ambience [h.s]

CHAPTER 13.

Finally the meeting was over. I walk out talking to one of the female editors, named Bella. She is excited, and smart, and I like her. Diana trails behind talking to Harry. I wonder what they are talking about. I wave bye to Bella when we approach the car. Harry strides to his car with a wink towards me in farewell. I roll my eyes and hop into the car. Diana gives me a look before getting in the driver’s seat. She starts it up and we’re on the road. 

“Well?” She asks. 

“I hate it, because I don't know.” I say and I launch into every detail from last night to twenty minutes ago with Harry. She nods at some parts. She contemplates my story.

“He must really like you a lot.” She finally says.

“Why do you say that?” I look out the window.  

“Niall tells me things.” I almost choke at her words.

“NIALL!” I sing in a sing-song voice. She blushes. “Has he asked you out yet?”

“We met last night!” She exclaims. I smile and shake my head. “Anyway… Niall says Harry sleeps around and has never kept a girlfriend for more than two weeks before.”

I roll my eyes and tell her we aren't dating and have only known each other for a week and a half, to which she replies with another eye roll. She tells me that we obviously should be, I then turn up the music really loud and scream the lyrics to Teenage Dirtbag. 

“Be back around 6 so we can watch The Book Thief!” Diana calls after me as I leave. I nod and exit. I say hi to Tessa politely as I make my way to the car. My mom has texted me multiple times. My heart hollows out every time her name appears on my screen. I start driving. I miss when we used to talk about the people in my class, when she did my makeup for parties, and when we used to jam out in the car to my favorite songs. My throat closes and my eyes get foggy as the fighting comes back. I recover quickly and clear my throat. What the fuck is wrong with me? I shake my head and pull into the store lot, Diana and I need a few things. I grab them and as fast as I can head to the checkout. 

When I am back in the car, plastic bags covering the back seats, I head to Starbucks. It’s only 5 so I figure I can sit there and chill for a little while enjoying my drink. I grab my ray bans and throw them on before getting out of the car and making my way inside Starbucks. I smile when I see Justin sitting on his phone with a body guard across from him. I smile and wave at him as soon as I get through the door. He smiles back. 

“Hi!” I say cheerfully. 

“Hey, what are you doing here? I mean, besides getting a drink.” He blushes. 

“Just wanted to relax after I worked the whole week. Then I am going to do home and Diana and I are going to watch a movie. How bout you?” I ask and he walks with me to the line. “Same, plus I have been up with sleepless nights in the studio so I need the coffee.” I nod. Makes sense.

“Recording or writing?” I ask while looking over the menu. 

“Both.” He sips more of his drink.

“Can you sing me something?” I wink at him. He laughs. We chat for a little while and I order. While we are waiting for my drink to be done he introduces me to his bodyguard, who is actually really nice. Just as Paul, Justin’s guard, is sitting back down, my drink is ready. I grab it and thank the lady. We begin walking to the back of Starbucks to find a table, since he agreed to show me one of his songs.

“Hey, Rose?” He says while we walk. “Would you want to go out sometime?” I almost stop in my tracks, but control my body. 

“I-“ Somebody very familiar looking catches my eye in the back corner of the Starbucks. I suck in a sharp breath. Justin gives me a very puzzled look. I storm over to Harry’s table. He is with a very tall, blonde, blue eyed girl. She is prettier than me by a lot. She is sitting on his lap and leaning back into his chest. I stifle my tears and swallow my hurt.