Agent Kelly Tomlinson

Twenty Eight

I was able to pull myself together and dress myself in a long sleeve off the shoulder white peplum shirt and black jeans. I curled my hair and let it fall naturally under my collar bones. I've been staring at myself in the mirror for five minutes, picking out all the features that would most likely resemble Mom's when I see her. I had her eyes, and I think I had her smile too. I wouldn't know, though. Dad never smiles.

I took a deep breath and walked out of the apartment. I couldn't shake the nausea I had been constantly feeling. It wasn't from the alcohol either. Speaking of alcohol, I was ready to down another.

The drive was shorter than I wanted it to be. I pulled up to a fancy looking Italian place. Apparently Simon Cowell had rented out the entire place for the night. There was a valet service in the front who took my car. I walked inside and saw the boys instantly. They were gathered around an older man. When Niall stepped to the side, I saw it was Simon Cowell.

When the door closed behind me, the five of them spun around to see who had arrived. I was focused on Harry. He was dressed in a white button up and a jacket. It was the first time I had seen him so dressed up and he looked stunning, beautiful even. He grinned at me, not bothering to hide the way his eyes raked over my own outfit. I tried hiding my blush by waving to the guys and looking away from the captivating boy.

Louis grinned at me and stepped away from Simon and the lads to approach me. "You look great. Come with me." He took my hand and led me back to the group, standing me in front of Simon. "This is my friend, Kelly. Kelly, this is Simon Cowell, the creator behind One Direction."

"Nice to meet you," I shook his hand, feeling slightly start struck standing in front of him. I grew up loving Simon Cowell while everyone else disliked him because of his rude comments. However, I always found them hilarious and usually true.

"You too. I don't know how you manage to keep up with the five of them. I heard you've been living with them. They're quite the handful, aren't they?" Simon smirked.

"I moved out a couple of weeks ago actually, but they still manage to pull me back into their crazy lives." I explained.

Simon's phone rang in his back pocket. He closed his eyes and sighed, pulling it out. "I've got to take this. Excuse me."

Simon walked outside to take his call, leaving me alone with the guys.

"You guys look great." I said to all of them. The other four were dressed similar to Harry, almost identical even. They all had their hair pulled off their face with gel, brightening their eyes and giving them more of a glow.

"I was just going to say the same thing," Harry smiled from next to me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Louis making some sort of face at his best friend. Harry smirked back at him, like he knew what he was doing.

Zayn coughed, "Kelly, do you want a drink? The bar is -"

"Lead the way," I cut him off, eager to get a drink in my hand.

"I think water would be best, don't you?" Louis watched me. I knew he was referencing to my alcohol parade I had last night. He was looking out for me when he suggested sticking to water, but my racing mind demanded booze.

I moved my attention away from my overly concerned brother and smiled back at Zayn. "Do you think they could make it a double?"

Zayn laughed and led me to the bar area. It was beautifully decorated with twinkling white Christmas lights around the perimeter. The bartenders were dressed in white button ups and black vests. Their faces were cleanly shaven or neatly groomed. The one with neatly groomed facial hair walked up to me.