Strong (Book 2 in the No Control series)

The next couple weeks are full of interviews for the guys, leading up to the start of the tour.
Ella was part of most of those interviews. Either sitting adorably on her daddy’s lap, or making her way through all four laps. She usually stole the show, the guys didn’t mind though.

My friend from fashion school, Nina, has agreed to be my stylist’s assistant/nanny for the tour. Liam and I will be taking care of Ella. If we happen to both be busy, or need some mummy & daddy alone time, then Nina will help out.

The opening night of the tour arrives. Ella wears the headphones that Liam had
specially made for her. Paddy escorts us out to stand near the catwalk, then sticking close by us.
After the first few songs, Liam talks about Ella. He tells the crowd that if they can be quiet, he will bring her on stage.
He mouths to me. “Is it alright?”
I nod yes, and he winks.
Paddy takes Ella from me, handing her up to Liam on stage. I’m a little concerned that she might get scared. Honestly, I should have known better. She loved it.
The other guys remind the audience to be quiet. Ella giggles and talks, trying to grab the microphone from Liam. He tells everyone. “Watch this.” Then he flips his microphone in his hand. Ella goes into a fit of giggles. Liam grins, kissing her head.
She likes being on stage so much that Liam keeps her up there while the guys do a few slow songs.
The big screen shows Ella looking up at her Daddy, adoringly, while he sings. She spends the next two songs moving from one uncle to another. I can see she’s getting sleepy. Not every little girl gets to have One Direction sing her to sleep.
Liam motions for me to come on stage to get Ella. Paddy helps me up. I make my way to Liam, to the sound of applause and even a couple whistles. I briefly look out at the crowd, immediately feeling nauseous. That’s a lot of people. How on earth do these guys do this?
“My beautiful wife, Liz, everyone. Also know as Ella’s mummy.”
“Also know as Mrs. Payno.” Louis adds.
I blush.
Liam puts the microphone in front of me. “Care to sing?”
“I can’t sing.” I say, and once I think the microphone is far enough away from me, I add. “I have other talents.” As I wink at Liam.
I quickly realize that the entire venue just heard that.
Liam smirks. “Yes, you certainly do, Babe.” He says into the microphone.
Harry, Niall, and Louis laugh hysterically.
I turn a few more shades of red, as I take Ella from Liam. He gives us both a kiss, then we head backstage.

The next morning, we discover that Liam and Ella are on the front page of newspapers internationally. You can’t go online without seeing that sweet picture of Ella with her daddy while he sang.
Overnight, our little Ella, has become quite the celebrity.

Notes