Change My Mind

ERIN

After dropping Niall off at his suite, I headed back to Stefanie and I’s room curious to find out what she had planned for today. Being here definitely had made me realize how much I’d missed her since she’d left and even though last night with everyone and breakfast with Niall this morning were fun I was truly looking forward to some quality best friend time.
The second I stepped into the room I was greeted with the sight of Stefanie pacing back and forth in the seating area of the suite, talking on her cell phone while her hands flew through the air. This was not a good sign. Stefanie only started talking with her hands when she was upset or angry.
“No, I already tried to push it back. He won’t budge,” Stefanie growled into the phone, confirming my suspicions. It was at that moment that she happened to turn in my direction mid-pace and I watched as the scowl on her face transformed into a smile.
“Jackson, let me call you back,” she commented shortly and hung up her phone, walking over and giving me a quick hug before asking how breakfast with Niall went.
“It was fun. I swear, even though we just met the other night it feels like I’ve known Niall forever. He’s so easy to talk to,” I admitted honestly.
“I’m so happy to hear that,” Stefanie said and I could tell from the tone of her voice that whatever was about to follow was something she didn’t think I was going to like.
“Out with it,” I remarked placing my hand on my hip.
“Well,” she began, drawling out the “l” sound, “I have good news and bad news….which would you like first?”
“Might as well hit me the bad first.”
“I have to go into work. The final contracts for the support staff for the tour have to be signed and faxed back to New York by tonight. I tried like hell to push it back but the New York office didn’t want to hear it. I basically got told if I didn’t have them in tonight I could find myself another job,” Stefanie gushed, not taking a breath until she was done. I could see the guilt in her eyes and knowing Stef as well as I did I knew she was really beating herself up about leaving me but I couldn’t help the word vomit that came from my mouth.
“Really Stef? There’s no way? I’m leaving tomorrow,” I whined, well aware that I was being completely irrational but I couldn’t help it. I’d flown in all the way from New York to see her and I felt like I’d spent the entire weekend hanging out with someone that wasn’t her.
“I tried, Erin. I really did that was my assistant Jackson I was on the phone with when you came in. He’s pissed at me to, he was supposed to be spending this whole weekend with his girlfriend before the craziness of the tour starts. He knows he won’t get to see her much and I’m pulling him away from her. Trust me I’m no one’s favorite person right now,” Stefanie sighed, sitting down on the couch and roughly rubbing her hands over her face, “I’m sorry, E.”
“You said there was good news?” I questioned hopefully, sitting down next to her. There was a knock on the door before she could answer.
“Well….I didn’t want you to be stuck alone while I worked soooooooooo,” Stefanie began, pulling open the door and revealing Niall standing behind it, “I texted Niall before you got back to see if he wanted to hang out with you while I’m gone!”
“You called a babysitter?” I replied sarcastically, attempting to get a laugh. When I saw the hurt expression on both of their faces I was sure I missed the mark.
“Guys I’m joking,” I commented pointedly, “Geeze take a joke.”
The visible relief on Stefanie’s face was almost comical. She scurried into the room and grabbed her bag, placing a quick kiss on my cheek before saying, “You’re the best, E. I’ll make it up to you I promise. I’m going to go in kick these contracts asses and I’ll be back before you know it.”
“Later Niall,” she yelled and in seconds she was out the door. Turning back around to face Niall I asked, “So, what’s the plan?”
“Um, I was hoping you had one,” Niall responded with an adorable innocent look on his face and I couldn’t help but chuckle. I placed my finger to my lips and tried to think of a plan.
“Well, we only have the room until eleven, so why don’t I pack up Stefanie and I’s stuff and then we’ll head over to her flat. Do you like scary movies?” I asked hopefully.
Niall’s smile widened on his face, “Movie marathon? Hell yeah!”

STEFANIE

“The contracts are pretty straightforward. You will all need to sign on pages five and seven and initial pages three, four and nine. Also in your file you will find a confidentiality agreement. This is also to be signed and dated. It basically states that anything you see or hear on the tour is not to be discussed with anyone. Please take the time to read the contracts and when you’re finished signing your free to go,” I explained, pushing aside the fact that everyone in the room looked seriously upset with me. I didn’t want to be here either so needless to say I knew how they all felt. I took my seat at the head of the table and began shuffling through the paper work I had brought with me to keep occupied while they read their contracts.
“Um…Ms.Teller, I was hoping I could speak with you in private,” Amber, my wardrobe girl, said, speaking quietly as not to disturb anyone else in the room.
“Of course, Amber,” I replied with a warm smile, standing up and leading her out of the room. Once the door was securely closed behind us, I glanced at her expectantly.
“I’ve just found out that I’m about three months pregnant,” Amber began.
“Congratulations!” I replied enthusiastically and Amber smiled back at me before continuing, “I’ve had trouble in the past with pregnancies. What I’m trying to say is, I don’t feel all that comfortable traveling like we are when I know it could be risky for the baby. I think it is best if I walk away now before it becomes an inconvenience for everyone involved.”
“Oh, okay. Thank you for letting me know,” I said in my calmest voice possible after hearing news that could put my entire career in jeopardy, “Good luck with everything.”
Amber gave me a shy smile and handed back the contract I had given her moments earlier, “I’m sorry I won’t get the chance to work with you. I was really looking forward to it.”
“Thanks Amber, you take care of yourself and that baby. I expect pictures,” I commented cheerfully even though I was anything but cheerful. As Amber walked back down the hallway my mind began to race. Who would be able to pull off not only designing but pulling together the wardrobe for five guys to perform in? I racked my brain throwing around the names of some of the people I’ve worked with before on other tours but none of them fit the bill. This was One Direction and the other designers I’d worked with weren’t ready for something like that.
Erin.
Erin could do it!
This would solve everything!
As I walked back into the conference room I couldn’t help the face splitting smile that plastered to my face. I waited patiently for every member of my support staff to hand me their signed contracts and leave. Jackson was the last one left and as he handed me his paperwork he asked, “Everything okay, boss?”
I raised my eyebrows at him and he nodded towards the door, “With Amber? I couldn’t help but notice that she didn’t come back.”
I filled him in on everything. Assuring him that I had someone lined up to take Amber’s place. I hadn’t exactly secured Erin doing the tour but I had all the faith in the world that she’d be up to the challenge.

ERIN

“The classics are where it’s at. These new horror movies are completely predictable and lack originality,” I commented, reclaiming my seat on the couch next to Niall. We’d already watched, The Apparition, Apartment 143 and The Awakening and were currently about to embark on a Scream marathon.
“I don’t know, I like them all,” Niall admitted sheepishly. His answer made me smile. We settled in under the blanket we were sharing and as Drew Barrymore appeared on the screen Niall’s phone began going off. From the corner of my eye I could see him responding to a text message and then not two seconds later the phone beeped again alerting another message.
“Can you put that thing on vibrate?” I asked and Niall laughed at me.
“Sorry, It’s Harry. He’s bored,” Niall laughed. Immediately at the sound of Harry’s name my mind flashed back to the brief time when I’d seen him in the lobby of the hotel. Those green eyes were still haunting me.
“Do you mind if I invite him over?” Niall asked.
“Not at all!” I answered quickly. It wasn’t until I noticed Niall smirking that I realized I may have answered a little too quickly.
“Shut up,” I laughed, “Watch the movie.”
“I didn’t say anything!” Niall protested and I narrowed my eyes at him, “Your eyes said it all.”
“We should get everyone together and do something,” Niall offered obviously changing the subject. At that moment I was more than grateful for it.
“Well I leave tomorrow so I’m not sure we could figure out anything extravagant to do,” I admitted with a shrug.
“Billiards,” Niall said swiftly, “I’ll get the guys together and you get Stef. We all love billiards.”
I considered it for a moment and found no reason to disagree. Stefanie and I had played pool on and off over the years and honestly both of us were pretty good at it. We would kick their asses which that alone made me want to play.
“I’ll text her,” I smiled and as I grabbed my phone from my pocket I saw that I had a message.

Come to the office ASAP…2328 -Stef

2328 was an emergency code that Stef and I had come up with when younger. Whatever was going on at the office she needed me there and it was urgent. Without hesitation I turned to Niall.
“I have to run to Stef’s office, something is up,” I informed him. Niall nodded his head, “Do you want me to take you?”
“No thanks. Just stay here and finish the movies, I should be back soon and Harry’s on his way here isn’t he?” I asked.
“Oh yeah,” Niall laughed kicking his feet up onto the coffee table, “Guess you’re on your own.”


Even with having to call a cab I still made it to Stefanie’s office in less than twenty minutes. I didn’t know what to expect when I walked through her office door but finding her sitting behind her desk with her ankles crossed on top of it looking completely relaxed was definitely not what I had expected to find.
“This does not look like an emergency,” I commented dead pan and Stefanie laughed.
“But it is,” she replied pointedly, “My wardrobe girl quit on me.”
“That sucks, but not really an emergency. Actually I would call that complete misuse of the 2328 system,” I chuckled, rolling my eyes.
“But it’s not. I had an emergency and I needed my best friend to fix it,” Stefanie continued, “That’s exactly what 2328 is supposed to be used for.”
I was admittedly confused. I had no idea how Stefanie expected me to fix this for her. I mean the only designers I knew were through Ralph Lauren and needless to say I efficiently burned that bridge. I sat down on the chair across from Stef trying to rack my brain for a solution. As I was mid thought a white manila envelope landed on the desk in front of me.
“What’s this?” I asked, eyeing Stefanie. She smirked as she replied, “It’s your contract.”
“My contract?”
“Yeah, when you sign on with the tour you have to sign a contract….that one is yours,” Stefanie quipped and I stared at her completely baffled.
“I don’t know what to say…are you serious?” I asked unsure if I could really handle the pressure of dressing five guys in clothes that would been seen around the world. Immediately I second guessed my abilities.
“Just say yes!” Stefanie started, “And before you start worrying about things. You’ll stay with me in my flat, so you don’t have to worry about a place to stay and how you are going to pay for food for the next few weeks until you get your first paycheck. I even arranged it so we will be on the same bus when traveling from location to location.”
It seemed as though Stefanie had thought everything out, all I had to do was say yes. Before I could change my mind I blurted out, “Gimme a pen so I can sign this thing.”



ERIN

It had been three days since I signed the contract and I had been holed up in the flat I was sharing with Stefanie doing a lot of research and sketching. The boys had been previously dressed like prep school boys on their last tour but now they were all definitely older than school aged. I wracked my brain thinking about what guys their age wear. I had finally gotten to a place where I was sketching up a storm and while I wasn’t finished completely with the tour designs I had a solid two or three outfits for each member.
I was just getting up to stretch and take a break from work long enough to make lunch when Stefanie walked in the door. As Stefanie closed the door she placed her keys and purse on the console table next to the door, I heard her take a deep breath and sigh. “Uuuggh!” she said.
“Rough day sweetie?” I called from the kitchen.
“Niall asked about you again.” She answered glaring at me, “He’s concerned about the way you left early without saying goodbye.” She said, rolling her eyes as she removed her coat. She took another deep breath and sat down on the other side of the island, rubbing her temples.
“Why would he be concerned? You told him I got a new job and had to start work immediately right? That’s all you had to say.”
“Yes, but I don’t like lying, you know that!” I watched as she crossed her arms on the counter and put her head down,
“I’m sorry sweetie, It’s just another couple of hours. And technically you aren’t lying…I did get a new job. I just didn’t leave London.” I said placing her lunch in front of her.
She picked up her head and tilted it to the side while looking at me sternly, “You know it still counts as lying right? I’m not good at this.”
“I know and I’m sorry. I just wanted to surprise him with this and didn’t think he would ask about me much. I guess I didn’t realize this would stress you out this badly. Please don’t be mad.” I finished by placing a cup of coffee in front of her and sticking my bottom lip out pouting while making a crying puppy sound.
She looked up at the ceiling with a defeated look on her face, “Fiiinnnee. You win, I’m not mad but only because I’ve had Liam to help me keep Niall distracted and because you’re going to be ready for this meeting in three hours right?” she asked hopeful that the charade was over.
“Yep!” I said brightly picking up an orange starting to peel it, “In fact I just put the final touches on all of their personal portfolios. I mean the entire wardrobe for the tour isn’t complete but you said we only needed a few ideas to run by them right? I can always add to it and make minor changes over the next few weeks before the tour?”
“Yes you can! I know it was a lot to ask you to put together in such a short amount of time, but I really do appreciate all the hard work you’ve done already.” She said, picking up her fork and digging into the meal I had made for her. “So you’ll get to the office around Two Thirty so we can get everything set up for when the boys come right?”
“I’ll be there with bells on!” I said laughing as she rolled her eyes once again.
“You’re such a dork.” She said returning my laughter, finishing her lunch before returning to work.
“Okay, everything is all set,” Stefanie said, leading me into the large conference room where the boys would be meeting us in less than five minutes, “I’m just going to stay and introduce you as our new wardrobe designer and then I will be out of your hair and you can pitch your ideas to the boys.”
I gave Stefanie a swift nod and then wiped my now sweaty palms against the side of my skirt. I was trying so hard not to let my nerves get the better of me, but truth be told I’m not one for public speaking and knowing that I was about to present my ideas to five huge celebrities that I had only met once or twice seriously wasn’t helping matters.
“Just breathe,” Stefanie said, grabbing both of my shoulders and meeting my eyes, “Oooofaa” I couldn’t help but crack a smile. “You’ll be great,” Stefanie added reassuringly, “You’re an amazing designer and I believe in you…you just need to believe in yourself.”
I nodded, biting down on my bottom lip, “I can do this.”
Just then a knock sounded on the door, Stefanie turned and looked at me before walking over to open it, “Showtime,” she whispered and let the guys in. I smiled politely at all of them as recognition dawned on all their faces when they saw me, but it wasn’t until my eyes met, the emerald green eyes of the last boy to walk in that my smile became genuine.
It took me a second to realize Niall was running towards me when he started to yell, “EEERRRRIIIINNN!” When he reached me he scooped me up into his arms and swung me around, “I knew you wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye to me! Why didn’t you tell me this was the job you took?” he said as he put me down again letting me catch my breath.
“I wanted it to be a surprise.” I said with a smirk.
Liam clearly couldn’t resist the urge anymore, “I knew Erin was still here…She made dinner for us at Stefanie’s flat yesterday.”
Niall turned back to Liam and said, “You arse! You couldn’t tell me?”
“Sorry mate, she wanted it to be a surprise.” Liam said laughing at Niall’s mock anger.
He looked at Stefanie who said, “For the record, I wanted to tell you but Erin insisted on doing it this way and Liam wasn’t any help in convincing Erin just to let you know what was going on.”
“Way to throw us under the bus!” Liam said with another laugh.
“Yeah, thanks for that!” I agreed.
Niall turned back to me and hugged me again saying, “I’m just so glad you’re going to be designing our wardrobe!”
“Well that’s only if you guys like what I put together. If you do, we can all go out later to play pool like we planned to do the other day.” I laughed and gestured to the boys to take their seats at the large table in the middle of the conference room.
I looked over to Stefanie who was already making her way out the door. It wasn’t until right before she shut it that she gave me a thumbs up and goofy smile, causing me to laugh out loud. The boys looked up at me eyeing me curiously. They hadn’t been exposed to the true nature of our friendship yet and I wasn’t sure this was the time to show how unbelievably dorky we could be. I shifted uncomfortably and cleared my throat before reaching down and grabbing the design portfolios that I made for each of the boys off the desk.
Passing them around the table, I gave them a moment to look through them. “As you guys will see as you leaf through your folders I tried to keep things simple and tried to closely stick to each of your individual fashion styles,” I began, my voice coming out stronger then I had anticipated, “Anything you guys are unsure about or want to change can totally be arranged and I will have to meet up with each one of you for fittings later in the week.”
I looked around the table and was pleasantly surprised to find all of the guys smiling down at my drawings. Well, all of them with exception of one.
When I looked at the seat closest to my left, I found Harry looking right back at me. He flashed a crooked smile and I expected him to look away once he realized that I’d caught him eyeing me, but he didn’t, instead he just continued to smile and right before I turned my eyes away I could have sworn I saw him cock his head to the side and bite down on his bottom lip. I felt my cheeks flush and silently prayed that the blush wasn’t obvious. Did he recognize me from the other night in the hotel lobby? There was no way, he couldn’t have been looking at me so there was no way that’s why he was staring at me now.
As the other guys closed their portfolios, they all offered words of encouragement and praise to my designs. I turned once again to Harry to see what he thought and couldn’t help but notice that he still hadn’t even opened his.
“I have to agree, everything I’ve seen is pretty perfect,” he said, boldly staring into my eyes. I felt myself flush again. There was something about his gorgeous green eyes that made me feel completely breathless.
“Well thank you guys and thanks again for your time. I really look forward to working with all of you. Stefanie should be with you in a few minutes to go over your schedule for the next few days.” I announced, purposefully making eye contact with each of the guys before turning and walking out of the room.

HARRY

“These clothes are pretty wicked,” Niall offered flipping through the folder Erin had given him.
“Yeah, Stefanie really came through with finding us a new designer,” Louis said and I couldn’t help but chuckle and roll my eyes.
“Forget about the Stefanie for second we know she’s competent, and forget the clothes…let’s take a moment to appreciate the hotness of the designer.” “Oh Lord,” Zayn muttered under his breath and the sounds coming from the other guys around the room were collectively the same.
“What?” I asked innocently, feeling deeply offended.
“Come on, she’s a nice girl, Harry,” Niall said and I couldn’t help but notice the serious tone in his voice.
“I know she is,” I said honestly not sure what exactly he was getting at.
“We just don’t want this to turn into a fucked situation, mate,” Liam chimed in, “She’s one of Stefanie’s closest friends…at least wait until the tour is over to shag her and break her heart.”
“Yeah, and we’ll still have to work with Stefanie after you’ve jilted her friend…We don’t want to have an uncomfortable situation with our stage manager.” Louis added.
I was too stunned to say anything more, especially take the obvious jab at Louis for seeing how it would affect his relationship with Stefanie.
It was one thing for the media and the paparazzi to talk this way about me but something entirely different when it was my own band mates and friends. I don’t care what people I didn’t know thought about me. I knew all about the types of lies the paparazzi could spin but I never thought, that my closest friends would buy into it. I was suddenly so upset I couldn’t just sit there anymore. I stood up and started pacing until I found my way over to the large window looking over the busy streets of London.

Notes

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