a stirring invitation: (dear Harry Styles)

with me.

Harry was missing. I had a strong feeling that Cassidy had something to do with it. Unfortunately, his management team didn't believe she was capable....but since I had left the bungalow, people began to suspect me.

"Louis, what is this shitstorm I call life?" I whined then chugged my Corona with lime.

"It will all be cleared up soon," he wrapped his arm around my shoulder as we sat on the balcony of his hotel suite.

My phone buzzed on the table. It was Luke calling me again.

"What is it?" I demanded.

"Mona, where are you? Harry still hasn't answer his phone and we're all worried," he told me.

"He never came back to the bungalow after he went to help Cassidy," I answered carefully. "She sent me texts from his phone."

"The police may need to see your phone," he whispered. "You might want to get a lawyer as well."

"A lawyer?!?" I shrieked. Louis grabbed my arm and waved his other hand as if to brush it off.

"You're innocent" he mouthed to me.

"Yes. I really don't get it...I thought you liked him. I know he liked you," he said through clenched teeth.

"I will help you find him," I said in honesty, then hung up.

"We'll figure it out, Mona," Louis pressed his forehead against mine. "Together."

I nodded slowly.

________

Once I had informed Niall of what had happened, he told me to clear it up and until then, work from my phone.

Louis postponed his meetings so he could be with me for support. The police questioned me, searched the bungalow and searched Cassidy's hotel room. Other than Harry's belongings at the bungalow - they didn't have any clues. Because Harry was an adult, they believed him to be somewhere on his own accord. However, due to his status, they were being paid extra -along with private investigators - to look for more information.

Cassidy had called her parents once since Harry's disappearance. She mentioned going away for a while but didn't give any further details. The more information found, the less likely it seemed they'd find any connection to me.

Unfortunately, newspapers and magazines started filling pages with lies, rumors, and theories. Apparently, many people believed I'd tricked Harry into coming to vacation with me - then hurt him somehow. But there still wasn't a motive.

________

"I really appreciate you being here with me," I snuggled next to Louis on the couch.

"Of course," he put his left arm around my shoulders.

I sighed as we watched Wednesday Night News on E! to hear more about the frenzy surrounding Harry Styles.

"I'd like to be there for you more than this," Louis said softly into my ear.

I slowly looked into his eyes; I could see the kindness spilling into the deep blue. My hands reached out and slid behind his head and pulled him closer. Our lips locked. He was the first to release.

"Mona, why haven't we -" he was cut off by Breaking News music on the television.

We focused on the TV and raised the volume.

"Harry Styles has been spotted on a yacht in Mexico," the journalist, Lisa Chang, reported. "Here is the footage just sent to us."

A short clip of Harry and Cassidy snuggling on a small sofa onboard the ship played; she playfully grabbed his hat and put it on her own head. They broke out into laughter until Harry noticed the camera and the clip ended.

"Well, there you have it. Harry Styles is in Mexico with a rando," Lisa quipped.

"Presumably, some fan girl he met in Miami after he ditched Mona," Bobby Grass pretended to pout.

Louis quickly turned it off, "so, you're off the hook!"

Honestly, my head was still catching up. Harry and I had had sex just hours before he ditched me. Whatever she'd said to him, well, it must have been powerful.

_______

"Mona! I hate him. I'm destroying every movie I own of his," Kim shrieked through the phone.

"Uggggh, why do I pick such assholes?" I whined.

"No, they take advantage of your kind soul," she countered. "You will find the guy. I know it."

"I feel like such a fool," I continued. "I didn't think I had a chance with Harry, but I honestly just wanted the fucking weekend to enjoy myself."

"I know, honey," Kim said softly. "Is Louis still hanging around?"

"Yes, he's been great," I replied while looking at Louis. It was Thursday morning and the police -as well as Harry's friends and team - had formally apologized for dragging me into the mess. They were afraid I would sue; all I wanted was to be out of the situation and away from Miami.

"Hey, Zayn just got home for dinner," Kim paused to kiss him. "I promise I will call later. Until then, enjoy your company."

"Hmmm, goodnight," I rolled my eyes and hung up.

"I can't change my meeting for tomorrow. I have to leave for Orlando first thing," Louis seemed irritated when he entered the kitchen.

"It's ok, really. I need to get back to Atlanta," I assured him. "We will see each other next week."

He scowled, but came over and sat near me.

"I want to be able to see you more than once or twice a year," his eyes darted to the kitchen counter. "Mona, I know Kyle hurt you and now this Harry situation...I'm not like them."

I watched as his eyes moved from side to side as if he'd practiced the speech a dozen times. I listened as his kind words made promises. I grinned when he asked me to come visit him in London for Christmas.

"I know it's a lot to take in, but I have always felt strongly about you - I've just never had the chance to show it."

I kissed his cheek and just as I began to answer, his phone buzzed next to him.