Through the Dark

Our first couple of days in LA were pretty crazy. The guys were busy in the studio finishing up the newest album. I went to the studio with Liam some of the time, spending the rest of the day at our rented house, writing.
Liam calls to say he’ll be done soon, so I take a break from my writing to make dinner for us.
When he arrives home Liam finds me in the kitchen. I feel strong arms encircle my waist and soft lips on my neck. My body instinctively melts into his.
“Mmm, that smells good, love.” Liam says as he takes my hand and spins me around like a ballroom dancer to face him. He kisses me sweetly before whispering in my ear. “I missed you, Lex.”
“I missed you too, Liam.”

We have our meal outside, enjoying the beautiful weather. “Did you get some writing done today, love?” Liam asks me.
“I actually got a lot written today.” I smile.
Liam grins. “That’s great, Lex. I have a surprise for you. You have an appointment with a publisher the day after tomorrow.”
My face drains of all color.
“You alright, love?” Liam asks me cautiously.
“I’m not sure I’m ready, Liam.” I mumble.
And then I see Liam’s sweet, supportive, proud smile. “You are ready babe, trust me.”
My confidence returns. “Ok, I’ve got a lot of work to do then.”

I spend the next day printing out my chapters and a bio. I try on several outfits, finally finding one that looks professional, yet young and trendy.
I don’t sleep well that night. The next morning, Liam wakes me with a kiss. He makes love to me sweetly, helping me to relax and take my mind off of the appointment. When I’m with Liam like that, I think of nothing else, only him.
Over coffee, Liam gives me a pep talk before he heads off to the studio. I’m nervous, yet hopeful as I leave for my appointment.

I wipe my sweaty palms on my skirt as I sit across from the publishing agent. She makes small talk at first then asks me how long Liam and I have been dating. Strange question, but I answer.
“Is your relationship public?” She asks.
I don’t understand these questions. “Well no, we haven’t gone public yet.”
She frowns. “Well we will need to change that.”
“Excuse me?” I ask. I’m really confused.
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it. So here’s the contract, we’d like to publish your book, Alexis.”
“Wait you haven’t even read any of it yet!” I say, seriously confused.
She looks at me as though I’m stupid. “I don’t have to read it. Any book by Liam Payne’s girlfriend will fly off the shelves. I knew we would publish it the moment Liam called me.” She says matter of factly.
“Look, I would like your honest opinion on my book.” I say, becoming angry rather quickly.
She is losing patience with me. “Just sign the contract. You might as well benefit from the fact that you are dating a celebrity.” She shoves the contract and a pen in front of me.
I stand up, take the contract and tear it in half, dropping it in front of her. “No thank you! I will not get published based on who I’ve fallen in love with. I will get published based on what I’ve written.” I take my work and promptly leave.
After the elevator doors close in front of me, the tears begin to flow.

Notes