The Way Things Work

Chapter Two

“E-Excuse me?” You stuttered.

“We need to rebuilt Harry’s ‘good boy’ imagine and dating a fan would be the perfect way to do so!”

“What are you implying?!” Harry spat.

“The two of you will forge a relationship for the sake of your reputation!” The publicist clapped his hands together in victory. You, Liam and Sarah exchanged uncomfortable, nervous looks.

“I-I’m not so sure th-“ You began to oppose.

“No, it’s perfect; trust me! Of course you will be paid and the over all scam will only last about two years.”

“Look I don-“ Sarah began to buttress you.

“How much?” You shot out surprising the lot with your spark.

“For two years? I’ll settle on three million.” He said quite persuasively. 

“T-Three m-million?” You felt your jaw practically fall to the floor. “O-Okay then, I’ll take it.” You whispered tediously. 

“Alright!” Another booming clap arose from his steady hands. “Give me your number and we can discuss the details over dinner.” 

As you scribbled down your number on a ratty paper, Harry walked up to you and stopped straight in front of you. Anger radiated from his body; he hovered so close to you that you could feel the minty scent tumble off if his tongue and tickle your naked nose. “You’ll regret this.” He growled. “You all will!” He shouted into the thin air and stormed out.

“Ah, don’t listen to him.” Zayn had ventured next to you.

“You’ll probably be the man in this relationship!”” You all laughed as Louis rubbed your back.

“Well welcome to the family!” Niall tore you from the ground and whirled you around, high in the air.

“Thanks. Sorry about that.” You whimpered and backed away as Niall’s smile was replaced with a glance of confusion. 

“For what?” It went silent as he let out an awkward giggle and raised his brow at you.

“”I-I’m a bit heavy.” You cautiously took another step backward and bowed your head in shame.

“Hey, hey! No you’re not!” Niall firmly protested.

“Liar.” You let the most discrete smile escape your lips.

“NO!” Niall let out as he gasped for air between laughs.

“Well anyway-“ Liam shook his head with a smile, he was utterly amused. “-we have a concert tonight. Would you ladies like to join us?” Liam nudged Sarah, implying the answer for her.

“Oh my God yes!” She fangirled slightly.

“We’ll see you babes tonight then.” Zayn winked as Sarah kept an undisrupted connection with Liam. 

“Well sadly, we must part and tend to the needs of thy princess Harry.” Louis exaggerated with hand gestures and a voice pitch change. “Eleanor, babe, are you coming?” Louis motioned toward the door.

“If you girls don’t mind, since the mall is empty I’d like to have a tad of a spree.”

“I’m totally in!” Sarah nudged you to signal your opinion.

“That actually sounds fun.” You sighed as a smile rose from cheek to cheek.

“Great! Lou, you guys go! I’ll get them to the concert! Promise!”