Deception - H.S

Chapter 18

Niall told us to say their name and walk right into the bar instead of waiting in line, which I almost did because I felt bad for the people who have been waiting for so long. We push our way through to the VIP section that we always end up at, where the couch that once only had 5 or 6 of us now has a couple more. I glance at Harry, catching him giving me a once over and not even trying to hide it before he gets back to scrolling on his phone.

I take a seat beside Niall while Ayla sits beside me. Niall puts an arm around my shoulders, pulling me in and giving a peck to the side of my head, "You feel better?" He speaks low and I nod at him. It is an innocent interaction between us, one that used to happen a lot before these two years, he knows I am not okay but also knows that I need distance so he gives it me along with checking in occasionally.

I think I am a person who understands and requires physical touch as a means of care more than verbal interactions. Actions speak louder than words and all that, you know. It used to be just a phrase once but now it is proving to be more of a statement. Body language says more about a person than words could ever explain.

"Hope this is Jace, he plays bass guitar," He points to a man sitting on his other side. Jace has dark brown hair, striking brown eyes and a very good-looking structure. He brings out his hand and I extend mine out for him to take as he presses a kiss to my knuckles. "Oh, fucking hell, you just met her, give her a second before you start flirting." I look over to Niall who pinches the bridge of his nose, his body stiffer now which gives me the impression that Niall might not like him.

"This is Nour, she plays the piano." I give her a big smile and she reciprocates it, giving me a really warm feeling, "Hi, great to meet you." If social situations didn't make me nervous, I'd be friends with her by now with the positive energy she gives out, "Nice to meet you too." There is also another member, Faye who is the guitarist.

"This is Hope and that's Ayla." Niall points at us respectively. "There are a couple of more people from the crew but they aren't here yet." Louis and Liam walk in with two trays of drinks, "Stop fucking pushing me." Louis groans, a tinge of irritation in his voice. "I'm not doing anything dick. You just can't fucking walk properly." Liam protests.

"Told a waitress to get us drinks, she will be filling everyone up." Liam rubs his hands together before taking a shot. Everyone picks up a drink, downing it and getting to their feet to get to where the crowd is the liveliest. Ayla tugs on my arm but I refuse, "No, I'll join you guys in a bit, I'm too sober." I laugh and she gives me a thumbs up, gesturing me to take a couple of more shots.

Jace lingers behind, scooting towards me and putting a hand on my back, "When did you start playing?" he initiates a conversation and I search my brain to answer while I play with my ring, "Uhm.. its actually my first time playing professionally." To which he raises his brows, "Interesting, how did that happen?"

"I've known Niall for a while and he thought it was a good idea so I gave it a shot. I'm really nervous about it though." I laugh a little to hide how shaky my arms are.

I see him take fold his lips back into his mouth, "That's cool."

"What about you?"

"What would you like to know about me? I'm an open book." He holds his hands out in surrender, making me laugh a bit and joining in.

"Do you wanna sit at the bar?" he eyes Harry and Louis and clears his throat. I would love to interact with these people and get to know them but I am too awkward to try having a full on conversation with him without anyone else as a buffer, "Uhh, maybe some other time?" He raises his hands, "Next time it is. Can't wait for it." He smiles and takes my hand place a kiss on my knuckles before disappearing into the crowd.