I Wish I Could Say It Was a Mistake

HARRY I: I couldn't want you any more

*HARRY'S POINT OF VIEW, A FEW WEEKS LATER*

"Harry baby!", Jojo screams, climbing on me.  

I hug her back, "It's been a long time."

"I know! How are you? Oh, you only get more handsome every time I see you."

Jojo and I have a complicated relationship. We've known each other for years and she's always had a major crush on me. She's never told me, but I can tell. However, I'm not attracted to her at all, even though she's very hot.

"Harry was just about to tell us about his new album.", Niall says.

I shrug, "There's not much to say. " In fact, I don't really want to tell Jojo about it.

"Will you sing any new song tonight?", Niall asks me.

I nod, but before I can answer, Jojo asks, "And is there anyone on your horizon?", she says with a cheeky smile.

Niall laughs and pinches me. I missed him so much, the way he finds absolutely anything hilarious and the jokes only we understand.

"It's complicated.", I say, "What about you?"

"Complicated?", she continues, ignoring my question. I sigh. Why can't she talk about anything else?

"You got a wifey?", Niall jokes.

"God no." I shake my head, "Although I met this woman..."

"Finally something interesting.", Niall laughs, and Jojo lifts her eyebrows. Maybe if I tell her about Layla she shuts up.

"Although it's nothing, really. We... well, I don't really know where we're at."

"What's her name?", she asks, forcing herself to remain calm.

"Layla. I'm sure if you met her you would love her."

"How did you two meet?", she continues.

"She hot?", Niall asks, and I punch him softly in the arm. He laughs and shakes his head.

"We met at a party. We had one awesome night together, and-

"How awesome?", Niall winks, and Jojo frowns at him.

"Actually not much happened that night. She actually kicked me out the morning after and I genuinely thought we would never see each other again."

"But...?", Jojo begins.

I actually don't know what's going on between us right now so I spend a few seconds thinking of an answer. I want to think we can work through whatever's going on with her lately, but at the same time, I'm scared that she doesn't feel the same way.

"But she works for the company that's organising tonight's concert. We've been spending some more time together these weeks."

"Awww.", Jojo grins, "That's cute." 

I smile and pretend I haven't noticed it sounded really fake.

"Will you see her tonight?", Niall asks. I shrug, so he goes on, "Is everything alright?"

"She's been acting weird lately and I can't figure out why. She... I...", many words cross my mind but I can't get myself to pronounce them. What do I feel for her? Am I starting to fall for her?

"Women.", Niall says, patting my back and laughing.

I hate when people connect women with being complicated, but I'm not in the mood for contradicting him so I nod and smile.

"Niall, you're up.", someone says. He makes a soldier salutation and turns around towards the door.

Oh no, please don't leave me alone with Jojo. 

"I should go get ready too.", I say, before she starts with the small talk, and follow Niall out of the room.

********

Layla's talking to her friend Emma and a man out on the terrace. Although I'm really fighting myself to not think about her and to respect her and what she said to me before, I just can't. I've never seen anyone who looks as good as her tonight. What if what she wants is me to try harder? I can't just give up without a good reason.

Just one more opportunity. If it doesn't work, I'll leave her alone, but I have to tell her what I feel. Just once.

I walk to one of the men working there and ask them if there is somewhere private where I can go. After arranging a few things, I set my eyes again on Layla.

Whoa, whoa. What if she gets mad? What if she doesn't like me trying so hard? Maybe she doesn't like being with me, maybe she's got someone else on her mind, maybe...

She laughs and starts playing with her hair. It's the most beautiful smile I've ever seen.

Alright, at least I have to try. I can't give up so easily.