. I figured I should probably be the better person and hang around for the removalists. It was already ten, so it wasn't too long. I decided to call the guys and Mel and see if they wanted to come play some PlayStation or something.

'Hello?' A female, Australian accent answered Dannys phone.

'Hey, Mel. I was just waiting around for Gi's removalist and figured me, you and the guys could do a PlayStation day?' I asked, trying not to make it sound like I was asking her out.

'Uh, yeah sure. I'll go ask Dan, give me a sec.' She said before I heard her running to what I assume was the living room.

'He's still asleep.' She says, and I laugh.

'Wake him up?' I suggest, sarcastically.

'Very funny, if I wanted to do that I would have done it already. He looks so peaceful I couldn't do that!' She whispered,

'Oh, okay.' I said bluntly, wanting to ask her to still come but not wanting to seem like I was coming onto her.

'Well, I can still come… if you'd like?' She asked extremely quickly. I grinned, even though she couldn't see it.

'Yeah!' I exclaimed. Fuck. 'I mean, uh, yeah sure. That would be great. I'll call the others.' I tried to save it but I knew she would have noticed my excitement.

'Alright, well I'll see you soon! Bye!' She said happily.

'Bye!' I replied, quickly dialling Dougies number.

He answered quickly, asking me what was up.

'I was thinking a PlayStation day. Danny's asleep, but Mel's coming and I'm yet to call Harry but I'm sure he will too, you in?' I asked.

'No. And Harry's not either. Sorry. Have fun with Mel though.' He replied. I could practically hear his smirk through the phone.

'How do you know Harrys out?' I pretended I didn't know what he was talking about.

'Because as soon as you tell him Mel's the only one coming he'll be out. Don't worry, I'll let him know whats going on so he doesn't fuck it up. Have fun!' He said before hanging up the phone. Well, fuck.

Mels POV

What does one wear for PlayStation with the boys, when one of the boys was someone who you may or may not be interested in? I had no fucking idea. A good 30 minutes was spent on deciding, everything was either too much or not enough. I settled on a pair of wedged boots with a simple black vintage dress and tights. Probably still too much, but I'd taken enough time already. After quickly touching up my makeup and running a brush through my hair I walked out of the house, hailing a taxi and texting Tom to let him know I was on my way.

I'll admit, I was kind of nervous.

Tom POV

My phone buzzed, informing me I had a text from Mel.

Leaving Dan's now, shouldn't be long! J

The nerves suddenly hit me. Would Mel believe that the others couldn't make it? Would she have a good time? We only just started talking, I didn't want to ruin the friendship that had started. I stressed out for the next ten minutes or so, all the way up to the second I heard by doorbell ring. Then, I panicked.

Shit. Everything I had planned on saying left my brain and I answered the door with a smile to cover up the fact that I couldn't really figure out what to say.

'Uh, Hi Tom. What's with the creepy face?' Mel asked, laughing. I couldn't even reply as I was taken aback by how amazing she looked. A simple black dress with black boots and tights, she looked perfect.

'W-What do you mean?' I asked when I managed to compose myself. She looked at me strangely and just walked past me into the living room, taking a seat on the couch.

'So…' She started, sounding confused, 'Where are the others?' I explained that they couldn't make it, she seemed to believe my story, and we fired up the PlayStation with a classic – Crash Bandicoot. Unfortunately for my pride, Mel kicked my ass. Many times.

'I thought you were supposed to be like, the king of PlayStation or something?' She asked, sitting on my kitchen bench while I got us drinks. I smirked, not looking up from the bench.

'Well, I was. But then some Australian bitch took my crown. But no one was here to witness it so I guess no one will ever know I was defeated!' I said with a grin, and she laughed. God she had a great laugh.

'Yeah, okay Tom, as if they wouldn't believe me. Your reign is over!' She said, continuing to laugh. I frowned. Handing her a drink as we headed back to the living room. We decided to watch a film, so I wouldn't embarrass myself again. I could get used to hanging out with Mel alone.

After the film ended, Mel got up to leave.

'Well, I best be off. Can't miss one of Dan's famous dinners!' She said, smiling. I laughed, knowing she meant a takeaway of some description. 'I guess I'll see you around, Tom,' she headed for the door. I got up, to follow her.

'Yeah, I guess you will.' I smiled, seeing her out. She turned to face me.

'I had a really nice time with you, Tom.' She looked at me, still smiling. I should kiss her. Should I? Definitely. But what if it scares her away? I continued this debate until she eventually turned around. I sighed,

'Me too, Mel. See you later!' I said awkwardly as she nodded, walking down the driveway to the waiting taxi. Well fuck. Way to ruin it all, Fletcher.