| The Song- concluded "Where were you?" she whispered, afraid that if she raised her voice he would disappear, like a ghost. "It doesn't matter. I was walking around." He shook his head, his bare, slightly muscular back to her. She didn't say anything, just looked at the back of his head. There was a long silence. Then, when Niall spoke, she could hardly believe it was him. His voice was beaten and tired. "Did you really write it, Lorie?" Lorie didn't even consider lying, or pretending she only said it to make him mad. "Yes," she affirmed simply, not touching him. He was still for a long time after that. Then, "I want you to write more. You shouldn't work in that grocery store any more. You could write songs for me, and we'd share everything I make. We could be a group together, you and me. I've already got the producers and agent. All we need is you. And when we're famous, we could get a big house, and a black Jag, and I'll even buy you one of those fluffy poodles you can dress up like a dork." She smiled into his bare shoulder. Same old Niall- endless promises. But maybe this time they'd come true. Niall was still speaking softly, his words catching in his throat. "Just please don't be mad at me. You're so good to me... I guess I've been a real jerk lately." "Okay." He turned on his side, facing her, so that the moonlight highlighted his profile. "I love you, Lorie. I never meant to get so stuck-up." She scooted eagerly into his arms. He folded her into them. She sighed, and was almost drifting off again when sudden inspiration hit her. She backed out of Niall's embrace and grabbed the guitar, flopping onto the beanbag in the corner. "Wait a minute. Wake up, Niall. I'm about to teach you your next hit single." |