They Don't Know About Us

I sat in the studio along with my manager, band, and the studio producer dabbling around with melodies and harmonies. I’d sing a line here and there while strumming random chords on my guitar that sat in my lap.

“I can’t write a song. I’ve been sitting here all day long.” I sang quietly looking off into space.

We hadn’t gotten anywhere in the five hours we had been sitting there.

“We might as well call it a day. We’re not getting anywhere with this. I’m going to call in some help.” My manager Jason announced. I sighed in relief and packed up my stuff. My body guard Lance led me out of the studio and to the suburban waiting in front of the building. He pushed me through the fans and paparazzi. We finally reached the car. I hopped in and we drove off.

We reached my building after sitting in New York City traffic for half an hour. Lance opened the door for me and helped me get inside. I thanked him as I got on the elevator hitting the pent house button. I walked in my front door and set my things on the table beside the door and saw I had a voicemail on my phone. I clicked play and heard the raspy voice of my boyfriend take over. I smiled sadly as I listened to the message.

“Hey beautiful. Only five more days until I get to see you. You’re at the top of my ‘New York to do list’,” He started. I could practically see his cheeky smile. I rolled my eyes as he continued. “I miss you baby. When you get this call me. I don’t care what time it is. I love you.” He finished.

Five days. Five days until I got to see Harry. Even if we did have to sneak around to do it, it was definitely worth it.

Before I called Harry, I drew myself a bubble bath and lit a few candles. This is one of my favorite things to do. It was so relaxing. I grabbed my phone and sunk into the bath dialing the familiar number and leaning my head back on the edge of the tub.

“Hello?” I heard him answer. I smiled at the sound of his voice.

“Hey babe.” I smiled.

“Hey beautiful. I see you got my message.” He said.

“I did. I can’t wait to see you.” I said closing my eyes.

“Only five more days.” He sighed heavily.

“Yeah. I guess it’s not that bad.” I started. “How was your day?”

“Busy.” He sighed. “Yours?”

“Unproductive. I have writer’s block, it’s severe this time.” I groaned.

He chuckled, “You’ll get there babe, I promise. You just need a little inspiration.”

“Yeah I guess. Maybe when you get here I’ll have some.”

“Maybe. Listen babe, I gotta get some sleep, management called me into an early meeting. I’ll text you when I’m done.”

I sighed sadly, “’Kay. I love you.”

“I love you.”

We hung up and I sunk deeper into the tub inhaling the aromas around me. I decided to make it a short bath and order myself some dinner. I heard my phone vibrate loudly on the counter beside me. I checked it and saw that it was my best friend, Ryder.

Ryder: Hey babe, want some company?

Me: I’d love some actually.

Ryder: Good, now could you please tell the security guard at the front to let me in?!

Me: Lol, of course.

I called Lance and told him to let Ryder through. A few minutes later she emerged through the front door.

“Hi doll.” I said picking up my phone to order take-out.

“Hey, why is security so tight now?” She asked setting her purse on the table.

“Paparazzi think I’m seeing Taylor again. It’s like they’re waiting for him to do a walk of shame or something.” I said shaking my head.

“Taylor’s in town?” She asked as her smile widened.

“We took a picture together at the Breaking Dawn part two premiere and now all of the sudden they think we’re a couple again.” I said rolling my eyes.

She sprawled out on my couch face down before rolling over and facing me. “When does Harry fly in?”

Ryder and the boys including their girlfriends are the only ones who know about mine and Harry’s relationship. The rest of the world thinks we’re best friends. Well, that’s what we started out as. I’ve known the boys for a little over two years. It took Harry and me over eight months to admit our feelings for each other. Harry and I decided to not make our relationship public for protection and privacy reasons. He still is my best friend, but now he just doubles as my boyfriend.

“Friday at eleven.” I said dialing the number to order take-out.

“Um, yes, I’d like to place an order please.” I said. “I’d like two egg rolls, chicken lo mein, and barbeque chicken. No, that’s it thanks.”

“What day is MSG again?” She asked flipping through a VOGUE magazine.

“The third.” I sighed sadly knowing I couldn’t show any affection towards him on the biggest night of his career.

Ryder walked over to me and took me in her arms. She always knew if something was wrong. I felt tears well up in my eyes a few escaping as she comforted me.

“It’ll be okay hun.” She said soothingly.

“I know, it’s just it’s the biggest night of his career and I can’t show anything more than friendship towards him. It’s hard, you know?” I wiped the escaped tears from my cheeks.

“I don’t know what you’re going through, but I can imagine. But you know Harry loves you and you guys will have that night when he comes back here to get some lovin’.” She winked with a devious smile. My cheeks flushed and I let out a giggle.

**

I was getting ready the next morning when my phone rang. I knew it was Harry and I answered it quickly.

“Hello?” I asked leaning against my vanity.

“Hey beautiful. Listen, I need to talk to you.” He said nervously.

“What is it Haz?” I asked scared of his response.

“Erm, so today at the meeting, Modest brought up that we needed more publicity and everything. They think that either Niall or I should have a fake girlfriend. I got picked.” He said sounding guilty. “They told us they had been in contact with Taylor Swift’s reps and so now apparently we’re going to have to date. But it’s totally fake and meaningless to me. Please don’t be mad, I tried to get out of it, but you know Modest, they don’t give a shit about our feelings and I couldn’t tell them about us.”

I sat there absorbing the bomb that he just dropped on me. I covered my face and sighed heavily.

“It’s okay Harry. I understand.” I said finally.

“I knew you would. But there’s something else you probably should know.” He said.

“Oh god, what now?” I asked nervously.

“She’ll be in New York. I have to be seen with her as much as possible while we’re there.” He sighed heavily.

“B-but-“ I started.

“I know. It’s only during the day, so we have all those nights to spend together.” He quickly defended.

I sighed and rubbed my head. “Okay.”

“Well I know you have work to do, so I’ll let you go. Text me when you’re done. I love you.”

“I love you too.” I said and hung up the phone. I threw it aside and rubbed my face letting everything soak in. This was going to be a long two weeks.

**

I arrived at the studio the next day with my Starbucks in one hand and texting Harry with the other. I walked into the room and ran into someone making me almost drop my coffee.

“Oh my god! I’m so sorry!” I heard a familiar voice say.

“Oh it’s okay, no harm done.” I reassured as I looked up at the source of the voice. It was her. The girl taking Harry away from me.

“Ah, I see you two have met.” Jason said walking up to us. “Let’s get started.”

“Started on what?” I asked.

“Recording.Taylorhas a few songs for you.” He smiled. I looked at her and she smiled widely at me.

“Oh,” I muttered.

I set my stuff down on the couch and walked into the booth with the sheet music. I sat down at the piano and began playing softly.

Nothing sounded right. I couldn’t focus with her in the studio especially knowing that she would be with Harry tomorrow and the rest of the time he would be here. I was frustrated. I needed to talk to him.

“Jason, I need to take a break.” I said into the mic. He nodded and I grabbed my phone walking out of the room dialing his number.

“Hello beautiful.” He said.

I smiled at the sound of his voice. It instantly calmed me. “Hey.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be at the studio today?” He asked.

“I am. I just had to take a breather.” I said placing my face in my hands.

“Are you okay babe?” He asked with concern.

“Not really. You’ll never guess who Jason called for a song…” I trailed off.

“Oh god.” He sighed knowing exactly who I was talking about.

“Yeah. I can’t focus with her in the room. I’m messing up notes and lyrics. I can’t get the rhythm right. I’m frustrated and I need you right now and you’re not here. I’m just dealing with so much right now. I just need you to hold me in your arms and tell me everything’s going to be okay and that you love me no matter what.” I said breaking down crying.

“Baby, you know I’d be there in a second if I could. And everything will be okay. You’re just having an off day and I know Taylor doesn’t help any. And I do love you no matter what.” He said.

I sniffled and leaned my head back on the wall. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too. Now get back to recording and I’ll talk to you later.” He said.

“’Kay.” I said and hung up the phone. I took deep breaths and heard the door open and close. I quickly shuffled to my feet and dried my tears.

“A-Are you okay?”Taylorasked looking at me.

“Just dandy.” I muttered sarcastically and brushed past her.

**

I woke up roughly around ten o’clock. I got up and got ready for the day.

I picked up my phone and called Ryder.

“Hello?” She asked.

“Hey babe, ready to go?” I asked.

“Yeah, has Harry got in yet?” She asked.

“I haven’t talked to him yet but it’s just a little after eleven so more than likely he is.” I answered grabbing my purse and sunglasses. “I’m leaving now.”

“Okay see you in a bit.” And with that she hung up.

**

Ryder and I walked down Fifth Avenue going in and out of shops buying stuff here and there. I walked into Cartier and decided to get Harry something while I was here. I saw a watch I knew he’d absolutely love. I purchased it and left the store.

All of the sudden paparazzi went crazy. I looked up and saw Harry, Tom, Lou, and Lux leaving the hotel. His eyes instantly locking with mine. I gave him a small wave and smile. His dimples appeared and he smiled at the ground. It was killing me not to just go tackle him right here and now. Ryder must have read my mind because she pulled me across the street and into Dash, my favorite store.

I practically ended up buying the entire store like usual. The girls always laugh at me when I come in. I didn’t care, I just loved clothes.

When we were walking out my phone began to ring. I looked to see it was Niall. I smiled and answered it.

“Hello?”

“Tatertot! Where the hell are you?” He asked.

“I’m shopping, where the hell are you?” I giggled.

“I’m sitting up in my hotel room bored as hell. Feel like doing something?”

“Hey, I gotta get to work, I’ll call you later babe. Good luck!” Ryder announced hugging me. I waved bye to her and turned my attention back to Niall.

“With you? Of course. Just let me go put my stuff back at my place and I’ll be up in a sec.”

“You can just put it up here. I’m sharing a room with Harry so you’ll more than likely be back here tonight.” He chuckled.

“Okay, um does Paul know?” I asked crossing the street.

“Yeah I already told him you were coming by sometime today.” He said.

“Okay. I’m in front of the hotel now. What’s your room number?”

“913.”

“’Kay. Be there in a sec.” I said hanging up the phone and trying to get Paul’s attention. He finally saw me and came to my rescue pulling me through the crowd. I greeted him properly when we got in the building.

I walked to the elevator and hit the ninth floor. A few seconds later the doors reopened and I walked down the hall to room 913. I knocked on the door and it opened to a smiling Niall. He immediately engulfed me in a tight hug.

“How are you Tatertot?” He asked helping me with my bags.

“I’ve been better.” I said plopping on the bed.

“I’m sorry about this whole thing. I would’ve done it if it was up to us.” He said sitting beside me and pulling me close.

“I know, it’s just for publicity right? No big deal. It doesn’t mean anything.” I reassured mostly to myself.

“Anyways, I need to ask you about something before we go.” I said hopping up and grabbing the Cartier bag pulling out the watch box. “Do you think Harry will like this?”

“Ahh, that’s sick!” Niall said admiring the watch.

“So you think he’ll like it? I got it because of MSG. I was planning on giving it to him that night.” I said.

“Well if he doesn’t, I’ll take it!” He laughed handing me back the watch. I rolled my eyes and returned it to its rightful place.

“Well, are you ready to go?” I asked grabbing my purse.

“Yeah let me grab my coat.” He said going over to his suitcase and pulling out a heavier coat.

I followed Niall out the door. We stopped at a room a few doors down. Zayn opened the door and smiled when he saw me. He pulled me into a hug and kissed my cheek.

“Hey stranger!” I said hugging him.

“How are you love?” He asked.

“I’m pretty good. Where’s Perrie?” I asked looking past him.

“Zayn, who’s at the-TAYLOR!” She squealed tackling me in a hug. Perrie and I had gotten really close over the past few months. We shared a lot of the same interests and obviously had the same job.

“Hey doll! How are you?” I asked.

“Amazing!” She answered smiling.

“You guys want to come shopping with us?” Niall asked.

“Yes.” Perrie answered without hesitation. Zayn looked at her and laughed.

“I guess so, let me grab my phone.” He said walking back into the room. I took my own out and texted Harry.

Me: hey babe, I’m going out with Niall, Perrie, and Zayn. We’re gonna shop for a bit and get some lunch. Need anything while I’m out?

I waited for his usual quick response but didn’t get one. I brushed it off and followed everyone down the hall and into the elevator.

**

After a full day of shopping, we decided to call it a day. I went back to my place and started fixing Harry and me some dinner. A few minutes later I heard the door open and shut. I turned around to see the smiling face of my boyfriend. I immediately jumped on him wrapping my legs around his waist and kissed him deeply.

“I missed you so much.” I said burying my face into his neck.

“I missed you more.” He said running his fingers through my hair. He set me down and kissed me again.

“I hope you’re hungry. I made spaghetti.” I said smiling up at him. He peered down at me with a cheeky smile.

“I’d love some.” He said smiling.

During dinner we talked and caught up. After dinner he offered to wash the dishes, I told him no at first but he insisted. I sat in the kitchen with him while he worked away. His dimples always visible. When he was finally done, we walked out to our favorite spot in the whole apartment, the huge balcony that overlooked Central Park. He started a fire in the fire pit. He sat down in the big patio chair and pulled me into his lap. I cuddled into him and kissed his cheek. We shared little kisses here and there in between conversations.

“I’m so proud of you.” I said kissing his cheek. He kissed my head and I buried my face into the crook of his neck.

“I’ve missed you so much.” He said attacking my neck with his lips. Oh, how I missed this. He took my face in his hands, attached his lips with mine kissing me deeply and passionately.

I felt his tongue swipe my bottom lip gently asking for entrance. I granted it to him gladly. Our tongues fought for dominance as he picked me up and I wrapped my legs around him. He started walking the familiar path to my bedroom not breaking the kiss. He finally got us to my bedroom and shut the door behind him.

As soon as he laid me on the bed his phone rang in his pocket. He pulled it out and answered with a huff. I played with his fingers on his free hand while he talked.

“Hello?” He asked irritated. “Tonight? Could we not wait one more night? I don’t want to give them anymore reasons to call me a man whore!”

I knew what he was being told to do then. They were trying to get Harry to go to her hotel. Trying to get it to look like they slept together.

“Fine, I’ll be there.” He yelled angrily hanging up his phone. I let go of his hand brushing past him to walk out to the balcony. I walked to the railing and leaned against it. Looking out over Central Park, I felt a tear escape from my eyes. He’s actually leaving to go to her. I thought to myself as I heard the door slide open and close again.

I didn’t turn around knowing that if I did I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I felt his arms wrap around me and his chin rest on my shoulder. I turned my head away and kept my arms crossed.

“Please talk to me.” He murmured nuzzling his face into my neck. I sniffled and wiped away an escaped tear as he tightened his arms around me.

“At least look at me.” He whispered placing a kiss on my neck. I hesitated but turned around avoiding his eyes.

“It’s only one night. I hate this as much as you do. I promise I’ll be here tomorrow night and all the nights after that.” He assured me brushing a strand of hair from my face.

I nodded slightly and he placed a finger under my chin tilting my face up to meet his eyes. “I love you.”

I sighed sadly, “I love you too.”

He pulled my lips to his for a simple yet passionate kiss. We broke and I wrapped my arms around his torso and he held me close to his chest. We stood there for only a short time before he had to go.

I watched him walk out on me, to go to her.