Back on the outside main entrance of the pub; Paul, Calvin, Landon and Tom were admiring Nathan's dad's motorbike.
"I can't believe I didn't know about the motorbike until now. This baby is a beauty." Tom admitted.
"All this time; and none of us knew about it." Paul stated.
"I thought the same thing as well." someone added. The other boys turned around and saw Nathan standing in the front main parking lot of the pub.
"Oi, finally you show up," Calvin shouted as he went over to greet Nathan. "So mate; how was your little date with Roxie?" he asked.
"Nice to see you too and as for anything that happened between me and Roxie yesterday; that is private information." Nathan said sarcastically.
"You really aren't going to tell us anything? Who are you and what in the bloody hell did you do to my cousin?" Tom asked.
"Look, all I'm saying is that yesterday was different and I think it'd be best for Roxie and I to not kiss and tell." Nathan explained.
"Kiss and tell my arse. You two must have done something that made Roxie go weak in the knees because that smile she had on her face this morning while we were eating breakfast says otherwise. So I suggest you spill the bloody tea mister." Paul remarked.
"Wait; why did you have breakfast here and not at the house? Plus, Roxie was really smiling this morning when you saw her?" Nathan asked.
"Yes she was; and for your information, we wanted a change of scenery so that's why we had breakfast here at the pub. Now, come on; out with the story." Landon retorted.
"Ok, ok; I'll bloody tell you everything, just calm down alright? I suggest you lot sit down somewhere because it's a pretty long story." Nathan replied. So the other boys found a place by the pub's shed and Nathan started to tell them the midnight adventure he had with Roxie.
Meanwhile back in the lounge area of The Smouldering Hog; Roxie was just finishing telling both Annie and Cassie her side of the story about the adventure that Roxie experienced between her and Nathan.
"And after I kissed Nathan on the cheek; I went to the back bedroom and went to bed." Roxie said.
"Wow; that sounds so thrilling." Cassie sighed.
"Who would have known; my own cousin giving you a night that you will always remember." Annie chuckled.
"Tell me about it; yesterday was so amazing its actually making me regret my decision about whether or not I should go back to New York." Roxie pointed out.
"Wait; you're considering on going back to New York?! You can't do that! You just got hired to be Fifth Avenue Square's new personal assistant!" Cassie shrieked.
"I know that Cassie; and believe me it sucks that it has to turn out this way but we both can't stay too long out here in the UK anyway. We've got our lives and also an apartment to take care of back home." Roxie reassured her.
"Why don't you lend the apartment to Garrett? You know he's been looking for a place on his own for a while now." Cassie suggested.
"True, plus Nathan also came up with another great idea where I wouldn't have to leave either." Roxie mentioned.
"Hold on; Nathan came up with a solution for your problem? Also who is Garrett?" Annie asked.
"Garrett is a former classmate from college and is also a good friend to me and Cassie. And as for Nathan's idea for me and Cassie; that was the next topic I wanted to talk about but I wanted to do it privately, but obviously plans change," Roxie stated. "Anyway; Nathan suggested that-." she continued.
"Shh! I think the lads are coming back!" Annie whispered. The girls quickly started to clean up the back kitchen once the boys, along with Nathan; started to enter the pub.
"Hey; I didn't think you would be over here this morning." Nathan said to Roxie.
"Yeah, Annie kind of woke me up and offered to have breakfast here at the pub. Besides the guys and Cassie needed to know about why we didn't return back to the house last night." Roxie replied.
"Well; it's a good thin you were here before me. Anyway; Annie is it alright to get a bit of food before you put it away in the fridge?" Nathan asked.
"Help yourself; there should be plenty for one more plate. So what do you lot have on the schedule for today?" Annie asked the others.
"Well, Lexie came over to the house yesterday to discuss the next album cover and she also wants Roxie to start finalizing a promoting schedule for the new album. She's hoping that the schedule will be done by the end of the month. On my end of the deal; I'm just finishing up in the recording studio these next few weeks and, according to Scott; my debut album and single should be complete and finished in 6 months." Cassie stated.
"Not only that; Scott wants us to start planning on our next world tour with Cassie. Rehearsals for that begin next month." Paul added.
"Wow; it looks like you lot have a very busy schedule these next few months. Well, hopefully Tom and I can visit you guys during rehearsals so at least you guys can get somewhat of a break every once in a while." Annie said.
"Now that you've mentioned it; a break does sound amazing right now." Landon sighed.
"Mate; we just had a break yesterday." Calvin reminded him.
"I know; I just wish it would have lasted a bit longer. If I'm being honest; yesterday was pretty amazing not only for both Nathan and Roxie, but for us as well." Landon remarked.
"He does have a good point. I haven't felt this good in a long time." Paul mentioned.
"Then why don't we keep the break going?" Roxie suggested.
"What do you mean?" Nathan asked her.
"What I mean is to have the whole day off today. I have both of your promoting and rehearsal schedules on my laptop. I just have to rearrange a few items and both schedules will be ready. Besides; it's a beautiful summer day and I don't know about you guys, but when I saw the lake this morning; the water was tempting me to jump in it." Roxie explained.
"A relaxing day at the lake. We haven't had one of those in what; 3-4 years?" Annie asked Nathan.
"Sounds about right; plus it beats staying cooped up in the house all day doing nothing." Nathan pointed out.
"Even if we did have the day off today; most of us don't have our swim trunks or bathing suits. Plus both you and Nathan need to change out of yesterday's clothes." Paul stated.
"Well then Nathan and I will go get them when we both go back to the house right now. We'll leave the car here and go back to the house on the motorbike and I'll pack all of the swimsuits and my laptop in my backpack that I brought here to London. In the meantime you guys can head over to the cottage that Nathan and I slept at last night and hang out there and make some snacks and lunch while you wait for me and Nathan to come back to the pub." Roxie explained.
"It sounds like a great idea to me. It beats the fact of you lot borrowing clothes from both me and Tom; plus getting all your undergarments all wet and soiled and it also gives both Cassie and Roxie a chance to taste my mum's famous turkey and ham sandwich and homemade crisps." Annie mentioned to the others.
"Well then; in that case, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Tom shouted. Then Tom walked out the back door followed by Paul, Calvin and Landon.
"I guess we better get a move on then too; eh?" Nathan asked.
"By the look of things; yep. Do you have the keys to your dad's old motorbike with you?" Roxie asked in return.
"Yeah; they're here in my right jacket pocket." Nathan replied.
"Cool; then Cassie and Annie, I guess you're in charge of everything until Nathan and I get back." Roxie sighed.
"I guess so; that reminds me, I better go let my parents know what we plan on doing today." Annie stated. Annie then rushed upstairs leaving Cassie, Nathan and Roxie in the kitchen.
"Well, I better go warm up my dad's motorbike," Nathan said. "You coming?" he asked Roxie.
"Yeah; I'll be there in a few minutes. I just need to talk to Cassie about a few things." Roxie told him.
"Ok; then I'll be outside waiting in the front entrance of the pub. I'll see you later Cassie." Nathan said as he walked out of the kitchen towards the main entrance of the pub. Cassie silently waved goodbye to Nathan; while Roxie walked over to the back entrance of the pub and silently stared out the door looking at the peaceful scenery that was outside.
"Ok, well it looks like today is going to be another relaxing day," Cassie giggled. "You feel ok?" she asked Roxie.
"Huh; oh, yeah. I'm just still a little tired from yesterday. Anyway; when you get the chance, can I talk to you privately later on today? I really need your advice on something." Roxie stated.
"Yeah; the first chance I get where I'm not around Annie and the boys, I'll come find you," Cassie said. "Hey; we'll get through this, ok? Let's just stick to the plan about offering our apartment to Garrett and hopefully he'll say yes." she reassured Roxie. Roxie silently nodded her head and then hugged Cassie before she left to join Nathan outside by the front entrance of the pub.
"Everything ok between you and Cassie?" Nathan asked Roxie once he saw her outside.
"Yeah; we're good. I just had to remind her about a few things," Roxie replied. "You ready to go?" she asked him.
"Ready as I'll ever be." Nathan said as he gave Roxie her helmet. Roxie couldn't help but laugh and giggle at Nathan's response as she climbed over the back seat and sat behind Nathan on the motorbike. As soon as Roxie got into her seat, Nathan took the brake off of the motorbike and the couple was on their way back to the house, leaving The Smouldering Hog behind in the dust.
Once Nathan and Roxie had returned to the house; they both went to their bedrooms to change out of their clothes from the day before into some new clothes and their bathing suits.
"Alright; I've got Paul's, Landon's and Calvin's swim trunks along with a bottle of sunscreen and I believe Annie texted me that she'll provide some towels for everyone. Do you have everything that you need all packed up; ready to go?"
"Yep; I've got Cassie's bathing suit packed away in my backpack and I'll take those from you right now." Roxie said as she was packing the boys' swim trunks into her backpack.
"Alright, then let's hit the road." Nathan said as he held out his hand to Roxie. Roxie smiled and took Nathan's hand and soon the couple was outside of the house, leaving and heading back to The Smouldering Hog. As they were going back to The Smouldering Hog, Roxie kept staring out at the beautiful countryside she grew to knowing the past 3 months. It was hard for Roxie to believe that her little trip to the UK would be ending pretty soon and that she would have to leave all of this behind her. But Roxie put that thought of leaving in the back of her mind and focused on the task at hand.
Pretty soon the couple had returned to The Smouldering Hog and, to Nathan's surprise; Roxie was leaning against Nathan's back, fast asleep.
"Ahem." Nathan coughed. All of a sudden Roxie woke up and was surprised of how fast the couple had returned back to the pub.
"Was I asleep the whole ride over here?" she asked Nathan as they were walking to the back entrance of the building.
"Probably; if you want, you can take a little rest in the cottage while everyone else spends some time at the lake." Nathan suggested.
"Yeah; I might as well go and rest for a little bit. I'm still pretty exhausted from all that happened yesterday." Roxie admitted. Roxie then gave her backpack to Nathan and she walked over to the bridge and started to return back to the quaint little cottage that she and Nathan stayed in the night before.
When Nathan had entered his aunt and uncle's pub; both Cassie and Annie were busy filling up a crate of ingredients for the sandwiches.
"Oi; you got here pretty fast." Annie said once Nathan had sat down on one of the kitchen stools.
"Eh; traffic is not so bad whilst riding a motorbike. Roxie and I kind of figured that out yesterday whilst we were touring the city." Nathan stated.
"Speaking of Roxie; where is she?" Cassie asked.
"Roxie fell asleep on the way back over to the pub. So I suggested for her to go back over to the cottage that she and I stayed in last night and rest for a bit. Now Cassie; I can probably tell that you're a bit concerned about Roxie, but if Roxie were here right now, you know she would want you to join everyone in today's activities and not be stuck taking care of her." Nathan explained.
"Yeah; I guess you're right on that part. Roxie would be telling me that right now. Anyway; I better give Paul, Landon and Calvin their swim trunks. If you'll excuse me." Cassie replied. Cass then grabbed Roxie's backpack and headed on outside to look for Tom and the rest of Fifth Avenue Square while Annie and Nathan finished filling up the crate of food. When the two cousins were done packing up the crate with all of the ingredients; they went to join the others at the lake and cottage.
About after a good 2-3 hours had passed, Cassie ended up filling a bit tired and hungry.
"Annie; it's been about 2-3 hours, don't you think we should start making the sandwiches?" she asked Annie.
"Yeah, but I say wait a few more minutes. If you want; you can wash and cut up all the vegetables for me. That'll save me a ton of time." Annie suggested.
"Sounds like a good plan to me. It also gives me an excuse to go check in on Roxie and see how she's doing." Cassie mentioned. Cassie then got up and brushed off all the grass and dirt from her legs and spare towel and started to walk back to the cottage where Roxie was sleeping.
Meanwhile back at the cottage, Roxie was barely waking up from her long, overdue rest. Roxie felt a bit more energized and a little bit hungry. So Roxie got out of the bed she rested in and went to the kitchen. As soon as she entered the kitchen, Roxie saw Cassie cutting up some tomatoes for the sandwiches that she and Cassie; along with Annie, Tom and Fifth Avenue Square later on in the afternoon.
"Hey there sleepyhead; how are you feeling?" Cassie asked her.
"After resting for 2 hours; I feel a lot more energized than I was this morning. Plus I'm a little bit hungry." Roxie mentioned.
"Well as you can see I'm busy getting some of the stuff ready for lunch. Mind giving me a hand with cutting up everything?" Cassie asked.
"Sure." Roxie smiled. She then walked over and stood next to Cassie and started to slice up some tomato and onion for the sandwiches.
"It looks like last night got you pretty exhausted. I've never seen you this tired since the time we took our college finals." Cassie stated.
"It wasn't only just last night that got me feeling tired, but these past few weeks. Here I thought being both Fifth Avenue Square's personal assistant and an up and coming author would be an easy job; but it's a lot harder than I thought it would be." Roxie admitted. All of a sudden silent tears slowly started to trickle down Roxie's cheeks and at that moment Cassie realized that Roxie was holding in some news that could shock everyone.
"You mentioned to me earlier that you needed to talk to me privately about something. Whatever is on your mind; you know you can always tell me and that I'm not going to judge you or anybody." Cassie reassured her. Roxie nodded her head and quickly wiped away her tears. She then took out her cell phone and opened he e-mails and showed Cassie the latest e-mail from Scott.
"What's this?" Cassie asked.
"That is the latest update from Scott about the publisher from New York that was interested in my story. Turns out they want to interview me and ask me some questions." Roxie explained.
"Roxie; that's great news! This is the kind of news you were waiting for right?"
"Yeah, but the problem is that the interview is taking place at the end of the month at their office in New York. And I have no idea how I'm going to tell Nathan and the other boys." Roxie retorted.
"Is that why you were worried about wanting to go back to New York earlier?"
"You can say that. Honestly Cas; I don't know what to do at this point. A part of me wants to stay here with Nathan and the boys, but-."
"That would mean you would be giving up on the one dream that you have been working towards since you can remember," Cassie sighed. Roxie couldn't help it but start to cry again, but this time Cassie hugged her and tried to comfort her and calm her down. "I know this is going to be a really, really tough decision for you to make. But sooner or later you're going to have to tell the boys the truth about all of this. Sure, they'll be mad and heartbroken about you leaving; but knowing Nathan and the boys they're going to support you in whatever choice you make." Cassie said.
"I know that Paul, Landon and Calvin will support me; I'm more worried about Nathan and his reaction to the news. After last night I feel like Nathan and I connected on a more deeper level with our relationship. If I tell Nathan and the boys the latest update; I'm afraid that our relationship will fall apart." Roxie remarked.
"Roxie; you know hiding this news from Nathan isn't a great option either. Sooner or later you and Nathan are going to have to face the truth about all of this. If you keep hiding about you possibly returning to New York, the guilt that you feel right now is going to feel even more worse by keeping it a secret." Cassie stated.
"Then I guess I have no choice then," Roxie sighed. "I've got to tell them today." she added.
"Tell us what?"
Roxie and Cassie turned and saw Nathan along with Paul, Landon, Calvin and Annie and Tom standing in the living room. In that moment, Roxie's heart slowly started to break.