Mel POV
'So how was Tom's?' Danny asked that night as we watched our regular reality tv programs and ate our pizza.
'It was… interesting. The others didn't show up, it was just Tom and I.' I said between mouthfuls. This was seemingly becoming a regular occurrence, Danny and I discussing my (lack of) love life with Tom over dinner.
'Sounds… suspicious.' Danny said, pondering. 'Dougie, Dougie would have told him not to invite Haz, and to keep it just the two of you. Pushing you and Tom together has been a plan of his since we found out he was your favourite.' He finished, grinning as if he were proud of himself.
'You are smarter than you look, Jones. Much smarter.' I said with a chuckle. It all made sense now. 'But it's not going to work, I don't want that with Tom.' I said matter of factly. Danny just laughed. 'I don't, honestly, it would be weird. You're my brother, he's your best mate!' Danny nodded.
'Fair call. But I don't think I would have a problem with it, if I'm honest. Unless that would make me a bad brother, then don't you dare?!' I laughed, shaking my head at his idiocy.
'Aw, don't you worry about being a bad brother, Dan, so far you're doing an excellent job. I mean, living in a fancy house without working, watching reality TV every night and living on take aways? Every eighteen year olds dream!' We both laughed at that, ending the conversation and focusing our attention on Kim Kardashians latest breakdown. Her crying face was the best thing to ever happen to reality TV.
'So… Tom and I nearly kissed.' I said, hearing Elise gasp on the other end of the line.
'You nearly what! Mel! What!' She said, stuttering her way through her words.
'Yeah. It was kind of just really awkward and I don't think I want it to happen, if I'm honest,' I replied, preparing myself for an earful from McFlys biggest fan.
'You what!? You have loved Tom since year eight! Now you have a chance and you think it would be too weird? I do not understand you!' She exclaimed, as I expected.
'I don't know, it's just… I don't know. I just don't think he's ready for that. Or me. You know, no commitment here,' I said laughing. It was a running joke in our group that I couldn't commit to an outfit let alone a boyfriend.
'Very true. Ah well, just think, I'll be there in a week to counsel you face to face!' She said, and I could feel her smile through the phone.
'I know, you do not understand how excited I am. I am in urgent need of female company!' I exclaimed. It was true, I had been hanging out with the boys for so long I didn't remember how to act around normal human beings.
'Me too! Ah, fuck Dad needs the phone, I'll see you next week!' She said, and I laughed at her agitation that someone else may need to use the phone.
'Sure things Leise, see you then!' I said, hanging up.
I decided to turn in for the night after our call, it was late and we had another full day in the studio tomorrow, so I thought I should get some rest. I fell asleep thinking of the one thing I didn't want to think about – Tom.
After a quick breakfast – by quick I mean coffee, to go – Dan and I were on our way to the studio. I settled into my usual position in the corner when we got there, and the boys continued debating which songs to remaster for the new record, and which original demos to include. Tom looked at me kind of awkwardly as he walked in, before smiling and waving. I returned the gesture (the wave, not the awkward look), and returned to my book. I got through another 10 or so chapters before the boys buzzed for me to come into the booth.
'Yes?' I asked, confused. I'd never been buzzed in before.
'Do you prefer the 2003 version of That Girl, or Broccoli?' Harry asked, a very serious look on his face. I smiled, immediately knowing the answer,
'That Girl. Always.' I smiled, as they all nodded, informing me that I was the deciding vote. 'Is that all, or..?' I asked, wanting to get out of there before Team Broccoli (which I could tell was Tom and Harry) tried to kill me.
'Yeah, thanks love.' Dougie said. I turned to leave, seeing Tom shoot Dougie a look out of the corner of my eye. What was that about?
We got lunch at Nandos that day, much to my enjoyment. Nandos was a rarity in Australia, only to be found in cities. We ordered and the boys immediately started talking about the new record. I know as a fan, I should be interested, but to be honest it was so freaking boring hearing them jabber on about remixing and demos and just… boring shit. I got my phone out and did the usual rounds of social media, checking Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as Snapchat. That filled up the time until our meals came, and I ate as the boys continued to talk about the record. Did they ever get bored of it?
'Soooooooooo, what's going on with you and tbag?' Dougie leaned over and whispered, trying to be stealth. I shook my head.
'Nothing at all, why what do you think is happening?' I asked, keen to get him to admit to his little plan.
'Oh, you know. Private PlayStation days, his constant glances over the last hour. You tell me.' I said with a smirk. I chuckled.
'Well, for one I know you turned that down as some part of a plan you've got going on. And secondly he has not been looking at me. So eat your fucking chicken and drop it, would you?' I said with a sickeningly sweet smile to counteract my bitchiness. He just laughed at me. 'Fuck you.' I said, turning away from him to focus on my food. Although now I was aware of it, Tom did keep looking at me. What was going on with him?