a stirring invitation: (dear Harry Styles)

lucky.

"You are so lucky to be here with Harry," the girl said to me.

I nodded, not up for much conversation.

"I'm surprised that he's been so affectionate with you," she huffed.

What?

"Usually, Harry is shy and keeps his personal life private," she scowled when I still didn't respond.

Confused, I glanced at her.

"He actually said he was going to go into the bathroom to look for you, but Luke calmed him down," she pushed her bangs from her face. "Just don't ruin him...he isn't like the others."

Ruin him? I hardly knew him and we were just enjoying one weekend, right?

"Mona, there you are!" Harry's voice filled with relief. "I thought you left because you were bored."

"I'm fine," I reassured him. "Just had a quick phone call."

His arm snaked around my waist as we stood and looked out the window. The view was breathtaking.

"Harry, today has been wonderful," I said as I placed my head on his shoulder.

"Glad you've enjoyed yourself," he said quietly.

"Guys, dinner is on the table," Calum walked up behind us.

"Be right there," Harry told him.

"Are we going to ta-" I began as Calum sat at the table.

"We can talk later," Harry shushed me gently.

I smiled as we walked back to the table. I felt eyes on me and glanced around the table - Carrie was watching me, no, glaring at me. I felt uncomfortable for the rest of dinner. Harry started to get nervous when the servers picked up our plates.

"You ok?" I whispered.

"Yeah, sure," he shifted in his seat.

I looked around and noticed everyone trying not to look at me. What was going on?

"Happy birthday to youuuu, happy birthday Mona!" the singers (well, servers) sang their own version of the happy birthday song.

I knew my face was bright red, thankfully, the dim lighting and candles spared me. I could feel Harry beaming as the group joined in for the last verse.

"Thank you all, so so much," I said putting my hands to my cheeks. "This is the best birthday I've had in years."

_______

A Hummer limo sat in front of the restaurant as we exited. Flashes of light practically blinded us. The shrieks and loud voices were quite overwhelming.

"Alright?" Harry asked as we hopped into car.

"I'm fine," I answered quietly. "I wasn't prepared for that."

"I'm sorry," he said. "We will have our own VIP suite at the club, ok?"

I smiled and nodded.

The car moved slowly through the crowd in the street. People pounded on the windows and the side of the car. Eventually, police officers showed up to escort us to the club.

The guys were swiping stories as they reminisced; occasionally, I would glance at Cassidy only to be met with glares.

"Mona, you ok?" Harry placed his hand on my knee.

I couldn't stop watching Cassidy's eyes. The anger behind them was completely transparent. But I nodded slowly. The answer was enough for him, so he went back to his conversation with Luke.

To distract myself, I scrolled through Instagram and Twitter until we reached the club. Harry helped me out, then turned back to be sure Luke and Cassidy were out. Luke jumped out and walked over to sign an autograph. Cassidy noticed.

I watched as she glanced from Luke to Harry, her eyes were low as she dramatically fell from the Hummer. Sure enough, Harry reached out to catch her before she could injure herself.

"I'm so clumsy," I read her lips. "Thank you."

Harry steadied her and smiled.

"My knight in shining armor," she looked at her feet. Suddenly, her head snapped up and she kissed his cheek.

Harry was obviously confused but tried to play it off in front of the fans and cameras. Cassidy posed for a few pictures with him before smirking at me and disappearing into the club with Luke.

"There's our section," Harry shouted over the booming music. My eyes followed his finger to the dark back corner where a guard stood in front of five white leather sofas and four black tables filled with snacks, bottles of champagne and water.

We followed Luke as he danced his way into the area. We chose a couch next to him. Shortly after, Cassidy made her way in.

"I ordered a round of birthday cake flavored shots," Calum winked at me.

"Sounds wonderful," I smiled.

The waitress brought a tray full of shots and set them on an empty table. The five guys and eight girls each grabbed a shot.

"To Mona!" Luke yelled. "Happy birthday!"

I blushed and raised my glass. My smile dropped as I caught Cassidy staring at Harry. She obviously had feelings for him, but it had become beyond annoying for me. I was just his date for the weekend. I refused to let her ruin this for me.

Once we started drinking, the mood lightened. Harry and I danced - well, I rubbed my body against his. I could tell he was turned on and it made me want to leave the club. I looked around and noticed the group had separated on the dance floor. I turned to face Harry. His face was red, hair matted with sweat and eyes gleamed. The flashing lights had us caught up in a trance.

I licked my lips and ran my top teeth slowly over my bottom lip as I imagined what could happen between us back at the bungalow. He smiled and lowered his eyes. I felt his hands move down my back, then his fingers pushed my hips against him.

"I want you," he whispered seductively into my ear.

I put my head on his shoulder in an attempt to hide my excitement.

"It's close to midnight," he hissed. "Let's go."

I nodded and grabbed his hand as he led me to the exit. I found it funny to see the looks on people's faces as we walked through the crowd - I couldn't hold back the smile.

"Where are you going?" she whined into Harry's ear, appearing out of nowhere.

"We're leaving. It's late," he tried to be patient.

"Come on, stayyyyy!" she begged as she held onto his arm.

"It's her birthday and we're leaving," he told her.

The look she gave me as he gently brushed her off sent chills down my spine. I glanced back once more before we walked outside. Cassidy's cheeks were red and there was nothing but hate behind her furious eyes.

_______

AN: do you think Cassidy will be a problem??