In Perfect Harmony
Starting an Adventure
Grace's POV
After the studio excitement, the boys told me that I could go home for the day to figure out my work schedule and stuff. I really felt bad leaving, but Liam assured me that they were just about to call it quits anyway.
I stopped by the hospital to see Andrea, but was told by a nurse that she was sleeping, and so it was best not to disturb her. I walked back to my apartment and changed into comfy shorts and a t-shirt, throwing my hair into a messy bun. I let out a groan when I realized that Andrea wouldn't be making dinner like usual. I was a so-so cook, but having her around meant that I could eat healthier and with less effort on my part. I wasn't afraid to admit that I was lazy with some things. Knowing that I couldn't afford takeout, I took out a pot and boiled water for ramen noodles. Just as I was adding the seasoning to the cooked noodles, I heard a knock at the door. Rushing over to the peephole, I gasped with excitement.
"Leah!"
I threw open the door.
"Grace! It's so good to see you!"
"You too!" I replied.
Leah was my friend from high school. She had graduated from college and was starting in the music management business. Every once in awhile, she crashed in my apartment when her work brought her to NYC.
"What are you doing here?"
"I just flew in from LA. My internship at that management company I told you about ended, so they hired me full-time!
"That's great!" I exclaimed, "Congratulations!"
"Thank you! So what have you been up to?"
"Nothing much... working at the diner, playing at the coffee shop, writing with One Direction..." I replied nonchalantly.
"WAIT WHAT THE HELL?"
I burst out laughing. The expression on Leah's face was priceless as she grasped what I was saying.
"I met Liam after an open mic downtown last night, and well, it's kind of a long story, but I was in their studio today and they asked me to help write their new album!"
"OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD." Leah was still in a bit of shock. We had loved 1D in high school, Harry being Leah's favorite.
"Relax, Leah, relax," I laughed as I was talking.
"How can I relax Grace? For starters, you are gonna be working with the boys that we spent much of our teenage years fantasizing over, and second, this could help you get your big break!"
I hadn't thought of it that way. Having my name on the credits for the album could help me get my name out there.
"OH MY GOSH LEAH YOU'RE RIGHT!" Now it was my turn to jump up and down.
"I'm so happy for you! This is gonna be great!"
As I nodded my head in agreement, I had a sudden thought.
"Hey Leah, since you're in the management business now, I may need some help with this kinda stuff. Like I'm not saying that doing this album will get me famous or anything, but I really don't know much about the music industry and how it all works."
Leah looked at me she replied, "I'd love to help! Actually, maybe my company can take you on as a client! Then I could be your manager!"
"That would be absolutely amazing Leah!"
After jumping around with joy for a few minutes, we calmed ourselves down. Leah went to the bathroom to change out of her pants suit while I put my ramen noodles in a bowl.
"Want some?" I asked Leah when she returned, wearing yoga pants and an All Time Low t-shirt. Her long light brown hair was pulled back.
"No thanks. I had some snacks on the plane. Ugh traveling is exhausting." With that she collapsed on the couch dramatically.
"So are you planning on staying in the city full-time now? I asked her.
"Yeah, I'll be based at the office here. I might need to stay with you guys until I find an apartment."
"I think the apartment across the hall is vacant," I replied. "Actually, speaking of 'us,' Andrea's in the hospital."
"What?!" I had left Leah stunned for the second time that evening.
"Yeah we were all pretty freaked out. She was hit crossing the street on a date. She's got a couple broken bones but she should be ok."
"Thank God! I'm so sorry you had to go through that, Grace."
"I appreciate it, Leah. It only makes me realize how much I have to appreciate everyone in my life." I sighed. She nodded as I hopped off the couch.
"Well, I better call my manager. I was off today but I should let him know about the writing and everything."
I went into my room and dialed the resturant.
"Hey Rob, it's Grace. I'm kind of in a predicament."
"Hi Grace, how can I help?" Rob was a good guy.
"Well today I was offered the opportunity to help write the album of a, um, major band and I'm not sure if I can quit waitressing because I don't know if they're gonna pay me but I probably won't be able to work as much." I didn't mention that the 'major artist' was One Direction to respect the boys' privacy.
"Hmm, that does sound like a situation. How about you take off this week and see how everything goes? After that, you can come back and work part-time with your writing, or resign. Whatever happens. we will be happy to have you back anytime. Congratulations, by the way. That sounds like a big deal."
"Thank you so much, Rob, I really appreciate it. I can't even say how grateful I am to have the ability to come back if I need to," I gushed.
"Don't worry about it, Grace. You work hard in the diner and I know you have big dreams. The staff will always support you."
"That means so much! Thanks again."
"Good luck, Grace!"
After we had said our goodbyes I hung up the phone and walked back into the main room. Leah was deep in converstation on her own phone. As she clicked off, she turned to face me.
"Sorry about that. I just wanted to call my office and ask them about taking you on. YOU ARE MY FIRST CLIENT!!!"
"THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!" I exclaimed as I ran over to hug her.
"Haha, no problem Grace. This will be exciting. How about we watch a movie?"
"Yeah! I vote Despicable Me."
"Finee. I was hoping to watch The Notebook but I suppose it's your night to celebrate."
"Thanks girl," I said, smiling. "How about you set up the DVD while I get the snacks?"
Within minutes, we were both comfy on the couch, obsessing over the minions and eating popcorn and M&Ms.
About halfway through the movie, I noticed my phone light up. New Message, it read. I unlocked my phone.
From:Liam
Hey Grace! Can't wait for tomorrow! We'll be at the studio at 9! Is that ok?
From:Grace
Hi Liam! That sounds great! I can't wait either!
From:Liam
Ok! Do you want me to pick you up?
From:Grace
Nah, that's ok. Walking around the city is my only form of exercise cuz I can't afford a gym membership lol :)
From:Liam
Haha ok. See you there :D
From Grace:
Thanks Liam! See ya then!
I locked my phone and put it on the table. I would have texted Liam all night, but I felt bad ignoring Leah during movie night, or rather afternoon.
"Wow," I thought to myself. "Just today, my life has taken such a turn." Maybe my dream wasn't as out of reach as it had seemed.
****
Liam's POV
After the boys and I left the studio, we decided that it might be a good night for clubbing. We had all just moved back to the city, after barely seeing each other since the end of the last tour two years before. Don't get me wrong, we loved each other like brothers, but after spending almost every waking hour for the past 6 years together, we all needed some space. Of all the boys, I kept in touch with Harry and Louis the most. Zayn was still madly in love with Perrie, and Louis and Eleanor were happier than ever. Niall and Harry, like me, were still struggling to find that special someone who loved them for who they were, not for their money or fame. Niall was especially picky and had only been on about 3 dates for as long as I'd known him; Harry, on the other hand, had picked up girls from clubs almost every night. The problem with his habits was that none of the girls were even decent enough for him to take out a second time. Fame sometimes made life much more complicated.
Harry still had to go back to his flat and unpack some more, and it was only 5, so it was decided that we would all meet at mine at 10.
"See you later boys," I yelled as I walked home. My flat was in the opposite direction as the others'.
When I got home, I kicked off my shoes and collapsed on my bed. I myself still had boxes to unpack and furnuture to arrange, but I wasn't really in the mood to do any organizing. Instead, I took out my phone and texted Grace.
After she agreed to be at the studio at 9 the next day, I laid back and stared at the ceiling. I really liked Grace so much that every second I wasn't thinking about the album, I was thinking of her smiling face, the way she blushed when she was pleased or embarassed.
After being deep in thought for close to an hour, I walked into the kitchen and logged onto my laptop. I surfed online aimlessly for a while before I had a sudden thought. What if I invited Grace with us to the club? I really wanted to see her and I knew that going to the club meant Harry introducing me to just another girl with whom I had no interest in actually talking to. I texted Zayn to see what he thought.
From:Liam
Hey- should I invite Grace along with us tonight?
From:Zayn
Sure! I can ask Perrie to come too. She can text Eleanor if you want
From:Liam
Thanks man! Sounds great! See you later at my place
From:Zayn
No problem :)
I said bye to Zayn before texting Grace.
From:Liam
Hey Grace, the boys and I were thinking of going out to nightclubs tonight. Want to join? Perrie and Eleanor are coming too
From:Grace
Sounds fun! Is it ok if I bring a friend? She's staying at my apartment for a while.
From:Liam
That sounds fine! Glad to have her with us!
From:Grace
What time were you thinking?
From:Liam
Everyone's meeting at my flat at 10. I can pick you two up on our way
From:Grace
We can walk! No big deal!! You're such a gentleman :)
From:Liam
If you say so. See you then!
From:Grace
Bye Liam
I was ecstatic that she accepted my invitation. I would finally be able to get to know Grace better, in a place that wouldn't be awkward, because I was still kinda shy when talking to girls. I couldn't wait for tonight.
****
Grace's POV
I couldn't believe it. First, One Direction had asked me to help write their album, and then they had asked me to go clubbing with them! The only problem was that I couldn't stand nightclubs. I wasn't especially shy, but I wasn't super outgoing and crazy as some other girls. A night out for me meant a nice restaurant and maybe a movie afterward. Shopping with my friends was always good too.
"Come on, Grace, it'll be fun!" Leah had sensed that I didn't want to go out to nightclubs. She, on the other hand, was a bit of a party animal.
"I really don't know. I don't even have anything to wear."
"I might have something. Party dresses are like essential in LA. Let's go see."
She dragged me into my room, where the contents of her suitcases were strewn all over my bed.
"Ohh, this would be perfect on you!" She held up a black, clingy dress that probably barely went past my butt. Oh lord.
"What should I wear? HARRY STYLES IS GONNA BE THERE, GRACE. I HAVE TO LOOK GOOD." Leah was hyped. This was gonna be an interesting night.
****
A/N
Sorry this chapter wasn't super interesting... More to come!
Comment/Vote!
Thanks for reading :D
-Katie
After the studio excitement, the boys told me that I could go home for the day to figure out my work schedule and stuff. I really felt bad leaving, but Liam assured me that they were just about to call it quits anyway.
I stopped by the hospital to see Andrea, but was told by a nurse that she was sleeping, and so it was best not to disturb her. I walked back to my apartment and changed into comfy shorts and a t-shirt, throwing my hair into a messy bun. I let out a groan when I realized that Andrea wouldn't be making dinner like usual. I was a so-so cook, but having her around meant that I could eat healthier and with less effort on my part. I wasn't afraid to admit that I was lazy with some things. Knowing that I couldn't afford takeout, I took out a pot and boiled water for ramen noodles. Just as I was adding the seasoning to the cooked noodles, I heard a knock at the door. Rushing over to the peephole, I gasped with excitement.
"Leah!"
I threw open the door.
"Grace! It's so good to see you!"
"You too!" I replied.
Leah was my friend from high school. She had graduated from college and was starting in the music management business. Every once in awhile, she crashed in my apartment when her work brought her to NYC.
"What are you doing here?"
"I just flew in from LA. My internship at that management company I told you about ended, so they hired me full-time!
"That's great!" I exclaimed, "Congratulations!"
"Thank you! So what have you been up to?"
"Nothing much... working at the diner, playing at the coffee shop, writing with One Direction..." I replied nonchalantly.
"WAIT WHAT THE HELL?"
I burst out laughing. The expression on Leah's face was priceless as she grasped what I was saying.
"I met Liam after an open mic downtown last night, and well, it's kind of a long story, but I was in their studio today and they asked me to help write their new album!"
"OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD." Leah was still in a bit of shock. We had loved 1D in high school, Harry being Leah's favorite.
"Relax, Leah, relax," I laughed as I was talking.
"How can I relax Grace? For starters, you are gonna be working with the boys that we spent much of our teenage years fantasizing over, and second, this could help you get your big break!"
I hadn't thought of it that way. Having my name on the credits for the album could help me get my name out there.
"OH MY GOSH LEAH YOU'RE RIGHT!" Now it was my turn to jump up and down.
"I'm so happy for you! This is gonna be great!"
As I nodded my head in agreement, I had a sudden thought.
"Hey Leah, since you're in the management business now, I may need some help with this kinda stuff. Like I'm not saying that doing this album will get me famous or anything, but I really don't know much about the music industry and how it all works."
Leah looked at me she replied, "I'd love to help! Actually, maybe my company can take you on as a client! Then I could be your manager!"
"That would be absolutely amazing Leah!"
After jumping around with joy for a few minutes, we calmed ourselves down. Leah went to the bathroom to change out of her pants suit while I put my ramen noodles in a bowl.
"Want some?" I asked Leah when she returned, wearing yoga pants and an All Time Low t-shirt. Her long light brown hair was pulled back.
"No thanks. I had some snacks on the plane. Ugh traveling is exhausting." With that she collapsed on the couch dramatically.
"So are you planning on staying in the city full-time now? I asked her.
"Yeah, I'll be based at the office here. I might need to stay with you guys until I find an apartment."
"I think the apartment across the hall is vacant," I replied. "Actually, speaking of 'us,' Andrea's in the hospital."
"What?!" I had left Leah stunned for the second time that evening.
"Yeah we were all pretty freaked out. She was hit crossing the street on a date. She's got a couple broken bones but she should be ok."
"Thank God! I'm so sorry you had to go through that, Grace."
"I appreciate it, Leah. It only makes me realize how much I have to appreciate everyone in my life." I sighed. She nodded as I hopped off the couch.
"Well, I better call my manager. I was off today but I should let him know about the writing and everything."
I went into my room and dialed the resturant.
"Hey Rob, it's Grace. I'm kind of in a predicament."
"Hi Grace, how can I help?" Rob was a good guy.
"Well today I was offered the opportunity to help write the album of a, um, major band and I'm not sure if I can quit waitressing because I don't know if they're gonna pay me but I probably won't be able to work as much." I didn't mention that the 'major artist' was One Direction to respect the boys' privacy.
"Hmm, that does sound like a situation. How about you take off this week and see how everything goes? After that, you can come back and work part-time with your writing, or resign. Whatever happens. we will be happy to have you back anytime. Congratulations, by the way. That sounds like a big deal."
"Thank you so much, Rob, I really appreciate it. I can't even say how grateful I am to have the ability to come back if I need to," I gushed.
"Don't worry about it, Grace. You work hard in the diner and I know you have big dreams. The staff will always support you."
"That means so much! Thanks again."
"Good luck, Grace!"
After we had said our goodbyes I hung up the phone and walked back into the main room. Leah was deep in converstation on her own phone. As she clicked off, she turned to face me.
"Sorry about that. I just wanted to call my office and ask them about taking you on. YOU ARE MY FIRST CLIENT!!!"
"THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!" I exclaimed as I ran over to hug her.
"Haha, no problem Grace. This will be exciting. How about we watch a movie?"
"Yeah! I vote Despicable Me."
"Finee. I was hoping to watch The Notebook but I suppose it's your night to celebrate."
"Thanks girl," I said, smiling. "How about you set up the DVD while I get the snacks?"
Within minutes, we were both comfy on the couch, obsessing over the minions and eating popcorn and M&Ms.
About halfway through the movie, I noticed my phone light up. New Message, it read. I unlocked my phone.
From:Liam
Hey Grace! Can't wait for tomorrow! We'll be at the studio at 9! Is that ok?
From:Grace
Hi Liam! That sounds great! I can't wait either!
From:Liam
Ok! Do you want me to pick you up?
From:Grace
Nah, that's ok. Walking around the city is my only form of exercise cuz I can't afford a gym membership lol :)
From:Liam
Haha ok. See you there :D
From Grace:
Thanks Liam! See ya then!
I locked my phone and put it on the table. I would have texted Liam all night, but I felt bad ignoring Leah during movie night, or rather afternoon.
"Wow," I thought to myself. "Just today, my life has taken such a turn." Maybe my dream wasn't as out of reach as it had seemed.
****
Liam's POV
After the boys and I left the studio, we decided that it might be a good night for clubbing. We had all just moved back to the city, after barely seeing each other since the end of the last tour two years before. Don't get me wrong, we loved each other like brothers, but after spending almost every waking hour for the past 6 years together, we all needed some space. Of all the boys, I kept in touch with Harry and Louis the most. Zayn was still madly in love with Perrie, and Louis and Eleanor were happier than ever. Niall and Harry, like me, were still struggling to find that special someone who loved them for who they were, not for their money or fame. Niall was especially picky and had only been on about 3 dates for as long as I'd known him; Harry, on the other hand, had picked up girls from clubs almost every night. The problem with his habits was that none of the girls were even decent enough for him to take out a second time. Fame sometimes made life much more complicated.
Harry still had to go back to his flat and unpack some more, and it was only 5, so it was decided that we would all meet at mine at 10.
"See you later boys," I yelled as I walked home. My flat was in the opposite direction as the others'.
When I got home, I kicked off my shoes and collapsed on my bed. I myself still had boxes to unpack and furnuture to arrange, but I wasn't really in the mood to do any organizing. Instead, I took out my phone and texted Grace.
After she agreed to be at the studio at 9 the next day, I laid back and stared at the ceiling. I really liked Grace so much that every second I wasn't thinking about the album, I was thinking of her smiling face, the way she blushed when she was pleased or embarassed.
After being deep in thought for close to an hour, I walked into the kitchen and logged onto my laptop. I surfed online aimlessly for a while before I had a sudden thought. What if I invited Grace with us to the club? I really wanted to see her and I knew that going to the club meant Harry introducing me to just another girl with whom I had no interest in actually talking to. I texted Zayn to see what he thought.
From:Liam
Hey- should I invite Grace along with us tonight?
From:Zayn
Sure! I can ask Perrie to come too. She can text Eleanor if you want
From:Liam
Thanks man! Sounds great! See you later at my place
From:Zayn
No problem :)
I said bye to Zayn before texting Grace.
From:Liam
Hey Grace, the boys and I were thinking of going out to nightclubs tonight. Want to join? Perrie and Eleanor are coming too
From:Grace
Sounds fun! Is it ok if I bring a friend? She's staying at my apartment for a while.
From:Liam
That sounds fine! Glad to have her with us!
From:Grace
What time were you thinking?
From:Liam
Everyone's meeting at my flat at 10. I can pick you two up on our way
From:Grace
We can walk! No big deal!! You're such a gentleman :)
From:Liam
If you say so. See you then!
From:Grace
Bye Liam
I was ecstatic that she accepted my invitation. I would finally be able to get to know Grace better, in a place that wouldn't be awkward, because I was still kinda shy when talking to girls. I couldn't wait for tonight.
****
Grace's POV
I couldn't believe it. First, One Direction had asked me to help write their album, and then they had asked me to go clubbing with them! The only problem was that I couldn't stand nightclubs. I wasn't especially shy, but I wasn't super outgoing and crazy as some other girls. A night out for me meant a nice restaurant and maybe a movie afterward. Shopping with my friends was always good too.
"Come on, Grace, it'll be fun!" Leah had sensed that I didn't want to go out to nightclubs. She, on the other hand, was a bit of a party animal.
"I really don't know. I don't even have anything to wear."
"I might have something. Party dresses are like essential in LA. Let's go see."
She dragged me into my room, where the contents of her suitcases were strewn all over my bed.
"Ohh, this would be perfect on you!" She held up a black, clingy dress that probably barely went past my butt. Oh lord.
"What should I wear? HARRY STYLES IS GONNA BE THERE, GRACE. I HAVE TO LOOK GOOD." Leah was hyped. This was gonna be an interesting night.
****
A/N
Sorry this chapter wasn't super interesting... More to come!
Comment/Vote!
Thanks for reading :D
-Katie
Notes
A/N
Sorry this chapter wasn't super interesting... More to come!
Comment/Rate!
Thanks for reading :D
-murk798
you should update...
12/17/13