Don't Stay Where You Don't Belong (Harry Styles Fan Fiction)

Chapter 20 - Dinner Time

Chapter 20 - Dinner Time

Grace

"Grace, pleased to meet you," He said to me, looking away from his phone and standing up suddenly, holding out his hand for me to shake properly. He held his hand and for a moment I just kind of stood there like the awkward girl I am, but then snapped out realizing he was waiting for me to take it. I put my hand in his, making sure I gripped it firmly like Janet showed me in the car. I slid in the dark red booth, the squeaky material feeling cold on the leg that escaped the slit in my long black dress. I positioned myself across Simon and could barely make out the few wrinkles on his face from how dim the light was in this restaurant, almost having a dark red overtone over everything in it. The yellow light just above our table glowed just barely to see those sitting with you, but not enough to see to tables beyond yours. I nervously bit the inside of my lip, should I say something first? I opened my mouth, but the waiter in charge of our table came up to us before I could say anything.

"Can I start you off with any drinks?" The young man said, smiling at both me and Simon awaiting our answer. I let Simon go first, and then proceeded to just ask for water. Anything else and I just might throw up right about now from how weird and uneasy I felt. I held my hands tightly, calming myself down. This is just a dinner meeting, Grace. Get yourself together! The waiter soon went off to fetch our drinks, as Simon turned to me and smiled. It seems like I've been sitting here for an hour waiting for our conversation to start. 

"So, how was the flight over here?" Simon started, raising his eyebrows and turning the cover of the menu in front of him. He skimmed through, his eyes moving quickly around the first few pages. Small talk? Really Simon? Really? I mentally rolled my eyes, hating small talk.

"Uh it was long, but good. Thanks so much for this opportunity," I said smiling while copying his actions of picking up my menu and looking through it. I think I might go with something plain since I'm not really sure what I'll be able to hold down. I mean this meeting isn't the only thing I'm nervous about, it's more this entire trip. I just hope I can find a way to get over my nerves and impress the man sitting across from me. 

"Nonsense, you earned it," Simon replied looking up from his menu and nodding my way. This man was a lot nicer than he is perceived to be. I mean who hasn't seen American Idol? Sure this guy was harsh, but I always sort of liked it. It's always better to be told the truth than being lied to, right? He was about raw talent and the star potential, and clearly he knew what he was talking about with how successful some of those people were. I settled across the words "Spinach Ravioli," on the third page of the menu, which pulled me out of my train of thought. Hmm, that sounds pretty good. 

"Here are your drinks," the young waiter came back again, positioning our drinks on the table. As he leaned in I could read the metal name tag pinned on the right side of his black vest which said, "Ryan." I smiled and thanked him, as he took out his notepad and pen.

"Are you two also ready to order, or do you need more time?" I looked at Simon suggestively asking if he was ready. He nodded and I returned it turning my attention to the waiter. He took our orders and politely excused himself, saying our meals would be out soon. I noticed the joints in my hands no longer hurt, and the butterflies in my stomach had calmed down. I exhaled a little, happy that my nerves have sort of left. 

"Now, Grace, I presume you've met Janet today?" Simon said sounding more official, I guess we were getting down to our business talk. I nodded, the smile on my lips thinning out so I'd seem more professional, remembering the advice Janet gave me earlier. 

"Well then you know that tomorrow you'll be in the studio recording the song you wrote," Simon stated, slowing moving his hands along with his speech. I, once again, nodded, this time taking a sip of my water.