STYLES | h.e.s

6

It doesn't need to feel like summer for Eliza to bring out her dresses to wear for the day. As long as the sun is out and she shaved the night before then her legs are exposed to feel the heat out in the open air.

Bare and lathered with the lotion she keeps in her desk drawer, Eliza's legs stride while working at TeenStyles this Thursday afternoon. She stands away from Mister Tomlinson who speaks with an editor at their desk discussing over a column piece for the next issue. Eliza hugs her work tablet against her chest as she stands off to the side minding her own business not hearing a word from the discussion between the two men. If she's being honest, she doesn't see why Mister Tomlinson really needs her to be with him at the moment seeing as she doesn't have to take any notes or schedule anything. But, she doesn't mind. This beats having to go back to receptions and return back to actually working.

Many people walk past Eliza quickly since publishing is coming up this weekend for the next month's issue. Everyone is acting a bit chaotic currently. Except for Rei who slowly walks up to her peeking around at anyone who notices her not working at the moment. Her body language trying to remain relaxed rather than having tense shoulders or stiff legs. Glancing off to the side noticing someone walking closer, Eliza raises her brows startled not understanding why Rei is down in the TeenStyles writing rooms rather than in Mister Payne's office where she is supposed to be working.

"Rei?" Eliza questions in confusion.

"I have a bit of a favor to ask you," Rei rushes over still glancing around the room incase anybody looks their way to see her not doing what she is paid to do. Eliza does the same while eyeing around but most looking towards Mister Tomlinson's direction to make sure he doesn't turn around and say something about the two slacking off while working.

"What kind of a favor makes you ditch your work to come and ask me for help?" Eliza lightly chuckles.

"The kind of favor a best friend wouldn't say no to?" Mister Payne's rebellious assistant smiles hopefully still unsure if her friend will be able to accommodate to her request.

With a roll of her eyes Eliza smiles turning in her step to slowly walk following Mister Tomlinson as he makes his rounds. "What is it Rei?"

"Could you possibly watch my cat this weekend?"

"What?" Eliza pauses in her strut and turns to Rei in confusion. Not at all expecting this to be the favor her friend was referring to. "What—no. You know I can't. Ever doesn't want pets in the house," she reminds.

"I know but hear me out!" Rei begs with a hushed voices making sure she isn't too loud for anyone to look over and contact her boss. The last thing she needs is to be fired because she needs someone to look after her cat this weekend. "Mister Payne has finally asked me to accompany him for a small photo shoot in Paris for a catalogue cover for Lily Rose Depp and Eliza you know I can't say no to that!"

Eliza sighs, fully understanding her friend not being able to dismiss an opportunity such as this one. Rei needs to get her name out more and work professionally to become the photographer she wants to be. Missing a trip to Paris for a catalogue would be a greatly regrettable decision on Rei's part. Eliza understands this for it has been the same in her career field trying to join Mister Tomlinson for different fashion events to meet with reporters including designers to introduce herself and make herself remembered.

"I know, I know..." Eliza trails off eyeing down.

"I would ask Sun or my cousins who live in London to watch her but they all hate cats! I asked some friends of mine but they're kids are allergic! Kit has a dog and my cat doesn't get along well with dogs," Rei explains trying to compel Eliza to understand her situation. That not even her sister, her family members, or her other friends can accommodate her cat for the weekend. "You can stay at my place for free this weekend! I just can't have my cat alone she's helpless already on her own!" She begs.