I Wish I Could Say It Was a Mistake

Chapter 16: Just pretending that we're cool

This is not right. This is not right. This is not right.

The words keep repeating themselves in my head as he kisses my neck.

I shouldn't be doing this. It's just not right.

His hand pulls me closer as he presses his lips against mine.

****    A few hours before    ****

Alright, this is the night I'm getting over Harry. This is the night I'm going to make him drool all over his chin. This is the night.

The chill party Ed was talking about is at a private club in the center of London. I feel like a celebrity when I say my name to the guard and they immediately let me in. Plus, Emma's dress is stunning and it makes me feel powerful.

The club is already packed. There's a dancing floor full of drunk people dancing to the music, and a terrace with a swimming pool, where everyone seems to be either gossiping or flirting.

I take a look around, unconsciously looking for Harry's black curls, but I only manage to find Ed's shiny ginger hair.

"Come, I'll introduce you to Ed.", I say to Emma.

He's sitting on a leather sofa, next to a few guys. As he sees me walk towards him, he smiles and greets me with a "Layla! You came!"

"Of course! This is Emma, by the way."

"Nice to meet you, Emma.", he smiles, and puts his hand on my shoulder, "What do you drink?".

Emma and I tell him our drinks and he repeats them to a bartender, adding a few more for himself and his friends. As they give them to us, he shows them his credit card and Emma and I exchange a surprised look.

"Thank you so much.", we both say, as he hands us the drinks.

"Sit, please.", he says, and as we do, he introduces us to his friends.

We stay with them for a while. He's such a nice person, fun and easy-going. But once we finish our drinks, Emma and I head to the dance floor.

We dance to the rest of the song, until, just as if I'd been struck by lightning, I see Harry's face only a few feet away. I feel a thousand butterflies in my stomach. Jesus, he looks especially handsome tonight. He's changed into a flowery shirt and black trousers, and his hair is all messy, part of it falling over his right cheek.

Alright, pull yourself together Layla. I rearrange my hair and turn towards Emma, just as I feel his gaze land on me.

"Harry's staring at you. It's working.", Emma whispers in my ear. "Pretend I've just told you something hilarious."

Following her advice, I start laughing. I feel so stupid, but I guess Emma's right. Ugh.

"I think I need another drink.", I tell Emma.

"Alright. Bring me one too please, I'll go say hello to Mark."

She points towards a man who works with us. I nod in approval and walk towards the bar.

Just as I lean on the counter, Niall Horan appears out of nowhere and stands next to me. I look at him and he smiles at me.

"Hi."

OMG.

"Hey.", I smile back.

Ok, remain calm, for God's Sake. It's not the first famous person you've ever talked to.

The bartender comes up to us and asks us what is it that we want. Niall goes first, but after asking for his drink, he looks at me and asks, "What about you?"

"Two gin-tonics.", I say.

The bartender nods and turns around.

"I'm Niall."

He offers me his hand and I shake it.

"Layla."

I can't believe this is actually happening. It's already weird to think I know Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran. But the fact that I just saw Niall on stage makes it even weirder to be talking to him.

"Were you at the show?", he asks.

"Yes. I loved your performance, by the way. I think you did great."

"Nah, you're just saying that to be polite."

I blush as he winks. 

I take one of my hands to my mouth and start biting my nails anxiously. The bartender appears again and gives us our drinks.

Just as I'm about to take my wallet out Niall puts his hand on top of mine and says, "I've got this."

Wow, it's my second drink of the night and I still haven't paid anything. Normally I would make a scene trying to show that I don't need anyone to buy me drinks, especially a man who only wants to prove he's a gentleman, but I think twice as I see the price.

"Thank you, you're so nice.", I say, and dedicate him my kindest smile in return.

"Cheers.", Niall says, taking his beverage and pointing it towards me. Then he takes a sip, and adds, "See you around, Layla."

I smile again at him as he turns around.

"You won't believe who I was just talking to.", I say, as I approach Emma with the two drinks.

"What?", she answers, not having heard me because of the music.

I point towards the terrace and we both walk there. The temperature's much nicer here, and we can talk without having to shout.

"You were saying?", she asks, as we find a spot where we can talk.

"Well, Niall Horan paid for these.", I say, pointing at both drinks.

Emma chokes and starts laughing.

"You've definitely got something for these One Direction boys."