We all ordered our drinks- to each his own. A lime margarita for me, Harry took whatever porter they had on tap, Zak ordered a Cosmo and Louis had a Long Island Iced Tea. Throughout the night we switched around the seating order. Zak and I caught up while Harry and Louis… were Harry and Louis. As corny as it sounded, it was equally as nice to be with my best friend as it was to see Harry with his. I liked that we were getting along. By our third drink Harry leaned in to me and asked to dance. I laughed and joined him on the floor, occasionally looking back at the bar to make sure everything was alright over there. Zak and Louis gradually inched their stools closer and appeared to be having a good time. Smiling, I turned my attention back to Harry for the next half hour or so.
When we returned to the bar counter we were hardly noticed. We exchanged a look and Harry cleared his throat, “I’m starved, guys. Think we ought to take this show on the road?” Zak and Louis jumped back a little, clearly oblivious to our rejoining them. “Sure, sounds great!” Zak hopped off the chair and linked arms with me. Louis and Harry were talking about something but I couldn’t hear them as we walked out to the car. It was decided that I should drive since I’d stopped at three drinks and the others had not. Harry directed me to Nando’s for some late night greasy food. People became sponges after drinking, really.
Once we’d ordered and sat down in a booth to the side a group of four girls huddled over and nervously asked for an autograph and photo with the boys. They agreed so Zak and I tag-teamed taking pictures. After the hugs and signings were finished the girls ran off with a muffled lot of thank you’s. Louis and Zak had settled into another intimate-looking conversation. I leaned into Harry’s chest and said, “That was real sweet of you guys to talk to those girls. I’ll bet it made their night.” He planted a kiss on the top of my head and replied, “There’s only one girl I’m looking to impress tonight.”
As we ate, Harry’s iPhone beeped to a picture message from Niall of the four of us eating. “How creepy!” I shouted as Niall came up behind us and squeezed Louis from behind. “Hey, lads and lady! Couldn’t keep away for a midnight snack, you know?” We introduced Zak to Niall who once again couldn’t produce a handshake due to the copious amounts of food in his hands. Nonetheless, it was an introduction. Niall explained that he’d gotten too hungry to finish their shopping so he ran into the restaurant for a bite to eat. A bite? Yeah, right. He’d left Liam out to get the last of their hiking gear for the trip back home to visit “his Mum.” Gosh, that little Irish lilt got me every time. Halfway through the “meal” Liam called Niall, impatiently wondering where he’d gone. We invited him to join us and shortly afterwards, Liam walked in with his hands full of shopping bags and his lips set in a line. As soon as he laid eyes on the rest of us, his mouth curved into a smile but I could tell Niall had it coming later. Liam set the bags down to extend a hand to Zak, who graciously accepted it. They exchanged a few words on how he was liking the city and such. That boy really had the nicest manners I’d ever seen. When the owners appeared to be closing we all scrambled out of the booth and said our goodbyes outside the door. Niall complained that he was still hungry so they’d have to make something once they got back to the house. Liam rolled his eyes and hugged Zak and I goodbye, telling us we’d have to see the studio next week if we had time. We parted ways rather quickly and hopped into Harry’s car. I took the passenger seat, letting Harry drive since he’d had some time to adjust his food:drink ratio.
At my flat, the boys let us out of the car and we all hugged goodbye. Zak and Harry laughed a little and said they’d enjoyed the night. When I hugged Louis I sent him a small wink and I’m almost certain I saw him blush. Changing partners, Harry wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed me lightly on the lips, saying, “I’ll see you tomorrow, love.” Zak and Louis were awkwardly but ever so cutely getting closer without touching until finally Louis reached out to hug Zak and pulled out his phone to exchange numbers. Well, well, well… someone has a little game left in them still.
Zak and I walked upstairs and plopped down onto my bed, deciding to share it. We kicked off our shoes and headed to the bathroom to wash our faces. He stopped, looking at himself in the mirror and announced, “So, I am in lust.” I burst out laughing, “But for real. You’re not the only one.” We threw on shorts and tees and hopped into the bed. I hugged him before turning off the light. “I’m so glad you’re here. It’s like all our dreams are coming true.”
