Cut!

Take 29 - Heart Attack - Part 2

 A/N: Please comment as you read. I really need it. 

“Is anyone up for a swim?” Niall asked. “Since we have the day off, we might as well relax a bit.”

“I could use a swim,” I said. “That’d be really cool, actually.” I looked at Harry. “What about you?”

He winked at me. “A swim with you? Always.”

I had to look away from the smoldering gaze he was sending me. It reminded me of the previous times we’d been in the water together. And while I held both of those memories near to my heart, this really wasn’t the time nor place to reminisce our make-out sessions.

Evidently, I couldn’t be trusted to look at Harry without feeling compelled to attack him… With my mouth. In a way, it made me feel raw, animalist—not to mentioned disturbed.

I felt ashamed, and still, when I dared to glance at him, he simply smiled and gave me a naughty wink. It was almost like he knew what I was thinking, and he didn’t find it that bad at all.

Of course, he couldn’t read my mind. If he could, I doubted his hand would still be in mine right now as we walked down the hall to the elevator.

I’d been thinking about blowing the whole thing to Harry, and while I didn’t think he’d just nod and be okay with everything, I didn’t think he’d hate me forever, either.

Leaning into him, I tried to tune out the small talk around me. I needed to think.

He’d be pissed at first—that much I knew. I couldn’t blame him either. I’d been lying for him for almost a month already, and anyone would feel betrayed in that situation.

“What are you thinking about?” Harry squeezed my shoulder.

I shrugged. “You…”

“Me?” He cocked an eyebrow. “Do tell: what thoughts are you having about me?”

Looking away, I tried to look embarrassed. If he thought I was having indecent thoughts about him, he’d only be half-wrong.

“I’m thirsty,” I said as the elevator stopped in the lobby. “Want to go with me?”

Harry nodded. “Always.”

With that, we agreed to meet the rest of the guys outside and walked in the opposite direction.

I couldn’t explain how they did it, but the lobby actually seemed to be semi-empty for people now. The security guards were still on high alert, but at least there were no people pressed against the windows anymore.

The small bar wasn’t a place I’d visited before during my stay. It seemed cozy enough. Although, I had to admit: all the bottles behind the counter looked absolutely terrifying.

“Just a diet cola,” I said with a smile. “With ice, please.”

I rustled my sundress. Even though the inside was heavily air-conditioned, the heat still made its presence known. My palms were moist, and I could almost feel the small beads of sweat protruding on my forehead.

“While you wait for that,” Harry said. “I’m going to run to the bathroom quickly.” He kissed my cheek. “Don’t go anywhere.”

I nodded and waved at him. As he walked away, I turned towards the bar, staring at the many bottles of alcohol. Really, how did they need so many flavors and colors?

Honestly, I didn’t get it.

“Cami,” someone called. I turned around to see Jamie, who came over with a horrified expression. He took my hand and surveyed me carefully. “Are you okay? I just read about it in the paper—I’m so sorry this happened to you. If I’d known, I would have stayed.”

Shaking my head, I gave him a smile. “It’s fine—I’ll live. Besides, it wasn’t your fault.”

He let go of my hand, and tried to collect himself. I took the time to look at him properly. This was the first time I’d seen him in regular clothes. He’d been wearing suits before, and while it wasn’t bad, it also contrasted his disheveled dark hair and tired eyes.

“Are you okay?” I frowned. “I mean, no offense. But you look like you’ve been up all night.”

He waved dismissively at the comment. “Nothing to worry about. I just haven’t been sleeping much lately.” He ruffled his short hair, making it seem messier. “I’m not the important one, though. How are you holding up?”

“I’m… okay.” I laughed nervously. “It’s not exactly easy, and I wish I knew who did it, but right now, I’m just happy that I’m safe.”

“And among friends, I hope.” He smiled.

“Of course, she is,” Harry said from behind Jamie. “Me, in particular.” He smiled at Jamie. “I’m Harry—her boyfriend. Pleasure to meet you, Mr.?”

Jamie stuck out a hand to him. “You can call me Jamie.”

They shook hands, and I could almost cut through the testosterone in the air.

Were they actually trying to squash each others hands? I rolled my eyes.

“Your cola, Ms.” A glass was placed on the counter.

“Thank you.” I smiled and grabbed it.

When I turned back to Jamie and Harry, they seemed to have an odd staring contest going on.

“Ehm… guys?” I said. “Is everything alright?”

Harry turned to me slowly, a lazy smile on his lips. “Everything is perfect, babe. Want to go outside now?”

“Sure…” I looked between them. “It was nice of you to ask about me, Jamie. I’ll see you around, okay?”

“I’m glad you’re okay, Cami,” he said without taking his eyes off Harry. Turning slowly to me, he bowed his head. “Stay safe, okay?”

Then he walked away without another word.

“That was odd,” I said. “What was that all about?” I frowned.

“What was what about?” Harry stuffed his hands into the pockets of his swim trunks.

“That,” I gestured at Jamie. “You looked like you were trying to hypnotize him or something.”

He shrugged. “I just don’t like that guy.” He began to walk towards the exit. “Where do you know him from?”

“Just around…” I thought back to my first meeting with Jamie. “I met him in the airport in Chicago. We were on the same plane. As luck would have it, he also stayed here, and we’ve been running into each other briefly these past days.” I smiled. “He was at the club the other day too.”

Harry frowned. “Is he stalking you or something?”

 A/N: I've been in a writing dump, hence the lack of uploads. If you all bring your cheerleading gear, I'll do my best to finish this story before I go on Vacation. (I doubt it's possible, but I can try, right?) 

Give this a vote, maybe?