the last time

part nineteen

December 31st

Aurora

"What do you think of this one?" I ask Lex and Arlo as I come out of my room with a brand new dress on.

Arlo looks up from his phone and his eyes slowly trail down my body. Lexi tilts her head then motions for me to turn around so I do. When I face them again they give each other a small smile and Lexi squeals.

"That's the one," she says clapping happily.

Ever since Arlo invited us to dinner the other night, Lexi had automatically incorporated him into our friend group which is why he currently in my living room helping me decide what to wear to Florence's New Years Eve Party. Harry has yet to meet him but I have mentioned Arlo to him a few times. Harry still doesn't know about what went down on Christmas and I've asked everyone to keep it that way. My mom has been giving me the space I need but will text me at least once a day to remind me that she loves me.

Alex and Nick call all the time now and Jason and Lexi are popping up at my place randomly. It feels like they've all been walking on eggshells since Christmas so I enjoy Harry not knowing because he makes me feel normal. Arlo also does a good job at making me feel normal so I've been having him around the last few days.

"You think?" I ask looking down at the dress.

I'm wearing a sliver sparkling dress that reaches just an inch or two below my ass with a deep v-neck and thin straps. Lexi and I went shopping yesterday and picked out a few options for tonight. I tried to convince her to come with but tonight is a special anniversary for them considering Lex proposed to Jason on New Years Eve so they're celebrating on their own.

"Oh yeah. That boyfriend of yours is going to go crazy for you in that dress," Arlo says leaning back.

"He's crazy for her no matter what she wears," Lexi smirks. "He's smitten with her."

I roll my eyes and head back into my room to get out of the dress and back into my sweats. Harry and I went for brunch when he got back from London but we haven't hung out since. He's been preparing some stuff for tour and I have been at home with Lexi or Arlo so I don't go insane. He told me he'd swing by to pick me up at 9:30 so I have the whole day to myself.

I head back out into the living room and Lexi and Arlo are laughing at something on her phone. I smile at the two and go into the kitchen and grab a glass of water.

"Arlo, you have any plans for tonight?" I ask.

He nods, "A twelve hour shift. Gotta love New Years Eve. You wouldn't believe how many accidents happen after midnight."

"I could never be a paramedic," Lexi sighs. "I think I was definitely born to be a stay-at-home-wife."

I laugh and Arlo rolls his eyes at her. "Oh what I would give to be you, Lex," Arlo jokes. "You are living the American Dream."

Lexi gently shoves Arlo and scoffs, "If anyone is living the American Dream, it's Ro. She's an actress dating a very famous, very attractive popstar."

I shake my head, "Shut up. I haven't even booked anything yet. I haven't even heard back from Stefan Todd."

"The famous director?" Arlo asks, sitting up. "When did you meet him?"

"At Harry's album release party. He said he'd reach out to me about a role but I have yet to hear anything from him," I say, taking a seat at the kitchen island.

"Maybe he's busy for the holidays. I'm sure he'll reach out soon," Lexi says trying to comfort me.

"Yeah, what Lexi said," Arlo smiles. "Say, when do I get to meet that boyfriend of yours? My kid sister loves him and she would die if I sent her a photo."