Lay Me Down

Chapter 3

The next day, Jenna had me writing up contracts for different companies who could create merchandise for Noah. There was a vast range of things to be made, from clothing to album covers. I was given the task of calling the photographers as well to arrange a photoshoot for Noah next week for headshots and get pictures that could feature in the Styleinc magazine for his "upcoming artist" debut.

I was halfway through a second contract, almost coming up to lunchtime when my desk phone rang.

"Good morning, Styleinc social media, Ava speaking." My usual greeting on these phone calls.

"Ava.." His voice sent shivers down my spine even over the phone.

"Harry. Hi."

"I needed to hear your voice. How are you?"

"I'm great. How are you?" I tried to stop the shaking in my breath by telling myself that he couldn't see me, only hear me.

"I'm excellent as of right now. Do you have plans for lunch?"

"I was just going to work through it and try get these contracts finished."

"Absolutely not. You're not depriving yourself of a meal for a contract. Tell me what the contracts are for and I'll have my people do them for you."

"Harry, this is my job. I am your people."

"Ava, that is the benefit of you working for me, and will be the benefit of you working with me. I can tell whoever I want to do whatever I want. Send me what you already have and I'll have my people sort it for you by the time lunch is over. How long do you get?"

I sighed, knowing it was a fight I wouldn't win. "I get an hour from quarter past twelve."

"That's perfect. You like toasties? I know a really good place that does delicious toasties."

"I love toasties. Cheese and ham specifically."

"Well come up to my office when you finish and we'll have lunch together and discuss next week."

"Will you let me pay?" I knew he would hate the question and again threaten to up my pay slip if I did pay.

"Are you just trying to get a raise, Miss Jones?"

"Hm. I wasn't, but you now raise a very good reason for me to throw down my credit card."

He let out a low chuckle and then sighed. "I'll you see you soon Ava."

"See you soon, Mr Styles." I placed the phone back in its receiver and saved the contracts onto the usb I was using to give to Harry, since I have no idea what his email is.

It was quarter to twelve. Only half an hour to go before I had to go upstairs. I took the opportunity to go to the bathroom and freshen up my makeup. I looked like alright to say I woke up with a slightly spinning head this morning from the wine last night. It was richer than I thought it would be.

I took out my eyeliner, re-creating the smudged look that Noah made last night and then added a little more brown eyeshadow and then hairspray to my hair, to enhance the curls more. My clothes were sure to make Harry happy. A white silk blouse with the top buttons open and a short pencil skirt that reached just midthigh with black stockings underneath. I pulled the stockings up a little more and straightened the skirt, making sure it was curving the right areas.

When I got back to my desk, Jenna popped out from her office and shouted me in. I grabbed my ipad and fired up notes just incase and then went in.

"Everything alright?" I asked.

"Do you think Noah could come in this afternoon? We have some stylists who want to work with him and they said they're free this afternoon at two. Do you think he'll make it?"