Just doing my Job

After a week of solid training with Jenson and improving greatly, Niall was slowly grasping the concept that he might actually have to defend himself one day. The reality of the situation had bore down on him like a cheetah within inches of catching the last giselle left in the pride lands. Leslie was back on her feet and training with the two every now and then. She was on the weight circuit in the basement gym when her phone went off, signaling the call of the pop star’s manager. “Excuse me. I need to take this.” She toweled off and walked up to the kitchen. “Hello?”

“Who do you think that was? Her face kinda blanched when she looked at the caller id.” No clue kid. Can’t be good. She’s pretty chill when it comes to most situations. Let’s wrap this up. I’ve got rounds to make and need to head home.” The two began the cool down process of stretching out. Niall realized that this behemoth of a man had become something of a friend to him and he was enjoying these workouts more than he had when he would exercise on the road with his old trainer. He felt stronger, faster, leaner, and even more graceful. There was a sense of pride and he fully believed that he could handle any problem life decided to throw his way, stalker or not.

“Niall”, she called out from the hallway. The blonde stuck his head out and raised his eyebrows. “Your management tells me you have a ceremony to go to later this evening. Some type of banquet?” His eyes brightened at the thought of the charity he’d assisted from time to time for the past four years. “That’s tonight? I’d forgotten.” She nodded, “There’s a team on the way there to check security and a team on the way here to help us get ready.” His smile faltered. “Us?” “Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you or anyone there for that matter. Trust me. It’ll be alright. As for my cover, I’m your latest fling. We’ll work on the minor details of how we met and how we’re doing later on.” “Can you pull this off? The whole ‘I’m dating a popstar’ façade? It’s kinda tumultuous.” “You’ll see”. With that, she winked and disappeared. “Be showered and ready to dress by the end of the hour.” He heard her yell.

He disappeared into his bedroom. “Um, Jameson?” he said apprehensively. A low hum sounded off and a twenty something year old male appeared out of nowhere. “Is this form more suitable? After combing your files, I decided I would liken my appearance to that of someone you would deal with on a daily basis. What can I help you with sir?” “It’s fine. Weird but fine. Can you play some music while I get ready to get ready?” “Certainly sir. What is your preference?” “Anything hard and heavy. Rock, rap, dance?” “Not a problem. One moment.” The hologram disappeared and a rapid bass line came through the hidden speakers. He nodded in satisfaction. His door closed quietly and began his event ritual.

She jumped out of the shower and threw on her robe. Jameson’s voice sounded through her room. “Ma’am, the stylists are here. Shall I let them in?” “No. I got it. Run their information and double check.” “Yes ma’am.” Jenson came down the opposite hallway. “Alright boss, I’m off. Do I look ok?” “You look great big guy. You should wear a tux more often. You don’t look so scary.” “Gee thanks.” He waved and left from the side door. She opened the front door and met a rather eclectic looking team with garment racks and bags on their shoulders. “Hi guys. Please come in. Let me go get my guest and we’ll get started.” She heard a few whispers wondering just who she was and who else they would be dressing. She rolled her eyes. “Jameson, Can you alert our guest to come to the den?” “Certainly ma’am.”

The astonished looks from the glamour team was funny but she held in the laughs. Niall came through the door in just a pair of black shorts. Immediately, she turned on her heel. “Folks, calm down. He’s on break and wants to be treated as such. He’s not with the band as they are on hiatus temporarily. Do not freak out. He’s looking for normalcy. You will help with that, correct?” Leslie’s charm won the team over and they readily agreed. They set up their stations as the agent and the singer stood together watching all the action. He leaned in and whispered, “Thanks. I was sure they were going to freak out.” “Told you kid. I got your back. Now let’s see how you clean up.”

He was ushered to the far end of the room and out of her sight. It made her uneasy but she knew her A.I was watching and would alert her to any change. She was guided to a high chair and felt the artists go to work on her makeup. She kept hearing bits and pieces of the conversation from the other side of the room. She snickered. He was trying so hard to be polite. She had to remind herself that it was almost over. A meek voice interrupted her thoughts. “Miss, it’s time to get dressed. I’ll be helping you into your dress.” “Have all the specifications been met?” “Yes. It looks phenomenal by the way. You really have an eye for style and functionality.” The two women laughed and walked to the partition curtain.

He shrugged off the last stylist and looked in the mirror. It was a tux but it looked like it was designed just for him. The pants were a charcoal color and hit the tops of his trainers just right. The black button up was the perfect size. The two top buttons left undone. The jacket was a double button front with a new type of pocket he had never seen in a suit of this type before. One quick check in the mirror and his blonde locks were perfectly messy. This was almost a normal look for him with as many awards shows and charity functions he had done. It was the first one without the fellas. It was the first one where he would be acutely aware of his surroundings and his guard would be up. Pressure was setting in for him and he began to pace. He heard one of the young stylists clear their throat. “She’s ready if you are.” “Just a minute.”

Notes

Filler chapter. Sorry. More to come tomorrow.