Through the Dark

The next morning I meet with my potential new agent. I give him my chapters, he promises to actually read them and get back to me soon.
I do a little window shopping then grab lunch and take it to everyone at the studio. Liam and I sneak away and eat ours in private. Halfway through lunch my phone rings.
“Hello?”
“Alexis? This is James. I’ve read the chapters you gave me and I honestly love it. I’d love to be your agent, if you’ll have me.”
“Really?” Is all I can manage.
“Yes really, Alexis. To be honest. I think it’s a good possibility that we can get you a legit publishing contract before you leave LA.”
“James, we are only in LA for 2 more weeks.” I remind him.
“Yes, I know Alexis. If you’d like to move forward come back by my office and we’ll make it official.”
I swear I almost giggle. Should I pinch myself? “I’ll be by shortly James. Thank you.”
“No thank you Alexis. This is the best thing I’ve read in quite some time. See you soon.”
“Bye.”

“Well? Tell me.” Liam pushes.
I sit on Liam’s lap and link my fingers together behind his neck. “He wants to represent me, baby. He says it’s the best thing he’s read in a long time and he thinks I’ll get a legit publishing contract soon.”
“Yes!” Liam screams before picking me up and spinning me around the room.
He has me up against the wall. “I told you. You are so very talented. I’m so proud of you, love.” Then he’s kissing me. Aggressive, passionate kisses.
The door opens. It’s Julian. “Sorry dude, we really need you.”
“I’ll be right there.” He tells Julian.
Liam sighs. I rub his back. “It’s ok Liam, I need to go anyway.” He kisses me one more time.
I grab my purse and as I head out the door I swat Liam on the ass playfully. “You know I’m going to be a busy lady, I have an agent now.” I tease him.
He laughs and hugs me. “I love seeing you so happy, babe!”

The next several days are a whirlwind of appointments for me. Between James’ guidance and Liam’s support I get through it all fairly easily.
True to his word, two days before we are set to leave LA, James has three publishing companies in a bidding war over my book. Me! Little old me has companies fighting over her book!
I haven’t told Liam. I want to surprise him. I’m meeting James at his office in an hour. Representatives will be there from all three publishing companies. By the end of the day, I will have a legit publishing contract.
Three hours later I’m leaving James’ office with what he calls a very lucrative contract and a quite large advance check in my hands. My first stop is a nearby coffee shop to take a breath. I call my parents at the hotel. They are extremely happy for me and give me their blessings to join Liam on tour.
My next stop is the grocery store. I pick up items to make Liam and I a romantic dinner. I can’t wait to share this with him.

I have dinner all ready when Liam gets home. He gives me a big hug and kiss. “How was your day, babe?” He asks me. I avoid the question by asking him to help me carry our plates to the table. He knows something's up, I can tell.
I can’t even eat. I just push the food around on the plate. I keep watching Liam to see if he’s finished yet.
He puts his fork down. “Alright, Lex, what’s up?”
I grin nervously. “What makes you think something is up?”
“Because I know you, Lex.” He replies. I jump out of my seat and grab the envelope with the bow on it. I hand it to him.
He looks up at me. “What’s this?”
“Open it!” I say.
I watch as Liam opens the envelope, pulling out the contract first. As he reads it I see the understanding on his face. “Lex, this is a publishing contract. For a lot of money.”
“I know! There’s more.”
Liam pulls out the advance check. His eyebrows shoot up. He stands up and wraps me in his arms. “I’m so happy for you, Lexi! Congratulations! I knew you could do it.”
He picks me up and I wrap my legs firmly around his waist and my arms around his neck. He spins me around a few times then sets me on the kitchen counter.
“I’m so proud of you, darling.” Liam says before his lips are on mine. My lips separate in anxious anticipation of his skillful tongue. My hands move down his back to rest on his ass. I pull him even closer to me.
When we finally take a breather, I tell Liam. “Thank you for believing in me and supporting my dream. I love you.”
Liam grins. “Lex, I don’t know where I’d be right now if I hadn’t met you. Thank you for saving me. I love you.”
I kiss him gently then pullback. “You realize what this means don’t you? I can go on tour with you and not feel like a kept woman.”
Liam smiles. He tenderly lays his forehead against mine. “Thank God babe, I couldn’t imagine being without you. I’m so happy, Lex.”
Liam holds me so tight. I lay my head on his shoulder. I think back to the day Liam Payne walked into my parents hotel. I know now, at that same moment, he walked into my heart and changed me forever.
I look into Liam’s loving, sweet eyes. “Liam, it feels like we’ve lived a lifetime in our short time together, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
He smiles. “Love, our life together is just beginning.”

Notes