Rules of Attraction

13th March- Charlie

I had it all planned out in my head on how it would turn out when I finally talked to Niall. I would show up at the studio, play him my song and then we'd live happily ever after. Except, with the information I received last night that's not how it was going to end. I would go to the studio give him my song, and tell him how Anya seems like a lovely person and I hope they're happy together.

As I sat in the parking lot next to his car, staring at the studio, I'm not even sure how long, I didn't want to go in, I didn't want this to be real. It was hard to admit my feelings, its even harder to admit that I was stupid and should have listened to my brain and not my heart.

When I finally gathered the courage to go in I gave the receptionist a smile and made my way back to the room Teddy had told me they would be in. I had the flash drive in my hand, still not sure if I wanted to give it to him or not. Everybody's eyes turned to me as I entered the room.

Niall shot up out of his seat at the control desk and made his way over to me.

"Sunshine- Charlie, I didn't know you were coming..."

"Yeah, um, Teddy told me you guys were writing today. I uh, had all this planned out in my head. After the other day I went home and I did some thinking, which naturally turned into writing. But then I met someone yesterday at the bar and everything I wanted to say I don't know if I want to say it anymore. Here's the song, if you want to listen or...whatever. Anya seems lovely, I hope you guys are happy."

I passed off the flash drive and made my way out as fast as I could. I beat Niall to the car this time.
As I started to drive away, I glanced up at my rearview mirror, to see him running out of the studio calling my name.

***

It was open mic night, something that I usually enjoyed, but given the current events of my life I wasn't exactly in a good head space. I pushed through my shift, I served the regulars and made sure all the acts that were booked for the night had everything they need. There weren't many acts tonight, so I was a bit surprised when Robbie came on stage to introduce another performer.

"The next performer is new to our stage, but has sold out arenas all over the world. We've very excited to have him here at The Tavern so please give it up for Niall Horan."

A few murmurs were heard around the room from the other artists until he stepped on the stage.

"Hello...I wrote this song a while ago. In the past my job has made relationships difficult and unfortunately, me just being a dickhead is the reason that I'm in my current predicament. This song slightly relates to this situation, and I know its one of her favorites. This is The Tide."

It was just him and his guitar but it still sounded just as amazing without the full band. Half way through the song I snuck out to the back alley where we went to smoke on our breaks. As much as I wanted to forgive him and move past it the fact that he was seeing another girl just solidified my fear of getting hurt. And even though I'm glad I found out now instead of later down the road, it still was like a punch to the stomach.

I wasn't alone for long, I heard the applause and before I could count to ten Niall was taking a seat next to me on the bench.

"You gonna let me explain?"

"I don't really think there's anything to explain. You had a girlfriend this whole time. She came into the bar last night so upset. She didn't even say your name but I knew it was you, I could feel it like this sinking feeling in my stomach."

"I don't know what she said but she's not my girlfriend. We went out a few times, texted back and forth but that's it. I met her at a photo shoot the day after we hooked up. You had left, and stole my Fleetwood Mac shirt by the way, don't think I didn't notice. I was hungover and in a pissy mood because you were gone.

I went back after you told me there was no chance in hell between us and I asked her to dinner to make up for being a wanker. But after I saw you again...after that kiss...I was confused. I'm still a little confused if I'm being honest. Anya is a lovely person. She's sweet, caring, she's fun, she doesn't feel the need to argue about every little thing. Anya is literally the opposite of you."

"I kinda want to punch you in the face still."

"You are sarcastic, argumentative, you cuss like a sailor, and you give me shit about almost anything that comes out of my mouth. But the way you take care of your dad, and the people you love...it's what I like about you so much. You keep me on my toes, Sunshine. Like nobody has before."

"That was kind of sweet...did you um, listen to the song?"

"I did. It's gonna win a Grammy one day. I just hope I can be by your side when it happens. Even if it's just as your friend. I need to go, I have an early morning, and you need to think about stuff. You know where to find me."

We both stood up and he turned to face me. I melted into him when he pulled me against his chest. I wrapped my arms around him and he kissed the side of my head before he pulled away.

"I'll see you soon Sunshine."

He left me alone in the alley and disappeared to his waiting car. I did have a lot to think about, but if I'm being honest with myself I already knew what I wanted.