Second Star to the Right

Chapter 23- Night in London

As we boarded the yacht, Louis stood extremely close to me, gripping my hand and resting the other hand on my waist. He guided me to the deck and I saw that there were two white chairs and a meal of soup, salad, and shrimp scampi set up on a matching white table. On one side of the table, where one chair sat, there was another rose identical to the one that was in my hand. There was also a folded up note, which led me to assume that seat was mine. Louis led me to the table and pulled out the chair for me.

“Thank you,” I said softly as I took my seat. Then, he sat down in the chair across from me. I looked around at my surroundings and noticed the water glimmering in the starlight.

Louis followed my gaze and also stared at the deep blue water, which was now black in the night. “It’s beautiful,” I remarked.

“It truly is.” He said, shifting his gaze over to me. I did so as well and I looked into his blue orbs. They were bluer than the water would ever be, and they shone brightly. “You look lovely tonight,” he said for the second time tonight.

I giggled, smiling at the ground. “Thank you. You’re very sweet.”

“I try.” He said, brushing his shoulders off playfully.

I cleared my throat, trying to wash away my nerves. “Tell me about yourself,” I said, starting a conversation. “You already know a lot about me.” I added, pulling down the sleeve of my blazer to hide the remainders of my scars I’ve mentioned to him before.

He noticed and shifted in his chair. “Well, singing is my life. My whole world revolves around it. Being in One Direction is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” He said. “Even thought I love the fans, I can’t stand the paparazzi.” He stated, looking aggravated, and there was something that changed in his eyes which I identified as anger. “They start rumours about us, and they interfere with our private life. We have no privacy whatsoever. And since you told me something that you’ve never told anyone else before,” he started, looking down at my marked forearms. “I’m gonna tell you something I’ve never told anyone else.” I scooted forward in my chair, taking one of his hands in mine and nodded for him to continue. “Well, the media only focuses on Harry. Don’t get me wrong, I love Harry, he’s my best mate. But I just wish that I’d get a little bit of attention as well. And I don’t want to just have attention on me, but also on the other lads as well. It’s not fair.”

“I’m sorry; you should get just as much attention as he does. You guys are ‘One Direction’; not ‘Harry and the other four.’” I said, getting mad now. It’s completely unfair and they should be treated as equals. “If it makes you feel any better, you’re the only one that has my attention right now,” I said quietly, hoping to make him feel better.

He looked up at me and smiled, as did I. “Let’s move on from that topic, shall we?” he asked. “This is our date and I’m going to make it special.”

“Yes, because being on a yacht and having dinner isn’t special enough.” I said sarcastically.

“If you think this is special, you’re in for a real surprise.”

“Is that so, Mr. Tomlinson?” I asked in a posh accent.

“It is so, Ms. Cowell.” He mimicked me.

“Then shall we dine on this fine meal and see what awaits?”

He chuckled. “We most definitely shall.”

We ate our meal, which was delicious, and made small talk.

“Now, for surprise number one,” Louis said, when we were done eating.

“What is it?” I said excitedly.

He stood up, grabbing my hand, leading me to the yacht charter. I noticed that we were passing the London Eye. It was so huge that I couldn’t even see that top of it, as it disappeared into the starry night sky. But I was addled as I realized the yacht was slowing and anchoring at the shore. “What are we doing?” I asked.