The Cafe Girl
Guilty
Jess’ POV
The aftermath of Harry’s visit was quite a ruckus so much so that I had to stay overtime after closing to get the café back in order. I’ve never made so many pots of English breakfast tea before as most of the drinks people wanted was “what Harry just had”. I saw some girls take selfies in the spot where he sat and everywhere I turned, I kept hearing his name.
I underestimated just how many directioners are there. I mean, it seems a lot when I’m browsing through Tumblr blogs, but to actually see them in one place is a different thing. The biggest surprise was Emma. I really had no idea she was a fan until then! She engaged with the customers coming in, and I have never seen her that animated before.
I couldn’t help but feel really guilty as I talked to Emma and the girls about what just happened. No one knows about the plan except for the ones involved. They didn’t know that Harry coming in was pre-planned, and that this encounter barely made a dent to our year long arrangement. The thing I felt guilty about the most was lying to Emma. She obviously has no idea either, and I feel so awful lying to my closest friend in here.
“Can you believe Harry walked in to our café? Like of all the cafes he could go to, he had to pick our ones!” Emma said excitedly as we were locking up.
Yes, actually, I can. It was all planned after all. He knew exactly where he was going. “No, Em. I still can’t!”
“This is quite possibly the best day of my life,” she said, obviously still on a high from her moment with Harry.
“Mmm. . .” I said as I double-checked the doors to make sure it was locked. I was getting ready to head home when Emma called out to me.
There were still some girls lingering outside the café even though we’ve been closed for an hour. Emma waved to them excitedly and joined in on their conversation.
“He was so lovely,” she shared, “and Jess here got to serve him more! Tell them about it!!”
Oh boy. I didn’t know if I could make it through the conversation without either 1. Blowing my cover, or 2. Turning into full fan mode.
“It was rather quick really. He was in and out in 10 minutes,” I shrugged.
“Omg his hair though!!” one of the girls chimed in.
“He is so perfect omg I just love him so much!” another one said excitedly.
I didn’t want to be there anymore. I felt guilty enough already, and engaging in more conversation with people about Harry would just make me feel worse. I hugged Emma goodbye and started walking towards the tube.
The flat was empty when I got home. I wasn’t surprised since it’s a Friday night after all and of course my flatmates had plans. I made myself a sandwich for dinner and grabbed my water bottle before retreating back to my room. I turned my laptop on and logged in to my Tumblr account. This was how I liked to spend my evenings at home – food and blogging. Emma and my flatmates have been trying to get me to go out with them for the longest time but I always make up an excuse not to go. I’ve done my share bit of partying back home and it was something that I tried to shove at the back of my mind.
I logged into my email account to find an unopened message in my inbox from Sven.
Sent: 6:09 pm
From: Sven Johnson
Subject: Today
Hi Jess,
I heard today’s encounter went well. Just wanted to touch base on how it was for you or if you’ve got any questions at all? There are some photos of Harry leaving your café online now so I guess it’s safe to say that the plan is off to a good start.
I will be back in two weeks but don’t hesitate to contact me or ring Alice if you need anything.
Well done!
Kind regards,
Sven
Reading that has got me curious, so I did a quick Google search to figure out what Sven meant when he said he saw photos online. I clicked on the first link that I saw.
A large photo of Harry from today loaded on the page. The café was subtly in the background and it appears as though it was taken just as he left. He had his hands in his pocket and he wore that same smile he gave me in the café.
Oh be still my beating heart.
I thought about today and how Sven thought it went well. I guess it did if he was already being photographed and the meeting barely lasted 10 minutes. What I’m worried about now, though, is the way I’m feeling. Do I let myself go into full crush mode but risk getting my heart broken or do I restrain myself from feeling anything at all?
Harry’s POV
I threw my phone hard on the sofa, causing it to bounce and fall on the floor with a loud “thug”. I found it so annoying that even though he was miles away, Sven was still on my case about this whole plan.
He sent me a text just now saying that while my visit today has got the plan and up and running, he told me that I didn’t spend enough time in that café to actually be convincing.
Well what am I going to do there for hours? Besides, as the one that’s managing my life, he should know that today is quite busy with working on the new album and stuff.
“Harry, what’s wrong?”
The boys had stopped what they were doing and was looking at me, their concern obvious in the expression on their faces.
“Nothing, it’s just Sven hounding me about the whole thing.”
I didn’t want to them to worry about me at all. Especially considering that I know they felt guilty about me being forced into doing this. They think I’m sacrificing a whole lot for them and for the band.
“Just say no. We’ll be able to cope with the consequences,” Liam said.
“Yeah, Haz, you’re giving up so much for us and it’s not fair at all.” Zayn added.
“Really lads, it’s fine.”
“But what you’re sacrificing for us though.” Niall argued.
“Oh you know, just complete control of my personal life that’s all.” I joked to lighten up the mood.
“See, that’s the thing, it’s your personal life we’re talking about here.” Said Louis.
I was touched at how much they cared about me. It’s amazing how our lives have changed. When I first met these guys, none of us really had an idea of how dramatic our lives would change. And now, three years on, they are more than just friends to me. They’re family.
I shook my head. “No, don’t worry about me. I’m okay with it. It’s only for a year.”
I thought about what was at stake here again. We have come so far and we’re only just beginning our careers. I won’t ruin this for them. I love them too much.
“Come on lads, I’m fine, it’s not that bad really,” I said when I noticed that the room was still quiet. They were genuinely worried about me and I hated how guilty I feel when they look at me like that.
“I went to see her today actually,” I blurted out as I tried to change the mood.
“So they’ve picked someone already? Harold you have to tell us these things!” Zayn said.
“Yeah Haz, I thought we were your best friends?” Louis said and tried to look offended.
I had to laugh at that. It was true. They were my best friends and I tell them everything. The amount of time we spent together means that they know me in and out, all my secrets, feelings, all out in the open when it comes to them.
But I didn’t want to boggle them with the plan. It’s bad enough that they feel guilty because I’m the one who has to have a pretend girlfriend, but if they knew the specifics of the plan, I doubt they would be okay with it.
“Sven found her actually. Some blogger working at a café.”
“Is she famous?” Niall asked.
“Nope, Sven wanted someone ordinary.”
“Is she a fan then?” Liam enquired.
“Don’t think so,” Jess certainly didn’t seem like a fan. Except for our awkward first encounter, she hasn’t said anything about me actually being in One Direction nor did she act like she knew much about me. She was too – I’m struggling to find the word – indie to be a fan.
“Why not?” Louis asked, again acting like he was offended that my would be fake girlfriend wasn’t a fan.
“She’s too indie. Or goth. Like she seems to be the type to really hate on pop and mainstream stuff. She reminds me of Zayn, actually.”
“Oh Harold, I didn’t know you were in love with me! All you had to was ask me out instead of finding some poor girl version of me.” Zayn said as he patted my hair.
“Is she hot then?” Niall’s eyes lit up.
“I wouldn’t call her hot. She’s quite plain. Average. Not at all my type.”
“What do you mean average?”
I could tell they were all curious to find out more about her now. To be honest, I was quite curious too. Mostly because I am still struggling to understand why Sven would pick her for me.
“Well, she’s quite chubby,” I said, “and has black hair, wears glasses. Doesn’t stand out at all.”
“In other words, not your type.” Liam laughed.
The lads laughed at this before teasing me about my type. The stuff written about me always stereotypes my choice in women and judges the girls I have been linked to.
“So there’s no chance at you actually falling in love with her for real then?” Louis asked. I could tell he was being serious this time.
“Absolutely not. Not a chance in hell.” I shook my head.
The aftermath of Harry’s visit was quite a ruckus so much so that I had to stay overtime after closing to get the café back in order. I’ve never made so many pots of English breakfast tea before as most of the drinks people wanted was “what Harry just had”. I saw some girls take selfies in the spot where he sat and everywhere I turned, I kept hearing his name.
I underestimated just how many directioners are there. I mean, it seems a lot when I’m browsing through Tumblr blogs, but to actually see them in one place is a different thing. The biggest surprise was Emma. I really had no idea she was a fan until then! She engaged with the customers coming in, and I have never seen her that animated before.
I couldn’t help but feel really guilty as I talked to Emma and the girls about what just happened. No one knows about the plan except for the ones involved. They didn’t know that Harry coming in was pre-planned, and that this encounter barely made a dent to our year long arrangement. The thing I felt guilty about the most was lying to Emma. She obviously has no idea either, and I feel so awful lying to my closest friend in here.
“Can you believe Harry walked in to our café? Like of all the cafes he could go to, he had to pick our ones!” Emma said excitedly as we were locking up.
Yes, actually, I can. It was all planned after all. He knew exactly where he was going. “No, Em. I still can’t!”
“This is quite possibly the best day of my life,” she said, obviously still on a high from her moment with Harry.
“Mmm. . .” I said as I double-checked the doors to make sure it was locked. I was getting ready to head home when Emma called out to me.
There were still some girls lingering outside the café even though we’ve been closed for an hour. Emma waved to them excitedly and joined in on their conversation.
“He was so lovely,” she shared, “and Jess here got to serve him more! Tell them about it!!”
Oh boy. I didn’t know if I could make it through the conversation without either 1. Blowing my cover, or 2. Turning into full fan mode.
“It was rather quick really. He was in and out in 10 minutes,” I shrugged.
“Omg his hair though!!” one of the girls chimed in.
“He is so perfect omg I just love him so much!” another one said excitedly.
I didn’t want to be there anymore. I felt guilty enough already, and engaging in more conversation with people about Harry would just make me feel worse. I hugged Emma goodbye and started walking towards the tube.
The flat was empty when I got home. I wasn’t surprised since it’s a Friday night after all and of course my flatmates had plans. I made myself a sandwich for dinner and grabbed my water bottle before retreating back to my room. I turned my laptop on and logged in to my Tumblr account. This was how I liked to spend my evenings at home – food and blogging. Emma and my flatmates have been trying to get me to go out with them for the longest time but I always make up an excuse not to go. I’ve done my share bit of partying back home and it was something that I tried to shove at the back of my mind.
I logged into my email account to find an unopened message in my inbox from Sven.
Sent: 6:09 pm
From: Sven Johnson
Subject: Today
Hi Jess,
I heard today’s encounter went well. Just wanted to touch base on how it was for you or if you’ve got any questions at all? There are some photos of Harry leaving your café online now so I guess it’s safe to say that the plan is off to a good start.
I will be back in two weeks but don’t hesitate to contact me or ring Alice if you need anything.
Well done!
Kind regards,
Sven
Reading that has got me curious, so I did a quick Google search to figure out what Sven meant when he said he saw photos online. I clicked on the first link that I saw.
A large photo of Harry from today loaded on the page. The café was subtly in the background and it appears as though it was taken just as he left. He had his hands in his pocket and he wore that same smile he gave me in the café.
Oh be still my beating heart.
I thought about today and how Sven thought it went well. I guess it did if he was already being photographed and the meeting barely lasted 10 minutes. What I’m worried about now, though, is the way I’m feeling. Do I let myself go into full crush mode but risk getting my heart broken or do I restrain myself from feeling anything at all?
Harry’s POV
I threw my phone hard on the sofa, causing it to bounce and fall on the floor with a loud “thug”. I found it so annoying that even though he was miles away, Sven was still on my case about this whole plan.
He sent me a text just now saying that while my visit today has got the plan and up and running, he told me that I didn’t spend enough time in that café to actually be convincing.
Well what am I going to do there for hours? Besides, as the one that’s managing my life, he should know that today is quite busy with working on the new album and stuff.
“Harry, what’s wrong?”
The boys had stopped what they were doing and was looking at me, their concern obvious in the expression on their faces.
“Nothing, it’s just Sven hounding me about the whole thing.”
I didn’t want to them to worry about me at all. Especially considering that I know they felt guilty about me being forced into doing this. They think I’m sacrificing a whole lot for them and for the band.
“Just say no. We’ll be able to cope with the consequences,” Liam said.
“Yeah, Haz, you’re giving up so much for us and it’s not fair at all.” Zayn added.
“Really lads, it’s fine.”
“But what you’re sacrificing for us though.” Niall argued.
“Oh you know, just complete control of my personal life that’s all.” I joked to lighten up the mood.
“See, that’s the thing, it’s your personal life we’re talking about here.” Said Louis.
I was touched at how much they cared about me. It’s amazing how our lives have changed. When I first met these guys, none of us really had an idea of how dramatic our lives would change. And now, three years on, they are more than just friends to me. They’re family.
I shook my head. “No, don’t worry about me. I’m okay with it. It’s only for a year.”
I thought about what was at stake here again. We have come so far and we’re only just beginning our careers. I won’t ruin this for them. I love them too much.
“Come on lads, I’m fine, it’s not that bad really,” I said when I noticed that the room was still quiet. They were genuinely worried about me and I hated how guilty I feel when they look at me like that.
“I went to see her today actually,” I blurted out as I tried to change the mood.
“So they’ve picked someone already? Harold you have to tell us these things!” Zayn said.
“Yeah Haz, I thought we were your best friends?” Louis said and tried to look offended.
I had to laugh at that. It was true. They were my best friends and I tell them everything. The amount of time we spent together means that they know me in and out, all my secrets, feelings, all out in the open when it comes to them.
But I didn’t want to boggle them with the plan. It’s bad enough that they feel guilty because I’m the one who has to have a pretend girlfriend, but if they knew the specifics of the plan, I doubt they would be okay with it.
“Sven found her actually. Some blogger working at a café.”
“Is she famous?” Niall asked.
“Nope, Sven wanted someone ordinary.”
“Is she a fan then?” Liam enquired.
“Don’t think so,” Jess certainly didn’t seem like a fan. Except for our awkward first encounter, she hasn’t said anything about me actually being in One Direction nor did she act like she knew much about me. She was too – I’m struggling to find the word – indie to be a fan.
“Why not?” Louis asked, again acting like he was offended that my would be fake girlfriend wasn’t a fan.
“She’s too indie. Or goth. Like she seems to be the type to really hate on pop and mainstream stuff. She reminds me of Zayn, actually.”
“Oh Harold, I didn’t know you were in love with me! All you had to was ask me out instead of finding some poor girl version of me.” Zayn said as he patted my hair.
“Is she hot then?” Niall’s eyes lit up.
“I wouldn’t call her hot. She’s quite plain. Average. Not at all my type.”
“What do you mean average?”
I could tell they were all curious to find out more about her now. To be honest, I was quite curious too. Mostly because I am still struggling to understand why Sven would pick her for me.
“Well, she’s quite chubby,” I said, “and has black hair, wears glasses. Doesn’t stand out at all.”
“In other words, not your type.” Liam laughed.
The lads laughed at this before teasing me about my type. The stuff written about me always stereotypes my choice in women and judges the girls I have been linked to.
“So there’s no chance at you actually falling in love with her for real then?” Louis asked. I could tell he was being serious this time.
“Absolutely not. Not a chance in hell.” I shook my head.
Notes
Hey guys! So we're on to chapter seven already! Yay! Thanks to everyone who's been reading so far. I would really love to hear your comments, though, so I've got a little proposition. I have a surprise for you guys that might make this story just a bit better, but I won't share it until I get to 40 comments! Does that sound fair to you?xxP.S.
Yay for more 1D in the story. Love the way these boys are with each other. I think they'll play a big part in this story too!
I miss this story so much. I hope you can update on this story
4/1/15