All I Ever Wanted

“I was a bitch, Emma. I can’t believe I was so mean. I was just so nervous. I acted like a stuck up brat who only cared about her fame. Harry’s never going to speak to me again.” I rambled as paced back and forth in our hotel room. Emma sprawled out on my bed as she flipped through a magazine and ate a lollipop. Our families had left earlier to fly back home to Mississippi, but Emma and I were staying one more night in LA.

“Leah, chill. He knows what it’s like to have the press hound you over something stupid. I’m sure he didn’t think you were a bitch. But you know what it sounds like? Sounds like that fan girl inside of you is coming back to life. He looked hot last night and now you’re old feelings are coming baaaaaaaaack!” She grinned.

I shot her a dirty look.

“Emma, no. You know better than anyone that I despise Harry Styles.”

“Then why are you freaking out because you think that he thinks you’re a bitch?!”

Touché. Time to change the subject.

“Can we -- ?”

“Get on Tumblr and test your feelings for Harry Styles?” Emma interrupted.

“Actually I was going to say can we go by the store for donuts.”

I was starving.

“That’s a good idea too.” She said, hopping up and looking for her keys. “But I bet you that new top you bought the other day that you can’t get on Tumblr without all of those Harry feels coming right back.”

“Deal.” I said, shaking her hand. “When we get back, you can show me all the Harry pictures and text posts you want. I don’t and won’t have feelings for him at all.”

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“Here’s the top. Take care of her.” I said dramatically, handing Emma my brand new, beloved crop top. She’d won the bet. We got on Tumblr, while eating our donuts, and I’d agreed with her that Harry was hot and he was a really sweet guy. That didn’t mean I had any kind of feelings for him though. But Emma insisted that my confession was enough to lose the bet. The top was the least of my worries. After thinking about the party and my conversation with Harry, I was only sure of one thing. I had to convince Harry Styles that I wasn’t a stuck up bitch.

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(Harry’s POV)

“I don’t know, she just seemed really rude.” I said to Louis as we watched TV. It was a lazy Saturday after Amtrex’s party the previous night. We were lounging in the hotel room, recovering from minor hangovers. “She just made it really clear that she didn’t want anything to do with me. I’m surprised she let me sit at the same table with her and that I was even able to apologize.”

“Some girls are just like that, mate. Sounds like you’re better off. Plus, she was an overnight sensation. She’ll probably be gone from the music industry tomorrow. Brush it off, eh?”

Louis was right. Girls like that aren’t worth the time. I never meant to bother her, but clearly that was all I was doing. I’d forget about Leah Sadler and go enjoy my last night in LA with the rest of the band.

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(Leah’s POV)

“I can’t believe you’re wearing my new top out tonight. I’d planned on wearing it before you conned me out of it!” I said as Emma got dressed.

“You really shouldn’t gamble, you know. Then you might actually get to keep the nice things you buy.” She smirked, while grabbing her make-up and plopping down in front of the mirror. “I have to look perfect for our last night in LA. Help me!”

I helped her with a smoky eye and then rummaged through my suitcase for an outfit. Emma was wearing her (my) new black mesh crop top with hot pink skinnies, and black pumps. I found my shimmery silver leggings and slipped them on. I paired them with a white, baggy, see-through crop top, black bandeau, and black pumps. Emma’s hair was curly and fell down around her shoulders. My hair was straight and fell down to the bottom of my back.

“We look hot.” Emma admired her (my) top as we stood in the mirror. “Ready to go mingle with cute California boys?!”

“Let’s go!” I shouted as I swayed my hips. Emma laughed as we grabbed our purses and headed downstairs to meet the taxi.

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“This club looks good, let’s get inside!” I said, motioning to a neon entrance.

Emma and I locked arms and entered the packed nightclub. Music was blaring and people were everywhere. We went straight for the bar and ordered fruity drinks. “It’s packed! Do you think we’ll know anyone here?” I asked Emma.

“No, but there’s a lot of boys I’d like to get to know here!” She giggled, but stopped, stared, and whispered, “Like that one walking in our direction!” I turned around in my chair to see who she was talking about.

“Hey, I’m Ryan!”

Well he’s hot.

“I’m Leah and this is Emma!” I smiled.

“How are you ladies, tonight?” His blonde hair was parted over to one side and his blue eyes pierced my soul.

Our babies would be gorgeous.

“We’re good, just out having fun! Are you from around here?” Emma cut in. I was too busy admiring his golden tanned skin.

“Yeah, I’m a real estate agent and wannabe pro-surfer.” He laughed. “I live like 15 minutes from here. What about you two?”

“No, we’re from Mississippi, just visiting for the weekend!” I said.

I did not want anyone who didn’t know me, to know me. I liked it when people didn’t know. I still liked feeling normal whenever I could.

“That’s a long way! Well if you’d like a tour guide while you’re here, I’m you’re guy! I’ve lived here for the past three years so I like to say I know my way around.” He grinned and sipped on his beer.

“We’ll keep you in mind!” I exchanged phone numbers with him, and then nudged him with my elbow. “But for now, let’s dance!”

We all three made our way out to the dance floor. Emma grabbed a cute guy on the way and we let the music take control. My body moved against Ryan’s and I could feel him tense a little. I liked it. It gave me a new found confidence as he pulled me even closer. Our bodies rocked to the music. After about three songs, I told Ryan I needed another drink and we went back to the bar, leaving Emma and her date making out on the dance floor.

“I’ll be back, I need to run to the restroom!” He called out and then disappeared. He was hot and I didn’t mind his company. I leaned back and sipped on my new drink I’d just ordered.

“I need 5 beers!” I heard a familiar, husky, British voice call out from beside me.

I looked up and Harry Styles was leaning over the bar, ordering drinks. He hadn’t seen me so I decided to be the first to strike up conversation this time.

“Fancy meeting you here!” I flirted.

Why are you so attractive? Oh I mean, no. Shit.

Sober me apparently needed to have a talk with drunk me and let her know that we were over Harry Styles.

Harry snapped his head in my direction and smiled. “Oh, hi!”

That’s all I get? Come on Styles, I know I deserve it, but sheesh!

I let drunk me have her way as I continued to flirt.

“Are you having a good night?” I prodded. He had no choice but to talk to me while he waited on the beers he ordered.

“It’s just getting started, but so far, yes. And you?” He asked, not looking a bit interested in the conversation. The alcohol I’d had was coursing through my veins. Liquid courage always helped.

“It’s better now that you’re here!” I winked. Harry kind of laughed as bartender handed him the drinks. “Here let me help you carry those! You don’t have five hands, ya know!” I joked as he tried to figure out a way to carry the drinks.

“Um, ok. Follow me.” He was reluctant, but he had no choice.

We made our way through the crowd to a table where four other guys were – the rest of One Direction.

Sweet baby Jesus this was a good night.

“Boys, this is Leah Sadler. Leah, the boys.” Harry introduced everyone while passing out drinks. Everyone gave me a friendly look, but Louis looked a little apprehensive.

Hmm, wonder what his problem was?

“It’s so nice to meet all of you! I’m a huge fan!” I exclaimed.

“You are?” Harry almost choked on his beer. “You could have fooled me by the way you acted last night!"

Ouch. But I deserved that, I guess.

“Excuse him, love. He’s had quite a few beers tonight.” Liam apologized.

“Oh, no. He’s right. I want to apologize. Um, Harry can I speak with you alone for a second?”

He stood abruptly and followed me over to a table for two. He looked confused, and in all reality I was too. I’d never been this upfront. I usually hated confrontation.

Blame it on the a-a-a-a-alcohol.

“Look I know I came off as a terrible person last night, but these past few months you’re all people want to ask me about. They don’t even care about my career. I feel like I’m only gaining popularity because of you. Don’t get me wrong, it’s flattering, but I want to be rewarded for hard work, not just for being mentioned by Harry Styles. I really hope you understand. It’s nothing personal against you and I shouldn’t have acted so rude last night. Please, can we just start over?”

His gaze was hard and for a split second I was scared he was going to hate me forever. But then his look softened and he stuck out his hand. “Hi, I’m Harry. It’s nice to finally meet you.” He smiled.

I took his hand and shook it. “I’m Leah, and yes. It’s very nice to meet you, too.”

Thank God.

"And by the way, they're not just recognizing you because of me. You have amazing talent. No one could overlook that." He slurred a little, but I could tell that he truly meant it. I felt my cheeks heat up and I hoped it was just from the alcohol and not the intoxicating boy in front of me.

Harry and I made small talk and we laughed about the previous night. My stomach kept doing this crazy flip flop thing every time he flashed that cheeky grin.

“Well, I need to get back to the boys. It’s guy’s night out and I’ve totally ditched them for a pretty girl.” He smirked. “But maybe we can do this again sometime? I like the polite version of you.” Harry laughed and I joined in.

“Yeah I’d love to get together again!” I blushed. Harry got up to leave.

“So since you insist we get together again, I’m going to need your number.” Harry grinned again and I desperately wanted to touch his dimples. I gave him my number and we said goodbye again. “Wait, you are here with someone, right? I don’t want to leave you alone.”

“Oh yes! My friend Emma! I need to go find her. Thanks! Have a good night!”

I jumped up and scanned the room. People were everywhere, but it didn’t take me long to spot those hot pink skinnies and her (my) crop top. She was with the same guy at the bar, taking another shot. “Emma!” I yelled, hugging her from behind.

“Heeeeeey hottie. This is Aaron, my dance partner slash lover.” She grabbed Aaron by the neck of his t-shirt and pulled him in for a kiss.

“Hi Aaron, I’m Leah, her best friend.” Aaron nodded and kissed Emma again. His short dark hair and dark eyes matched Emma’s perfectly. “Em, are you about ready? This bar closes soon.” I said, checking my watch.

Emma was drunk. She hopped off her barstool and I had to half catch her to keep her from stumbling.

“See you soon baayby!” She tried to wink at Aaron as we headed for the door. Thankfully I hadn’t had as much to drink as Emma and was able to call a taxi to get us back to the hotel. My phone buzzed while we were in the taxi.

Had a great night with you, babe! Let’s meet up for drinks soon! Maybe I can get you on a surf board ;) -Ryan

I smiled, thinking about how attractive Ryan was. But my smile quickly faded. Harry had taken my number and said he’d send me a text so I’d have his, but he still hadn’t texted me at all.

Notes