HYSTERIA

*THIRTY FOUR - SLOW RIDE*

SLOW RIDE - FOGHAT

"Hold me, roll me, slow ridin' woman you're so fine."

ARIEL CALLAWAY

Immediately upon walking into the restaurant, I see our group at a reserved table off to the side. Unfortunately an all too familiar pair of gentle blue eyes meet mine before I reach the table. Before everyone else notices that I've gotten here, I remove my gaze from Louis' and feel my heart race in my chest as I take a detour and head towards the ladies room.

It's just been two days since returning from Vegas, and unfortunately the drama followed us home. Nothing was resolved there and I didn't expect it to be— I don't ever expect it to be.

Just a few minutes to gather myself before heading back out— for some reason I didn't think Louis would be here. Even though he's friends with Niall and was previously invited, after everything that happened over the weekend... who am I kidding? Tonight isn't about me, it's about Niall. Suck it up Ariel, he's a friend.

If everyone else is okay with him being here, then I'll just sit nowhere near him. I don't know how much of him I can face.

I quickly look over my appearance in the mirror making sure I don't look too flustered, but luckily I look just as I did when I left. My hair tied loosely into a low bun, a few strands falling to frame my face, and a more natural makeup look after spending too much time on extravagant looks last weekend in Vegas.

A gorgeous lace corset top hugs my body, the balconette accent with the white lace compliments the golden tan I acquired over the weekend. Keeping with the angel vibes, I paired my outfit with a pair of white high waisted trousers, and light blue open toed heels.

My mind races back to the man at the table, who I wasn't expecting to see here tonight after what happened this weekend.

But tonight has nothing to do with me and everything to do with Niall. Which is why Louis is sitting out there, maybe feeling just as queasy as I am.

I nervously fumble through my small purse, grabbing my lip gloss and leaning closer to the bathroom mirror to apply it, even though I only finished getting ready no more than thirty minutes ago.

The shimmery pink glides effortlessly across my lips and once finished I pucker them and give myself a quick once over before taking a deep breath and joining the others at our table.

I can only hope my walk to the table looks more confident and carefree than how I'm currently feeling.

I make my way over to Niall, resting my hand on his shoulder to grab his attention. His gaze snaps up to me before standing and accepting my hug. "Happy Birthday!" I tell him, feeling his firm embrace before pulling away.

"Thanks, Ariel. I'm glad you're here." He smiles, extending his arm out to an open seat. "We saved you a spot."

I glance over to my seat, opposite ends of the table from Louis which I'm thankful for, next to Harry and Andy. Harry smiles as I sit next to him, not able to get a word in before Andy compliments my outfit.

"Thanks, love yours too." I return, adjusting myself in my seat, turning towards Harry who looks at me softly.

"You okay?" He asks. With a sigh, I nod my head. I don't acknowledge him any further, the last thing I want is for a continuation of this weekend's drama.

"Ma'am?" A woman speaks, and Andy taps my shoulder causing me to turn and see our waitress staring me down.

"Can I get you something to drink?"