Stay Close [h.s.]

Chapter 6

We arrived at the BBC Radio 1 studio midafternoon for our interview. It was warm and sunny outside as spring tried to push away winter for good. Foot traffic was heavy around the studio, and crowds of people had already gathered to look for Harry and me. Harry held my hand as we walked from the car to the studio entrance. He raised our hands to his lips and gently kissed my fingers.

"All right, love?" he said quietly to me.

I smiled up at him. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Just checking."

Brendan ushered us inside and took charge navigating us to the proper part of the offices. BBC Radio 1 personnel greeted and eager assistants offered us bottled water and pastries and tea.

We waited in a small green room while technicians finished setting up for us. Harry settled onto the sofa and patted the space beside him. I joined him, leaning into his side. Harry kissed the top of my head and reached for my hand again.

"Thanks for coming along."

"I wouldn't miss it," I said, fighting off a yawn.

"No, really," he said. "It means a lot to me that you consistently show up and support me. I would never demand that you do these public engagements with me, but I appreciate that you are so willing."

"I can't imagine myself being anywhere else right now," I said. "I'm your partner now. I will be there for you always."

He leaned in and kissed me softly. The softness faded away and the kiss grew into something more. His hand moved to my face and he gently brought me closer. The kiss deepened, his teeth nipping at my bottom lip. I suddenly felt more awake, my senses engulfed in Harry.

A knock on the door broke our kiss. "Come in," Harry said.

Brendan appeared in the doorway. "They're ready for you."

Nick Grimshaw, the host interviewing us, had met Harry many times over the years. One Direction had made several appearances at BBC Radio 1, especially with Nick. His lighthearted, humorous approach to interviews worked well with the boys. It was decided weeks earlier that he would conduct the interview with us because of his rapport with Harry.

We joined Nick outside the sound booth. He was cheerful straightaway; his usual animation and enthusiasm from his work seemed evident in his normal conversations.

"Afternoon, loves," he smiled.

"Grimmy." The two exchanged pleasantries for a moment. "You remember my wife, Kate."

Nick stuck out his hand. "Of course. But last time we met she wasn't quite a wife."

"Good to see you again," I laughed.

We talked briefly about the course of the interview. Nick reiterated what some of the producers had already communicated to us beforehand. We would answer some of his questions and hold a conversation for a few minutes. Later in the interview we would field questions from the audience, and Nick said he had a special surprise at the end.

"Anything off limits?" Nick grinned.

Harry shrugged. "Just be respectful with Kate here."

"Not to worry!" Nick turned and led us into the booth.

Technicians and producers helped set us up with headphones and microphones. Their team set up cameras to capture our interview for their YouTube channel. Soon the small army disappeared out the door and Nick took over.

"Good afternoon everybody!" Nick grabbed the microphone and adjusted it. "It's Friday and I have the best guest and her husband here for you."

Harry chuckled and knocked his knee against mine under the table.