Until you came (Zarry) /English Version

51. The new guy

I dedicate this chapter to two faithful readers who gave me the inspiration for it. Thank you AdrielleDee & Ngoziwodi.

Harry

Almost a week my friend is now in hospital and shows no neurological improvement. Today is the first day on which I am able to put a reasonable word down on paper again. My novel must be finished soon, because Mr. Horan has only given me a couple of weeks. I' m getting a new Editor after Louis can't do the job anymore.

I thoughtfully drink a sip of orange juice and think twice about each sentence before typing it into my computer. In spite of the circumstances, writing goes well and I have actually finished three chapters in the few hours. Satisfied, I lean back in my chair and look at my work. From time to time my thoughts wander to Louis, whom we have read from my novel in the last few days. Taylor's hoping it'll help his recovery - I'm not so sure.

The publisher called me yesterday and made an appointment with me for today. A new editor is in the house and wants to get to know me. I am a bit excited, because he will be in charge of my work from now on. Louis was my companion for years and knew my writing style very well. He gave me a lot of individual space and only criticized me very little. With a new editor at my side I might have to rewrite some chapters, give up a piece of my autonomy and keep deadlines more precisely. Annoyed about the new circumstances, I get ready, to meet him at the publishing house in less than an hour.

When I enter the big publishing house, a red-haired lady runs towards me and shakes my hand excitedly.

"Mr. Styles. What an honor. You haven't been here for ages," she chatters excitedly and never lets go of my hand.

"Hello, Doris, the pleasure is all mine," I reply politely and hope that I can finally get on the elevator to meet the new editor and get home as soon as possible.

"Oh, Mr. Horan is already waiting for you. So let's go and good luck," she smiles.

In the mirror of the elevator I once again check my appearance. I' m excited. What does the new guy look like? Will he also understand my views like Louis? Will he accept my style and not let me completely rewrite the book? One last time I straighten my tie, run my fingers through my thick curls and enter Niall's office.

Louis boss is sitting in his big leather chair talking to someone I can't see yet. That must be my new editor. When he sees me, he interrupts the conversation and beams with delight.

"Harry!" he calls out loud and rises to embrace me.

"Niall, it's good to see you again, even under these circumstances," I reply and force a smile.

I try to see the one Niall talked to so lively, but I can't see anyone. That's strange. Instead, I see a computer screen with a paused video. Okay, maybe he had a video conference.

"Styles, please sit down," he says with a more serious face.

I nod and take a seat.

"May I offer you something to drink?

"No thank you Niall, actually I just came...", I begin.

The blond looks at me seriously and interrupts me in the middle of a sentence.