Through the dark

Louis

Once I'm in my room I pull out the note Louis left for me and dial the number. After three rings someone picks up. I don't know if I expected it to be Louis and I'm disappointed or relieved when the voice on the other end isn't his.

"Hello"

"Hello this is Haley Mills I received a letter well a note really from Louis to call a Alberto about plans for tomorrow." I sound ridiculous.

"Oh alright well then Ms. Mills where should Louis meet you and when?"

I am a little taken back with his direct question of where to meet but not about who I am. I guess Louis told him to expect my call. Since I don't really know many places here and I also don't want to say just meet me at my hotel. I'm not trying to seem like that kind of person. I hope that's not what he is wanting. After a few seconds I say the only place that I remember is close by.

"How about Tate at 9?"

I hear a chuckle then "alright I'll let him know. We will see you tomorrow."

"Uh alright. See you tomorrow." I say sort of confused. What was the laugh about and was Alberto coming as well? Was this like a group hang? Should I call Brad to come along? I'm overthinking this. I just need to get some sleep and prepare for tomorrow.

I am up in plenty of time to shower and see that I look decent. I'm finding that I care what I look like which is a conflicting feeling. I put my hair up in a ponytail, throw on a green knit top, a pair of jeans and an off white sweater jacket instead of a coat. Once I'm dressed I head out on the short five minute walk to Tate. It wasn't at the top of my list of things I wanted to see on our trip but it's close to the hotel. I guess if things are going strangely I can call Brad and he can direct me where to meet him.p so my day isn't completely a loss.

I'm just about to start up the steps to go inside when I hear someone say my name. I turn to see a rather large man with short dark hair and dark brown eyes in black jeans and a green short sleeve button down waving me over.  It takes me a moment to see another guy standing a bit to the side in a baseball cap and sunglasses smiling at me.  I realize then that this must be Alberto and Louis is trying to stay off a bit to not be noticed.  Then another realization hits me; this isn't a group of us hanging out. Louis needs Alberto in case a group of fans or paparazzi recognize him. I walk over to where they're standing; as I get closer I can feel butterflies in my stomach and smile at the goofy grin on Louis face.

"Miss Mills nice to meet you I'm Alberto."

"Hello; Haley is fine."

"Haley!  How are you?"  Louis steps forward but stops just shy of going in for a hug.  In spite of my fears I instinctively close the distance and give him a hug.  He returns the embrace I can feel the smile grow on my face. When I pull back Louis has a even bigger bright smile on his face. I'm already glad I listened to Brad and met up with Louis. But I'm slightly embarrassed by my forwardness so I step back linking my hands down in front of stomach.

"I'm good. I was kind of surprised to hear from you..." I begin "but really happy you wanted to meet." I add as I see his face fall a bit.

"I'm glad you agreed to. It's hard to trust people what with being in the group but Harry figured I should at least try to get to know you."

I blush not sure why I am nervous I push my hair behind my ear. "Well I'm glad I got Harry's seal of approval."

He chuckles at that. "So Tate eh? Are you into art?"

Now it's my turn to laugh. "Truthfully I like art just fine I mean I'm in marketing so I can appreciate it but I just said Tate because I knew where it was and saying meet at my hotel felt very groupie like". This time we both laugh. Talking to Louis is easy. It's nice but nice can be misleading and I have to remember that.