**Nicky’s POV**

If facing my family was stressful, going into work and telling my boss I was leaving definitely had me on edge. I knew April would be happy for me, but I still felt disloyal by leaving. She’d taken a chance on me when I finished school. Let me do my internship there and hired me right out of school. I’d learned so much and I felt like I was letting her down as I stepped into her office that Monday morning.She looked up at me, taking her glasses off.

“Ut oh, I don’t like that face, Nicky. What’s going on?” I shut the door behind me and rubbed my hands over my thighs. I closed my eyes and heard Gemma tell me to “rip the bandage off.”

“April, I’ve been offered a job in London. Building a new organization from the ground up.” She walked around and leaned against her desk. Never taking her eyes off of me.

“And you are taking it?” She asked.

“Yes, I am. I decided over the weekend.” I replied picking at my nail polish.

“When did this offer come in? Who you are working for?” She asked, not out of anger; she was sincerely curious.

“My friend Gemma…”

“The sister of that boy band guy?”

“Yes, Harry Styles…it’s his foundation I will be running, I’ll be working for him.”

“Wow. I wish you would’ve called me. Is it money, honey? I can see what we can do about a raise.”

“No, April…it’s not the money. It’s never been about money, you know that. It’s something…I don’t know, but it feels like I should be doing this. Harry needs someone that knows what they are doing. He’s determined to do this, and well…Gemma told him about this place, and what I have done. He came here specifically to offer me this job.” I sat down and put my face in my hands… “April, he needs me.” She smiled at me.

“He needs you? I think you need this just as much, darlin’. I’m proud of you. I hate to lose you, but you and I both know, we do this because we love it. Not for anything else. And you will be great. How much longer do I have you?” I breathed a sigh of relief. I was so afraid of how this would go.

“Two to four months. We have started the work visa process. As soon as that is finalized, then I will be heading to London.”

"Well then, I am going to need you to help me get Jessica up to speed so she can take over for you, and we’ll need to hire her replacement. And of course we have to have a big send off for you.” I felt tears start to form. April had been my mentor, and we both knew this day would come.She stood up and gave me a hug. “I’m so proud of you, Nichole. You are going to be amazing. I knew when you walked through that door 5 years ago you would end up doing great things. Time to fly, little bird. You are ready.”

**Gemma’s POV**

Nicky called me when I got back to London, apologizing for the millionth time about Dylan. It’s not like I hadn’t seen them fight before. They got into it every time they were together. I loved both of them to death, but I swear I would’ve killed Harry if he pulled some of the stunts Dylan did. He wanted Nicky to stay on the ranch forever. Nicky loved it, I knew she did. How could she not? I loved being there and I didn’t grow up there. But, Nicky’s path led elsewhere. That’s why when Harry started talking about starting this foundation, I brought her name up. He balked at first. Hiring his sister’s friend seemed wrong to him. So I had to wear him down a bit. And I got her CV to show him as well. I knew she was more than qualified to do it. And I had to prove it to him. I knew he would love her as much as I did, too.Was I trying to play matchmaker? Possibly. Both of them had shit track records in the romantic parts of their lives. And her heart was as big as his. They both wanted to change the world. But that had nothing to do with her abilities to do the job. If they ended up together, well that would be a bonus.

“Nicky, stop…its ok. Stop apologizing for him. He apologized, it’s all good. Now, what I want to know, is how did it go with April?” I said as I made my way through the airport. I heard a few cameras go off, but I didn’t even look up. I could take that, compared to what Harry and the boys went through. This was nothing.

“Not bad, really. Surprisingly easy, as a matter of fact. She took it well. I’m helping get Jessica up to speed so she can take over my projects, and we have to hire her replacement. So the transition will be smooth for them.”

“Good, ok love, I need to get my bags and get home. Need to start work on your room and bath. Harry’s called some designer to get it sorted.”

“Oh my god, really? He doesn’t have to do that. I just need a bed, some place to put my crap, and a work space,” she sighed.

“My brother is stubborn, and he’s going to do this no matter what. So just let him, ok? I’ll be there to make sure it doesn’t get out of hand.” She was quiet for moment. I could hear the wheels turning in her head. “Nichole?”

“I’m texting him now.” I just laughed. She wasn’t going to win this one. But I let her do what she felt she needed to.

“Ok, good luck. I’ll text you later.”

**Harry’s POV**

I heard my phone pinging when I got out of the car. Paps and fans were everywhere. I was too tired to deal with it, but I smiled let them get their pictures and spoke to the girls for a bit. Then I gave my handler ‘the look’ and he moved between me and them and led me into the restaurant. I exhaled as the door shut behind us. A couple hours then I’d be back out there. I was only on Nichole’s ranch for two days but it was nice to be able to move about and not have to deal with any of this. Mike put his hand on my shoulder to reassure me,

“We’ll have the car brought ‘round the back when it’s time to go. Ok?”

“Perfect.” I reached in my pocket and pulled out my phone. Couple of texts from the guys that I responded to quickly. Then I noticed the message from Nichole.

Nichole: Did you really hire a designer for my room at Gem’s?
Me: Did she tell you I did?
Nichole: Yes, that’s not necessary, really. I don’t need a redone room. I just need a place to sleep, and store my stuff.That’s too much. Really.

I took a moment to think. Those rooms hadn’t been used since Gem bought that house. There was nothing in them. She needed furniture and some paint wouldn’t hurt. That was going to be her home. She was moving to a new country, to a new job, and I just wanted to make her feel at home. I wasn’t going to be knocking out walls or anything. Gem would murder me. I sighed as I sat down, thinking how to respond.

Me: What if I run everything by you first? Honestly, it’s not going to be much…furniture – which you need. Some paint and window treatments.

It took her awhile to respond. I knew she was thinking about what I said and formulating her response, but it still made me hold my breath, waiting.

Nichole: Ok, promise you won’t go overboard. You don’t have to clear it through me, but you do your sister. It’s her house. And she knows what I like and don’t like.

I smiled and quickly typed out “I promise” and left it at that.

<.><.><.>

I stood on the balcony of my bedroom looking over Los Angeles. It was late and I should be trying to sleep, but I knew it was pointless. My mind usually was going off in different directions, but not tonight. I keep seeing long red hair, brown eyes, blue jeans and boots. We spent the last morning on the ranch riding, and when I closed my eyes all I saw was Nichole’s smile as we rode around the ranch and she showed me all the places that she loved. Her laugh echoed through my mind from my terrible jokes. It had been less than twenty four hours and I missed her. I only just met her four days ago but Nichole Marie Davies was all I could think about and I wanted to hear her voice again. I muttered ‘fuck it,’ and picked up my phone. I hesitated for a moment, it was late and I was crazy, but I called her anyway. I pushed my hair back out of my face and waited for her to answer.

“Harry?” her sleepy voice answered.

“Did I wake you?” I heard her shuffle in her bed.

“Yeah, but that’s ok. Everything ok?” I could hear the worry in her voice.

“Yeah everything is fine.” I had to think quickly, why would I be calling her this late? “I was just wondering how the meeting with your boss went.” I heard her moving around, probably sitting up in her bed.

“Oh it went very well. We’ve got a plan set to transition my replacement already.”

“Good, I know you were worried about it.”

“Harry, hon are you ok? Trouble sleeping again?” I felt terrible hearing the concern in her voice. I woke her up for my own selfish reasons, and she was worried about me.

“Yeah, yeah…I’m fine. A little trouble, but I am used to it,” I said as I walked back into my bedroom.

“Do you have any chamomile tea?” I chuckled as I made myself comfortable on the bed.
“Are you sure you aren’t English? You sound like my Gran. A cup of tea solves everything.” She giggled softly in the phone and I felt my chest tighten.

“No, but my grandma thinks the same thing. Maybe that’s where I get it from.” It was my turn to laugh. Her voice was calming, her little giggles intoxicating. I couldn’t end the call. And she didn’t seem to be concerned about ending it either. We spoke for a couple of hours. Until I had to let go. I knew she needed to sleep. Before we disconnected the call I heard her say,

“Harry, you can call me whenever you need to, ok? I like talking to you.”

“I like talking to you too, Nichole. Do you mind if I call you Nichole?”

“I don’t mind at all, Harry.”

“Okay…Goodnight, Nichole. Sleep well.”

“You too, Harry. Sweet dreams.”

Notes

Finally a chance to write! I have been so busy, but I forced myself to sit down today and get this done. Let me know what you think!

Love ya'll <3