Putting on a Show (L.S)

Chapter 17

[Harry's POV]

"What do you mean I'm not allowed to talk to or be seen with him?"

He sighs, frustrated, "I mean exactly what I say, Harry. We can't have people thinking you guys are a couple again, or even friends, because that creates rumors and we can't have rumors."

"But the rumors you've created of him are okay? Saying I've cheated on him with Olivia? That's nothing like what happened and you know it."

He smiles, "Of course it isn't, because you and Louis were never actually technically together. He was a stunt, the same that Olivia is."

"But why can't we even just be friends? I know you said rumors, whatever, but I'm "with" Olivia. Plus, it's been a week since we saw each other at the bar. I've only seen him twice in the past six weeks."

"And I'd like it to be kept that way. There's a reason I made it to where your phone can't receive texts or call from him."

"That was you?" I ask, my voice lowered to a whisper because of the tears stinging in my eyes.

"Yes, of course it was. You've messed up our deal, quite a lot, Harry. You've disappointed me, a lot in fact."

"But I've done everything I was supposed to do. I've gone through each and every stunt you've put me up with. There's only been two of them I've actually felt something, and those are the ones you rip away from me."

There's a gentle knock on the door, and so I rest my hand over my mouth, my elbow propped up on the table.
Simon turns to the door, however, but not before giving me a look saying 'we're not finished here'.

Simon clears his throat, "Come in."

The door opens, revealing the receptionist from the desk out in the lobby of this floor, a small smile on her face.

"What can I do for you, Mary?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's a visitor here to see you, Mr. Cowell, and I must tell you he seems very, uhm, angry."

"Can you not see I'm busy at the moment?" He sneers, and Mary looks quite apologetic.

"I'm sorry sir, but I don't think he's leaving without talking to you."

Simon sighs, "Fine, let him in."

She nods, stepping out of the room before someone else appears.

Louis?

He doesn't look at me though, his eyes to busy being narrowed at Simon as he shuts the door.

"Oh, Louis, what a surprise. What are you doing here?"

"I came here to talk about what you've been doing to Harry, that's what."

"What have I been doing to him?" Simon muses, crossing his arms over his chest.

"You've been putting him with stunts he doesn't like, making him walk around with his face covered because he can't stop crying or stop getting bruises from his new abusive little stunt!" Louis sneers, laughing a bit at the end in utter disbelief.

"Well he agreed to all of it, you can ask him yourself," Simon remarks, turning and pointing to me, and Louis' eyebrows raise. "Oh, Hi Harry."

"Hi," I mumble, staring down at his shoes, the same ones he's worn everywhere- the scuffed Vans with doodles all over them.

I never pointed out how much I liked them, because I honestly never knew how Louis was going to respond to the things I said.

"Are you okay?" Louis asks, and I notice as he begins walking over to me, but stops himself.

I nod, "What're you doing?"

"I came to defend you, is all."

I look up at him, sighing, "Why?"

"I- I don't know." (A/N: While writing this line I was literally like "if that's what helps you sleep at night". I think I may need sleep)

"Enough of this," Simon interjects. "Louis you have no business being here, especially since this is a private meeting and that Harry has to leave soon for his concert."

"If it's so private why'd you let me in the room?" Louis asks, looking at me one more time before staring back at Simon.

"I figured you were one of- never mind that. I don't understand why you're so upset about all this, but I'm going to have you leave Louis, you are not wanted here, by nor me nor Harry."

"I want him here," I protest, standing from the chair I was sitting in.

Louis smiles, "See, he wants me here."

Simon sighs, "Boys, you need to understand something. Just because you want it doesn't mean you can have it. And this is a prime example. The two of you are to have absolutely no sort of relations with one another, and if I find out you do so behind the works of this company, you better pray to whatever Gods you know that they may help you."

"So you're saying because maybe I've actually grown to like the lad, that now I've got to pretend to hate him?" Louis scoffs, and I can't help but to be a bit lost at what he's saying.

"Just do what you've always done then," Simon spits. "If you can hate the lad when you're on the job, I'm sure you can hate him off of it."

"Well, actually, I can't because you've given me more than enough time to find myself liking the lad, as I apparently have to explain more than once to your incompetent brain."

"Wait," I begin, earning the attention from the both of them. "But what if we're able to keep it all a big secret. I mean, like I said, Olivia is my stunt, and people think Louis broke up with me because I cheated on him. In many cases, he wouldn't ever want to date me again, right?"

They both nod, yet they both also look quite furious with one another.

"What if Louis just stays in the shadows? Y'know? I mean we're not even friends, and he could attend my shows in the VIP box, and he can surely find ways to sneak around, right?"

Simon sighs, "Harry, I've already declined several forms of this offer, what makes you think I'll take this one? My answering has been clear, now do as your told. That's all I ask."

"Why should he listen to you? All you've done is ruin the poor lad," Louis exclaims, his hands now resting on his hips.

"Louis, I don't quite get why you've wasted such a lovely day coming here, but your argument has been quite entertaining," Simon says, smirking at him.

"I can do what I want, and entertaining for you, maybe- but not me," Louis muses, but he doesn't crack a smile like usual.

Simon sits in silence, and so I look over at Louis- who I find is already looking at me.

"Fine," Simon agrees, "He can go to your show tonight, but if he leaves that VIP box to go to the regular audience, you'll never see him again."

"But what about after? And any other times?" I ask, and Simon shakes his head.

"After the show, he leaves. You don't have any communication, at least not any noticeable ones. If you'd like, he can get in your car way beforehand- to create less conversation of the matter. But the other times, I'm still thinking on. I've decided to give you this one chance, so, don't screw it up."
~•~

What am I even writing anymore?

Uhhhh sorry if it's confusing? Idek where I'm going with this.

Hope you liked it though :)

Stay safe and take care <3