I Want To Be Your Reason To Be (One Direction Fan Fiction)

Chapter 11: My Chance To Shine

Nicole's POV

I take a large gulp from my water bottle and continue running on the treadmill, like I've been doing for the past thirty minutes or so. My legs are sore from not having exercised in such a long time, the last time was probably before coming on the tour a few weeks ago.  

I'm slowing down and about to go on the elliptical when I see familiar curls at the entrance to the hotel gym. Harry scans the people in the gym until spotting me. He rushes over to where I am and practically yanks me off the treadmill.  

"I need to talk to you," he says urgently.  

I roll my eyes and rub my arm where he yanked it, reluctantly following him outside. This better be good, him interrupting my workout to 'talk.' 

We sit on a bench outside, keeping our heads down and trying to be inconspicuous.  

"What is it?" I hiss.  

"Um, well, I was, er, thinking about asking Jess to be my girlfriend but I'm not sure of she likes me and even if she does, would you be willing to help?"  

Oh. My. God. Jess is going to be absolutely thrilled! I guess this was worth it, because I am definitely willing to get my two best friends who are absolutely perfect for each other together.  

"Well, I think she might like you a little bit," I say nonchalantly while inwardly laughing, "and of course I'll help." 

"Okay, well what's her idea of the perfect date then?" 

Hmm.  

"Well, she's pretty low-key and doesn't really like overly fancy things, and I know she likes bowling so maybe something like that?" 

"Thanks, Lou's calling me, text me later?"  

I nod, missing the days when it was just me and Harry when we did everything together and could spend whole uninterrupted days together, unlike this when we barely got five minutes of alone time before one of us was whisked away somewhere or had to leave for any random reason. That said though, I'm so happy for Harry's success and I'd never want to discourage him from his career.  

I decide to wander around and I walk into a coffee shop not unlike the one I used to work in. As I walk up to the counter and order a medium-sized mocha I look around the cute little cafe. It's packed full of people, but I see a familiar black quiff that I would recognize anywhere. Zayn! 

He's sitting at a table with a girl that I don't recognize. She's very pretty, her long, dark red hair pulled up into a high ponytail that cascades down her back. She is talking animatedly about something, and she seems to have a very sunny disposition. I notice that she's wearing an apron; she must work here. Sure enough, she points at the counter and shrugs, standing up. Zayn kisses her on the cheek and she goes back to work while Zayn stands up, taking his coffee with him and walking out into the bustling street.  

The barista hands me my mocha and I hand her some dollar bills and tell her to keep the change, while I run out of the cafe and search for Zayn.  

"Zayn!" 

"Nicole? Hey!" 

We greet each other and begin walking, turning onto a less crowded street so Zayn won't be recognized. After a minute of comfortable silence, both of us sipping our coffees, I can't stand it any longer.  

"Zayn, who was that girl at the coffee shop before?" 

Zayn seems surprised, raising an eyebrow, and he takes another sip from his cup before answering.  

"Oh, her name is Alex. I met her yesterday when I went to get a coffee there and I went back again to see her today. I invited her to our concert tonight, so I suppose you'll meet her there. But she's great. She draws and writes poetry and she plays drums too. I really like her, I just hope we can keep in touch after we leave."