For Now and Always (Liam Payne)

Chapter 14

Later that night Liam told her "Well, it's happened."

"Uh, what's happened? Are you talking about..." Eva asked

"NO! Sorry. I should have said 'The boys want to meet you.' That's what's happened. They are bloody awful. They are going to try to embarrass me. And you."

"Sounds like fun!" she laughed.

Dylan had almost given up hope of ever meeting Louis. When Eva told her about the "party" to meet her, Dylan begged for an invitation. She quizzed Eva on who would be there. Eva really had no idea, but she did know that it was at Niall's flat. "And if you act like an ass, I will murder you in your sleep." Eva stated.

Liam picked them up and drove to Niall's. He promised a small party, just the boys and a few other friends. He knew this would be hard enough for Eva. He didn't want to add to her worry by taking to a huge house party. He parked and led them up to the door. Dylan took a huge breathe.

"Ok, I'm ready. Open the door."

Liam shook his head, grabbed Eva's hand and led them inside. Eva tried to stay behind Liam as much as possible. She wrapped her free arm around his arm and hid behind it, surveying the scene. The lounge of the flat held about fifteen people. She sighed in relief. Then she look over at the kitchen. More people. She felt herself start to shake. "You are fine, Love." Liam told her. "I won't let anything happen to you."

The blonde boy from the poster yelled "LIAM!" and everyone turned. Niall. His name was Niall she thought. He walked over and grabbed Liam in a huge hug, pushing Eva to the side. "And this must be Evie!"

"Evangeline." she said. Niall made a move to hug her, but she quickly went back behind Liam.

He gave her an odd look and moved on to Dylan. Liam introduced her and she didn't scream. She acted like a normal person. Eva could see her scanning the room, looking, no doubt, for Louis. After the introduction, she was off, talking and laughing with people. Dylan could make friends anywhere.

Liam led her around the room, letting her meet each person but keeping her close, know that she didn't want strangers to hug her. She met all the boys, except Louis, who was late. "Do you want a drink? It will relax you." Liam asked.

She nodded and leaned into him, smelling his smoke/soap/scotch smell. She felt safe as long as he was by her. He took her to the kitchen and mixed up a drink for her and grabbed one for himself. Then he led her back to the lounge and found a chair. He sat down, pulling her into his lap. Liam made small talk with the people around him and Eva nodded and smiled. So far, so good. "Hey, baby, can you get me another drink? And maybe some of that food from the kitchen?" he asked.

She gave him a horrified look, but he had gone back to his conversation. 'Deep breathe, dummy. You can do this. It's just a flat. No big deal.' She thought. She got off his lap and found her way to the kitchen. Step one, drinks. Easy. She poured another one for herself and one for Liam. Step two, food. Plates were right in front of her so she grabbed one and filled it with fruit, cheese and little appetizers she knew he'd like. Step three, go back to Liam. Carrying three things. In two hands. She grabbed both glasses and then tried to pick up the plate. It started to tilt forward and she set it back down.

"Need help, Evie?" said a voice behind her. Niall again.

"Evangeline. And yes, please, if you don't mind."

"No problem, Love." He said as he grabbed both drinks. She grabbed the plate and walked back to Liam. He smiled up at her, grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back onto his lap. Niall set the drinks on the table next to Liam. Then he sat on a couch near them.