Her Second Chance-a One Direction story

Chapter 40

*Cat's POV*

"Will you please tell me where we're going? Who are we going to meet?" I asked, looking at Niall.

"You'll see soon enough," he smirked evilly at me as we pulled up next to a small Italian restaurant that you couldn't get into unless you were a somebody. He got out and came over to my side of the door, opening it and holding out his hand chivalrously.

"La Campagna?" I wondered aloud.

"Shh," he hushed me as we walked inside the elegant building. A small middle-aged woman was behind the podium, scanning a list. She looked up when we approached.

"Reservation name?"

"Paul Higgins," he replied. That was the boys' manager, why were we meeting him?

"Right this way please," she walked us back to a remote table, where Paul sat sipping wine clad in dress pants and a sweater much like Niall would wear. His bulk build was a bit too large for his sweater, and I had to stifle a laugh as we sat down. I sat down, Niall beside me. I set my clutch on the table.

"Anything to drink?" the waitress asked.

"A glass of Cabernet, please," Niall said.

"And you?" she looked over at me expectantly. I suddenly found my voice was absent. I didn't know the names of all these fancy wines.

"Um, water, please," I finally managed after a few moments of silence.

"Alright then," she walked away.

"Hello, Cat," Paul looked up and smiled at me. I removed my coat and draped it over the back of my chair.

"Um, hi." Something clicked inside my head  and I suddenly knew who my client was. He was sitting right across this very table from me. "You wanted to talk to me about styling the boys' wardrobe, I assume?" I smiled coyly at him and Niall looked rather shocked to see that I'd put two and two together.

"Actually, yes," his smile turned into a full out grin. "Our current one is rather, um...high maintenance."  Niall took my hand under the table and squeezed.

"I'd love to," I said suddenly, and I was sure. "I don't need any further convincing."

"Are you sure? I can explain wages and such if you wish,"

"No, no, I'm sure. It doesn't even matter." I squeezed Niall's hand back under the table.

Several drinks later, I returned home slightly tipsy. I got home very late. Paul had convinced us to stay and have a few celebration drinks with him; we couldn't refuse. I took off my shoes and jacket, then  walked into Tiffany's room silently, where all the lights were off and there was a lump under her blankets. I ran at her bed.

"TIFFANY!" I screamed and launched myself onto her. I pinned her down, leaning in close. "I GOT A CLIENT IT'S PERFECT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE MONEY AGAIN AND WE'RE GOING TO HAVE FUN DOING IT WE'RE GOING ON TOUR WITH THE BOYS AND YOU'RE MY ASSISTANT." I let it all out in one breath, no pauses. She tried to sit up but under my weight she was stuck.

"Cat? What?"

"I'M GOING ON TOUR WITH THE BOYS. WE ARE!" she pushed me off her.

"What?!"

"PAUL JUST OFFERED ME A JOB AS THEIR STYLIST!" I screamed, causing her to scream.

"It's perfect Cat, just like we always wanted. But...how am I supposed to finish schooling?"

"Paul and I talked it over. He said if you help me out, he'd pay for a tutor for you, or you could finish on-line. It's ultimately up to you."

"Cat..are you drunk?"