Taylor made a quick call to Travis who had apparently been barricaded in the restroom by the stampede of teenaged girls. He said it was okay for us to roam as long as he stayed close behind and we called if the plan changed. Sounds like a done deal to little old me!
“Don’t worry, there’s this cool vintage and antique shop down the street. It’s not well-known so all the good stuff is just waiting for us to find it.” I had a feeling T and I had a lot in common
Luckily we were the only shoppers and Mr. Upton was having a 20% off sale. Mind you, I already have enough trouble converting dollars to pounds so a sale sounds even sweeter than in the US. “So, what brings you to London? You said something about the States and you definitely talk like me.”
“I sure do, ha. It feels good to be able to talk to another American, I can tell you that! I’m from Ohio. I’ve always wanted to study abroad in Europe and I’m finally doing it. My major is a double in English Literature and Fashion Merchandising… hoping to work for a magazine someday if I can get good enough. This is a good place for me to have an adventure in both industries, I think. Uh, oldest of four. Love pets. It’s killing me to live alone in a shoebox flat right now but it’s still an adventure, right? That’s about it for my bio, I guess.”
“I’m jealous, to be honest.” Taylor mused as she flipped through a rack of vintage floral dresses. “I’m kind of missing out on the education part of life now. Sort of a trade off between life education and a formal one. I’ll take it for now. We’re still young!”
“True that, sis! I’m gonna try out this high-low dress. I’m so glad this is back in style- seriously, it is adorable!” I raced into a curtained fitting room before she could add any insight. Holy crap, this is stunning! It clung just right in the chest with a swooped low neck to show off what chest I have and draped at the natural waist into an attractive curled bottom from the knees down. I actually look tall! Hurrah!
“Let’s go crazy, crazy, crazy, ‘til we see the-” “Hello?” Taylor spoke cheerily into her cell. Okay, I shouldn’t admit this but I love One Direction. Their music is so catchy and knows how to make a girl feel strong. Not to mention they are all incredibly attractive and can sing like no young American men.
I couldn’t catch much of the convo because I had to snap a pic and send it to my one and only British friend Emmy. I missed Zak back home but she also shared my interest in old books and current fashion. “isn’t this presh?! you wouldn’t believe who I’m shopping with ;) xo” I texted quickly and stepped out of the fitting room to see a thinking Taylor. “What’s up?”
She looked up and smiled, “I know we don’t know each other that well but I owe you for that life-saving technique back in the bookshop. I also want to make sure we show off these dresses together!” She squealed referring to the blue lace mini in her right hand. “So.. a friend called and asked for a lunch date. Want to join me?”
Uh, right. Like I was going to turn a smiling pop star down. “Sure! I mean, well, is it okay?”
“Of course it is, Harry said he’d love for you to come with.” She smiled pulling out her card and headed for the register.
Harry. Like, Harry Styles, Harry? Judging from the ringtone anyhow, it had to be him. Like, dreamy green eyes and a thick hot mess of curly hair and racy tattoos, Harry? My heart literally skipped a beat. I mean, that would explain the ring tone, wouldn’t it?
“Um, Taylor? Are you sure, sure?”
“Yes, silly! Buy that dress and let’s get going. I already texted Travis to pick us up in five.”
“Uh, okay. Should I bring anything? I’m a little new to this.”
“Yeah, see if you have a suit. He has a massive pool! We can swing by your flat if you need it. I’m just glad we all get to hang out. Today was… mildly stressful earlier.”
Fifteen minutes and 20 pounds lighter wallet-wise, we’d arrived at my flat. I raced up and threw on some concealer and eye makeup, pinched my cheeks and rolled on a bit of perfume before locking the door. Halfway down the stairs I realized I’d entirely forgotten the purpose of this stop and had to go back for my bikini and sweats for later. Idiot! I screamed at myself for having such scrambled thoughts.
I got to the car and sat quietly looking out the window for the twenty minute drive while Taylor checked her e-mail. I was for sure going to have text Zak and my sister when I got the chance to think straight. This just doesn’t happen to girls like me.
