Trace of Innocence | Sweet and Sour (Book 4)

Chapter 19

(No Control | Holding Me Ransom - 19 - The Stories That I Can't Explain)

I struggle to keep my hands from shaking as I jab clumsily at my phone screen, trying to call Louis. Lou pays for our lunch and steers me out of the restaurant and back towards my car, and the world seems hazy and surreal as I attempt to get my emotions under control.

Why is Jess tweeting a picture of Louis? Are they in contact? Is something going on between them, more than just the kiss that was supposedly a one off?

I shouldn't care; I don't want to care. We're not together anymore, it's none of my business what she does.

Except it is my business when it involves publicity regarding me or One Direction, particularly when it could be perceived negatively. It is my business when she had a crush on my bandmate the whole time we were together, kissed him only last week and is now tweeting pictures of him for the whole world to see.

"Harry, you need to calm down," Lou is saying from next to me.

"I am calm," I reply through gritted teeth. "I need to talk to Louis, that's all."

He finally answers as we are driving along Sunset Boulevard. He sounds surprised, happy and nervous to hear from me.

"We need to talk," I tell him.

"OK," he agrees.

"Where are you?"

"I'm looking at properties in Calabasas," he replies. "For Briana and the baby. Thinking ahead, you know."

The wind is taken out of my sails at this statement. "Oh," I mutter.

"D'you want me to come over when I'm finished? I'll only be another half an hour here."

"Yeah, if that's OK," I mumble.

"No problem. I'll see you in a bit."

I sigh as Lou pats my legs supportively, the anger I felt only moments earlier now replaced with humility and guilt. Louis is going through a tough time, trying to do his best for his unborn baby while coming to terms with how his life will change in a matter of a few short months. In my tense, emotional state I had completely forgotten the weight on his shoulders. I've been so wrapped up in my own heartbreak I've been neglecting my friends.

"Do you want me there when you speak to Louis?" Lou offers, but I decline, drop her off at her hotel and shoot home. Louis arrives about ten minutes later, and fidgets nervously as I lead him through to the kitchen and offer him a drink.

"I could murder a brew," he admits, and we make idle small talk while I boil the kettle to make the tea.

"Sorry, it's Tetley, I haven't got any Yorkshire," I apologise awkwardly as I set his cup in front of him.

"Nah, don't worry about it," he dismisses, and watches me as I take a seat opposite him across the breakfast bar.

"Sooo... you wanted to talk?" he begins tentatively.

I lick my lips and press them together as I stare down at my mug, trying to work out how to ask what I want to know without sounding like a complete psycho.

"What's going on between you and Jess?" I ask.

"Nothing," he answers immediately. I look up and he is regarding me earnestly, his blue eyes wide. "I swear to you, mate. I wouldn't fucķ you over like that."

"Why is she tweeting pictures of you then?" I fire at him, feeling anxiety starting to rise in me already.

"One picture," he defends, holding up the index finger on his right hand to emphasise his point. "One. And I don't know. I haven't spoken to her yet-"