Across the Universe
August 17th 2014:
7am:
My alarm is blaring and I roll over, completely exhausted. I shut off my alarm and feel my eyes begin to get heavy until I remember where I am and what I am doing today. I shoot out of bed and feel a smile form on my face.
I meet the artist in exactly two hours.
Today I decide to play the Beatles. Ob la di-ob la da comes on and I belt out the lyrics as I begin to get ready. I brush my teeth and try to sort out my mess of curls. After about half an hour of this and a lot of hair spray, my hair looks much less like a bird's nest and I am ready for makeup. I don’t want to go over board so I put some cover up over my dark bags, a light coat of mascara on my upper and lower lashes and soft pink lip stain.
Now comes the hard part. In the various emails I exchanged with the manager he stressed that I should dress very casually... but I don’t want to come off across like I don’t care.
I sit next to my suitcase and stare blankly for a few minutes. I try on ten outfits before I settle on one. A white cropped sweater with my black high waisted skirt and my red heels. I spin around in front of the mirror and tap my feet on the floor like Dorothy. It’s perfect.
I wrap my camera around my neck, grab my bag and head out the door. I check my phone and take the elevator towards the business room where we are suppose to meet.
I arrive 10 minutes early but a man in a black suit is already standing in front of the door with a stern look on his face. Is he a security guard? What the hell? As I hesitantly approach the door the man turns his attention towards me.
“What is your name ma'am? He questions.
“Ummm Nova…. Nova Keating.” I stutter nervously. “I was told to come here for 9oclock.” I explain.
He glances at me and turns around towards the door. I hold my breath as I walk into the room.
A long mahogany business table stretches out in front of me. A middle aged man, who I assume is the manager sits at the head of the table. To his left another man sits typing away on his phone, and to his right, there is a pretty women. As the door closes behind me, I see all their faces turn towards me.
“Nova?” The manager yells. “We are so happy to have you here!”
He offers me a welcoming smile and stands up to greet me with a handshake.
“I am the tour manager, Paul Higgens. This is Damien Rogers, our director. And that is Olivia Morsor. She’ll be assisting you with filming.”
I choke on my tongue as I shake Damien Rogers hand. He is renowned in his field. Everybody wants to work with him. I literally can not believe I am meeting him, forget working along his side.
“Nice to meet you.” I choke.
“So you must be curious about why you are here.” Paul starts.
“Why me?” I blurt out. Shit.
Everyone smiles and Damien Rogers starts laughing at me. Or is he laughing with me? I can’t tell.
“You had amazing referrals from everyone we talked to… and we saw some of your work. One the boys, Harry insisted we bring you on.” He explains.
I chew on my cheeks.
“So is that who I am working for? Harry?” I question.
Paul gives me a strange look.
“So you haven't guessed who it is yet I see?” He laughs. “They will be here soon.”
He pulls out a seat for me and I carefully sit down.
They.. A band? Maybe... Harry? Hmmm. Where do I recognize that from. My mind turns over the information.
English band, Harry.
English band, Harry.
English band, Harry.
Just as the door opens, I figure it out.
I am working for One Direction.
****
My eyes pass over all the boys. First there is a two brunettes. The first has that cute, boy next door thing about him. And the other one is goofing around, laughing like an idiot. I’m pretty sure his name is Louis. Next is the blonde. He lights up the room immediately with his smile, the kind that makes you want to smile too, and he’s talking to a darker haired boy with a scowl on his face.
All of them male model material.
Then the last boy comes in and I can’t see anyone else. He has darker brown waves around his face and his eyes are most amazing shade of green I have ever seen. Immediately I want to kiss along his jawline and all over his pink lips. I realize I have been staring a little two long when shoots me a smile, dimples and all. I want to kiss those too.
I divert my eyes without returning the smile and I mentally slap myself.
“Hello. I’m Liam.” One says offering his hand
I snap myself out of my fantasy and shake his hand.
The next are “Louis.” “Niall.” and “Zayn.” Finally there is Harry. He approaches me slowly and searches my eyes before he says “Nice to meet you love. I’m Harry.” And as we shake hands a shiver goes through my body. The hand-shake lasts a second too long and I can’t help but wonder if it was intentional. Is he flirting? He can’t be…
“Nova.” I manage, pulling my face into a smile. When he flashes a smile back, the world spins and I am worried I may never stop smiling.
“Nova.” He repeats to himself and I bite my lip.
“SO.” Paul interrupts, clearing his throat and I quickly turn back towards the table, away from Harry.
“We are sorry we had to keep this all so secretive. We are releasing a single as a surprise and we wanted to make sure it didn’t get out.” Paul explains and everyone around him nods, including me.
“The song is called Night Changes.” Niall says smiling at me.
“Someone play it for the girl.” Damien exclaims laughing. “She needs something to work with!”
Louis opens up his phone quickly and the song begins to play.
Going out tonight
Changes into something red
Her mother doesn't like that kind of dress
Everything she never had she's showing off
Driving too fast
Moon is breaking through her hair
She's heading for something that she won't forget
Having no regrets is all that she really wants
We're only getting older, baby
And I've been thinking about it lately
Does it ever drive you crazy
Just how fast the night changes?
Everything that you've ever dreamed of
Disappearing when you wake up
But there's nothing to be afraid of
Even when the night changes
It will never change me and you
I smile and close my eyes as I listen to song play out. I can tell the chorus is sung by Harry. His raspy voice is beautiful and I feel already I could distinguish it anywhere. The melody is sweet and the song makes me feel happy. When it draws to an end I open my eyes to find everyone staring at me. Especially Harry. In fact I feel as he is staring right into me. Like he can read my thoughts.
I take a deep breath and try to think of something to say.
“I uhh. I can definitely work with that.” I smile.
And to my relief everyone laughs.
“Well here is my plan for the video so … why don’t you look over it today and we can discuss your ideas at tomorrow’s meeting. Let’s say 12 at the restaurant downstairs?” Damien says fishing out a folder from his briefcase.
“Great.” I reply, trying to focus on the brilliant director not the beautiful boy.
What is wrong with me?
Soon after that the meeting draws to an end and everyone starts to stand up and head out.
Niall turns towards me and hands me a copy of the song.
“In case you want to listen again.” He smiles. “Just make sure to listen in private and DO NOT LOSE IT.” He emphasizes opening his eyes wider, comically.
“I promise.” I giggle.
“We are going to club tonight. Would you like to come? It would be great to get to know you better.” Liam offers.
I chew on my lip and all the guys look at me hopefully.
“Sure.” I say, surprising myself.
“I can pick you up around 12pm if you text me your room number.” Harry questions.
His accent makes me want to pass out.
Focus.
“Thanks.” I murmur, trying not to make direct eye contact. If I do I might never look away.
I hand him my phone and he punches in his number.
Then he leans over to me and whispers ‘See you soon love.”
My heart races and I am scared he can hear it. His warm breath makes the hair stand up all over my body.
I pull myself together and walk towards the door, channeling all the confidence I have. I swing my arm around the door frame and look back at everyone, specifically at Harry.
“See you.”
And with that, I click away, feeling his eyes follow me down the hall.
3pm:
I turn over on my cloud, unable to fall asleep again. I’m completely jet lagged and yet the only thing I can do is lay on my bed trying to think of anyone but Harry.
I CAN’T possibly think of him that way.
He has his own action figure, and he has his face on lunch boxes and.. He’s Harry Styles.
I roll over and reach for my phone.
I hit speed dial and call Annaleigh. I met her in New York when I was 15. We both were sleeping under the same bridge. I still don’t know everything about her, and much of my life remains a mystery to her, but we made a pact. We look out for each other, never judge and if we don’t hear from each other at least once a month, we file a missing persons case. Simple.
“Hey.” I say into the phone, surprised she answered on the first try. I usually have to call a million times.
“Nova. I was waiting to hear from you.” She replies into the phone. Her accent as always, throwing me off. A mixture of a million things. British, American, French.
“I’m not dead yet.” I laugh.
“Me neither. Which I gotta say is pretty surprising. Where are you? Meet me at the corner of 16th?” She rambles quickly.
“I’m in London.” I state excitedly.
“Oh. You. Bitch. I wish I could afford a flight right now.” She yells into the receiver. “How can you? Did you rob a bank? And if so why didn’t you invite me along?” She giggles.
“I got a job. All expenses covered. It’s like my big break Leigh! Guess where I am staying?” I ask excitedly.
“Under the finest bridge London has to offer?”
“The Trafalgar. IN A FUCKING SUITE!” I yell.
The other end is dead silent for a second.
“This really is it… After you got into NYU I knew you would make it big one day girl.” She says confidently from the other line. “Just don’t forget me when you are big and famous.” She teases.
“Never.” I respond, smiling wider than ever. “So the musician I am making the music video for__”
“WHO?” She interrupts.
“I can’t tell you.”
“BULL. I won’t say a peep.” She pleads. “Plus I am practically homeless. No one would believe me anyway.You know that.” She laughs.
“One Direction.” I mutter.
“OH MY FUCKING GOD.” She screeches.
And I hold my stomach giggling.
“I know.” I mumble. “And well Harry, one of the guys. I don’t know I just thought there was something but__”
“No but’s Nova. Have fun while you can. Tell him you are some fancy New Yorker from the Upper East Side. Escape all this shit and start over. If I had the chance I would.” She yells.
I chew my cheeks for a second.
“Thanks Leigh.”
“Bye fucktard.” She jokes before the line goes dead.
***
10pm
I close my computer, satisfied with the ideas I have ready for tomorrow. I watched all of their other music videos and I am confident my idea is something they haven’t done yet. I can’t wait to see everything come together. The thought of working on an actual set makes me squirm in my seat. I scream into my pillow and sit up, making it official. I have smiled today more than I did in the first 10 years of my life. I finally roll over and check the time on my phone, and realize I need to start getting ready.
But first food. I pick up the phone and call room service and for probably the first time in my life I don’t worry about saving every last penny. I order what I want because I am dining on uber rich megastars tonight.
I am trying to do what Annaleigh told me to. We use to fantasize about this when we were younger, and here I am. I’d be stupid to waste a second right?
I shower quickly before food arrives, and scorf everything down in about three seconds: It is the best food I have ever had.
Even with the scholarship to NYU and working two part time jobs on top of class, I could barely scrape by. My apartment is half the size of my bathroom here, with cockroaches and holes in the wall. I saved every penny to buy my computer to write papers and edit film, and I spent just as long saving for all the camera equipment… Which meant a lot of skipped meals and food stamps.
Annaleigh is right. She is so completely right.
I check the time and realize I need to speed up. Harry will be here in an hour and a half.
I straighten my hair and carefully apply my makeup. A thicker coat of mascara, eyeliner and a nude lipstick.
Finally I choose my outfit, and when I look in the mirror, I feel ready to take on the world.
When I am finished I still have ten minutes to spare so I brush my teeth again.. just to make sure and then I spray some light perfume on… Soon I am just pacing.
Finally I hear a knock on the door and he is right on time. Part of me expected him to not show or something. I run to the door and fix my hair AGAIN before pulling it open.
I hardly notice it since he is so quick, but I see him look at me up and down and I smile to myself.
“You look lovely.” He says, with his dimples.
I feel weak in the knees already.
“Thankyou. You too.” I say giggling. Get your shit together Nova...
He holds the door open for me and he places his hand on the small of my back as he leads me out to his car. Oh god.
He runs around to my side of the car and opens the door from me, bowing at me as I climb in.
“Such a gentleman.” I kid and he flashes me a flirty grin.
“Always.”
Once he slides into the other side of the car he puts on some music. The first song he picks is In Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds by the Beatles and I immediately reach to turn the volume up, which makes him shoot me a smile that could kill.
“I love the Beatles.” I explain, bobbing my head to the music.
“Me too.” He says singing along. His voice even more beautiful live then it was in the song. Soon I find myself singing along too.
“You have a nice voice.” He compliments.
I shake my head in response and he searches my face for a second.
“So Nova, where exactly in the States are you from?” He questions.
“New York.”
“I LOVE New York.” He exclaims.
“One of the best cities in the world.” I say proudly. “But I think London might be competition.”
“Obviously” He jokes, and rolls his eyes dramatically. “Where abouts in New York do you live?” I swallow the sudden lump that has formed in my throat. I look into his green eyes and I almost tell him the truth. Almost... until I remember Analeigh’s words.
“Upper East.” I say quickly.
He shakes his head at this. “I wouldn’t have thought.”
“Everyone says that.” I lie.
“So Mr.Styles. Where is this club?” I ask trying to divert to subject.
“It is called the Funky Buddha. You’ll love it.” He assures.
“I like that name.” I say to myself and he just laughs.
When we pull in we sit in the car for a second in silence and he grabs onto my hand. Oh my…
“There are gonna be a lot of paps out there. Just don’t let go okay?” He warns, gesturing towards are now entwined hands.
And as we step into the chaos outside the car all I can focus on is how good he smells and how his thumb is rubbing the back of my hand.
****
1.30 am
“Are you having fun?” Harry whispers into my neck and my mouth turns up into a smile.
“No.”
“Liar.”
His lips lightly brush across my skin and I feel shivers down my spine. All bets are off. I’ve officially lost all control.
“Nova wanna another drink?” Niall slurs.
“Totally.” I laugh walking towards the bar with him, making my best effort to not look back at Harry. I needed a minute to catch my breath anyways.
“What’s it gonna be? Make it a good one!” Niall says fake serious.
“Four more tequila shots pretty please.” I smile and he nods approvingly.
“I like a girl who can handle her liquor.” He states.
“I just hope I handle it as well tomorrow.” I giggle already feeling quite tipsy.
Niall cheers me on as I down the shots and then he pulls me out onto the dance floor where Liam and his girlfriend have been dancing all night.
“Break it up you two.” Niall yells pushing them apart. Liam rolls his eyes at this and smiles at me.
“Happy you came Nova!” Liam exclaims, giving me a light hug.
“Thanks for inviting me.” I smile.
“This is Sophia, my girlfriend.” Liam introduces.
“Nice to meet you.” I say offering out my hand.
“Nice to meet you too.” She says sweetly. “You are working with the boys on a secret project right?”
I break out into laughter over this. “Un huh. Top secret” I say, trying to keep a straight face.
“She’s our ninja spy.” Liam whispers to all of us, causing everyone to laugh even harder.
After we all finally catch our breath, Niall turns towards me and says
“El and Louis should be here soon and Perrie and Zayn might make an appearance as well.” Then he wiggles his eyebrows and continues.
“In the meantime… I am going to teach you how to Irish Jig.” Dragging me towards the centre of the dance floor.
The music pulses around us and we both buckle over laughing as I try to copy his steps.
As time passes I only seem to be getting worse and everything seems to be getting funnier.
“You are bloody awful.” He deadpans before doubling over laughing again.
“Shut up. Just cause I am not a leprechaun like you…” I begin and he widens his eyes.
“You don’t wanna go there Super Nova.”
“Good one. That’s actually my twitter handle.” I say, giggling and punching him in the arm
He shakes his head at me and looks back towards the group’s table.
“Looks like everyone is here.” He says guiding me back, away from the dance floor.
“Let me introduce you.”
Zayn has his arm wrapped around a gorgeous blonde, who I am pretty sure he is engaged to, while Louis and his girlfriend and cuddling in the booth relentlessly.
Finally my eyes land on Harry, saving the best for last. My head is spinning until I notice him glance at Niall’s arm, which is wrapped around my shoulder. Oops?
“Super Nova, this is Perrie and Eleanor.” He starts. “Eleanor and Perrie, this is Super Nova.”
“Hi.” I say offering a small wave, still worried about Harry. Both of the girls offer warm smiles in return. They seem nice.
After few more minutes of introductions, Niall stumbles off to hit on a girl by the bar, so I slide myself into the booth next to Harry.
At first I am a foot away from him but I slowly find myself inching towards him until we are pressed together and he has pulled me to his chest.
“It’s my turn to dance with you.” He eventually flirts, causing my to smile, stand up and offer him my hand.
He twirls me all the way to the dance floor and I throw my head back laughing.
Finally when we are in the centre of everything we start to dance slowly and I move my body in circles across his torso and down his legs, swaying my hips back and forth. I feel his hand slide down close to my butt, while the other one runs through my hair.
I move my face very close to him so our noses are touching and he gently kisses my forehead. Soon his head is tilted back and his eyes are closed in pleasure, his hands travelling across my body.
“Harry.”
“Nova.” He coos, cupping the sides of my face.
“Take me home.” I say.
“Are you tired?” He questions, looking worried.
“No… Take. Me. Home.” I finish.
****
2.30am
Harry and I duck out of the club after offering quick goodbyes to everyone.
“Keep your head down love.” Harry whispers as we run to his car.
Once we both hop in I realize he is in the drivers seat.
“You can’t drive drunk…” I giggle. “Safety first Mr.Styles.”
He shakes his head at me. “I didn’t have a drop.” He smiles, still holding my hand as we pull out of the club.
He didn’t have a drop? He didn’t have drop! I sit there staring at our hands and then back at his face, enjoying the view even more now that I am drunk. The silence is not uncomfortable, in fact it is the opposite. For the first ten minutes I am perfectly content, watching him steer the car through London, occasionally looking back towards me. I can’t remember ever feeling this happy.
I click record on the camera, wanting to capture the moment and turn it towards his face.
“If you were an animal what would you be?” I question with a serious look on my face.
He laughs and smiles right into the camera. “A turtle.”
“Wrong. I think you are a dog, like a really cute puppy.” I say shaking my head. “And I am a bird.”
“If you are a bird, I am a bird.” He flirts.
I break into laughter at his joke.
“You watch chick flicks.” I accuse and he smiles at me, shaking his head again.
“Do you ever go anywhere without that camera.” He questions as we pull into his house.
“Never.”
He puts the car into park and slides over closer to me, grabbing the string attaching the camera to my neck and slipping it over my head.
My words get caught in my throat as he turns the camera towards me.
I put my hands up hiding my face and giggle.
“Harry!” I laugh.
“I think the camera likes you better this way.” He smiles, finally placing the it back around my neck.
He starts to get out of the car and when I try to open my door he screams “Wait!”, waddling over to my side like a little kid and pulling it open for me.
And when I start laughing he does too, taking my hand and leading me towards the noticeably big house.
The inside is beautifully decorated and I struggle not to say something. I am from the Upper East side remember…
We walk over and flop down on his soft coach and he pulls my feet over to him so I am cradled in his arms. Then he pulls off my heels, which were making my feet cry and I smile into his shoulder.
“Mmmmm” I say.
He begins to play with my hair softly I slowly kiss his neck right below his ear, causing him to moan.
I move the kisses lower down on his neck and across his collarbone until he tilts my face towards his and moves his lips closer and closer to mine. I run my hands over his hair and as our lips touch my heart beats a million times a second.
We move slowly at first, and I search his mouth trying to memorize everything. He lips taste even better than I imagine and melt into him. Our tongues fighting for dominance and I move my body so I am straddling him. He smiles into my lips as I do this. Quickly and easily he scoops me up and carries me into his bedroom, my legs wrapping around his body.
He lays me down on the bed and I grab at his shirt. He pulls it over his shoulders and I examine his body, running my fingers over his chest. I kiss all of his tattoos one by one, wondering what they mean. I earn small moans from him until he reaches for the zipper on my tight dress, slowly pulling it off, leaving me in my underwear. I am instantly glad I wore a matching set of underwear. I sit up excitedly and run my fingers over the top of his skinny jeans and he throws his head back as I do.
I pull them down and I run my hands over his boxers slowly, watching his face the whole time.
He begins to harden more and more under my touch and he flips me over so I am on my back. I open my legs and he lies in between them kissing my neck, and my stomach and the line above my panties, making me squirm and buck my hips up towards him. Then he leaves me hanging, crawling back up my body.
“You are so beautiful.” he says, looking deep into my eyes and he slowly kisses my forehead before continuing. I wrap my legs around him and reach to take off my bra.
He finishes the job for me, now moving on to my breasts. Kissing and nibbling on them, making me moan loudly into his hair. He grinds his member into me through our underpants and I desperately want to take them off.
“Harry.” I gasp as he runs his tongue down my stomach towards my soaking core. He slips his hand under my panties, rubbing my clit slowly, building speed.
“You’re so wet.” He mumbles below me, with a mischievous look on his face. I try to pull off my panties, but he stops me, moving up towards my face, gently kissing my face.
“Not yet.” He coos.
He continues to grind into me and I pull at his hair.
“I am gonna__come” I struggle.
“Me too.” He responds, his voice strained.
My body tightens up and I pull him closer to me and feel myself release.
He kisses my neck and my lips as I do and I moan uncontrollably as he rides out my orgasam.
Now that I am finished, I focus entirely on him. I run my hands over his body and move myself in circles, making him growl into my shoulder. After a few seconds his eyes close in concentration and he speeds up his movements, finishing too.
Before he pries himself off of me he searches my eyes and I get lost in his smile, his green eyes and his dimples all over again.
Finally he moves off of me, revealing the mess we made. I gasp at this and he chuckles at my reaction, heading towards the bathroom. In a few minutes he returns with a fresh pair of boxers and a shirt for me. I pull it over my head and inhale his smell. He crawls into bed pulling me towards him and I rest my head on his shoulder.
“Goodnight love.” He says kissing my shoulder, and I moan in response, already feeling myself doze off.
My alarm is blaring and I roll over, completely exhausted. I shut off my alarm and feel my eyes begin to get heavy until I remember where I am and what I am doing today. I shoot out of bed and feel a smile form on my face.
I meet the artist in exactly two hours.
Today I decide to play the Beatles. Ob la di-ob la da comes on and I belt out the lyrics as I begin to get ready. I brush my teeth and try to sort out my mess of curls. After about half an hour of this and a lot of hair spray, my hair looks much less like a bird's nest and I am ready for makeup. I don’t want to go over board so I put some cover up over my dark bags, a light coat of mascara on my upper and lower lashes and soft pink lip stain.
Now comes the hard part. In the various emails I exchanged with the manager he stressed that I should dress very casually... but I don’t want to come off across like I don’t care.
I sit next to my suitcase and stare blankly for a few minutes. I try on ten outfits before I settle on one. A white cropped sweater with my black high waisted skirt and my red heels. I spin around in front of the mirror and tap my feet on the floor like Dorothy. It’s perfect.
I wrap my camera around my neck, grab my bag and head out the door. I check my phone and take the elevator towards the business room where we are suppose to meet.
I arrive 10 minutes early but a man in a black suit is already standing in front of the door with a stern look on his face. Is he a security guard? What the hell? As I hesitantly approach the door the man turns his attention towards me.
“What is your name ma'am? He questions.
“Ummm Nova…. Nova Keating.” I stutter nervously. “I was told to come here for 9oclock.” I explain.
He glances at me and turns around towards the door. I hold my breath as I walk into the room.
A long mahogany business table stretches out in front of me. A middle aged man, who I assume is the manager sits at the head of the table. To his left another man sits typing away on his phone, and to his right, there is a pretty women. As the door closes behind me, I see all their faces turn towards me.
“Nova?” The manager yells. “We are so happy to have you here!”
He offers me a welcoming smile and stands up to greet me with a handshake.
“I am the tour manager, Paul Higgens. This is Damien Rogers, our director. And that is Olivia Morsor. She’ll be assisting you with filming.”
I choke on my tongue as I shake Damien Rogers hand. He is renowned in his field. Everybody wants to work with him. I literally can not believe I am meeting him, forget working along his side.
“Nice to meet you.” I choke.
“So you must be curious about why you are here.” Paul starts.
“Why me?” I blurt out. Shit.
Everyone smiles and Damien Rogers starts laughing at me. Or is he laughing with me? I can’t tell.
“You had amazing referrals from everyone we talked to… and we saw some of your work. One the boys, Harry insisted we bring you on.” He explains.
I chew on my cheeks.
“So is that who I am working for? Harry?” I question.
Paul gives me a strange look.
“So you haven't guessed who it is yet I see?” He laughs. “They will be here soon.”
He pulls out a seat for me and I carefully sit down.
They.. A band? Maybe... Harry? Hmmm. Where do I recognize that from. My mind turns over the information.
English band, Harry.
English band, Harry.
English band, Harry.
Just as the door opens, I figure it out.
I am working for One Direction.
****
My eyes pass over all the boys. First there is a two brunettes. The first has that cute, boy next door thing about him. And the other one is goofing around, laughing like an idiot. I’m pretty sure his name is Louis. Next is the blonde. He lights up the room immediately with his smile, the kind that makes you want to smile too, and he’s talking to a darker haired boy with a scowl on his face.
All of them male model material.
Then the last boy comes in and I can’t see anyone else. He has darker brown waves around his face and his eyes are most amazing shade of green I have ever seen. Immediately I want to kiss along his jawline and all over his pink lips. I realize I have been staring a little two long when shoots me a smile, dimples and all. I want to kiss those too.
I divert my eyes without returning the smile and I mentally slap myself.
“Hello. I’m Liam.” One says offering his hand
I snap myself out of my fantasy and shake his hand.
The next are “Louis.” “Niall.” and “Zayn.” Finally there is Harry. He approaches me slowly and searches my eyes before he says “Nice to meet you love. I’m Harry.” And as we shake hands a shiver goes through my body. The hand-shake lasts a second too long and I can’t help but wonder if it was intentional. Is he flirting? He can’t be…
“Nova.” I manage, pulling my face into a smile. When he flashes a smile back, the world spins and I am worried I may never stop smiling.
“Nova.” He repeats to himself and I bite my lip.
“SO.” Paul interrupts, clearing his throat and I quickly turn back towards the table, away from Harry.
“We are sorry we had to keep this all so secretive. We are releasing a single as a surprise and we wanted to make sure it didn’t get out.” Paul explains and everyone around him nods, including me.
“The song is called Night Changes.” Niall says smiling at me.
“Someone play it for the girl.” Damien exclaims laughing. “She needs something to work with!”
Louis opens up his phone quickly and the song begins to play.
Going out tonight
Changes into something red
Her mother doesn't like that kind of dress
Everything she never had she's showing off
Driving too fast
Moon is breaking through her hair
She's heading for something that she won't forget
Having no regrets is all that she really wants
We're only getting older, baby
And I've been thinking about it lately
Does it ever drive you crazy
Just how fast the night changes?
Everything that you've ever dreamed of
Disappearing when you wake up
But there's nothing to be afraid of
Even when the night changes
It will never change me and you
I smile and close my eyes as I listen to song play out. I can tell the chorus is sung by Harry. His raspy voice is beautiful and I feel already I could distinguish it anywhere. The melody is sweet and the song makes me feel happy. When it draws to an end I open my eyes to find everyone staring at me. Especially Harry. In fact I feel as he is staring right into me. Like he can read my thoughts.
I take a deep breath and try to think of something to say.
“I uhh. I can definitely work with that.” I smile.
And to my relief everyone laughs.
“Well here is my plan for the video so … why don’t you look over it today and we can discuss your ideas at tomorrow’s meeting. Let’s say 12 at the restaurant downstairs?” Damien says fishing out a folder from his briefcase.
“Great.” I reply, trying to focus on the brilliant director not the beautiful boy.
What is wrong with me?
Soon after that the meeting draws to an end and everyone starts to stand up and head out.
Niall turns towards me and hands me a copy of the song.
“In case you want to listen again.” He smiles. “Just make sure to listen in private and DO NOT LOSE IT.” He emphasizes opening his eyes wider, comically.
“I promise.” I giggle.
“We are going to club tonight. Would you like to come? It would be great to get to know you better.” Liam offers.
I chew on my lip and all the guys look at me hopefully.
“Sure.” I say, surprising myself.
“I can pick you up around 12pm if you text me your room number.” Harry questions.
His accent makes me want to pass out.
Focus.
“Thanks.” I murmur, trying not to make direct eye contact. If I do I might never look away.
I hand him my phone and he punches in his number.
Then he leans over to me and whispers ‘See you soon love.”
My heart races and I am scared he can hear it. His warm breath makes the hair stand up all over my body.
I pull myself together and walk towards the door, channeling all the confidence I have. I swing my arm around the door frame and look back at everyone, specifically at Harry.
“See you.”
And with that, I click away, feeling his eyes follow me down the hall.
3pm:
I turn over on my cloud, unable to fall asleep again. I’m completely jet lagged and yet the only thing I can do is lay on my bed trying to think of anyone but Harry.
I CAN’T possibly think of him that way.
He has his own action figure, and he has his face on lunch boxes and.. He’s Harry Styles.
I roll over and reach for my phone.
I hit speed dial and call Annaleigh. I met her in New York when I was 15. We both were sleeping under the same bridge. I still don’t know everything about her, and much of my life remains a mystery to her, but we made a pact. We look out for each other, never judge and if we don’t hear from each other at least once a month, we file a missing persons case. Simple.
“Hey.” I say into the phone, surprised she answered on the first try. I usually have to call a million times.
“Nova. I was waiting to hear from you.” She replies into the phone. Her accent as always, throwing me off. A mixture of a million things. British, American, French.
“I’m not dead yet.” I laugh.
“Me neither. Which I gotta say is pretty surprising. Where are you? Meet me at the corner of 16th?” She rambles quickly.
“I’m in London.” I state excitedly.
“Oh. You. Bitch. I wish I could afford a flight right now.” She yells into the receiver. “How can you? Did you rob a bank? And if so why didn’t you invite me along?” She giggles.
“I got a job. All expenses covered. It’s like my big break Leigh! Guess where I am staying?” I ask excitedly.
“Under the finest bridge London has to offer?”
“The Trafalgar. IN A FUCKING SUITE!” I yell.
The other end is dead silent for a second.
“This really is it… After you got into NYU I knew you would make it big one day girl.” She says confidently from the other line. “Just don’t forget me when you are big and famous.” She teases.
“Never.” I respond, smiling wider than ever. “So the musician I am making the music video for__”
“WHO?” She interrupts.
“I can’t tell you.”
“BULL. I won’t say a peep.” She pleads. “Plus I am practically homeless. No one would believe me anyway.You know that.” She laughs.
“One Direction.” I mutter.
“OH MY FUCKING GOD.” She screeches.
And I hold my stomach giggling.
“I know.” I mumble. “And well Harry, one of the guys. I don’t know I just thought there was something but__”
“No but’s Nova. Have fun while you can. Tell him you are some fancy New Yorker from the Upper East Side. Escape all this shit and start over. If I had the chance I would.” She yells.
I chew my cheeks for a second.
“Thanks Leigh.”
“Bye fucktard.” She jokes before the line goes dead.
***
10pm
I close my computer, satisfied with the ideas I have ready for tomorrow. I watched all of their other music videos and I am confident my idea is something they haven’t done yet. I can’t wait to see everything come together. The thought of working on an actual set makes me squirm in my seat. I scream into my pillow and sit up, making it official. I have smiled today more than I did in the first 10 years of my life. I finally roll over and check the time on my phone, and realize I need to start getting ready.
But first food. I pick up the phone and call room service and for probably the first time in my life I don’t worry about saving every last penny. I order what I want because I am dining on uber rich megastars tonight.
I am trying to do what Annaleigh told me to. We use to fantasize about this when we were younger, and here I am. I’d be stupid to waste a second right?
I shower quickly before food arrives, and scorf everything down in about three seconds: It is the best food I have ever had.
Even with the scholarship to NYU and working two part time jobs on top of class, I could barely scrape by. My apartment is half the size of my bathroom here, with cockroaches and holes in the wall. I saved every penny to buy my computer to write papers and edit film, and I spent just as long saving for all the camera equipment… Which meant a lot of skipped meals and food stamps.
Annaleigh is right. She is so completely right.
I check the time and realize I need to speed up. Harry will be here in an hour and a half.
I straighten my hair and carefully apply my makeup. A thicker coat of mascara, eyeliner and a nude lipstick.
Finally I choose my outfit, and when I look in the mirror, I feel ready to take on the world.
When I am finished I still have ten minutes to spare so I brush my teeth again.. just to make sure and then I spray some light perfume on… Soon I am just pacing.
Finally I hear a knock on the door and he is right on time. Part of me expected him to not show or something. I run to the door and fix my hair AGAIN before pulling it open.
I hardly notice it since he is so quick, but I see him look at me up and down and I smile to myself.
“You look lovely.” He says, with his dimples.
I feel weak in the knees already.
“Thankyou. You too.” I say giggling. Get your shit together Nova...
He holds the door open for me and he places his hand on the small of my back as he leads me out to his car. Oh god.
He runs around to my side of the car and opens the door from me, bowing at me as I climb in.
“Such a gentleman.” I kid and he flashes me a flirty grin.
“Always.”
Once he slides into the other side of the car he puts on some music. The first song he picks is In Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds by the Beatles and I immediately reach to turn the volume up, which makes him shoot me a smile that could kill.
“I love the Beatles.” I explain, bobbing my head to the music.
“Me too.” He says singing along. His voice even more beautiful live then it was in the song. Soon I find myself singing along too.
“You have a nice voice.” He compliments.
I shake my head in response and he searches my face for a second.
“So Nova, where exactly in the States are you from?” He questions.
“New York.”
“I LOVE New York.” He exclaims.
“One of the best cities in the world.” I say proudly. “But I think London might be competition.”
“Obviously” He jokes, and rolls his eyes dramatically. “Where abouts in New York do you live?” I swallow the sudden lump that has formed in my throat. I look into his green eyes and I almost tell him the truth. Almost... until I remember Analeigh’s words.
“Upper East.” I say quickly.
He shakes his head at this. “I wouldn’t have thought.”
“Everyone says that.” I lie.
“So Mr.Styles. Where is this club?” I ask trying to divert to subject.
“It is called the Funky Buddha. You’ll love it.” He assures.
“I like that name.” I say to myself and he just laughs.
When we pull in we sit in the car for a second in silence and he grabs onto my hand. Oh my…
“There are gonna be a lot of paps out there. Just don’t let go okay?” He warns, gesturing towards are now entwined hands.
And as we step into the chaos outside the car all I can focus on is how good he smells and how his thumb is rubbing the back of my hand.
****
1.30 am
“Are you having fun?” Harry whispers into my neck and my mouth turns up into a smile.
“No.”
“Liar.”
His lips lightly brush across my skin and I feel shivers down my spine. All bets are off. I’ve officially lost all control.
“Nova wanna another drink?” Niall slurs.
“Totally.” I laugh walking towards the bar with him, making my best effort to not look back at Harry. I needed a minute to catch my breath anyways.
“What’s it gonna be? Make it a good one!” Niall says fake serious.
“Four more tequila shots pretty please.” I smile and he nods approvingly.
“I like a girl who can handle her liquor.” He states.
“I just hope I handle it as well tomorrow.” I giggle already feeling quite tipsy.
Niall cheers me on as I down the shots and then he pulls me out onto the dance floor where Liam and his girlfriend have been dancing all night.
“Break it up you two.” Niall yells pushing them apart. Liam rolls his eyes at this and smiles at me.
“Happy you came Nova!” Liam exclaims, giving me a light hug.
“Thanks for inviting me.” I smile.
“This is Sophia, my girlfriend.” Liam introduces.
“Nice to meet you.” I say offering out my hand.
“Nice to meet you too.” She says sweetly. “You are working with the boys on a secret project right?”
I break out into laughter over this. “Un huh. Top secret” I say, trying to keep a straight face.
“She’s our ninja spy.” Liam whispers to all of us, causing everyone to laugh even harder.
After we all finally catch our breath, Niall turns towards me and says
“El and Louis should be here soon and Perrie and Zayn might make an appearance as well.” Then he wiggles his eyebrows and continues.
“In the meantime… I am going to teach you how to Irish Jig.” Dragging me towards the centre of the dance floor.
The music pulses around us and we both buckle over laughing as I try to copy his steps.
As time passes I only seem to be getting worse and everything seems to be getting funnier.
“You are bloody awful.” He deadpans before doubling over laughing again.
“Shut up. Just cause I am not a leprechaun like you…” I begin and he widens his eyes.
“You don’t wanna go there Super Nova.”
“Good one. That’s actually my twitter handle.” I say, giggling and punching him in the arm
He shakes his head at me and looks back towards the group’s table.
“Looks like everyone is here.” He says guiding me back, away from the dance floor.
“Let me introduce you.”
Zayn has his arm wrapped around a gorgeous blonde, who I am pretty sure he is engaged to, while Louis and his girlfriend and cuddling in the booth relentlessly.
Finally my eyes land on Harry, saving the best for last. My head is spinning until I notice him glance at Niall’s arm, which is wrapped around my shoulder. Oops?
“Super Nova, this is Perrie and Eleanor.” He starts. “Eleanor and Perrie, this is Super Nova.”
“Hi.” I say offering a small wave, still worried about Harry. Both of the girls offer warm smiles in return. They seem nice.
After few more minutes of introductions, Niall stumbles off to hit on a girl by the bar, so I slide myself into the booth next to Harry.
At first I am a foot away from him but I slowly find myself inching towards him until we are pressed together and he has pulled me to his chest.
“It’s my turn to dance with you.” He eventually flirts, causing my to smile, stand up and offer him my hand.
He twirls me all the way to the dance floor and I throw my head back laughing.
Finally when we are in the centre of everything we start to dance slowly and I move my body in circles across his torso and down his legs, swaying my hips back and forth. I feel his hand slide down close to my butt, while the other one runs through my hair.
I move my face very close to him so our noses are touching and he gently kisses my forehead. Soon his head is tilted back and his eyes are closed in pleasure, his hands travelling across my body.
“Harry.”
“Nova.” He coos, cupping the sides of my face.
“Take me home.” I say.
“Are you tired?” He questions, looking worried.
“No… Take. Me. Home.” I finish.
****
2.30am
Harry and I duck out of the club after offering quick goodbyes to everyone.
“Keep your head down love.” Harry whispers as we run to his car.
Once we both hop in I realize he is in the drivers seat.
“You can’t drive drunk…” I giggle. “Safety first Mr.Styles.”
He shakes his head at me. “I didn’t have a drop.” He smiles, still holding my hand as we pull out of the club.
He didn’t have a drop? He didn’t have drop! I sit there staring at our hands and then back at his face, enjoying the view even more now that I am drunk. The silence is not uncomfortable, in fact it is the opposite. For the first ten minutes I am perfectly content, watching him steer the car through London, occasionally looking back towards me. I can’t remember ever feeling this happy.
I click record on the camera, wanting to capture the moment and turn it towards his face.
“If you were an animal what would you be?” I question with a serious look on my face.
He laughs and smiles right into the camera. “A turtle.”
“Wrong. I think you are a dog, like a really cute puppy.” I say shaking my head. “And I am a bird.”
“If you are a bird, I am a bird.” He flirts.
I break into laughter at his joke.
“You watch chick flicks.” I accuse and he smiles at me, shaking his head again.
“Do you ever go anywhere without that camera.” He questions as we pull into his house.
“Never.”
He puts the car into park and slides over closer to me, grabbing the string attaching the camera to my neck and slipping it over my head.
My words get caught in my throat as he turns the camera towards me.
I put my hands up hiding my face and giggle.
“Harry!” I laugh.
“I think the camera likes you better this way.” He smiles, finally placing the it back around my neck.
He starts to get out of the car and when I try to open my door he screams “Wait!”, waddling over to my side like a little kid and pulling it open for me.
And when I start laughing he does too, taking my hand and leading me towards the noticeably big house.
The inside is beautifully decorated and I struggle not to say something. I am from the Upper East side remember…
We walk over and flop down on his soft coach and he pulls my feet over to him so I am cradled in his arms. Then he pulls off my heels, which were making my feet cry and I smile into his shoulder.
“Mmmmm” I say.
He begins to play with my hair softly I slowly kiss his neck right below his ear, causing him to moan.
I move the kisses lower down on his neck and across his collarbone until he tilts my face towards his and moves his lips closer and closer to mine. I run my hands over his hair and as our lips touch my heart beats a million times a second.
We move slowly at first, and I search his mouth trying to memorize everything. He lips taste even better than I imagine and melt into him. Our tongues fighting for dominance and I move my body so I am straddling him. He smiles into my lips as I do this. Quickly and easily he scoops me up and carries me into his bedroom, my legs wrapping around his body.
He lays me down on the bed and I grab at his shirt. He pulls it over his shoulders and I examine his body, running my fingers over his chest. I kiss all of his tattoos one by one, wondering what they mean. I earn small moans from him until he reaches for the zipper on my tight dress, slowly pulling it off, leaving me in my underwear. I am instantly glad I wore a matching set of underwear. I sit up excitedly and run my fingers over the top of his skinny jeans and he throws his head back as I do.
I pull them down and I run my hands over his boxers slowly, watching his face the whole time.
He begins to harden more and more under my touch and he flips me over so I am on my back. I open my legs and he lies in between them kissing my neck, and my stomach and the line above my panties, making me squirm and buck my hips up towards him. Then he leaves me hanging, crawling back up my body.
“You are so beautiful.” he says, looking deep into my eyes and he slowly kisses my forehead before continuing. I wrap my legs around him and reach to take off my bra.
He finishes the job for me, now moving on to my breasts. Kissing and nibbling on them, making me moan loudly into his hair. He grinds his member into me through our underpants and I desperately want to take them off.
“Harry.” I gasp as he runs his tongue down my stomach towards my soaking core. He slips his hand under my panties, rubbing my clit slowly, building speed.
“You’re so wet.” He mumbles below me, with a mischievous look on his face. I try to pull off my panties, but he stops me, moving up towards my face, gently kissing my face.
“Not yet.” He coos.
He continues to grind into me and I pull at his hair.
“I am gonna__come” I struggle.
“Me too.” He responds, his voice strained.
My body tightens up and I pull him closer to me and feel myself release.
He kisses my neck and my lips as I do and I moan uncontrollably as he rides out my orgasam.
Now that I am finished, I focus entirely on him. I run my hands over his body and move myself in circles, making him growl into my shoulder. After a few seconds his eyes close in concentration and he speeds up his movements, finishing too.
Before he pries himself off of me he searches my eyes and I get lost in his smile, his green eyes and his dimples all over again.
Finally he moves off of me, revealing the mess we made. I gasp at this and he chuckles at my reaction, heading towards the bathroom. In a few minutes he returns with a fresh pair of boxers and a shirt for me. I pull it over my head and inhale his smell. He crawls into bed pulling me towards him and I rest my head on his shoulder.
“Goodnight love.” He says kissing my shoulder, and I moan in response, already feeling myself doze off.
Notes
Leave a comment! -GR
