✓ 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙣' 𝙎𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩 ━━ Harry Styles

17. advice from friends

chapter seventeen
"advice from friends"

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New Jersey ━━ 2014

THE MORNING after her intense discussion with Sophia and Harry, Aisling found herself wandering the corridors of the hotel, her mind still reeling from the weight of the decision before her. Without really thinking about it, she found herself outside Tulip's room.

She hesitated for a moment before knocking softly. There was a shuffling sound, and then the door opened to reveal Tulip, camera in hand as always.

"Ash! I was just about to head out for some street photography. Everything okay?" Tulip's smile faded as she took in Aisling's troubled expression.

"I... I could use someone to talk to," Aisling admitted. "If you're not too busy?"

Tulip immediately set her camera down. "For you? Never. Come on in."

As they settled onto the small couch in Tulip's room, Aisling found herself pouring out the whole story - the record deal, the requirement to leave the tour, her conflicted feelings about it all.

Tulip listened intently, her brow furrowed in concentration. When Aisling finally finished, Tulip let out a low whistle.

"Wow, Ash. That's... that's huge. How are you feeling about it all?"

Aisling sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Honestly? I'm terrified. It's an amazing opportunity, but leaving the tour, striking out on my own so soon... I don't know if I'm ready."

Tulip nodded understandingly. "It's a big step, no doubt about it. But Ash, can I be honest with you?"

"Of course," Aisling said.

"I've been watching you through my lens for months now. The way you've grown, the confidence you've developed... you're ready for this. Whether you feel it or not, you're ready."

Aisling felt a lump form in her throat. "You really think so?"

"I know so," Tulip said firmly. "And you know what? When this tour ends, if you decide to go solo... I'd love to be your photographer. If you'll have me, that is."

Aisling's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? You'd want to work with me?"

Tulip grinned. "Are you kidding? The chance to document the rise of the next big thing in music? I'd be crazy to pass that up. Plus, you're not too bad to hang around with," she added with a wink.

Aisling couldn't help but laugh, feeling some of the tension leave her body. "Thanks, Tul. That means a lot."

As they hugged goodbye, Tulip pressing a USB drive of tour photos into Aisling's hand "for inspiration," Aisling felt a spark of excitement beneath her anxiety. Maybe she really could do this.

Her next stop was Armani's room, which looked like a fabric bomb had exploded inside. Sketches and swatches covered every surface, and in the middle of it all sat Armani, furiously scribbling in a notebook.

"Armani?" Aisling called out, carefully navigating the fabric minefield. "Do you have a minute?"

Armani's head snapped up, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Aisling, darling! Come in, come in. What do you think of this for your next stage outfit?" She held up a sketch of a glittering jumpsuit.

"It's gorgeous," Aisling said truthfully, "but actually, I wanted to talk to you about something else. Something big."

As Aisling once again recounted the details of the record deal offer, she watched Armani's expression shift from surprise to excitement to concern and back again.

"Oh honey," Armani said when Aisling finished. "That's one hell of an opportunity. But leaving the tour... that's a big decision."

Aisling nodded, sinking into the only chair not covered in fabric. "I know. I'm not sure what to do."

Armani set aside her sketchbook, giving Aisling her full attention. "Well, let me ask you this: when you think about having your own solo career, how does it make you feel? Forget about the logistics for a moment, just focus on the feeling."

Aisling closed her eyes, letting herself imagine it. "Excited," she said softly. "Terrified, but... excited. Like I'm standing on the edge of something big."

When she opened her eyes, Armani was grinning. "That's your answer right there, sweetie. The fear? That's normal. But the excitement? That's what you follow."

"You think I should take the deal?" Aisling asked.

"I think you should do what feels right for you," Armani said. "But if you do decide to go solo... well, I hope you know you've got a stylist for life right here. If you want me, that is."

Aisling felt a rush of affection for the eccentric stylist. "Armani, there's no one else I'd trust with my image. Thank you."

Armani waved her hand dismissively, but Aisling could see she was pleased. "Don't thank me yet. Wait until you see the wardrobe I have planned for your solo debut. It'll knock their socks off!"

As Aisling left Armani's room, her arms full of fabric samples "to consider for your new aesthetic," she felt a newfound sense of possibility. The thought of leaving the tour still scared her, but knowing she had people like Tulip and Armani in her corner made it feel less daunting.

Now she just had one more person to talk to, and he was the most daunting.

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