Chiot - H.S. (on hold)

.3 call me harry

***

Since I started working there, I had always shared an office with the Assistant Editor, Angie,  and the Assistant Layout Designer, Bill. They were always nice, even though I knew they resented the "assistant" part of their job title. 

While I was the only one in the room who wasn't technically an "assistant", I wasn't exactly on the top of the food chain around there either. 

I wasn't the photographer, I was a photographer. I was replaceable and one of many on the same floor of our building. They kind of just spread us out, not caring enough to put us with people with the same job title. I was one of the lucky ones, though. I was fortunate enough to share an office with an editor. Joe from the second floor had to come all the way to the seventh floor (where we are) just to get the feedback he needs.

I had it easy. 

"Hey, Nance, do you think you should take a break?" Angie asked, lovingly putting her hand on my shoulder. 

"Can't take a break. I'm leading a meeting in half an hour."

"Oh, yeah. Harry Styles, right?"

I nodded without looking up from my sketchpad. 

"I've worked with him before, sweet fellow, really. Was always very friendly. Treats people like people, if that makes sense," she said, smiling at the memory.

"Is that your definition of 'treats us like people' or a celebrity's?" I let out a small laugh. 

"No, I've worked with him too. He's genuinely, well, genuine." Bill added. 

All three of us had had our fair share of rude celebrity experiences over the years. We all knew how it felt to have some things said to you and not be able to defend yourself. It was just part of the job, just like being an a**hole was part of celebrities' jobs, we presumed. 

But I digress. 

***

It was surreal, really. He wasn't dressed particularly fancy or expensive, but he was just so.. 

"Hi, I'm Harry," he said, coming up to me quickly and extending his hand out for me to shake. 

"H-hi. Nancy Townes. Photographer?" I shook his hand, hoping mine were not as sweaty as I thought they might be. 

"Was that a question?" He laughed and smiled. 

"Oh, em, no. I am the photographer, a photographer. What I mean is I'll be conducting this meeting." 

God, Nancy. Can you not form a single comprehensible sentence?

"Okay, sounds good. No need to be nervous, Nancy. I promise I don't bite." He laughed again. God, his laugh feels like the best hug. 

Why do I feel sixteen again all of a sudden?

"Oh, thank you, Mr. Styles," I responded, still shaking in my voice, no doubt.

"Please," he started, "call me Harry."

Something about the way his facial expression changed made me know I must have looked noticeably taken aback. "Okay, we should get started then.. Harry."

Power move? Power move.

"Okay," I said as everyone sat down. "I have some ideas."

***