Here I was, 19, a college dropout, in search of work in a new city. The city, London. Ever since my mum told me about her and my father’s honeymoon here, I have been captivated by the city. The move was one that I had not taken lightly, yes I would miss my friends and family, but they were only a phone call away. For the first few weeks of my stay, my parents had arranged for me to live in a small studio apartment, it wasn't much, but it would do. Mum had set up a few job interviews to get me on my feet; however, I had no ambitions to be stuck in a dead end job, earning minimum wage. I wanted more. So, when I saw the ad posted online by Modest! Management I jumped at the opportunity.
"Actress/Model WANTED."
While I never considered myself a model or actress I did have some experience in the field. I studied drama during my brief stint in college with experience in plays and had previously worked as a floor model in a boutique in my home town. I decided to give it a shot, anything would be better than waiting tables in Starbucks. I sent my head shots into Modest and an interview was arranged.
The interview soon came and I was extremely nervous. I didn't know what to wear, should I show off my lengthy legs or go for a more sophisticated, demure look. Unsure, I rang my older sister Chloè.
"[Y/N]" my sister's voice rang out, "Hey Chlo, listen, I have an interview for a big job today and I don't know what to wear" I spoke. "Hmmmm, I thought you already got the job in Starbucks?" she questioned, "I did..... I just..... I want something more. Look at you, you're really successful, I just don't want to be waiting tables my whole life". "Oh babe" her voice faltered, "You're 19, you have plenty of time to make something of yourself, but if it means that much to you, I'll help. What is the interview for?". Relieved I told her "Well, the ad said they wanted a model/actress. Is it stupid of me to even go for it?". "Of course not" she cried "You're absolutely gorgeous babe". As much as I hated to say it, she wasn't wrong; I had always been complemented on my looks. My blonde hair fell down the full length of my back, my eyes a glistening blue, my 5'9 stature was accompanied by a petite frame. In the eyes of many I was deemed as something special, to me I was normal. I was broken out of my train of thought by my Chloé "[Y/N], what do you need help with? You'll nail this interview, you're gorgeous and you have a great personality". "It's not that" I cried, "What do I wear? Do I cover up or do I show em what our mama gave me?". Chloè chuckled "Well, as mum always says, 'legs or boobs, never both darling'" she mimicked our mother. "Okay Chlo, I think I got it, thanks babe. I'll call you later and let you know how I did", "Okay honey, and good luck sis! I know you won't need it. Talk soon". And with that I hung up. I decided to take my sisters advice and wear a low cut white blouse, teamed with a simple black blazer and black skinny jeans. You were casual, yet chic. I tied the outfit together with a pair or black stilettos and Ray Bans. I was a striking girl, but had an edge to me; my nose pierced with a hoop and had two tattoos (The Yin Yang symbol on my wrist and a love heart on my index finger) with the intention of getting more. If I could describe my style in one word, indie.
The day of the interview came around quickly, between my house-hunting and torturous shifts waiting tables in Starbucks. I made way to the interview quietly confident. That confidence disappeared the second I set foot in the foyer of the building. It was full of other young women. Some dressed to the nines, others more casual. I made my way to the receptionist desk. "[Y/N] [Y/L/N]" I hesitantly said to the woman the other side of the desk, "Ahh Miss [Y/L/N], you're just in time! Your interview is in 10 minutes in boardroom 8" she smiled. "Great, thank you" I returned, noticeably nervous. Boardroom 8 was on the 2nd floor, I figured I had time for one last look in the mirror before the interview. I strolled into the bathroom, stilettos clicking as I walked. The toilet was full of girls, similar in age to me, all nervous, all equally pretty. I walked over to a mirror and looked at the reflection on the other side, it was scared. Scared that I’d screw up this gig, scared that I wasn’t cut out for my new independent way of life and scared that I made a huge mistake of leaving the comforts of my family abode. While my appearance was decent, I had put that bit more effort in it today than other days, I was so nervous. With one final glance, I made my way to the door, flipping my hair as I walked.
Boardroom 8 was huge. It had a big window with a breathtaking view of the city. Three people sat opposite me, a woman and two men. I tried to calm myself down, but I could feel my hands shaking in my lap. "So Miss [Y/L/N], why Modest Management?", "Why this particular job?" The woman asked eyeballing me?. I was left confused, I didn't know what 'this particular job' was. "Ummm" I retorted, "I don't fully understand...... I just thought you needed actress' and models for the agency?". A small laugh escaped the woman's lips. "You mean to tell me you don't know why you're here?!" She looked at me intently. I shrugged "Not really". One of the men's eyes shot up at my words. "You don't?" He questioned, "Surely when you were contacted about this particular interview you were given the full details?" I did not know how to respond, I shuffled in my seat debating whether to leave. The man spoke again before I could act, "Tell me [Y/N], have you heard of a band called One Direction?" I laughed assuming it was a trick question, "Of course I have, who hasn't?". "Well, this particular job involves them!" "It does?" I gasped. "Yes! We represent them and are in need of a young lady such as yourself for assistance. You see one of the members has been receiving a lot of negative press about his, how shall I put it, 'womanizing' ways" I could feel my heart skip a beat, "Harry" I mouthed. "Yes, well, Mr Styles certainly does know how to live it up". "That's why you're here" the woman cut in, "We need a pretty, young girl like yourself to pose as his girlfriend for a while. Fully paid of course.". My jaw dropped. It dawned on me that this interview was for far more than a job, it was a change in lifestyle. "We need to prove that Harry can hold a steady relationship. Along with this job, you would also be taken onto the books here at the agency. We felt your head shots were good, so we are willing to sign you as a model". For a second time I was left dumbfounded "I...it sounds like you're offering me t..the job", the woman smiled "Of course we are. Why do you think we dragged you down here?". "But all the other girls?" "We are a very big agency Miss [Y/L/N], we cater for a lot of people. The other girls are here for various other reasons. We choose you and you alone for this position". I was in shock; I had just been offered a job as Harry Styles' girlfriend, the Harry Styles. A dark thought clouded my mind "What if he doesn't like me?". "We have scanned all our books Miss [Y/L/N], and we can assure you, you are just his type. Blonde, leggy, striking face, need I go on?" I blushed. The second man weighed in "We have arranged for you to move into an apartment in Kensington for the time being. You will attend the This Is Us after party in Zuma next week where you will approach Harry". I couldn't believe it, not only was I being paid to go out with Harry Styles, I was finally moving out of the studio and into an apartment. It was surreal. "One last thing before you go, Harry must never know this is all set up". "What?!" I questioned, "How am I to start this fake relationship if he doesn't even know about it?". "As stated before Miss. [Y/L/N], you are to approach Mr. Styles at his event next week and all will fall into place. Now, if you'll excuse me" the woman spoke, I have a lot of work to do, goodbye Miss. [Y/L/N], we'll be in touch" and with that she up and left with the two men following her in tow. I was left in shocked. What has just happened?
