When my fairly new best friend, Katie, suggested that we go to Nashville for the One Direction show I was hesitant. We didn’t have tickets. Pssh no, we were two broke college students who had spent our annual concert funds on front row Ed Sheeran tickets plus a splurge to see Aaron Carter. Yet we desired to see one of our favorite boy bands in person. Can you blame us? The Direction Infection lived in us strong. I’m talking late nights writing fan fiction because Liam Payne MENTIONED Twitcam. Yeah, we were pathetic and still we took the two hour drive from our university apartment to downtown Nashville. Katie parked her white Hyundai in the large parking lot across from Panera Bakery. I slid my feet back into my black sparkly Toms which were paired with bleach washed vintage high-waist shorts and a black cropped tee that didn’t show much of the gut I had gained during my first year of college. My naturally curly hair was straightened and pulled into the perfect sock bun with my dyed purple bang swooped to the left. My eyes were smoky making them appear lighter brown that usual. All six piercings (three in both ears) were filled with silver jewelry and a studded bow earring was in my top ear piercing. I walked to the front of the car giving Katie an once-over. She wore denim skinny jeans, cream sheer button blouse with a matching camisole and nude sandals. Her freshly dyed red hair was lightly curled by me and held in place around her full face with brilliant blue eyes.
“Do I look okay?” she asked glancing down at herself. Approvingly I nodded checking myself out.
“Oh, my feet are ashy.” I groaned looking down at the creamed coffee toned body parts. The thing that sucks about being black is everyone can see your ash.
“I have some lotion in the car.” Katie offered. Once we were both satisfied she looked to me. “Where do you want to start?” Our plan was to wonder around near the arena and hotels for a chance of catching a glimpse of our favorite UK boys.
My plump lips pulled to the right revealing my single dimple, “I need food.” Katie nodded starting towards Panera. We ordered and took a seat at a patio table.
Katie scrolled on her phone probably texting her boyfriend Jonah, “I wonder if they’re at the Bridgestone for rehearsal.”
My wide shoulders shrugged, “They could be.”
“Let’s quickly eat and go there.” Her excited tone caused me to give her the stink eye. “Come on Jay, the reason we came was to find the guys.”
“I thought it was to go to the galleria,” I countered. She had mentioned shopping and I never said no to that.
The ginger rolled her eyes, “You can go shopping when we find One Direction.”
A groan escaped my lips, “But that’s going to take so long. They could be at the mall. Harry likes to shop.” Katie was silent so I folded my arms and glared, “If we don’t see them after two hours we are giving up.” I ordered in a tense growl. Sometimes I wasn’t about that fangirl life.
“Deal,” Katie agreed offering her hand. The smile on her face was devious, but it went ignored as our orders were called.
~~*~~
Two hours later and we still had not seen any of the boys. My feet hurt, I was covered in sweat, and my contacts felt dry.
“Kates…” I whined as we past the same hotel for the third time. “It’s been two hours.”
“Just give me ten more minutes,” she pleaded. With a nasal sigh my eyes took in my surroundings. They widened as I caught the familiar head disappearing around the corner. Rapidly and repeatedly I slapped my friend’s arm. “Ow, ow, ow, what the hell Jay? I was trying to figure out if that’s a member of 5SOS.” She protested rubbing her arms.
“Well, I know I saw a member of 1D.” I announced pointing in the direction.
Katie grabbed my hand, “Let’s go.” She dragged me forwarded. Both of us wore excited smiles. We looked and looked, but whoever I’d seen was gone. Defeated expressions played on our faces. We stood on the sidewalk clueless. Just when our plan seemed to make sense, it didn’t. “I think you were wrong,” Katie commented.
I pouted, “Me too.” Yet I had been so sure it was him.
“I’m going to see if I can find Michael again.” She decided walking away. I continued to stand where I was looking at the intriguing buildings. A music store sparked my attention and I started towards it. Without warning I collided with a person moving quickly. Before I could fall, large strong hands captured my arms and pulled me to my feet.
“Geesh,” I didn’t bother to look at the rude assailant as I yanked out of his hold. “I know that I’m short, but you don’t have to run over me.”
“I’m sorry,” a deep husky voice apologized. It sounded familiar. “I wasn’t paying attention…” his voice trailed off as I finally looked up. My breath caught as those piercing green eyes looked into my own. I knew those eyes. Countless times I had been mesmerized them on my laptop screen. Warily I took a step back to get a better look. The handsome face was framed with subtle dark curls. Bird tattoos peeked out of the top of a dark gray t-shirt. Various inkings scattered his arms. My mouth fixed to say something, but Katie appeared.
“Jay, Jay,” she squeezed my forearm. “I found Ash and he offered me a ticket, but I told him that I came with you. Then he was like, ‘Sorry I can only get you one ticket.’ That was a horrible accent, but anyways! So I said, ‘That’s okay. Just take a picture with me.’ He was like, ‘Sure’ and I pulled out my phone and we took a selfie, then I showed him and he called me beautiful. Although the picture really is cute. See look.” She shoved her iPhone in my face amidst her ramble. “Look Jay.” Katie pushed, “Why aren’t you look-” Her eyes widened as they landed on the world known person in front of me. She looked down at her cell phone and back up. “I feel like I know you.”
He chuckled, “I’m Harry.” He introduced himself with a smile.
She nodded, “Yeah, I know you.” Katie placed a hand on her chest, “I’m Katie.” They both turned to me expectantly. I blinked a few times trying to remember my name. Harry threw an awkward glance to Katie who cleared her throat, “Forgive her. She’s dreamed of that since you-” She abruptly stopped talking as my elbow forcefully touched her ribs.
“I’m Justice,” I smiled shyly. My eyes drifted to the ground. The shyness switched had been flipped on.
Harry smiled, “Are you here for the concert?” He asked looking directly at me.
“Mmm something like that. We don’t have tickets so we’re kind of just here.” I answered honestly.
“It was my idea.” Katie added still holding her phone.
“I can get you tickets,” Harry automatically offered. “That’s if you want to come to the show.” He added nervously fidgeting. Why was he nervous?
Katie cut him off before he could blubber more, “That would be fan-freaking-tastic.” I nodded in agreement not sure of what to say.
Harry’s nerves seemed to ease, “Great.” He smiled looking at me once again. Once again I attempted to speak before being cut off by my so-called best friend.
“Not to interrupt the obvious ‘love at first sight’ connection, but those girls over there are making me uneasy.” She spoke in a monotone voice looking ahead where a crowd of girls where watching us intensely.
Harry clapped once, “Right, follow me please.” He said as he grabbed my hand as if it was the most natural thing in the world and led the way. We walked with purpose to the hotel Katie and I had passed before. When we were in the lobby Harry told us wait before he left.
“This. Is. Crazy.” The shock was beginning to wear off as I looked around the lobby of the five star hotel.
Katie nodded, “Who would have thought we would meet 1/5 of an international boy band all because you can’t stand on your own two feet?” I glared at her words as Harry reappeared.
He held the long slips of paper out to me, “Here you are two tickets to the concert tonight.”
“Thank you,” my hand shock slightly as I took the tickets. “This may be a lot to ask, but do you think we could take a picture?” My voice was low filled with hesitation.
“Of course,” the Brit agreed. I handed my iPhone over to Katie and moved slightly closer to Harry.
“A little closer,” Katie ordered. My feet shifted slightly. “Closer,” she motioned with her hands. “Oh for goodness sakes at least touch each other!” She burst. I blushed as Harry crouched down slightly and casually placed an arm around my waist. When the camera clicked we pulled apart. I snapped one for Katie as well.
“It was really nice meeting you, but I have to go.” Harry informed us.
“Thanks for the tickets.” Katie thanked him.
“We appreciate it.” I added feeling a little disappointed. We hugged sloppily then Katie and I turned to leave.
A voice halted my steps, “Wait.” Harry called jogging to catch up. “Maybe we can meet up after the show. I’ll have an hour before we set out.” He looked at me hesitantly.
I bit my bottom lip, “Um, well we actually are driving to Atlanta to meet up with some friends.”
“That’s where out next show is.” Harry commented. I nodded slowly unsure of what to say. An awkward silence settled in. Katie cleared her throat loudly. Looking back at her it became clear that she was giving a pointed look.
Catching on I turned back to Harry, “Here’s my number.” I began grabbing a pen and notepad from a nearby table and jotting down the digits. “If you get some free time in Atlanta, you should call.”
Harry took the paper watching me carefully, “I will.” He promised. Nodding again I turned rejoining Katie at the door. Stealing a glance over my shoulder my suspicion of being watched was confirmed. With a smile I looked forward walking with confidence.
~~*~~
“Holy cow he really likes you.” Katie loudly proclaimed as we found our fourth row floor seats. To say that we weren’t expecting such good tickets was an understatement. But then again Harry freaking Styles did give them to us. My min just cannot wrap around that. “We are dead center; I bet Harry trips over your good looks.”
My head shook, “Stop.” She gave me an innocent look that I did not fall for. “I can hear the wheels turning in that head of yours, but you need to just not.”
The arena filled with excited fans. We sat and waited for the show to begin. When the lights went out and 5 Seconds of Summer came onto the stage, everyone immediately stood. I had only heard one of their songs, “Heartbreak Girl”, but it was pretty catchy. They were great live and quite entertaining. After their set ended there was a break before the main event.
“I hope they remembered to turn down Niall’s microphone. I do not want to hear his voice tonight.” An annoying girly voice sounded behind us. Katie tensed beside me. “I mean, how is he even in the band?”
Before I could register what was going on my best friend turned around with a scowl, “Excuse you?” She demanded as if she was confused.
The young dirty blonde plastered on a fake smile, “Well if you were eavesdropping properly, then you would have heard me.” Who was this chick? She looked like a slutty Barbie in her short leather skirt, pink lace cropped camisole, sky high neon stilettos, and overly curled hair.
Katie glanced at me, “Oh I heard you, but it sounded like you were insulting one of the boys.”
“Yeah, the Irish irrelevant one.” The ignorant girl admitted.
“Are you talking about Niall James Horan?” The young tramp nodded with a taunting smile. Katie dramatically rolled her neck, “Oh hell no. Jay hold my shit.”
“Kates, she’s like thirteen.” I interfered.
“I don’t care.” Katie fought against my hold.
“No, you will get arrested.” I tried to talk sense into her while glaring at the nuisance. “Calm your tits Katherine!” My voice rose in annoyance as the lights went out once again. Katie instantly stopped fighting me, turning to the front of the stage, and joining in the hollering. A sigh of relief escaped my lips. One Direction came on stage just in time.

Notes

It's been rewritten. Tell me what you think!