If Niall wasn't by my side the entire night Cat, Louis, Liam, or even Cheryl was. I talked and mingled with a few people I knew but ultimately stuck to our small circle. The guys made rounds talking to all their production team and producers as well as a few high profile friends who attended such as; Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Wiz Khalifa, Paul McCartney, Chelsea Handler, and so many more. If I hadn't been friends with Niall, Louis, Liam, and Harry for so long I think I would have been beyond starstruck. Everyone was gracious and friendly. I was surprised by how normal things seemed to be while mingling with the crowd and even speaking with Cheryl.
"Liam told you about the wedding, right?" Cheryl asked while she beamed. I couldn't contain my own smile.
"Yes! I am so excited for the two of you. I thought you'd already be married to be honest." I confessed as a blush creeped up my cheeks. Cheryl laughed loudly and agreed with me. No one had anticipated them waiting this long. Almost five years. I internally cringed at myself. Five years. I glanced around and spotted Harry only a few feet away submerged in an animated conversation with Niall and Liam. I couldn't help but let a small smile slip through my lips. They had all grown so much, together and individually. I was so proud of what they all had become.
As I gazed at them during their conversation I was abruptly pulled away and into the arms of someone I couldn't quite identify. I was too surprised to let out anything other than a loud yelp that made whoever holding me hostage laugh hysterically. As I listened closely to the laugh it took me only a few more seconds to realize who it was. I gave him a jab in the ribs and he quickly let go clutching himself while still laughing obnoxiously. We were beginning to get a few amused stares. Cheryl seemed panicked at first but then realized who it was that had grabbed me.
"It's been awhile." I said crossing my arms with a large smile. I could feel myself smiling too big but it had been way too long since I had laid eyes on the Aussie standing in front of me clutching his ribs with an equally as large smile.
"I'd say it has been." He said as he looked at me intently. It only took a few more seconds for me to say 'screw the staring' and throw my arms around his neck. I felt his arms come around and hold me against him. He squeezed me tight as I laughed into his neck.
"Gosh, I've missed you Ashton!" My words were muffled against his shoulder but I know he heard me by the way he held me even closer than before.
"I've missed you too. We all have. The lads are around here somewhere." Ashton said as he pulled away and held me at arms length. He scanned me from head to toe still wearing the biggest, most genuine smile I'd seen since knowing him.
I gave him a quizzical look while I tried to gauge why he was looking around. I saw Micheal heading our way but no Calum or Luke just yet.
"I can't believe you're all here." I said as Micheal joined us. He gave me a bear hug, lifting me off the ground, causing me to laugh obnoxiously. As he stood me back on my feet I grabbed on to Ashton to steady myself and regain my composure. Through all the manhandling I'm sure my hair was an absolute mess.
"You look hot. Has anyone told you how hot you look tonight?" Micheal asked as he pointed at me and looked over at Ashton while wiggling his eyebrows. I could feel the blood immediately leave my body and rush to my cheeks in an immense blush. Michael was so open I should have known he would pop out with something so forward. My hotness was quickly forgotten as Luke, Calum, Liam, Niall, and Harry joined us. There were hugs and hand shakes all around. It had been quite some time since they had all been in the same room with one another.
They all talked animatedly about the upcoming reunion tour and how excited they were. Harry was even fully engaged in conversations with Ashton and Niall.
"I can't wait to play new music for the crowds. It's gonna be intense." Ashton spoke to Harry and Niall wearing a massive grin. I was slightly puzzled.
"Do you guys have a new tour coming up as well?" I asked as I sipped my drink. Ashton gave me a funny look before looking over to the rest of the group. I raised my eyebrows indicating I was waiting for an answer.
"We're doing their reunion tour. Did anyone not tell Delani? Niall you were supposed to tell her. I was wondering why she looked so surprised to see us." Ashton still wore a huge smile as he elbowed Niall in the ribs.
"It musta slipped me mind. I swore I thought I told ya the other night." Niall said as a pensive look came over his face.
"If you're talking about the night we went out to the pub, you didn't tell me. We were a little too intoxicated." I laughed and he joined in as well as Cat. Not long after Louis chimed in with plenty of stories about us getting drunk at my apartment the previous night.
We all talked and joked, while everyone's attention was diverted I watched Harry. His hair was much shorter than I remembered. Though his eyes were as bright as ever when he was lost in a conversation. I tried to sneak looks to admire him. Niall lightly placed his arm around me and pulled me into him.
"You're staring babe." He said as I felt another blush creep up my cheeks. I cast my eyes down and tried to look at anything but Harry. My face was sure to be permanent pink by the end of the night.
"What are you two whispering about over there? Is there something we're missing out on?" Louis asked loudly with a giant grin. I knew my face was flaming at this point.
"There's nothin' you're missin' mate." Niall smiled and winked at Louis. I was beginning to feel anxious all over again with all this attention directed at me. I turned my head to rest on Niall's shoulder and allowed my hair to fall in front of my face in order to hide my blushing cheeks.
"Aren't they adorable? Someone snap a photo." Cat laughed as she poked Louis for his phone. I covered my eyes with one hand but couldn't conceal my smile. She was absolutely a hand full plus some. No matter how many times I told her that Niall and I were just friends she never seemed to believe me. It seemed half the world thought we were dating even though he'd been seen out with multiple women and I with other men. I guess you could never outrun the rumor mill.
"I think I need a moment." I said laughing as Louis tried to steal his phone away from Cat. She stuck her tongue out and tried to fend him off. It looked like she was winning. I excused myself from the group to find a restroom. I really needed a minute to take a few deep breaths. Tonight had been full of great surprises but I was becoming exhausted with everything. I quickly stepped out of the main room and into an empty corridor. I scanned my surroundings before I finally saw restroom signs ahead of me.
"Delani." My heart plummeted to my feet. I stopped mid step. My name sounded foreign to my ears coming from his lips. I took a deep breath to stead myself before slowly turning to face him. My heart had found its place again and was nearly beating out of my chest.
"...Harry."
