Love in Photographs

4. Proper Introductions

I turn around embarrassingly fast, almost dropping my precious camera. In front of me stands none other than New York- Harry.

"Harry?" I confirm, and he smiles sheepishly, as if he's been caught.

"That's me." He says, placing his hands in his pockets.

"You're in the band, aren't you?" I ask, feeling stupid for not knowing, and finally putting two and two together.

"You didn't know?" He asks, and my cheeks turn red.

"No, I didn't." I answer, fumbling with my camera.

"I thought that's why you were nervous... I told myself that's why you rejected the drinks offer, mostly so it wouldn't wound my ego," He laughs, and I smile as my cheeks redden further. "It's odd that we'd meet again. Turns out you did have a flight to catch."

"I normally don't lie." I reply, watching him walk closer to me.

"Since I'll be seeing more of you, I guess proper introductions are in order," He says, holding his hand out to me. "I'm Harry Styles."

"Rhiannon Oliver," I say, shaking his hand. Instead of letting go, he leans in further to touch his cheek to mine. I feel every hair on my body stand straight. "Some people call me Liz, which is short for my middle name, Elizabeth, or Annie, or Anna." I add, trying to keep myself on track. "Apparently Rhiannon is a bit difficult."

I decide I've been rambling, so I stop.

"I like Rhiannon." He smiles. I fight to contain my sanity.

I try to think of a reply, but nothing comes to mind that doesn't seem awkward or creepy. Thankfully, he steps in.

"Is that a vintage Nikon?" He asks, pointing to my camera.

"Yeah," I answer, holding it out to him. "My grandpa got it for me at an antique store a few years back. I spend a good 90% of my nonexpendable money on film."

He laughs. I lean back against the railing on the balcony, watching his long fingers fiddle with the old camera, admiring it.

"It is hard to come by," He smiles, looking back up at me. "Wait... Don't move. The sunlight is perfect..."

I move my hands up to cover my face instinctively and he laughs.

"Come on," he says, reaching out to grab my hands and pull them from my face. "One picture."

I let his hand encompass both of mine, trying my best to not freak out, while he snaps a quick picture, and we both hear the film moving in the camera. His hand remains on mine a moment more, and then he seems to realize it's still attached to mine, and he lets go.

"I promise, that picture will be worth it," He smiles, handing me back my camera. "Have you met the rest of the boys?"

"Yeah," I answer. "I've met them, some security, Calvin, and Lou, your stylist."

He shakes his head at me playfully.

"You haven't met nearly enough people yet. Come on, I still have an hour or so before I have to actually do my job. You'll get to meet everyone." He says, motioning with his head for me to follow him.

And of course, I do.

"So," He begins, as we head out into the expansive hallway. "Are you going to be the permanent replacement? Or is it a one-gig sort of thing?"

I ponder for a moment.

"Well, for now, it's a one-gig thing. But, after tonight, assuming I fulfill my expectations, I'll be given the offer to fill the permanent position." I answer, subconsciously watching my steps, making sure I don't trip and fall. I'm walking a lot quicker than normal to catch up with the lengthy strides taken by his long legs.