
Chapter 74
(No Control | Holding Me Ransom - 74 - The Front Pages Are Your Pictures)
Leaving Jess the following morning is harder than I thought it would be. Maybe because we've just made the commitment of moving in together and I'm feeling more loved up than usual, or maybe because we've just spent an idyllic Christmas together with my family... either way, I squeeze her extra tightly as we say our goodbyes on the drive and we promise to Facetime each other every day. I can't stop myself from grumbling about Adam going on this holiday with Jess, and mutter some pathetic comment about making sure he keeps his grubby paws to himself. Luckily Jess takes this embarrassing show of jealousy in her stride.
"Only if you tell Kendall the same," she grins, and I laugh in spite of msyelf.
"Deal. Although you know if I'm papped on this boat with her it'll be the start of the winter girlfriend rumours."
"At least it would throw everyone off the scent of us," she reasons.
"True," I acknowledge. "It could even work in our favour."
What did I do to deserve this amazing girl, who isn't put off by the shitstorm that comes with being associated with me?
She gives me a final kiss and flashes me her best smile. "Have a brilliant time. Let me know everything that Jeff and Irving say."
"I'll be ringing you for advice," I tell her, and I suspect she thinks I'm joking but I've never been more serious. She may not know the celebrity world but she knows me.
"I love you," she calls as she climbs into the driver's seat of her new car.
"Love you more," I shout back, sliding into the back seat of our car that is waiting to drive us to the airport.
Mum beams at us, and squeezes my knee affectionately as I give Jess one last wave before our car pulls away. "Are you looking forward to this holiday?" she asks.
"Yeah," I sigh. "I just wish Jess was coming with us."
"I know," she says softly. "But by the sounds of things you'll have plenty of time to spend with her when she moves in."
"I honestly can't wait," I admit. "It just feels right, you know? Like this is the most obvious, logical step in our relationship. I know it seems fast," I add quickly. "But it doesn't feel fast. Not to me, anyway."
"Sweetheart, you don't have to justify yourself to me," Mum says assuringly. "You know what's in your heart. If it's what you both want, then it's the right thing."
I nod in agreement, and lose myself in thought on the journey to the airport, imagining waking up next to Jess every morning, brushing our teeth next to each other in the bathroom, making a cup of tea while she gets ready for work. All the normal, mundane, everyday things that every couple who lives together does.
I text Jess when we're boarding the plane, and again when we land in Miami (and instantly get papped, of course). Our flight to Anguilla isn't until the following day, and Mum, Robin and I spend the first night in a stunning hotel. The rest of our party are arriving in stages, and it's not until December 28th that Kendall and her people land. She flings her arms around me and immediately starts gabbling away about the flight, the weather, her boyfriend Jordan and how excited she is to be on holiday over New Year.
"How's Jordan been about me being here?" I ask, when she takes a breath and I can finally get a word in.
"Oh, you know." She rolls her eyes. "Still being an ass. He's not happy about it. I told him he should have made more of an effort to change his plans and come with me if he's that bothered. He says it's an unspoken rule that you don't go on holiday with your ex when you're with someone else."
"It's not like we've gone away by ourselves though," I reply. "We're part of the same group."
"I know, right? But he doesn't see it that way. I think because you're, you know, Harry Styles," - she draws air quotes around my name - "he feels threatened. If you were a nobody with a face like a troll I don't think he would care so much."
"I kind of get it, I suppose," I sigh, and when Kendall looks up at me questioningly I explain about Jess being away with Adam, and our argument the day I found out he was going too.
"But why are you bothered?" she asks, wrinkling her nose. "Like, what is it with this whole testosterone, male macho pride thing?"
"Probably the whole testosterone, male macho pride thing," I suggest, which earns me a flick of her napkin.
"Seriously though, why do guys get jealous?" she wonders. "You and Jess are solid, right?"
"Yeah, of course... actually I've just asked her to -"
"So why does it bother you that some guy she went on a few dates with happens to be on the same holiday with her and bunch of other people?"
"Well it doesn't now, it was just at the time -"
"Like, can't you just accept that she loves you and isn't going to cheat on you?"
"I do accept that -"
"Is your male ego that fragile that you can't live with the fact that she has a good friendship with this guy?"
"No, not at all -"
"God! Guys are so lame! Why are you all the same? Why are you all so petty and childish? It's pathetic. You're all a bunch of asses." She turns away from me and sips her drink, clearly furious.
I blink, wondering how on earth this conversation started with Kendall grumbling about Jordan and ended with me getting told off about an argument I had with Jess ages ago.
"Um, you do remember I'm Harry, don't you?" I venture after a couple of moments' silence. "I'm not Jordan. I'm not the one you're mad at. Or at least, I didn't think I was..."
"Sorry," she sighs, turning back to me and massaging her temples. "I'm sorry. Forget all of that. Your male insecurities are none of my business."
I chuckle at how rude she is being, even when she is apologising. Only Kendall can pull off this fine balance.
"It's fine," I accept, with an inclination of my head. "I mean, there are no insecurities but..."
She snorts. "Right."
"Anyway," I interject loudly, determined to move this conversation on and share my news. "As I was trying to tell you, while you were busy telling me off, I have some news."
"You're getting therapy for your male insecurities?"
"Right, I'm not going to tell you if you're going to take the piss out of me," I huff, balling up my own napkin and chucking it on the table in mock annoyance. I hadn't failed to notice the corner of her mouth twitching when she delivered that last line.
"No, I'm kidding, come one," she laughs. "What's your news?"
"I've asked Jess to move in with me, and she said yes!" I beam, and instantly Kendall's face breaks into an enormous smile.
"Oh my God, no way... you guys are the cutest!" she beams, clasping her hands together and tilting her head to one side. "That's amazing news. I'm really happy for you both."
"Thanks," I smile. "I'm really happy too."
"That's great. Wow, such a big step. Although, I have to say I'm not really surprised. No one seems to have got under your skin like she has. Not even me. Ass," she throws at me, as an afterthought and I laugh delightedly. "So when is she moving in? Has she already moved in?"
"Well, I only asked her on Christmas day," I reply, "so we haven't had chance to work out the details yet. But hopefully as soon as we're both back in the UK."
"That's awesome," Kendall grins. "Hey, next time you speak to her tell her I send my congratulations. And my commiserations on having to put up with your constant mess twenty-four-seven. Or better still, let me talk to her."
"What mess?" I ask indignantly, but she rolls her eyes and ignores my question.
"You must be so excited for the future," she muses. "Especially with the Big Talk coming up with Jeff and Irving about your management."
I feel a twinge of nerves at the mention of this. With all the excitement surrounding Christmas, and moving in together, and One Direction's last show, I've barely had time to think in depth about the real reason behind this holiday.
"I'm nervous," I admit. "This could be huge for me."
"Don't be," she says firmly, with a shake of her head. "You've got the whole world at your feet. You know Irving and Jeff both want a hand in your management, don't you? You've literally got the pick of the crop."
"I know, Jess has said something similar," I admit. "I suppose I don't want to let my inexperience show through. I want the meeting to go well. I don't want to say or do anything that will make them think twice about wanting to represent me."
"Like that's gonna happen," Kendall snorts. "Just relax. You've got this. Just be yourself - that's all they want. They both know you - they've known you for years. It'll be totally fine."
"I know," I mutter. "And I do know all this. I just keep having a wobble every time I think about it properly."
"Just focus on the holiday," she advises. "Relax, enjoy a couple days on the yacht just chilling before they get here. Don't work yourself up about it all, or your own nerves will make everything worse. Have some chill."
Have some chill. It's not like I've not heard that before. And to be fair, it's good advice.
Due to the time difference I can't speak to Jess when I get back to my hotel room, so I settle instead for sending her a text telling her Kendall has arrived, we're having a good time and I miss her like mad. I know she's due to fly out on her ski trip the following morning and will probably already be at the resort by the time I wake up, and I am proud of myself for not thinking a single negative thought about her spending any length of time with that Adam. Believe it or not, I have taken Kendall's rant on board, and I know she was talking sense. I want to be a better person, and am determined to learn from my past mistakes.
~~~
I take a sneak peak at Twitter the following morning and see that the photographs of me at Miami airport with Mum and Robin have surfaced. As a few of my friends, and Gemma, are at a wedding in Miami it seems the world has jumped to the obvious conclusion that I am with them, and I'm perfectly fine with that. I know this assumption won't last forever and I'm bound to be found eventually but I can at least enjoy a few days of peace and quiet until the next set of pictures are published. I have a feeling the paps will arrive sooner rather than later, as just after breakfast on Tuesday morning I catch sight of Kris Jenner, Kendall's mum, talking in a low voice on her phone and looking extremely shifty. Those who know Kris know she never does anything discreetly: her life is played out in front of the media to ensure maximum publicity and maximum exposure. She knows my family don't operate this way - she's admitted on more than one occasion that she can't comprehend this attitude towards fame - but her own agenda always comes first and without sounding like a prick, I know that any photos of me and Kendall will be front page news, and exactly what she wants.
This is further compounded at dinner when we're all just trying to enjoy our meals and each other's company but Kris feels it necessary to be the loudest person in the room. She is deliberately being ostentatious and extravagant (I can tell Mum is biting her tongue - she hates anyone playing up to an audience, especially when we're trying to be discreet) and several heads turn repeatedly in our direction to see who is making all the noise.
Of course, it's only a matter or time before people start realising who we are, and I detect the sound of camera phones being clicked in our direction.
"I'm sorry," Kendall whispers from next to me.
"It's fine."
It's not fine, but it's not Kendall's fault either and expecting her to try and tame her mother would be unfair. As we're ready to leave a couple of fans come over to us and ask for a picture, which considering we're boarding the yacht tomorrow and heading out towards Saint Barts, isn't necessarily the worst thing in the world. We've done well to avoid our location being known for this long.
~~~
We board the yacht just after lunch the following day. It's absolutely stunning - clearly one of the most luxurious (and expensive) in the harbour. My cabin is next door to Mum and Robin and down the corridor from Kendall and her people. I've just dumped my stuff on my bed, grabbed a pair of swimming shorts and a towel and left my cabin to head up to the main deck when I head Kris' voice filtering from her open doorway.
"...leaving Anguilla in about an hour, I'm told. We'll be cruising around the islands. You have the name of the boat.... Right. You know the drill. Talk later."
I quickly duck around the corner and continue on my way, inwardly fuming. I can't be certain, but I'd bet a year's income that I've just overheard Kris arranging for the paparazzi to 'find' our yacht. I don't get the opportunity to share my thoughts with Mum and Robin as we're never on our own, and I try and call Jess just after dinner but I guess she is still out on the slopes because she doesn't answer. I feel I need to warn her we're likely to be photographed, and that the minute we are, the press will be all over me and Kendall, calling her my winter girlfriend and rehashing every story that was ever written about us and our previous relationship.
It isn't until later that evening, as we are all lounging on the deck with the alcohol flowing, that Jess calls me back on Facetime, and it's clear from the outset that she's a little tipsy. She's so cute when she's drunk, especially when she denies it. Before I've barely said hello Kendall appears behind me and tries to muscle in.
"Jess! Oh my god, hi! How are you?!"
But I'm not in the mood to give up a quiet half hour on the phone with Jess so I wave Kendall away. "You can talk to her later. Shush."
"Um, OK, rude. I was only going to say hi."
I roll my eyes at Jess and ignore Kendall. "Carry on."
"We've just been out for dinner and drinks," Jess is saying, her cheeks flushed either from the alcohol or the cold. Or both. "We've just got back to the chalet. Have you seen Twitter?"
Oh God. I haven't even seen any paps around! "No," I reply warily. "Why?"
"Just someone's seen you and Kendall having dinner in Anguilla, but no one believes them because there are no pictures," Jess says breezily, and I give a relieved chuckle as I'd forgotten all about that.
"I posed for a picture earlier with some fans. I'm surprised that one hasn't made its way onto the internet yet."
"No doubt it will then," she shrugs. "I just thought I'd warn you, anyway. I'm sure the paps will be swarming around now they've got an idea of your location."
Funny she should mention it. I put the phone against my chest and leave the deck to jog inside and take a seat in the deserted lounge where I won't be overheard. I lift the phone up again so I can see Jess's face on the screen.
"Kris isn't exactly being discreet," I mutter. "It's like she wants us to be noticed. I'd just like some peace and quiet for a week, but it looks like that won't be happening."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, she's practically got the paps on speed dial. If she wants to be photographed, she'll be photographed. She likes to be seen in the right place, at the right time, with the right people. I wouldn't be surprised if the media finds us. Or rather, told where we are."
"What?" she gasps. "Why would Kris do that?"
"Fame is everything to her. She lives for it. She makes sure people are always talking about her. There's no such thing as negative press, in her eyes."
"And what does Kendall say about that?"
"It's her mum. What can she say? Kendall knows I don't like it, but Kris pulls the strings. I'm trying to stay under the radar, but I'm not going to hide away inside this boat for a week. I'll just have to grin and bear it."
"Oh Harry," she sighs.
"I tried to call you earlier. I wanted to warn you to be on the look out for bullshit stories about me and Kendall. As soon as we're photographed together, they'll pull out every old news story on us and suddenly we'll be the hottest couple of the year. But please don't let it get to you, OK? Call me, any time of the day or night. I don't want you to be upset."
"I trust you," she assures me, her eyes wide and searching my face on the screen. "Don't worry about me. I'm more annoyed at your holiday being ruined by some crass, fame hungry moron."
"She's alright, really," I concede. "In small doses. Mum tolerates her as best she can, but I can tell she's already faking smiles around her."
"I'm sorry I'm not there," she says, looking guilty and sounding regretful.
"So am I," I answer truthfully. "But it's only a week until I see you, and that's nothing. Not when we have so much stuff to plan when we're back. Kendall's so excited for us, by the way. She said she can't believe someone's finally going to put up with my messy habits. I don't know what she means by that."
"Ha! I do! Ask your mum if you're not sure. You're the messiest person I know!"
"Am not," I argue playfully. "Anyway, is that Adam behaving himself?"
I couldn't help myself, even though I'm trying to be a Better Person.
"I've hardly spoken to him yet. There are fifteen of us, and he's staying in the other chalet. I'm sure I'll catch up with him at some point, but not yet."
"Well that's something at least," I grumble, hating myself as I remember our argument and Kendall's rant.
"Says the man who's hanging out with his Victoria's Secret model ex-girlfriend in front of the world's media," she points out.
"I only have eyes for you, you know that."
Of course she knows that, and shouldn't be making her feel awkward with my own petty jealousy when my own situation (holidaying with an actual ex-girlfriend rather than someone I just randomly dated) is far worse.
I spend a few minutes regrouping in the quiet before heading back to the deck where Kendall is now on Facetime, pouting at the camera, fluffing her hair and giggling. I flop down next to her and hold my own phone in front of my face, pretending to be on a video all too. I let out a high pitched giggle, flick my hair and purse my lips, taking the piss out of her and earning a glare in response.
"You're not funny," she tells me, completely deadpan, and I pretend to throw some sass and retort, "You're always telling me I'm the funniest person you know. Stop showing off to your friends."
"I have never once said that."
"You said it like five minutes ago," I joke.
"Who are you talking to?" a male voice asks from Kendall's phone, and I realise she must be talking to Jordan.
"It's just Harry, ignore him, he thinks he's being cute but he's just being a pain in the ass."
She turns around and stands up just as I pretend to be hit in the heart by an arrow and keel over sideways on the chair.
"What do you mean, cute?" Jordan asks.
Uh oh.
"I said he's being a pain in the ass," Kendall corrects, and I point helpfully to my own arse cheek.
"No, you said he was being cute."
"What? No I didn't, I said he thinks he's being cute. There's a difference."
"I'm gonna leave you to it," I offer, standing up and sliding between Mum and Kendall to head back inside again.
"Don't do me any favours dude," Jordan calls sarcastically.
"Can we not do this right now?" Kendall says to her phone screen. "You're making a scene and it's totally unnecessary."
"I'm not making a scene. I just don't appreciate other people interfering in our relationship."
"Seriously, no one is interfering," Kendall snaps. "I do not want to have this conversation with you right now when everyone can hear."
"So go somewhere private."
"Maybe I don't want to go somewhere private. Maybe I want to stay here with my family."
I hear a grate in Kendall's voice, the one that usually precedes tears, and I stop mid-step and turn around. I don't want to interfere but the way Jordan is talking to her isn't right. "Are you OK?" I mouth.
"Fine," she mouths back, with a nod.
"What are you saying? Are you whispering with him?" Jordan demands.
"Oh my God, what is wrong with you?" Kendall demands. "Harry has just entered the room after talking on Facetime to his girlfriend! He's just asked me if I'm OK! He's being a friend." She emphasises these last two words.
"Right, well why don't you just hang out with Harry and call me when you're ready to talk like an adult," Jordan snaps back.
Before Kendall can reply, the disconnect tone sounds and she pulls a face of outrage at her phone. "Asshole! He just fucking hung up on me!"
Her voice breaks and she flounces off along the deck, Kris peeling herself out of her own chair to trot after her. Mum and I exchange looks and I take my own seat meekly and sip my beer, reluctant to get involved but feeling partly responsible for this.
"That wasn't your fault, Harry," Mum says, as though she can read my mind.
"It felt like it."
"If Kendall's boyfriend has issues with the two of you being in the same place, that's his problem. And it's up to Kendall to handle it her own way. You shouldn't feel bad for being her friend."
Easier said than done, but deep down I know Mum's right. I grab another beer and slouch on the seat between Mum and Robin, moving only when the canapes are brought round. Kendall arrives back an hour or so later looking a little red-eyed, and I quickly wind up the conversation I was having (about my plans for Jess moving in) out of courtesy for Kendall. The last thing I want to do is rub her nose in my loved-up mood.
As the sun goes down, the heat remains. The lights on the yacht twinkle gloriously, reminding us all that it is still the Christmas period despite the tropical climes. I barely notice the time passing until my phone lights up with another call from Jess - she must be getting up to hit the slopes.
"You're having a good time, then?" she asks, as she starts brushing her teeth.
"Yeah, it's soooo relaxing," I grin lazily. "I miss you like crazy though."
"Barf," Kendall mutters.
"You shh," I frown at her.
"Dude, it's all we hear," she snaps. "We get it, you love her. Give us a break already."
I could rise to this but I choose not to, mainly because all the beer and wine has gone to my head and I don't have the energy for a fight.
"Baby they're all picking on me," I grumble. "Kendall keeps moaning."
"Aww, Squidge," she beams. "I think it's sweet that you're missing me."
"Aren't you missing me?" I ask.
"Are you joking? You're all I can think about. I even dreamt about you last night."
Now this is what I'm talking about.
"Really?" I ask huskily. "What kind of dream?"
"Ew! Harry! Get a room if you're gonna talk dirty."
"I'm not talking dirty!" I hiss at Kendall, finally losing my patience with her rudeness. "Jeez, will you back off?" I get to my feet and storm off back to my cabin, furious the Kendall's mood is now dictating mine and probably everyone else's into the bargain.
"Is everything alright?" Jess asks, her expression concerned. She has a smear of toothpaste in the corner of her mouth and it makes me ache to hold her and wipe it away with my finger.
"Yeah, Kendall's just being a massive pain in the arse," I sigh. "She's down in the dumps because her boyfriend isn't talking to her. She was facetiming him earlier today and I was in the background, taking the piss out of her, you know like we do - purely platonic. But they had a blazing row because he thought we were flirting and she ended up in tears after he hung up on her."
"Oh, that's not good," Jess sympathises.
"Yeah, well, since then she's been snappy and irritable and she's pissing everyone off," I mutter.
"Go easy on her, she's probably feeling like you're rubbing her nose in it," Jess says softly.
"In what?" I demand, knowing full well.
"Well, in our happiness. If her relationship is rocky, how do you think she feels hearing us all lovey-dovey? Cut her some slack."
She's right, of course. I had the same thought earlier.
"Why are you so amazing?" I wonder as I lie down on the bed.
"I was born this way," she jokes, flicking her hair and pouting just like Kendall was earlier, although Jess's is all tongue-in-cheek.
"Seriously," I tell her. "You're amazing. I love you so much."
"You're drunk," she smiles indulgently. "But thanks, I love you too."
"They say your true feelings show when you're drunk," I point out, and I can tell she's blushing.
"You should go back and join the others," she says. "I have to get in the shower. We're heading out in half an hour and I haven't had breakfast yet."
"Nah, I'm gonna call it a night," I yawn. "I've had enough for one day. Irving arrives tomorrow so I need to be well rested."
"OK. Good luck, and let me know how it goes," she says. "I'll be thinking about you all day. I love you."
"Love you too, baby."
I'm feeling better about Irving and Jeff's meeting tomorrow, but I still want a good night's sleep so I jump in the shower and then straight into bed.
~~~
"Sorry for being moody yesterday," Kendall apologises at breakfast the following morning. I ruffle her hair affectionately and she scowls at me.
"It's fine," I accept, and can't help putting my arms around her and giving her a hug, she looks so dejected. "Just remember your worth, OK?" I murmur. "You deserve the best. Don't settle for anything less."
"Thanks," she says softly. "You're a good friend."
"I know," I reply in the same soft tone, and it takes her a second before she pulls away in mock outrage and flicks my bicep.
"I spoke to Jordan again, once he'd calmed down. I pointed out that Jess is totally chill about you being here, and that you guys are moving in together. I think I got through to him."
"That's great," I smile.
"So, today's the big day," she remarks as I sit down on one of the long seats and she pours herself a coffee. "Your meeting with the Azoffs. Are you excited?"
"A little," I nod as she approaches me and sets her coffee down on a table and then perches herself on my lap and starts to inspect my hair. "I'm looking forward to hearing what they have to say. It's going to be interesting, that's for sure. What are you doing?"
"Just checking something," she murmurs absently, poking my scalp with her finger and pulling something down the length of my hair with her nails.
"Checking what?" I ask, pulling my head back to yank my hair out of her grasp.
"Your dandruff," she says matter-of-factly.
"My what? I do not have dandruff!"
"Sure you do. I just picked a massive bit out."
"That is gross," I huff in disgust, pushing her off my lap in annoyance.
"I know, right? You should get yourself some of that anti-dandruff shampoo. The one with the coal tar extract. It's supposed to be really good."
I pull a face at her retreating back and catch Mum pointing her phone in my direction. "I do not want that caught on film," I declare firmly, and then ask after a moment's hesitation, "Do I really have dandruff?"
~~~
The Azoffs arrive around nine o'clock, settle into their cabins and then come up to the main deck to greet everyone properly. Jeff and Irving are keen to start talking business, so as soon as is polite we head to the higher deck of the yacht under the shade of a canopy and a waiter brings us some drinks. Jeff can tell I'm nervous and it's weird having this type of conversation with him on a professional level, although it's pretty relaxed for which I'm thankful. Straight away Jeff and Irving are talking about music, tv, film, media exposure, and discussing between the two of them who is best placed to manage me.
"Ultimately, Harry, we both want you as our client," Irving concludes. "Your success over the last five years has been hard earned. I have been impressed by your work ethic and your attitude towards the industry. You strive for perfection in absolutely everything you do, and with an approach like that you'll go far. Whomever you decide to represent you, please be assured that there will be no hard feelings. And whatever happens, I'm only at the other end of a phone."
"What he said," Jeff echoes. "And also... pick me."
This makes us all laugh, and relaxes me.
"I'm so honoured that you both think I'm worth representing," I admit. "I'd like to take some time to think carefully about what's best if that's ok." (They murmur their assent.) "I'll let you know tomorrow?"
"No rush Harry," Irving says casually with a wave of his hand. "I understand it's a big decision. Take all the time you need."
He raises his glass to toast us both, and then excuses himself and goes off to find Shelli, his wife, who is no doubt cosied up with Mum and Robin catching up (they're great friends). Jeff moves to come and sit on a sun lounger next to me and thanks the waiter who tops up our glasses.
"That went well," he remarks. "You good?"
"Yeah, really good," I nod. "There's a lot to process, but I'm feeling pretty great to be honest. Things just seem to be falling into place and I couldn't be happier."
I tell him about Jess moving in, and how great Christmas was, and how moody Kendall has been so far and what a pain in the arse her boyfriend is.
"Yeah he does seem a bit of a crank," Jeff agrees, and then glances over his shoulder to make sure we're not being overheard. "But dude, she's high maintenance. I think I'd be a crank if I had to cope with all that drama."
"Yeah, I know what you mean," I mutter. "I don't think it's Kendall's fault though. It's her family. It's like they're being filmed twenty four seven."
"They probably are," Jeff says darkly, and I tell him what I overheard Kris saying on the phone. "Yeah it'll just be a matter of time before the paps show up," Jeff says breezily. "You and Kendall will be the hot topic."
Almost as if they heard him, ten minutes later when we're all back down on the main deck and thinking about lunch, we catch sight of a speed boat skimming across the water containing a couple of guys with long range cameras. I swear I can almost hear their clicking, and I note Kris doesn't even bat an eyelid. I'd say my earlier theory was spot on. Kendall of course takes it all in her stride, disappearing momentarily and returning with a camera of her own and aiming it straight back at them, taking picture after picture.
"See how they like it," she mutters bitterly, and I can't resist joining her and taking a few photos of them myself, just to piss them off. They hang around for a while, clicking away while we're all messing around on the loungers and generally making a nuisance of themselves until I head inside for a nap to give myself a break from it all.
I'm keen to talk to Jess about my meeting with Irving and I'm glad when I can finally catch a few minutes on Facetime with her. "Jeff and Irving both want to manage me when I'm out of contract with Modest," I tell her. "Jeff's branching out on his own, and he wants me as his first client, so he can devote all his time to me. But Irving's arguing that he's the more experienced of the two of them, therefore better equipped to negotiate the best opportunities."
"What do you think?" she asks.
I've been thinking about this all day. "I'm leaning more towards Jeff," I muse. "I think he's got the younger edge to him, and he's by no means inexperienced in this industry. He was brought up in it. And he knows me better than anyone; I know he'll do right by me. Plus, Irving has already said he's going to support Jeff and be on hand for advice, should he need it. I can't help thinking I'd have the best of both worlds."
"That sounds great to me," she smiles. "Why don't you sleep on it? Don't make any rash decisions. This is huge for you. Although I can't help thinking that either way you decide to go wouldn't be wrong. You've got two amazing offers there. Neither would be a mistake."
She's so on my wavelength. She's so fucking amazing.
"I think so too," I smile back. "I wish you were here. I wish you could have been in the meeting with me. They were saying such great stuff about me, about how I'm going to be a massive success and how the whole world is waiting to see what I'm going to do over the next couple of years. I wanted to pinch myself, to make sure I wasn't dreaming."
"I'm so proud of you, Harry. You have the whole world at your feet. You deserve all this success, and more."
"You sound like my mum," I mutter, feeling shy all of a sudden.
"We both love you endlessly," she shrugs.
"I know. I'm so lucky."
"Luck's got nothing to do with it," she argues. "Your talent and hard work have got you where you are today."
(Hearing it from the most powerful man in the music industry is great, but hearing it from Jess is even better.)
"I meant having such amazing women in my life," I admit. "I appreciate you so much. I hope you know that."
"Of course I do."
"Oh, and the paps have been sniffing around today," I add, changing the subject. I'd almost forgotten to warn her. "I can't believe I almost forgot to tell you. They were on their speedboats earlier with their long range cameras. Kendall and I were taking the piss out of them, pointing our own cameras back at them, and then taking photos of each other and generally pratting around. No doubt it will be front page news tomorrow."
"Thanks for the warning. I'm glad you're not hiding away. You deserve a peaceful holiday, so enjoy it and don't worry about what the paps are doing."
"Thanks, baby. I will."
I really am so lucky. Jess could have been reacting like Jordan did with Kendall.
"How has Kendall been today?" she asks as if she can read my mind.
"Better. She spoke to Jordan after I walked off in a huff last night. I think they've sorted things out. She told him if you're OK with me being here with her, then he should be OK with her being here with me. If that makes sense."
"Yeah it does," she nods.
We agree to talk again when she is back from dinner, and say goodbye for now.
~~~
I feel as though I have jinxed things for Kendall and Jordan, because no sooner have I returned to the group after my nap, Jordan calls Kendall in a rage over the pictures that have already hit the media outlets of us on the yacht. It escalates in a screaming match between the two of them and culminates in a vehement fuck you! from Kendall who storms off in tears again and returns ten minutes later in a bikini and announces she is going for a swim to cool off, and give the media some fodder.
"I'd better stay here then," I offer, but she shouts me down straight away.
"No way. This is your holiday too. If you want to join me - if anyone wants to join me - they're completely welcome. I'm not going to hide away at the other end of this damn boat just to keep him happy. I mean, I completely understand if you'd rather steer clear of me for Jess's sake, or because I'm such a pain in the ass right now. But whatever. I'm going to enjoy myself, regardless of who's watching."
I decide this is a much healthier outlook on the whole situation, quickly change into some swimming shorts and join Jeff, Glenne and Kendall in the water for a swim and a mess around, ignoring the excited shouts from the paparazzi circling the yacht. They're still buzzing around when we're sunbathing on the deck later on, and I can only hope they don't have audio equipment too as Kendall starts talking about her skin.
"Saltwater is supposed to be great, but I swear to God if I'm going to have a break out, even the waters of the Caribbean can't prevent it," she's saying.
"Mmmm," I murmur, contemplating taking a second nap of the day as the sun is so warm and relaxing and I'm tired from our antics in the water.
"Do you find it helps?" she's asking, and I crack one eye open to see who she's talking to. It's me.
"Do I find what helps?"
"The sea water. On your spots."
"I don't have spots."
"Sure you do. You have one on your chin. It's huge."
I sit up in dismay, looking around for anything that will reflect my face so I can inspect this apparent volcano. There isn't anything nearby so I pick up my phone to use the front camera, and then notice a text from Jess. I start to text her back until Kendall comes and plonks herself down literally on top of me and stares closely at my chin. "Can I pop it?"
"No!" I whine, pulling a blue towel in front of my face to stop her from staring. "Leave my pimple alone. It doesn't need your judgement."
"It's got a head on it though."
"OK seriously, get off," I snap, pushing her off so that she stands up and wanders over to Jeff and sits on his lap instead. They look cute so I snap a couple of pictures of them on my phone before I resume my text to Jess and eventually Jeff tires of Kendall pestering and pushes her away so she returns to her own sun lounger and calls Jordan. They've clearly sorted things out since the last time they spoke because now she's telling him how much she's missing him, and from the sounds of things he's saying the same. I'm relieved. If there's one thing I cannot stand it's drama in my personal life. And now things seem to be calming down again, it might just be the perfect time for me to take that other nap.
But of course, in true Kardashian style, the drama is only just beginning...
---***---
Hello again! Today was a good day: I hit my target of 50,000 words and am officially a NaNoWriMo 'winner'! I managed to draft 15 chapters of this book throughout November and there are now only 12 left to write. I'm in the swing of writing so I want to make the most of my motivation and try and get some more chapters drafted but in the meantime I'll be editing the existing drafts and posting them as regularly as I can. Thanks for all the support (and patience!) not just this month but over the last 6 years! I really do appreciate it and it's you lovely readers who spur me on every time!
I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Harry and Kendall's scenes are fun for me to write; I love the banter they have in this story and imagine them to be a bit like this in real life! Thanks for reading, don't forget to vote, and I'll have another update for you soon! xx
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