Putting on a Show (L.S)

Chapter 16

[Harry's POV]

"What'll it be?"

"Vodka," I mumble, watching as the bartender pours a full glass of it, sliding it across the counter for me to take.

"Vodka? Mate, is there some special occasion I'm unaware of?" Zayn laughs, his words a bit off sounding from the cigarette in his mouth.

"No, just want something other than orange juice this time," I shrug, and I can tell he doesn't buy it as he lights his cigarette.

"Who's on your mind, H?" He sighs, and I take a sip of my drink, the strange taste making my eyes squint a bit.

"Nothing's on my mind."

"I didn't ask what, H, I asked who. And I've know you for 10 years, don't even try to lie to me. Anyway, mind telling me?"

I purse my lips, Louis' name clouding my mind like the plague, and my spine shivers at the thought of him.

I've tried to forget about him in the two weeks it's been since my concert I saw him at. I didn't make an effort to find him or call him anytime afterwards, but neither did he so I've tried not to care.

I've been drinking a bit more than usual, downing a few drinks here and there to just drown things out.

Having to deal with Olivia so often has only made things more complicated, and I can't say I've ever had such a strong disliking for a person, other than Simon- but that's always been there.

It's unbearable, having to put up with the things Olivia and Simon want me to do. It's always filled with stupid dates and planned paparazzi sets, or us having to make out by a car or in front of a building, or even on a boat.

I hate it, I hate being in pain from the way Olivia treats me when we're not in public. She's not all that afraid to lay a hand on me, or to throw things if I don't respond fast enough.

To say she's crazy is an understatement.

"It's Louis," I whisper to Zayn, who nearly spits out the swig of my vodka that he stole.

"Louis? The Louis? The same Louis you called me about awhile back- crying because you said he hates you and wants nothing to do with you? That Louis?"

"Y'know he changed a bit," I mutter, looking down at the scuffed wooden counter of the bar.

He chuckles, "Sure he did. Oh, and speaking of the devil, look who's just walked in."

I turn in the stool, seeing Louis making his way through the small crowd gathered around the TV, as the bar tends to play football matches quite often, and everyone enjoys watching them.

He looks a bit out of it until he looks in my direction, a smile forming on his lips as he walks over to where Zayn and I are sitting.

"Hi," I say, watching as he props himself up on the stool next to me.

"Long time no see," he muses, and I nod before finishing my glass of vodka.

"I thought you didn't drink?" He asks, turning to tell the bartender what he wants before looking as me again.

"I didn't, well I did just not a lot- now I drink a bit more."

He chuckles a bit, thanking the bartender for his drinks before downing both glasses like they were only water.

"Way to make me the third wheel, guys," Zayn huffs, and we both turn to look at him.

Louis gasps, quite loudly. "Are you- Zayn- oh my god."