They Say

Emerson sighed as she checked herself out in the mirror once more. She can't believe she agreed to this and even though it wasn't a 'real' date with Oli, she found herself a bit nervous.

She looked down at her phone knowing he would be here soon to pick her up and as she did so her sister walked into the room.

"So you are ditching the party for a date with the Sykes boys?"

Emerson immediately rolled her eyes,"No, I'm doing this for Tom."

"Mhm. Think someone may have a crush on Oli." Heather responded with a smirk as she leaned against the door frame.

"No, afraid that isn't true."

"Right, well, like I've said before, just be careful. He's naturally charming."

"I'm aware." Emerson mumbled as the door bell ringing caused her to sigh in relief. She fled past her sister as she said goodbye and immediately went to the door.

"Hey love, ready?" The boy asked and she nodded as she stepped out. She studied him as they walked to the car. His hair seemed to be perfectly in place and the sweater he had on made her swoon a little. Maybe she had a slight crush but she wouldn't dare say it out loud.

"We're just going to meet Tom at the restaurant." He stated with a grin as he opened the car door for her. Emerson simply nodded and his grin turned into a full blown smile, "Nervous?"

"Why would I be nervous? I know both of you."

Oli shrugged with amusement, "I don't know. By the way, you look ratha beautiful tonight."

A blush lined her cheeks and she was thankful that it was dark outside.

"Get in." He whispered as he chuckled softly. She did as told and he quickly made it to his seat and they headed to the restaurant Tom had chosen. Once they parked the walk was silent and Oli couldn't help but be amused by it.

"Stop being so quiet." He stated elbowing her lightly.

"I'm always quiet!"

Oli snickered, "Not around me. Well anymore that is."

She shrugged and he boldly reached for her hand, "Relax, Em."

He gave her hand a squeeze before opening the door for her allowing her in first. It didn't take them long to find Tom at a table with a girl neither of the knew nothing about.

"Oye finally." Tom said with a smile and Oli rolled his eyes as they took their seats across from the two.

"Sorry, Em is slow."

Emerson shot him a look and he chuckled.

"Oh, Analeigh this is Oli and Emerson."

"Nice to meet you." The pretty, red head responded with a smile.

Emerson said hello and Oli of course chatted up the girl just to break the ice.

"So how long have you two been dating?" Analeigh asked causing Tom to smirk, "Yes, how long has it been now?"

Oli glanced at Emerson who was already blushing madly at the question.

"Oh maybe 3 weeks. What can I say? It was love at first sight." Oli teased just to embarrass her more.

"Awe. Cute." The girl responded and Oli chuckled as he leaned into Emerson, placing his arm on the back of her chair.

"Right, so cute." He whispered and she hit him lightly. Oli chuckled once more before kissing her cheek and leaning back in his chair.

To no surprise the group got along pretty well and they not only had dinner but had several drinks which is probably what made Emerson open up a bit.

"I'm going to run to the restroom." Emerson declared, moving from her seat swiftly.

"I'll go as well." Analeigh stated and the two girls headed to the restroom. Analeigh fixed her make up while Emerson quickly used the restroom. When she came out she went to wash her hands and Analeigh spoke, "So are you and Oli for real?"

Emerson glanced over at the girl, "Yeah?"

"Oh you two just seem completely opposite of each other."

"Yeah, I guess it happens."

"Then again, he is famous so you do what you got to do right?" She asked with a chuckle.

Emerson gave her a weird look as she dried her hands, "Do you really like Tom?"

The gir shrugged, "A bit. I don't know. I mean, he has a clothing line, I'm a model. That kind of works in my favor."

"Right." Emerson said with a nod although she couldn't believe this girl. She immediately felt very offended like Tom was her long time best friend or something. She studied the girl as she applied lip gloss to her lips. She was a bit taken off guard that she didn't get a weird vibe from her until now. Guess the alcohol played a part in that.

They walked back to the table all the while she debated on telling Oli what happened. Once their eyes met she gave him an odd look and he narrowed his eyes in confusion. Once she sat beside him he leaned into her, "You ok?"

"Yes and no." She whispered as she made sure the girl wasn't paying attention.

"What is it?"

"I'll tell you later."

"Is it about her?"

Emerson simply nodded and he sighed wanting to know now.

"Well, we really need to go. I told Matty we would at least stop by." Oli said standing from his chair.

Tom nodded, "Yeah we might as well."

Oli nodded and told the girl it was nice to meet her before grabbing Emerson's hand and pulling her from the place. Once a safe distance away he spoke, "Ok spill."

"She's just using Tom." She spat out and Oli groaned, "No, don't tell me that. Did she tell you?"

"Yeah. Basically so." Emerson whispered, "You have to tell him. He's too sweet to be hurt like that."

"I will, love." He responded placing his arm around her waist.

"She's apparently a model."

"Ah makes sense. Dammit."

"Yeah..."

He pressed his lips to her temple as they reached his car, "I'll tell him. Don't worry."

She simply nodded and the pair got into the car and headed to Matty's. Once they arrived it wasn't to anyones surprise that the place was packed. This time Emerson had no problem holding on to Oli's hand.

"Tell him now?" Oli asked as they waited on Tom to arrive.

"I don't know." She whined and he laughed, "Is this stressing you out?"

"Yes!"

Oli chuckled, "Relax. It'll be fine."

Emerson nodded and Oli pulled her down onto the couch as they waited on the boy. The girl bit at her bottom lip nervously and Oli knew very well that she was nervous about it. She wasn't one for conflict.

"Hey." Oli cooed placing his hand on her thigh which did nothing for her nerves.

Emerson made herself look at him and he gave her a grin, "It's not a big deal, love. He'll thank you for it later."

She sighed and leaned against the boy, "Maybe."

It didn't take long for Tom to arrive the red headed girl in tow and they immediately joined the pair.

"Tom let's go get some drinks." Oli said smoothly and they left, leaving the girls alone which Emerson didn't like either.

Oli followed his brother into the kitchen and once alone he didn't hesitate to tell him the truth.

"Analeigh is using you."

"What?" Tom asked, confusion written all over his face.

"Yeah, she told Emason in the bathroom that she basically is using you to get ahead in her modeling career."

"What? And I'm suppose to just believe that?" Tom asked seriously.

"What? Yeah! Why would she lie?!" Oli said getting a bit defensive.

"I don't know..." Tom grumbled, heading for the kitchen door and Oli immediately grabbed his arm pulling him back in, "Where are you going?"

"To talk to Emerson!"

"Oh no you aren't. She's propa sensitive and if you go out there yelling at her and make her cry you'll have to deal with me." Oli said a serious look now on his face. He wasn't going to let anyone hurt the girl even his brother.

"Oh come off it Oli. Since when do you care? She's not even your real girlfriend."

"Yeah, but maybe I want her to be. Back off. If you don't believe her then fine, don't. But you are not going to cause a scene and hurt her feelings when she only went on this date to help you anyways."

Tom glared at his brother knowing that was in fact true. He yanked his arm back and crossed them over his chest.

"Now relax. Em isn't going to do anything so believe her or not. It's up to you." Oli added before leaving the kitchen in search of Emerson. He found her talking to Matty which made him instantly fill with relief.

"Oh hey." Matty said as he sat beside Emerson. Oli nodded in response and Emerson looked at him wanting to know what happened.

"Well, I'm going to take little Em home. She has an interview in the morning. So I'll talk to you later." Oli lied to Matty who clearly believed him because he congratulated the girl as Oli grabbed up her hand. The two said goodbye and once they were in the car Emerson found the nerve to speak.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." He grumbled and she didn't dare speak again as they drove to her place. Oli wasn't in a good mood anymore and talking was the last thing he wanted to do at the moment.

"Thanks." Emerson mumbled as they parked in front of her apartment.

"Wait." Oli sighed as he grabbed for her hand and she looked over at him.

"I'll walk you to your door."

She didn't bother to argue and the pair got out of the car. The walk to the door was silent and once they both came to a stop he leaned against the door, "Tom was mad. Which made me mad. Sorry for making you leave." He said softly and she shook her head no, "it's ok."

He reached out and brushed her hair back softly, "He wanted to say something to you which I wasn't ok with so yeah..."

"Well, it's not like I made it up."

"I know, Em and I believe you. He will too. He's just hurt I believe."

She nodded and he reached for her boldly and pulled her to him, "Want me to wait with you until Heatha gets home?"

Emerson managed to swallow her nerves to speak, "No, it's ok. You don't have to."

"But if I want to?"

A weak grin hit her lips, "I mean, you can."

Oli nodded with a smile before gently pulling her keys from her hand, "Well let's get inside, it's a bit cold."

She watched him unlock the door and she stepped inside, waiting for him as he closed it and they headed to the couch.

She sat down a bit nervously although she didn't know why. The boy covered his mouth to yawn as she turned on the television and he seemed to get comfortable in his seat. She sighed before kicking off her wedges and pulling her feet up. Oli watched her intently and she covered herself up with a blanket that laid on the back of the couch.

"Tired?" He asked and she nodded, "All this dating is exhausting."

Oli chuckled as she relaxed her head on the arm rest.

"You're so fucking adorable." He got out at a whisper and she blushed although she tried to hide it with the cover.

"Shush." She mumbled and he laughed, "You bloody are. I can't help it."

She didn't respond and he sighed before he moved closer to her. Her heart raced as he pulled her to him as he laid beside her. She didn't know why but she was extremely nervous and Oli didn't know what got into him to do such a thing, but all he wanted to do was cuddle her.

"I hope Tom doesn't hate me."

"He doesn't. Everything will be fine. You'll see." He whispered kissing her cheek.

"So optimistic you are."

Oli chuckled, "You've rubbed off on me, Em. What can I say?"

"Not a bad thing."

"No, it's not..." He whispered as he watched her supposedly watch the show on television.

Maybe it wasn't a bad thing, but it was definitely a scary thing for him anyways.