Baby Lips

Chapter 18

Niall pushed another tall glass of amber colored beer in front of my face as I fidgeted between him and Eleanor. We all sat at a large rounded booth toward the back of the hotel’s bar. The lighting was dim and soft music played in the background of our loud conversation and laughs. I was surprised at how respectful the people were toward the boys. They almost passed by them like they were just regular people, which they were, but they were regular people in an internationally famous boy band.  

Zayn sat across from me. He kept quiet most of the time; adding a bit to conversation and laughing when Louis or the rest of the guys made a joke. I could hear his laugh above everyone’s, along with Niall’s, but Zayn’s was more of a low chuckle that gradually got louder and the smile on his face the accompanied the laughter was one of pure excitement. Like he was genuinely happy in that moment.  

We stole many glances at each other. I would look up at him through my lashes as I took small sips of my alcohol. He would stick his tongue out at me as I scrunched up my nose, then smile at him and he would return with a cheeky wink.  

I found myself gazing at Zayn more than once as well. He would occasionally zone out and stare past the people around him and that’s when I had my chance to soak in all of his breath taking features. Starting with his flawless olive skin that had speckles of growing scruff around his cheeks and chin, to his eyes that glowed a light shade of brown, to his pouted pink lips. He was mesmerizing. 

Someone cleared their throat and caused my Zayn spell to break. I shook my head quickly and eyed the culprit, not surprised to see his narrow emerald eyes staring back at me. 

“What?” I blurted out my voice dripping with venom. This caused Zayn to return back to earth and widen his eyes at my nasty tone. Harry laughed, looking down at his vodka drink, then back up to me. Shaking his head with a smirk of disbelief plastered on his hot pink lips. My eyes rolled and I returned my attention to the conversation around me as I took a long pull of my pint of beer. 

“Can you believe tomorrow’s the start of December?” Liam shook his head as he pulled Danielle’s body closer to him. “Where the hell has time gone?” He laughed and placed a small kiss on Danielle’s curly head. She giggled. 

“I love December.” I chimed in. Louis turned around giving me a thumbs up of approval. 

“You got that right, woman. December is my birthday month.” He nudged Eleanor like she didn’t already know. She laughed and playfully smacked his arm away. I smiled at the couple. 

“No way! My birthday is in December. Christmas Eve actually...” I trailed off. It was bittersweet having your birthday on a holiday. Everyone was happy and giving you extra presents, but at the same time everyone was completely stressed out of their mind because of the holiday season. 

Louis’ normally chipper face became serious. 

“Your birthday is December 24th?” He asked setting his drink on the table with a loud clink. I nodded slowly, not really sure where he was going with this. “Shut up. My birthday is December 24th.” I laughed giddily. I had never met someone that I shared a birthday with especially one that was on Christmas Eve.  

“All the more reason you should come out with us for Lou’s - and well your - birthdays.” Zayn piped up sneaking a small smile toward me. Louis nodded his head violently in agreement. 

“Yes! We’re starting at mine and Harry’s flat then going out and getting completely smashed.” Louis went on about the night. I exhaled through my nose. My original plan was to get this concert out of the way and disappear from One Direction forever, but it seemed like these boys didn’t want to give up. For the most part I really enjoyed hanging out with them. Well... most of them. Harry sat in silence as I thought over this invitation in my head. I quickly glanced at him. His eyes hadn’t moved from me once.