Song of the chapter: Wolfcat - Still Woozy

~

H a r r y

I was frustrated after that gym incident. Emotionally and sexually.

Mostly the latter.

After I dropped Ellie off back home, I went to the dirtiest club I knew and found a desperate chick who would be more than willing to help me out.

And that's how I end up here, in a random hotel, hovering over a brunette. Both of our bodies are one, glistening in sweat. I can't bear to turn the light on so all I get are glimpses of her pale skin in the moonlight. It's enough for me. Anything to get rid of my pent up sexual tension.

"Fuck," the girl moans. Her legs wrap around my torso as I continue to pound in her. I can feel her acrylic nails scratch my back and I grunt in pleasure.

Ellie never wears acrylics. She's always natural. When she scratches your back, it feels ten times better. And don't forget when she gets extra wet when you talk dirty to her.

I continue rocking my hips back and forth aggressively. Harder. Rougher.

My hands work their way around her body, caressing every inch of free skin. My lips clash into her and I taste her minty breath before making my way downward. Her back arches into me as I tease her nipples with my tongue, making sure to bite enough to stimulate her. She cries out as one of my hands rubs her clit. My lips reclaim hers to soften the moans.

Faster. Harder.

As I reach my climax, I slam into the girl again. My breathing becomes hitched and I quickly bury myself in the girl's shoulder as the pleasure becomes pure ecstasy.

Remember how she used to bite her lip until she bled? Remember how you'd taste her as you reclaimed her lips? Remember the way she screamed your name as you whispered all the things you'd want to do to her?

"El," I groan as I reach my sweet release. Then I bury my nose in her neck. I leave soft kisses on the tender skin as I inhale in her hair and take a deep breath. The smell of vanilla is replaced by some cheap smelling perfume.

This isn't Ellie.

My eyes widen as I process what just left my mouth. I just fucking moaned another girl's name during sex. Fucking hell!

My breathing steadies as I pretend that nothing idiotic just happened. Maybe if I don't do anything, the girl won't notice.

She notices.

She curls her hands around my shoulder and forces me to look up at her.

"What did you say?"

My heart pounds against my ribcage. "I said hell."

Real smooth.

Her eyes narrow at me. "No, you didn't. You said El. Do you seriously not remember my name?"

Suddenly this girl's voice is way too screechy and high pitched. Her hair is the wrong shade of brown. Her perfume is something Ellie wouldn't even touch.

I get off the bed and go straight into the bathroom. This night no longer seems like a good idea. I can't believe I fucking said the wrong name.

So much for being over her.

I step into the shower and let the cold water wash away all the sweat. Even sex does little to calm me down these days. I don't understand. Up until now, I was totally fine. I'd fuck my problems away. I never had a problem - with sex and moaning Ellie's name. What's changed now?

When my shower is done, I wrap the towel around my waist and pop back into the room. The girl has the blanket wrapped around her naked frame and she's staring at me with doe-like eyes.

"You know, it's okay that you forgot my name," she says as she approaches me. Her hand lays flat against my bare chest. She peers at me through her lashes. "We could go for a round two."

No. Hell fucking no.

I move away from her hand and begin getting dressed once again. When I turn back to her, she's sprouting the biggest, yet most unnatural, pout I've ever seen. I pinch the bridge of my nose to control my annoyance. There's no reason to lash out. I'm the one who fucked up, not her.

"Look, the room is booked until tomorrow morning. Feel free to spend the night. I'm leaving."

"You're... you're leaving me here alone?" she squeaks in the most annoyingly high pitched voice. I cringe. How the hell did I manage to get her out of all people?

"Yes. That's normally what people do in a one night stand, yeah?" I say distractedly as I check my messages.

I hear a sniffle. Oh no. Girls always do this. They make me feel guilty for walking out after sex. It's ridiculous! It's not like I disappeared. I'm saying goodbye right now. Hell she even gets to spend the night in this room!

"You're leaving?" she repeats.

"Sorry, but yeah," I reply bluntly.

"But... but I like you! We had something special!"

Oh God. What a mistake. I had to choose the one who got attached, didn't I?

"Well, that's my cue to leave," I pocket my phone and make sure I leave no evidence of my presence in the room before slipping out.

Harry, you idiot! Next time choose a normal girl, yeah?

~~~

"Oh mate," Louis bursts out laughing, putting a hand on my knee. "I cannot believe you messed up that badly.

I've just told him about my little mishap from a few days ago. You know, the sex incident where I moaned my ex's/soulmate's name? That.

I scowl and flip him off while also moving away in annoyance. Eleanor gives me a sympathetic look before slapping her boyfriend on the arm. It doesn't do much to calm him down.

"You're so pussy whipped," he continues. When he realizes his pun, he laughs even harder at me and my embarrassment.

Eleanor squeezes herself between us and turns away from her obnoxious boyfriend. "Harry, what are you doing? You clearly still love her."

I groan as I hold my head in my hands. "You haven't seen her, Eleanor. She definitely doesn't feel the same way. I could try my hardest lines and give her the best looks and she still won't feel it. That night while I was practically sporting a boner, she was casually flipping me over like it's nothing."

"So what're you going to do now, mate?" Louis asks as his laughter finally dies down.

I glare at him but answer regardless. "She wants friends so I can do that. I don't want to jeopardize my relationship with her. If being friends is what it takes, then that I'll be." It was hard to come to terms with it but I realized I needed to do just that. She was serious when she said she didn't want to be in a relationship. She hardly bats an eye at the guys drooling over her.

Even that day at Phoenix, Noah hit on her. She drew away like she was disgusted. As happy as it made me, I realized she might've done the same if I was in his place. That stung a little.

And who knows? Maybe one day she'll be ready for a relationship, and when it happens, I'll be ready to sweep her off her feet.

Until then, friends.

Both of them look at me sympathetically. I take that as my cue to down my liquor and signal for another.

"Harold, ease down on the bourbon, will ya?"

I look up to see a mop of blond hair. I automatically smile at my pal. "Alexander, you decided to make it."

Alexander is an old mate I met here in America. He's quite the looker but he's not someone who uses his appearances to make a living. He's actually the CEO of a very famous company here. I'm pretty sure he's the USA's youngest CEO. The only flaw in that is that he inherited the company from his sickly father. Still, he was practically born rich. He's been trained for this his entire life.

He snatches my newly refilled cup and takes a seat from across me. "You fucker," I grumble. He's not paying attention though. His eyes flicker to the couple next to me, not even bothering to tune down their PDA.

"Oh, get a room." My voice is laced with bitterness. I've just been friend-zoned by my own soulmate while they're snogging in front of me. Disgusting, inconsiderate beings.

Louis pulls apart from her and winks at me. "Maybe we just might."

"Harry, you're alright, right?" Eleanor asks breathlessly.

I roll my eyes as Louis starts tugging her away toward the exit. She still manages to steal one concerned look at me before following her boyfriend out like a couple of teenagers.

"Jesus, Harry. You're even pissier than usual. What's on your mind?" Alex asks as he leans back on the leather chair. Without even asking, the waiter brings him a glass of vodka. I snatch it away before he has the chance. It's only fair considering he took mine.

"You took my drink," I grumble.

He laughs out loud. Some people turn their heads to stare but it quickly shifts into gawking as they take in our appearance.

We're used to it.

"You know what you need? A good fuck," he says as a matter of factly.

My lips curl into a grimace as that night flashes into view again. Maybe I need to take a break from everything for now. "Maybe not. How about I choose one for you though?"

Alex and I are usually partners in crime when it comes to girls. We're each other's wingmen. We usually pick out our women together and seduce them as a team. It helps when we choose women in the same friend group.

"If that makes you feel better."

My eyes scan the groups of girls throughout the bar. A pretty redhead comes into view. She keeps eyeing us and then subtly looking away.

"Her." I nod my head toward the girl, never taking my eyes off of her. She's with a group of friends but she looks bored.

"Mmm, redheads. You know my type," Alex chuckles. "You sure you want to brood alone?"

"Yes sir." I raise my glass of vodka. He smirks at me before heading over to the girl. I watch half-heartedly as he makes his moves on her.

It takes a minute for him to leave with her.

Sighing, I sink further into my seat. The more I realize that I'm no longer chasing my soulmate, the more down I feel. Then again, I don't have a choice. She doesn't look at me like I'm her world. She barely acknowledges me. Hell, she doesn't even act like herself around me.

Being friends with Ellie. Can I do that?

My phone beeps and I don't even have to look to know it's a message from Tom. I'm supposed to meet up with him to go over a few logistics for my music video.

Tom: Come to the location

Tom: Harry I know you're procrastinating

Tom: Ellie will be there...

I look at the last message, down the drink, and head on over. As I'm walking through the door, Alexander catches up to me with a cheeky grin.

"Done already?" I taunt.

He shakes his head. "Psycho. She was looking at you, not me."

I wince and shake my head. "Sorry, mate." It's happened before on both ends so we don't really take it personally anymore.

"Don't sweat it. I rather come and check out the hot babes at your shooting location." He originally came to meet me so we'd head on over together. Although Alex is far from a celebrity, he enjoys the lifestyle of it. I enjoy bringing him along because I honestly can't see the harm in it. Everyone deserves a taste of stardom once in a while.

I laugh in agreement as we enter my car even though there's only one girl I want to see.

Tom greets us as soon as we arrive. I toss my keys to a valet who takes my car to God knows where. Our shooting location is at a rented mansion. We want this video to have fun yet enchanting vibes, which this house does well.

"Alex! How are you?" Tom calls out as he pulls the blond into a hug. Unlike me, my friend welcomes him with open arms. "Come, come. We're figuring out the blocking for the pool scene."

"Hot babes in bikinis? Sweet," Alex sings as he puts his arm around my shoulder and drags me inside. I laugh, knowing he's very likely to score tonight. Quite frankly, Alex is able to charm his way into any girl's pants. I don't see the issue unless he forces himself on them, which he never does. Honestly, one smolder from him is enough to have the ladies drooling. As we walk through the white marbled halls, Alex turns to me with an inquisitive brow. "If this is your music video, why aren't you out there?"

"Because this is only the planning stages. Once everything is set in stone, I'll join it. We aren't starting shouting for a few weeks so I have time," I explain.

Tom leads us out to the backyard where a marvelous pool is. The area is surrounded by different types of equipment. Past that all is a couple of girls sitting in the pool, practicing different routines for the scene.

Alex detaches himself from my body to get a better look. I playfully roll my eyes at him when a laugh as sweet as nectar reaches my ears. I look around and find the source right away.

Ellie is standing a few feet away from her busy boss. She's laughing so hard she lets out a snort, which makes her laugh even harder. Soon enough, she's doubling over and gasping for air.

I also notice her coworker, the nerd. He's smiling at her while she slaps his arm like a seal.

Something about that makes my stomach twist.

Alex lets out a low whistle. I turn to see he's looking directly at Ellie with the same eyes he uses to gawk at other girls. My fists immediately clench as I remind myself to be patient.

"Harold, is that one of your models?" he asks, nodding toward Ellie. Before I can even answer, he decides it's best to ask her himself. He boldly walks right up to her and asks the same question. I find myself following, just so I can hear the conversations.

She looks up at him in shock. "Um, no. I'm just working here."

He flashes her a charming smile. "I thought you were too pretty for that."

Ugh. Disgusting.

Alex nudges me in the ribs. "Well, introduce me to this fine young lady!"

"Alex, this is Ellie," I say through gritted teeth. "She works for our makeup artist on set."

He holds out a hand and she shakes it. "Ellie. What a beautiful name."

"Thanks, Alexander." She has a cheeky smile on her face. "Sorry for throwing your words back at you, but are you one of the models on set?"

He smirks. "I'm flattered."

Oh my God, he thinks she's flirting. She's NOT flirting. But he thinks she is. Oh God, my worst nightmare.

"Okay..." she awkwardly trails before looking at me and smiling briefly. "Hey, Harry."

Suddenly I feel like all my words are gone. My knees feel like jello. The fuck is wrong with me? I'm Harry Styles, the man who has girls falling at his feet. Why can't I talk to her?

Before I can formulate a response, her boss calls her over. She sheepishly smiles at me before walking away.

Oh, fuck me.

"Damn man, where have you been hiding her?" Alex groans as soon as she's out of earshot. His eyes lustfully follow her figure and I find myself standing in front of him to block his view.

"Come on, I have plenty of girls for you."

He nods and walks alongside me. "What, are you two a thing?"

I inwardly sigh. I consider lying and saying yes but that would just screw me over. "No, but she's off-limits."

"Why?" he asks in a mocking tone.

I scramble my brain trying to find a proper response. "She works here and you'll mess everything up if you hurt her."

God, Harry! Get a damn grip!

"Don't worry Harold, I'd never hurt a sweet thing like her."

His wicked smile proves otherwise.

E l l i e

"Elizabeth! Stop flirting and help me out," Daff snaps. I take the supplies out of her hand while biting back any smartass response I have. I wasn't flirting. Obviously, if someone approaches me I'm going to talk. It's in my nature.

"Are you a model?" Laine imitates as he follows behind me, snickering. I totally forgot he was here with me. I glare at him over my shoulder. He grins and walks alongside me. "You know he was flirting, right?"

"Who?" I ask as I follow Daffodil to her workspace. Since the music video is being held in a mansion, the bedrooms are being used as Daff's space.

"That blond hottie!" Laine speaks as if he's outraged. "Come on! You didn't notice the way he was staring at you?"

I didn't but I don't tell him that. Instead I shrug and gently place the items on the vanity table. I turn to Danny who's been awfully quiet for a while. "Dan, do you think he was flirting?"

Daniel looks at me with raised brows. "I-I'm pretty sure."

"Oh." I frown then shrug. "Whatever. We have work to do."

Laine scoffs. "Please. I'm not getting paid to be here. I'm just here to enjoy the hotties." He walks over to a large window that overlooks the backyard and stares outside. I roll my eyes and continue unpacking Daffodil's stuff.

She walks in, leaving a trail of Armani perfume. Her eyes immediately scan the area to check the setup. "Good. Good. Elizabeth, I need you to do me a favor."

I internally grimace. "What's up?"

"I need you to go downstairs and talk with the models, asking about their vision for their looks. I have the overall idea but I want each of them to have their own personalization. While I'm working up here, I want you to interview each one." She finally looks up at me. "I'd send Daniel but we both know he has no experience talking to the female population."

"Hey!" I say defensively. "He talks to us."

"Right," she drawls. "Anyway, he needs to take care of filming some bits anyway."

Shaking my head, I flash Danny a small smile before grabbing Laine and going back downstairs. We head into the backyard and it's immediately chaos. I'm pretty used to all this but it still leaves me overwhelmed.

I quickly snap out of it and approach the first model. As I talk to her, she explains what this music video means to her. I find it sweet. Together we work out ways we can manipulate her ideas into looks. I write notes down as she talks so I can pass this up to Daff later.

"And I think for innocence we can incorporate a lot of white subtleties into your look," I say as I reread my notes.

She enthusiastically nods. "Yes! Exactly what I was thinking!"

"Okay, I think I have the basics," I say as I draw my eyes back up to her. "I'm going to give you this paper so you can show it to her. Feel free to change your mind at any time. Daffodil is super accommodating!"

"Thank you."

"Thank you! She'll just be upstairs. Good luck!" I smile warmly, which she returns.

I move on to the next model. Unlike the first girl, this one screams 'badass'. I have a pretty good hint of what she wants but I ask anyway. Once she explains her thoughts, I tell her what I'm thinking.

"Okay, for you I'm thinking we do super sharp wings and a bold lip. Daff is really good at brows so maybe we'll give you a nice thick shape. It's a bold statement," I explain.

She nods in agreement. "Definitely, but I'm kinda wanting an outside-of-the-box type look, you know?"

Ooh, this is exciting!

"Definitely mention that to her, but I have some ideas if you're willing to hear?" When she nods, I go on. "Okay, so I think keeping the wing will stick to your personality, but we make it a different color, like blue or red. For lips, I think we should do a Barbie pink. And then we should also add gems around your face to get that extra oomph."

Her pupils dilate as she processes the idea. "Wait, I love that! Damn, no wonder you're her assistant!"

I actually have little to no experience in the makeup field. I'm only speaking in the way Daffodil would. It's like I can put myself inside her brain and know what she's thinking.

"Thanks," I smile. "She's with another girl right now but someone will call you down when she's ready for you."

"Thank you," she gushes, pulling me in for a hug. I hug her back, a little taken back because most clients don't do that with strangers.

After she's gone, I go on to meet with the other models and discuss what their ideal vision is. We work together to come up with makeup ideas that work best for them. Daffodil will definitely be able to do this. When she reads my notes, she'll also throw in her own input so everything's perfect.

I'm a little surprised they're allowing her so much artistic control. Most people are strict about the makeup they want, but here it's like it's her free reign. It's pretty awesome. I know I have a certain someone to thank for that.

By the time I'm done interviewing the girls, my legs are aching. I look around and find Laine standing in the corner being a good guest and not getting into anyone's way. He always enjoys coming to these things but he's always respectful, thank God.

As I go over to keep him company before I'm summoned once again, someone steps in front of me. I look up to see a blond smirking down at me.

It takes a minute, but after, a flash of recognition washes over me. "Oh! You're Harry's friend!"

His brows raise in amusement. "Is that all I'm known for in your pretty head?"

I sheepishly smile, not trying to offend him. "Sorry, it's been a busy day." And I don't pay attention to (according to Medusa) irrelevant people.

"I believe a proper introduction is due then." He smiles as he extends his hand. Except, this time, he doesn't shake mine. He takes my hand and kisses the back of it.

For some reason it doesn't feel that gross.

"I'm Alexander Walker, CEO to Walker Inc." He gently drops my hand.

Figures he's a CEO. He looks like he exudes money. He's wearing all name brand clothing and dressed in a button-down covered by a jakcet. It's not only his clothing though. His hair is styled neatly. His posture just screams 'I'm rich'. Let's just say, if he walked into a building, everyone would know he has deep pockets.

"I have no idea what that is but congratulations," I laugh.

If he's offended, he doesn't show it. "That's a little refreshing if you ask me," he chuckles. "So, you work here, huh?"

"I do," I reply, peering at Laine from over his shoulder. He's wiggling his brows suggestively while making kissy faces. I narrow my eyes slightly and wish I could flip him off without looking rude in front of Alex. "So I take it you're friends with someone here?"

"Yes. Harry, actually."

This time my brows raise up in surprise. "Harry? Like, Harry Styles?"

He looks at me cautiously. "You know this is his set, right?"

"I know that," I scoff.

He throws his hands up defensively. "Are you like one of those psycho fans or something? Because I've dealt with enough today."

Irritation flares up inside of me but I quickly push it down. He doesn't know me, he has a right to assume the worst. Besides, he says he's dealt with plenty. "No. I'm just surprised is all. From what I've seen, he only hangs out with musicians."

Alexander relaxes and flashes me a charming smile. "I guess I'm an exception. We're good friends actually. Met a few years ago."

Ah, probably after I went MIA.

"That's exciting."

"How about you? You seem pretty relaxed around him. Thought most girls are crazy fans."

Okay, sexist piece of shit.

I almost tell him we're old friends but stop myself. Does Harry want people to know about that? Maybe not.

"No, I'm not a crazy fan," I reply slowly. "I'm a professional. I handle more famous clients everyday. Why would I freak out? Especially when I'm paid not to?" I sound a little bitchy but his comment's still annoying me. Why does he assume everyone is a stalker?

"Look, I'm sorry." His voice softens. "I didn't mean to offend you. It's just... It's kinda hard being Harry Styles' friend. Do you know how many girls use me to get to him? Just earlier this chick went all crazy on me because she was trying to get to him," he bitterly chuckles. "It's just a little hard to trust people on first impressions."

I soften a little. Of course he has trust issues. Hell, I have trust issues when it comes to Daffodil and she's hardly famous.

"I'm sorry," he sincerely repeats.

I manage to smile at him. "It's okay. I mean, I get it. I promise I'm not a stalker." Slightly obsessed but not a stalker.

"You know, for some reason, I believe you," he grins, taking in my apology.

I give him a tight-lipped smile while I rock on my heels. "Okay, well I have to get back to work so..."

"Right! Well, don't let me keep you." He takes a piece of my hair and tucks it behind my ear. "I hope I can see you again," he winks as he walks away. I stand there for a moment, tilting my head in confusion at his retreating figure.

Jesus, has he ever heard of personal space?

When I snap out of it, I see Danny's frowning face. He steps in front of me, searching my face with his eyes. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm..." a little confused. "Nevermind. What's up?"

"Daff says she got the lists and to thank you."

My face splits into a grin. "She did not say the last part."

"Okay, she didn't, but I'm sure she's thinking it."

I snicker and pat his arm. "Whatever makes you sleep at night. Now tell me, is she treating you right? I'm not afraid to punch her," I joke as we begin our way upstairs again.

"Please, by all means. I'd love to have my favorite coworker be fired."

I dramatically gasp and grab his arm, stopping him from walking. He looks at me bewildered.

"I'm your favorite?!?"

He relaxes and gives me a sheepish look, his face turning slightly pink. "W-well, yeah."

"Tsk tsk, Danny. I didn't peg you as a liar," I sigh wistfully as I continue walking.

He catches up to me with a worried expression. "What do you mean?"

I grin as I look over at him. "Danny, I'm your only coworker." Leaving him behind, I walk into Daff's temporary station to see her working on someone's look. "Hey, Daffy."

"Don't call me that," she distractedly mumbles as she works on someone's eyeshadow. "Good that you're here. I need you to go downstairs and grab me the lowest carb, vegan option they have."

I groan. "But I just-" She looks at me with commanding eyes that make me swallow my own whines. "Yes ma'am."

"Daniel, stay here with me. You're going to pass me certain things when I ask for them, okay?"

Danny gives me a tortured look. Poor guy. I smile apologetically while leaving him in Medusa's chains.

As soon as I reach the refreshment table, I'm tapped on the shoulder. I turn around to see the second model I talked to - the one who wanted the out-of-the-box look. My eyes widen as I take in her look. All of my suggestions were taken. She's sporting blue winged eyeliner and a bright pink lip. Silver gems are lining her thick shaped brows. She even has specks of red freckles.

She definitely looks unique.

"Holy cow," I gasp in awe. It looks better than I imagined. Daff really knows how to make an idea work.

"You like it?" she asks nervously.

"Yes! Holy shit!" I curse even though it's not professional. She doesn't mind considering she pulls me in for another hug.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! Without you, I never would've figured this out!"

"Just doing my job," I laugh it off. The director calls her over and she thanks me one last time before running along.

"Ellie!" I turn to see Daniel jogging toward me. "Hey, Daff asked what was taking so long. I covered and said they didn't have any vegan items so she ordered me to get her a smoothie."

"Oh." Well now I feel bad. "Okay, I can get her one."

"No!" he quickly responds. "I'll grab it."

I bite back a smile. "She's that bad, huh?"

His pleasant facade fades. "Oh my God, I have no idea how you do it."

"Money, buddy. I'm one greedy bitch." I sympathetically pat his shoulder. "If you go to the usual spot, just say it's for Daffodil and they'll know."

"Shocker," he sarcastically drawls. "She's a little distracted right now so I think it's okay for you to relax a little before she has her meltdown."

"You're the best, dude," I smile. "Thanks. See ya!" Once he's gone, I see Laine approaching me. "Enjoying yourself?"

"Very," he beams back before turning solemn. "But I have to go. One of the jobs I applied to asked if I could come in so I need to go back and change. I know I was your ride here but-"

"No, no! Go! Dude! This is so exciting!"

He seems relieved at my enthusiasm. He pulls me into a hug. So many hugs today.

"Good luck, babe," I grin as I kiss his cheek.

"Thanks! I'll call you after."

I beam at his retreating figure. His interviews have been going okay, according to him. He says that they seem pleased but never call him back for a follow-up. I keep encouraging him to try. After all, his accounting degree shouldn't go to waste. He'd be better off in some company instead of working odd jobs and at restaurants.

I'll never understand why he chose California out of all places to move to.

Since I have a quick break, I decide to sit in the cool AC. I take a seat on the marvelous staircase. Now that I'm not moving, my eyes feel a little heavy. The familiar Tom Ford scent wafts up to my nose. I look up to see Harry grinning as he takes a seat next to me, his long legs stretching in front of him.

Ever since that night a few days ago in the gym, we haven't spoke. I'm a little worried things will be weird now, but he didn't seem to be affected that night. I'm hoping that things won't be awkward if I don't make it awkward.

"Don't you have a music video to film?"

"Nah, I'm just here to manage shit. Not that Tom isn't in full control." He smirks a little. "Don't you have a boss to tend to?"

"I'm taking a break." I focus on my shoes. Since we're at a job where I don't have to impress anyone, I'm allowed to dress casually. Right now I'm wearing jeans, a nice sweater, and Docs.

Harry playfully gasps. "A break?! I didn't know you were capable."

Damn, why does everyone think I'm a workaholic? Is it that obvious?

"Me either," I admit. For once I'm not in the mood to go back to Medusa. My social battery's dying.

"Hey, I saw Alex talking to you. What was that about?" he asks innocently.

Alex? Who's Alex?

Oh!

"I'm going to assume you've forgotten all about him," Harry concludes confidently.

"Yeah," I sheepishly grin. "Sorry, I know he's your friend and all but my mind's trained to focus on the important people." I wince. "Sorry! I didn't mean it like that-"

Harry bursts out laughing - not the reaction I expected from someone whose friend's name I forgot.

"Sorry, sorry. You're just the first person I've met that doesn't consider Alexander important."

"What do you mean?" I cock my head.

"Nothing," he brushes off. "So, what did he say?"

"We mostly talked about you if I'm being honest," I say. Harry sports a smug grin as I continue. "He just wanted to know if I was some crazy obsessed fan – I don't know. He claims you've stolen a lot of girls from him."

His eyes playfully narrow. "I don't steal them, they just happen to like me better."

"Yeah because you're a celebrity," I snort. Hurt flashes in his eyes and I bite my tongue. Stupid, stupid, stupid! Can I never say the right thing? "I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"

"You're right," he says softly. "Sometimes I forget I'm famous. It sucks a little."

I nudge him with my shoulder, pretending the simple gesture doesn't set my skin on fire. "Hey, it shouldn't suck. I mean, look at you! You have pretty girls falling at your feet, you can afford expensive luxuries, and you have cool friends. Although, I'm a little surprised you're friends with a CEO of all people. I thought your friend group extended to musicians and British people."

"It's like you said, all friends are really just connections."

"Right," I frown. For some reason, when those words come out of his mouth, it doesn't sound right. It sounds a little sad actually.

"Hey, you never told me why you call your boss Medusa."

I clamp my hand on his mouth as I look around. If Daffodil ever found out about her nickname she'd skin me alive.

When Harry's lip curls into a smile under my palm, I move my hand away. "Sorry. If she found out..." I shudder. "And we call her that because her looks are enough to turn you into stone. You'll never witness one of her glares but man, they're scary. She also has the amazing ability to shut you up with one look. It's a talent."

"Why do I sense there's more to it?"

He knows me so well. "There is. Medusa's just misunderstood. She was cursed for being seduced. In my mind, Daffodil's cursed because people don't always take her seriously. I mean, she's an independent woman working in the makeup industry. She had to work for what she's achieved. Sure, she puts up a bitchy front, but that's only so people don't take advantage of her. She's never taken shit from anyone. I admire her, I really do."

Harry lets out a breath. "What makes you say that?"

"There's a lot of things she does without people knowing," I say vaguely, remembering all the times I've caught her in acts of kindness. She hates acknowledging it so I never mention it, but I know deep, deep down, she has a soul. Just not to her employees.

"You always manage to see the good in people," Harry says in awe.

"Not true," I automatically deny. He gives me too much credit. "Anyway, I should get going. She's probably throwing a hissyfit because Danny's taking too long with her smoothie. Maybe I can find something vegan in this place."

"Practically everything's vegan," he says as I stand up. He gets up too.

"Really?" I ask eagerly. "You're a lifesaver!"

He chuckles and walks with me as I go to find some food for her. She's the type to get hangry and I know she hasn't eaten all day.

True to his word, most of the options are vegan. I pick out a muffin for her, along with some fruits. I also grab a few granola bars for her. I know it's a lot but she works so hard and she needs the energy.

Harry eyes my plateful of stuff. "Please tell me some of this is for you."

"Gross, I don't eat vegan food," I gag. "I feel strongly about my beliefs."

"What beliefs?"

"I believe that meat is meant to be eaten," I grin before picking up a pack of pretzels. "Here, this is for me."

"Ellie," he groans. "Let me order something for you."

"Don't bother," a new voice speaks up. I turn around to see Danny smiling at me with a bag of food and the smoothie. "I knew you didn't eat so I brought you some meat for your skinny bones."

I shouldn't be surprised at this point but I still am.

"Danny," I happily whine. "Ugh, you're the best."

"It might be a little cold. I had to buy it first so Medusa's smoothie wouldn't be lukewarm."

Ugh, I could kiss him right now.

Actually, I do. On the cheek. "You're seriously amazing. I don't know how I managed to get you in my life!" I grab the bag and the smoothie.

"Okay," Danny responds in a daze.

I frown and pat his cheek. "Danny! You in there?"

"Okay," he repeats.

I give him a weird look, then check his temperature with the back of my hand. Oh gosh, he's burning up! "Are you feeling okay?"

He blinks and shakes his head. "What? Yeah."

"You sure? Your face is really warm."

"W-what?" He awkwardly clears his throat. "I'm fine. Or, I will be. Let's just go upstairs, yeah?"

"Sure," I suspiciously say. He's acting weird. Maybe Daff overworked him. After all, this isn't his normal job. I suddenly remember Harry. I turn on my heel and give him a small smile, but he isn't even looking at me anymore. I shrug and go on up with Danny.

H a r r y

"So, I saw you talking to that girl again," I say nonchalantly while Alexander gawks at my models.

He breaks out of his spell long enough to reply. "I did. She might be the first girl that prefers me over you."

Ouch.

"What makes you say that?" I hide my clenched fists behind my back.

"Well, besides the fact that she was totally unresponsive to you?" He cockily smirks. "I don't know. It's going to sound totally stupid but I get the feeling that she understands me."

"You met her hours ago. What gives you that impression?" I mask my pain with laughter, even though I'm fuming on the inside.

He doesn't notice. "We had a nice chat."

Nice chat my ass! He was probably staring at her boobs the entire time. Just the thought of that makes my blood boil.

Relax Harry. Don't let him know you're annoyed.

Alexander is a ball of ego. I know it hurts him when girls use him to get to me. He claims he's fine but I've picked up on things since I've known him. For example, he enjoys doing things he knows I'd hate as a sick form of revenge. So if I tell him to stay away from Ellie, he'd most likely be motivated to try harder.

"Well, get in line," I snort. When he gives me a confused look, I explain. "I'm pretty sure her little nerd coworker is in love with her."

I almost laugh recalling how flustered he was when she kissed him on the cheek. Poor chap was practically frozen. Sure, the gesture annoyed me because I crave her lips on me, but her innocence and his embarrassment made me feel better.

The girl doesn't even know what she does to the poor boy.

I do have to admit that it annoyed the hell out of me when he brought her food. He's obviously playing savior with her. He totally loves her. It also annoys me at how close she is to him. She acts like her normal self around him. I want that too. So badly.

"Oh, the scrawny boy with the glasses?" Alex asks. I nod. "Aw man, I feel bad for him. Maybe I'll spare him the heartache this time."

"What does that even mean?" There's no telling what Alex means unless you straight up ask.

"I'll stop the flirting," Alex pouts. I let out a silent sigh of relief. It worked. He'll stop the bloody flirting.

I slap him on the back. "Cheers mate. How about I treat you to a drink once this is all over? Maybe I'll let you choose a girl for me tonight." It's the least I can do.

"Alright!" He excitedly grins. "Styles is back in the game!"

I owe this to myself. If I can't have Ellie, fine. I still deserve pleasure, right?

But as my eyes drift back to her, all I can see is the way her face lights up as she talks to new people. Her smile is the most beautiful thing in the world. I'm still in awe at how she manages to be the star of an event and not even notice.

I hope I don't regret tonight.