Just Friends

Chapter 36

"Megan?"

"Yes, Niall?"

"I love you." This had been the tenth time he had said those three words since we finished making love. I don't know how long we had been laying here, intertwined together, but I didn't mind. My head was laying on his bare chest and my arms were wrapped around his torso. I could hear the quiet beats of his heart that would slightly quicken every time those three words were spoken.

Sunlight was slowly seeping in through the windows, signaling that morning was near. I groaned mentally knowing that the second the sun was fully risen, my phone would be ringing off the hook. I had to think of a reasonable excuse to tell them and keep all my facts straight in the lie so I wouldn't be caught. It was obvious though that I was upset about the proposal. There was no way round that. I just couldn't let the real reason slip out of my lips.

I sighed, lifting my head up to look at Niall. He was already looking down at me, his eyes slightly sparkling from the light.

"I love you too." I said smiling. He returned the smile and then laid his head back on the pillow.

"When do you think they will call?" I mumbled. I felt him sigh underneath me.

"Any minuet now probably. That's what my manager does to the boys and I."

"Are they hard on you guys?"

"Well, they make sure we don't do it again." He mumbled, more than likely remembering the last time he got 'the call.' He then reached down to rub his hand lightly over my back, trying to soothe me and calm me down.

A knock on the door made both of us groan in defeat knowing that our time together was over. I eased myself out of bed and slipped on a bath robe to cover my body, Niall followed my lead by doing the same.

"I'm coming! Geeze." I yelled once the knocking turned into aggressive pounding. When I finally got to the door, I was met by my manager who was surprisingly smiling.

"There's my little genius!" She squealed, gripping me in a tight hug.

"I- uh- excuse me, Liz?" I stuttered, pushing her back a bit.

"That little stunt you pulled was absolutely spectacular. Do you have any idea how many people have called wanting an interview with the band now? Or how many magazines you will be on the cover of? This is fantastic!" She explained. I shook my head in disbelief and tried to comprehend what she was saying to me.

"So you're not upset with what I did?"

"No not really. I mean, you left the show early and left your fans before the last song but now everybody is talking about you and the girls! And as we say in Hollywood 'no publicity is bad publicity'!" I rolled my eyes at her cliché saying. This lady was nuts.

"Oh, hey Niall." Liz said. I turned around to find Niall still in his bathrobe, blushing from being caught.

"Uh, hi Liz. I didn't mean to interrupt or anything." He mumbled.

"Oh no, it's fine dear. By the looks of it I was the one interrupting something." She laughed.

"Okay, um, is that all you wanted to say?" I quickly said, trying to get her out of the damn room.

"Oh no. There's one more thing. A big majority of the press thinks you left because you and Zayn have something going on. Scratch that, every single press person thinks that. So, that's the driving force around this publicity."

"Well, she can just clear that up, can't she?" Niall cut in.

"Of course she can. But I don't want her to do that for quite a while. I want her to avoid the questions about this for a couple of days and then deny everything. You know, just to keep them all talking."

"But that would lead them to believe that she was cheating on me and Zayn was cheating on Perrie." Niall said, frustration very visible in his voice.

"I know that. But, that's publicity for not only Megan's band but also for yours and Little Mix. We all win here!" She said clapping her hands together.

"No. Absolutely not. Do you know how much shit she is going to get? Zayn as well? Doesn't he get a say in this?"

"Niall," Liz sighed "I hate to break this to you but nobody gets a say in anything. This is show business and I'm her manager. What I say goes. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some interviews to book."

After she sauntered out of the room, Niall turned on his heels and stomped his way back into the bedroom. I followed quietly behind him.

"Babe.."

"No! Don't start with me right now. I'm pissed off." He snapped. My eyes widened at his outburst. I have seen Niall mad, but not pissed.

It was kind of hot.

"Niall, you know it's not like that. I don't have a choice in this at all. If I did, you know I would be the first to deny it all." I explained. I walked over and wrapped my arms around his torso, trying to comfort him. I felt him sign then relax under my hold.

"I know babe. I just hate this side of the business. They always take stories like this and try and make money off of it. It doesn't matter who or what the story will hurt as long as their client gets recognition."

"Welcome to show business." I mumbled.

------------------------------------------

After Niall had left, I had been occupied with countless phone calls and emails from reporters and radio hosts asking me for a statement.

"No comment." Was my reply every time. I had to admit this whole thing was absolutely ridiculous. I wanted to deny the 'rumor' more than anything but, I couldn't. At least not if I wanted to keep my job. I had to admit, I was surprised how many people were talking about it. There was already a trending topic on twitter and I was on the cover of a handful of annoying tabloids. Not only was the rumor of Zayn and my 'alleged' romance floating around but so were pregnancy rumors and band break ups.

Oh, the joys of being famous.

A knock on the door interrupted my researching which made me groan out loud. It was Liz again. She had been in and out of my room all day telling me about our crazy new interview schedule. It was getting incredibly annoying.

I lifted myself off the couch and slowly made my way over to the door, prolonging the visit. When I opened it I took a deep breath and greeted her with as much joy and I could fake.

"Hi Liz. Can I help you- oh." I was surprised to find that Liz was not the one at the door but, a very angry looking boy with black hair.

"We need to talk." Zayn said.

(Sorry it took so long to update! I've been recovering from spring break. Please vote and comment for this chapter:) it helps out a lot.) -Jenny