Our Story

Chapter Seven

Where was Riley? We’ve been waiting on the bus for ten minutes and we all noticed that Niall was missing, too. I secretly hoped that they hadn’t been in some epic throw down. Beside me, Harry felt my unease. He rubbed my back and played with my hands in efforts to calm me down. It worked for the most part. For the lesser part, I was still worried about Riley and Niall. 

“There they are,” said Harry. Everyone looked up to see Niall, Riley and Paul walking towards the bus as they were hounded by wild fans. I let out a deep breath. They hadn’t killed each other. They entered the bus and Riley looked dazed. She sat beside me without saying a word and I looked at her questioningly. She turned to me and offered a partial smile. Despite her effort to show that everything was okay, I knew otherwise. Something was up. Unfortunately, there was no time to ask. We were all on our way to the boys’ after party at some night club. This matter would have to wait until tomorrow. 

“Niall, you alright mate?” I overheard Liam whisper to Niall. I peered over at Niall from the side of my eye. I couldn’t believe what I saw at first but he was smiling. Actually smiling. 

“More than alright,” he answered Liam. I was confused. What had happened between him and Riley? 

When we arrived at the club, fans and paparazzi were already there yelling and snapping an endless string of photos. The flashes were blinding and I couldn’t see where I was walking. Harry took my hand and lead me through the thick crowd of people. People were shouting things to the boys but I couldn’t really make out their words. As we continued walking closer to the entrance, I was able to catch on to what a few of them were saying. 

“Harry, who is that?” a man with a camera yelled. I didn’t think he was talking about me until Harry shifted me so that I was behind him. He began walking protectively in front of me as the questions became more distinct. 

“Harry, who is she? Is that your girlfriend?” a tall woman with a camera crew yelled. He squeezed my hand tighter. 

“What’s your name?” This time the question was directed at me and without thinking, I almost answered. 

“Come on,” Harry said into my ear. I followed him and the rest of the boys into the building. I let out a gasp of air as the crowd disappeared behind us. 

“Sorry about that,” said Harry. I looked up at him and he had a pained expression. 

“About what?” I asked. I honestly had no idea what he was apologizing for.

“That attack out there,” he motioned towards the paparazzi with a deep frown buried in his perfect lips. I smiled as I took his hands in mine. 

“It’s okay. Really. If you can handle it, so can I,” I said, looking deeply into his eyes. His frown faded a bit and he gave me a small smile. I smiled back and he leaned down to give me a hug. 

“Come on lads! Let’s get this party started!” Zayn yelled over the music. We all made our way to a nearby table and drinks were already there waiting for us. We all picked up our glasses as Louis made a toast. 

“We had an amazing show tonight. I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished. But now, let’s get crazy!” We all “woo”ed in agreement as we sipped our drinks. Mine was strong and I could already feel the potency. Riley was across from me and she down her drink in a few gulps. She slammed her glass on the table and smiled. 

“That’s what I’m talking about!” yelled Zayn as he downed his drink as well. “Let’s dance!” 

We all headed to the dance floor and Riley was the first to start dancing. She moved her body along with the music and I was always amazed at how sensuously she was able to make her body flow. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who noticed. Random guys around her began staring and some even stepped closer to her as they danced. We got deeper into the crowd and I was losing sight of Riley. I couldn’t be sure but I thought I saw another blonde head beside her, dancing with her. It was a guy. Who was that? The crowd completely covered them up and I shook my head in confusion. I felt a tug at my hand and Harry regained my focus and smiled at me cheekily. We started dancing and I my mind was spinning from the volume of the music and the flashing lights and the small swig of alcohol I had just taken. I was also drunk off Harry’s presence. His eyes were absolutely gleaming a bright green and his smile was playful. We began laughing and dancing and smiling until our cheeks hurt and our heads were rushing.