Maison is talking again, although I'm not really sure what about. I seem to tune out every few minutes. A few more hours of this and then it's the weekend. I haven't seen Louis, I have no idea what has happened to him. Harry said he hasn't seen him either which is slightly weird. I'm trying not to care but I'm curious, is that so wrong?
"Billie?" Maison's voice interrupts my thoughts.
"Shit, sorry. What were you saying?"
"Is everything okay, you seem a little... spaced out?"
"No, I'm good. Sorry, what were you saying?" I lie my way out of it and try to concentrate on his lips perfectly forming the words I missed moments ago.
"I wondered if you were free tonight by any chance..." I take it as an invite but soon remember that I'm out tonight for a meal, and somehow I wish I wasn't. It is Harry's birthday and it would be wrong not to go. Besides, we might finally find out where Louis has been all week. Not that I care.
"I'm so sorry; I have a birthday party to go to tonight." I explain. "Maybe next week?"
"Sure, that'd be great." He looks disappointed and I feel rude. I feel like I might have upset him but I hope haven't.
He talks a bit more and I try to pay attention to him this time. He hands me something to type up and I do it. It seems to drag on forever and really isn't the most interesting thing in the world. I'm glad when it's over.
*
Verity waits for me out in the car park and I have my stuff with me so we can get ready together. It doesn't take long to get to her house and when we do she disappears off into her room to change. I go in to the bathroom closing the door behind me. I pull my hair back and tie it up, powder my face slightly with foundation and put a small amount of mascara on. I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard- I'm not. I don't wear anything fancy, just something casual. I pull my battered black converse on my feet remembering that I have really been meaning to get some new ones. Surprisingly Sophie is actually running on time for once and she is ready when I leave the room.
"You look nice!" She compliments, smiling sweetly, but I shake my head and laugh loudly.
"You have to say that, you're my best friend."
"No, you look really lovely, as always." I raise an eyebrow at the comment.
"What? I'm serious!" She exclaims and we laugh together, grabbing our coats and making our way to the car. I love how we can laugh at anything together and enjoy each other's company so much. It's just so refreshing to have someone to be like that with.
*
We're surprised when we arrive to see Harry already at the restaurant. He is with two other guys and is waving us over to the table. It is so dimly lit inside that I can hardly make out whether or not I recognise the other two from this distance. The tables are decorated with small candle lanterns which add a really sweet touch to the décor. As we approach Harry gets out of his seat and hugs Verity. His friends greet her as well and I now realise that I have absolutely no clue who they are.
"Niall, Liam. This is my friend Billie. She recently moved into the area so make sure you make her feel welcome!" Verity says and they shoot me a smile.
"Hey, I'm Niall. It's really great meeting you." A thick accent speaks and I can immediately tell that the blonde speaking to me is Irish. Before I get the opportunity to respond or thank him he speaks up again.
