The "Biggest" Fan (EN)

42.

I thanked the taxi driver for dropping me off, but as I stepped out, my GPS was still showing that apparently, I still had some walking to do. Great, just what I needed. I had no clue where I was going, but hey, being in a public place was somewhat comforting. At least Julie wouldn't probably murder me here.

Today was the perfect day to sneak out for this absurd meeting. Harry was rehearsing for tomorrow's show, and since Victor was still not too thrilled about me distracting Harry (though he wasn't exactly showing it), it didn't seem weird at all that I was out in the city alone. Well, almost alone.

"Meeting lover's parents is a big deal," Richard commented randomly.

"I've already met her. She hated me," I shot back, covering my phone screen with a hand to shield it from the sun.

"So that's why Harry knows nothing about..?"

"Stop talking and help me understand where the hell she's supposed to be waiting," I cut him off. He sighed and took a look around, scanning the area.

We walked for a while until an elegant beachside cafe caught my attention. A balcony stretched over the sand, separated from the shore by a sleek metal railing. This had to be it.

And, of course, there she was.

The contrast between this version of Julie and the business woman I'd met before was almost comical. Today she looked like she belonged on a yacht in a designer bikini — sunglasses, floppy hat, all that. 

I couldn't help but tense up when she came closer. Should I just go with 'hello' or maybe 'good morning, Ms. Styles'? Or..?

Before I could talk myself out of it, she pulled me into a hug and planted a kiss on my cheek. I immediately stepped back, eyes wide.

"Since when are we doing that?" I asked, immediately regretting it. Now I sounded even less casual. Good job, Louis.

She raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips, "Good to see you too, Louis."

I looked at her with uncertainty, refusing to sit down when she waved at the small table. Too suspicious.

"We don't have to be enemies, you know," she said, watching me closely.

"It wasn't my choice to be," I said coldly.

She sighed dramatically, "Look, I was just surprised. Harry caught us off guard. I had no idea that... It was what it was." 

"It was what it was?" I replied sarcastically, finally daring to sit down in front of her, "Is that what you call it?"

She stayed silent for a second and it really felt like a win. At least I wasn't the only one uncomfortable. Then she inhaled, "It changed a lot of things, it..."

"It did?" I feigned surprise.

She didn't respond – I was definitely pissing her off. I even started considering backing off a little.

"Anyway," she started again, sounding almost too casual, like she wasn't uncomfortable at all, "How's the tour going for you?"

I opened my mouth to say something sarcastic, but restrained myself, "Alright. Fans love us."

"Good," she nodded to herself, "And how's Harry?"

"Why are you asking me instead of him?"

"He doesn't really like sharing much about his life," she said, "I figured he talks to you more."

"He does," I said dryly, "He's fine. Don't worry."

"Good," she nodded again, and I wondered how much longer this forced politeness was going to last, "And you two? How's that? Still... Close?"