I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE!! TURN IT UP!!!

The POV switches overlap a little so just keep that in mind.

~

H a r r y

The glass feels cool against my lips. I much prefer Vodka straight from the bottle but Eleanor and Lou have teamed up against me and kindly informed me that drinking from a bottle isn't socially acceptable. If it wasn't her stupid birthday bash, I wouldn't give a shit.

The things I do for my mate.

She's supposed to be here tonight. I know because Eleanor told me she was invited. How she knows her, I don't even want to ask.

It might hurt me.

My eyes scan the crowd for the millionth time. It's useless though. I'd know if she's here. She'd stand out in front of all these pathetic girls.

"Mate, slow down. That's like your third glass." A heavy hand slaps down on my shoulder and I glare at the abuser. Louis stands there with a cheeky grin. Sometimes I hate how happy he is. It's vile.

I make it a point to obnoxiously take another sip. "We both know I don't get drunk easily."

"Then why drink at all?" he snarkily replies.

I inhale the acidic smell of the drink before downing it in one sip. "Because it helps numb me."

I don't bother looking at his sympathetic face. They stopped being so effective after the first year. Now they annoy the hell out of me.

He clamps down on my shoulder again and I'm about to push his arm away when I feel it.

You know, the skin prickling sensation whenever she's near? The one where even I can't stay calm and composed? My palms sweat and suddenly I'm all flustered.

My eyes drift to the entrance of the backyard, where the party's being held.

Right away, I'm in awe.

She's standing there and all I can focus on is her. She looks nervous but in such a subtle way that no one would notice. I know her well enough though, so I notice.

I'll always notice her.

She's wearing a professional dress that shows she's here for business, not pleasure. It's a cream color that practically melts into her skin. It's something a secretary would wear in the office of a high ranking company.

She looks unbelievably sexy and I can't stop picturing her bent over a desk-

I clear my head of the dirty thoughts before I get a hard on. My eyes follow her as she wanders into the crowd.

Immediately, I'm transfixed. She walks around the area like she owns the place. Her smile is everything charming. Her eyes light up as she tilts her head back in laughter. She manages to charm the room without even lifting an arm.

As tranced as I am, I'm also shocked as I stare. The girl in front of me isn't the same one I left four years ago at her college campus. Not in the least.

For starters, her hair is grown out. It has the LA touch to it, but that was practically unavoidable. It sits in loose curls down her waist. She's also prettier, if that's even possible. Her face has matured. Even beneath the light makeup, I can tell she's just as naturally pretty as the eighteen-year-old sitting in her mum's house.

But there's something else about her. A sense of radiance follows her as she makes her way around the party.

She's beautiful.

"She's really matured, hasn't she?" Eleanor's voice rings, breaking me out of my thoughts. I pry my eyes away from one brunette to the other. She smiles knowingly at me. "Just so you know, she doesn't know you're here. She'll kick my arse if she finds out I invited you so please keep this on the down-low."

I arrogantly scoff. "Please. I don't need your meddling to get me a girl." A piece of me dies to refer such a beautiful soul simply as a girl but I need to keep this nonchalant expression up.

"Oh really?" She raises a challenging brow. "So why haven't you spoken to her for years? Or seen her as soon as you found out she moved here?"

I ask myself the same questions every day.

She triumphantly smiles, knowing she's right. Before I can get another word in, she saunters off to attend to her other guests.

My eyes train back on my other half. Just like everyone else here, I'm baited. I so secretly wish she'll come up to me.

"Lou, I'm going to need another glass," I say as my eyes never leave her.

When I'm greeted with no response, I turn to see Louis gone. I check my watch and see I've been watching Ellie like an absolute creep for a really long time, longer than socially acceptable.

My fingers nervously drum against my glass as I focus on my shoes. Should I approach her? Should I hide away?

My mind can't think logically when she's less than a mile away. My senses are on overdrive as I decide how to handle the situation. I want to be as nonchalant as possible, but I don't want her to brush me off either.

As she effortlessly switches from one person to the next, I have the burning sensation that she's avoiding me on purpose. She has to, right? There's no way she can avoid me.

The thought is followed by a burning annoyance. Would she really be petty enough for that? I mean, it's been years for fuck's sake! We didn't necessarily end on bad terms either. But then again, this is Ellie Marsh we're talking about and petty is her middle name.

The idea is enough for me to muster up my confidence. I place my glass on a random table and begin my confident strides. Halfway there, I see Eleanor's warning gaze and Louis' encouraging one.

I don't stop walking until I'm directly behind her. She's just wrapping up her conversation with some girl. Her smell engulfs me and I take a discreet whiff, my muscles relaxing by the second.

Then, the panic sets in. I don't have a plan and I sure as hell don't have a script planned out.

She turns around and in that instant, my heart pounds against my ribcage at the thought of once again drowning in her ocean blue eyes.

"What, all these years and you don't have the decency to say hi?" I blurt out before I can think.

E l l i e 

*Thirty minutes earlier*

I nervously fiddle with the hem of my dress as I stand behind the doors. My cream-colored cocktail dress was purposefully picked out so I gave people the right impression. I wanted everyone to take me seriously. There's no better way to do that than this outfit.

"Ugh, I wish the party wasn't outdoors," Daffodil complains as she eyes the backyard of the rented Airbnb through the glass panes. The distaste on her face is clear.

"At least you can work on your tan," I joke. My voice sounds shaky but I try to push the nerves down. Then again, I have every right to be nervous. I'm attending the birthday party of an ex-friend who just happens to be a model. I'm going to be surrounded by the rich and famous.

The sentiment is familiar and I'm used to these parties working as Daffodil's assistant, but that doesn't make it any less harder.

"Remind me to never hire you as a comedian," she brushes before squaring her shoulders and going straight into professional mode. I watch her with admiration as she walks outside with confidence.

I turn to Daniel nervously. "Why am I nervous?"

He gives me a soft smile. "I blame it on the lack of sleep."

"Yes, it must be," I say with a frown before shaking my head. Like Daffodil, I plaster on a fake smile. "How's this?"

"You scare me sometimes."

I take that as a positive thing and walk outside, Daniel hot on my heels.

Daffodil turns to us with a 'strictly business' look. "Ellie, you'll work on the clients and Daniel, you'll watch her. No dilly-dallying with useless people, okay?" I feel relieved when she doesn't mention that Danny needs to flirt with girls. We nod and split up. Well, Daff leaves us. I block out everything and everyone and simply focus on my task in front of me.

I have a job to do and I'll be damned if I don't do it right.

I spot my first victims, not even caring that this is a birthday party and I should wish Eleanor a happy birthday. It's a group of girls lingering around the champagne table, giggling to each other.

Jackpot!

I ease on over, pretending to inspect the drink options. Sighing, I grab and flute and drink the tiniest sips before groaning. "Ugh, the champagne in Aruba was so much better."

As expected, the girls pause and look at me with interest. "Aruba, huh?" One of them asks, a blond.

The other, another blond, cocks her head. "I'm sorry, do I know you?"

Here comes the fun part! I shyly smile and shake my head. "No. I'm actually a travel blogger, not a model like you beautiful ladies."

They both beam at the compliment. "A blogger? For which blog?"

I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "Oh, I can't say. I'm anonymous and I can't have anyone else figuring out my identity."

They look at me in a daze, obviously intrigued.

"Oh please, don't let my whining get in the way of your girl time. I'll just pop out of your hair," I sheepishly say before slowly backing away.

3...

2...

1.

A delicate hand shoots out and grabs my upper arm. "Please, stay! We'd love to hear about your adventures."

The other nods. "Yeah! I'm going to Bali soon for a shoot! Maybe you can point out some good places to eat?"

I silently thank Daff for dragging me along to Bali with her.

"Of course!" I beam. "But first, I want to know what has you ladies giggling like schoolgirls?"

They flush at my observation but I pretend it's the drinks in their system. "We were just admiring the boys at the party."

"Yes. El is lucky she snagged up a hottie. If I were her, I'd keep him locked up," the other adds.

I find myself suddenly repulsed by the conversation. The idea of them gawking so freely at their friend's boyfriend is more than disturbing. So, I change the topic of the conversation and get my job done. "My, I've noticed your cheekbones are lovely!"

Both girls smile, not even realizing that I'm only talking to one of them.

"You know, I know this makeup artist who specializes in enhancing natural features rather than caking makeup on. She's the one who did Eleanor's makeup for the VS show," I casually mention. "Didn't she look lovely that night?"

They excitedly glance at each other. "Oh, you must give me her info! I'd love her expertise on my next shoot."

"Me too! El looked so amazing that night!"

I inwardly smirk as I fish out two neatly crafted business cards, handing one to each. "She's amazing. Tell her Elizabeth sent you for a discount!" The last part is usually what gets them hooked.

They begin to gush about their friend's look the night of the show and how exciting it would be to have someone with that level of skill. I smile and nod until it's appropriate to slip out of conversation. Still, I leave with a good impression just in case I'll ever need these girls again.

Just like that, I flutter from crowd to crowd. It gets easier and I soon forget about all nerves. My laughs become genuine as some people tell me stories to get me to warm up. I repeat stories I've heard to them, pretending that I'm the one it happened to. They all laugh and it's easy to slip in Daffodil's name in once in a while.

My veins pump with adrenaline. Networking gives me such a thrill.

Pretending I'm someone else for the night gives me more of a thrill.

My flute of champagne stays almost full. I only take small sips when it's socially necessary, like when the laughter dies down and we all pause to lubricate our throats. It would be awkward, even insulting, if I don't take a sip.

I'm on my eleventh person, a girl who's hanging by herself. She isn't what Daffodil classifies as business material but I feel a pull toward her. She looks so lonely.

"Hiya, I'm Elizabeth." Why I use my 'fake' name is unknown. I think Daff has more of an influence on me than I realize. She tends to use it to make me sound more professional in public settings. I guess I'm doing the same.

The girl's brows raise up. She has dark hair that can compare to a midnight sky. She's slender, but not to the point of anorexia. She's healthy, I can tell by the glow on her face. "Okay, you clearly don't belong because no one here would say 'hiya'."

I freeze at my own slip-up and mentally scold myself so it won't hurt as much when Daff does it later.

The girl's Barbie pink lips split into an easy-going smile. "Relax, I'm not accusing you of breaking in or anything."

"I have every right to be here," I reply in a collected tone.

"Oh, I'm sure you do," she quickly remarks, "but I'm saying you don't belong. Are you a model or something?"

"Travel blogger," I lie.

She nods slowly, as if she doesn't believe me. For some reason, I'm put off by this girl. It's obvious she doesn't believe my faux identity. Why? How?

Oh my God, is she going to expose me in front of everyone?

"Well, I'm not interested in anything you have to sell," she says curtly. Upon close inspection, I notice how fox-like her eyes really are.

Normally I'd up the charisma, maybe try a different approach. But something about this girl tells me it's useless. She already knows too much. If I bother her anymore, then I might be at risk of being exposed.

Daff would kill me.

"Sorry for wasting your time then," I politely say before backing up. The girl's caught me off guard. I need a moment to collect myself.

"What, all these years and you don't have the decency to say hi?"

I freeze for the second time today. I silently pray that voice belongs to anyone but him. But even I'm not that oblivious.

Turning around slowly, I don't even bother hiding my surprise. He's here! He's actually here!

Oh my God, he's here.

Harry smiles at me, radiating the usual charm. I blink. Then I pinch myself behind my back to make sure this isn't a dream.

It isn't and that hurt!

"Well? I'm waiting."

It takes me a second to realize what he's referring to before breaking into a sheepish smile. "Harry! Hi."

"Hi Ellie, how have you been?"

Miserable. You?

Before I can conjure up a lie, his eyes flicker behind me. Seconds later, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn to see Daniel looking stressed.

"Don't tell me she forced you to do something?" I groan, drinking in his concerned features.

Daniel's eyes flicker to Harry before leaning in. "Daff says to not mingle with useless clients." His phone chimes and he reads off another text. "And that you're obligated to talk to the birthday girl."

I close my eyes and take a deep breath to control my annoyance at my boss. "Danny, you tell her she can shove her clients where the sun doesn't shine," I growl when the breathing technique doesn't work.

"El," he sighs. "Do you need another session?"

Yes. I need to scream. Right now. "No, I'm fine. Come on, let's go find Medusa before she bites our heads off."

"But doesn't she turn us to stone?" he asks as we make our way to our boss.

I let out a posh laugh. "Silly Danny. That would turn us into statues and we both know her minimal lifestyle wouldn't accept that. By eating us, she's gaining energy and disposing of our bodies... although she is vegan so maybe she'll spare us and throw us to the wolves instead."

H a r r y

"What, all these years and you don't have the decency to say hi?"

As soon as the words leave my mouth, I cringe. That's exactly what not to say after thinking a girl is purposely leading you on, teasing you.

It's also not enough to say to someone like her.

She turns around, obviously shocked. All my thoughts about her knowing disappear. She looks like I'm the last person she expected to see. I don't understand why, considering we're at my best mate's girlfriend's party. Obviously, I'd be here. Obviously.

I need more alcohol.

"Harry! Hi!" she says and I find myself melting at my name in her mouth. Her voice sounds just as velvety as I remembered, if not more.

But hearing it in person... my God, it's magical.

"Hi Ellie, how have you been?" I ask with a smile, hoping she can't see that I'm practically shitting my pants right now.

Holy shit! She's here. Right now!

Someone once told me that in your dreams, your hands appear distorted. I look down at mine and count all ten fingers before sighing in content.

It's real.

Before she can answer, we're interrupted.

My eyes flicker to the man standing behind Ellie and I automatically begin to size him up. I thought I dropped this childish habit after dating multiple women and realizing I don't give a shit about other men.

Ellie's different.

The boy behind her is a wimp, if I'm being honest. His short black hair and nerdy glasses make him seem like a major geek. He's not leanly built like me nor intimidating looking. I could knock him out in one punch.

But I respect Eleanor too much to get into a brawl right now.

But maybe in the street...

I zone back in to eavesdrop on their conversation. Suddenly, I have an epiphany. Sure, Ellie's dated more handsome and strong men, but this case is different. When she speaks to him softly, it's obvious she cares a great deal about him. The thought of it makes my fists clench but I force myself to relax. Now's not the time to freak out.

"Do you need another session?" the boy asks.

Then I see red.

Session. SESSION?!?

Is that code word for a blowjob or something?

Before I know it, she's walking off with the guy, leaving me completely hanging.

I'm so shocked she's gone, my jaw hangs.

She just... she just left without sparing me another glance! Did she forget I existed? She obviously didn't know I was here, so I don't doubt it.

I find my chest aching in her absence and now I fear I won't have a second chance with her.

A hand clamps down on my shoulder and I figure it's Louis. When a glass is shoved in my face, I down it without hesitation.

"Mate, I could've drugged it," Lou shakes his head disapprovingly. I wish he did drug it. At least I'd feel number. To add on to my misery, he adds, "I saw you got completely obliterated. Sorry man."

"Shut up." I drag a hand down my face in agony. She's teasing me, she has to be, right?

Well, two can play at that game.

Shoving the glass toward Louis, I stake out to find the prettiest girl at the party. I finally decide on a pair of giggling blonds. Two are better than one, right?

"Ladies," I wink and as usual, they fall into putty into my palm. Their excessive giggling is enough to attract attention. They each latch on to my arm and begin telling me about some travel blogger they met today. I nod and pretend to listen as I try to get within earshot of her.

Right now, she looks like she wants to pull her hair out. It's a little amusing considering I've seen her charm her way through the day. At first, I'm flattered because at least the jealousy part is working, right?

But no. She isn't even looking at me! She's with that boy. And he's not even the cause of her frustration! It's obvious she's ranting about someone else.

Maybe me?

No. She hasn't reacted to me all night. I know I'm not the cause of this.

Dejectedly sighing, I drop my arms and turn to the girls. "Ladies, it was a pleasure but I have to speak to some other people." Without waiting to see their reactions, I leave them to find the birthday girl.

Eleanor pinches my cheeks as soon as I'm within reach. "Aw Harry, not so big and bad now, are we?"

I give her a flat look, not even bothering to smack her hand away. "Who even brings their boyfriend to a party?"

"Everyone, Harry. Everyone."

"Oh please. I had the respect to not bring any of mine," I snort. Dates, I mean.

"Well, yes, because you knew she was coming. She, my dear Harry, had absolutely no idea. Besides, you act like you'd bring your snobs to my party anyway."

She has a point. Every girl I date is horrendous. I'm biased because I can only see myself with one girl, but still. It's like I purposefully choose the rotten apples. 

I follow her gaze to my soulmate. She back in the crowd, mingling. Her little dog isn't far behind, but he isn't talking. If anything, he looks out of place.

Yes, out of place because this is Ellie's and my place. He's not in the picture, he can't be.

Never in my four years of separation did I think she was truly slipping through my fingers. I always assumed that she'd welcome me back with open arms.

Now I feel foolish

I need to do something. Now.

We stand for a minute as I observe the way she floats through the room. It's like she's gliding on a cloud. She seems much happier, which is a good thing. I wish I was a part of it.

"Go talk to her, Harold," Eleanor says.

I grimace at the thought of being brushed off again.

"I didn't invite her here for you to not make a move," she adds.

"I'm not ready." For rejection, I silently add.

She shakes her head and gives me a little push. "Yes, you are. In fact, you're four years too late. Just go up to her and ask if you can talk."

"I can't-" I stumble. I can't do this.

"You can and you will or else I'll let Lou ambush her. We both know how much she adores him."

Her mocking tone tightens my stomach. She's right. I can't let this opportunity slip away again.

I march back up to Ellie, keeping my strides confident. Eyes follow me, but I don't care about the randos. I only care about her.

Geez, I'm such a sap.

I grab her arm and ignore the electricity crackling between us. She spins around and nearly whacks into my chest. I almost wish she did.

"Ellie, I'd like to take you out," I start confidently, but waver when I see her expression. It isn't filled with love or delight, just confusion. When her silence stretches on, I feel the need to add on so I'm not coming off as too strong. "Friends hang out, right? We should catch up." My voice sounds pathetic by the end of my sentence.

Then, the boy shows up again.

"El, we need to go. Medusa's fuming. She said something about an unsolicited discount?"

He manages to snap her out of it. The oceans in her eyes widen as she turns to him with a frantic expression. "Danny! You had one job!"

"Which was?" He sounds panicked.

"To keep an eye on me! It's your fault!" She cries with a hint of a smile on her face. She's joking. She's kidding around with him.

He frowns. "She doesn't expect me to control everything that comes out of your mouth, does she?"

Ellie gravely nods before grabbing his arm. "She does."

I almost crack up at the interaction. It's refreshing to see she has the same sense of humor as before. In fact, I almost do crack a smile before realizing she left me hanging.

Again.

Oh, for fuck's sake!