“The song ‘Denial’, I wrote about four months ago now. It actually didn’t take that long to write. I had just recently ended a relationship with a guy and this was the first guy that I had ever truly tried to date since we became famous. And I mean proper famous where people follow you in the streets and stalk your home.
It only lasted three months and it didn’t end well. Neither of us could cope with the different lives we had and horrible things were said to each other because of this. Don’t get me wrong, at the start the relationship was great, perfect and we were everything each other needed. But after awhile what we had couldn’t handle the lifestyle I had. And it hurt and I think it damaged the both of us a lot. For a long time it was like I couldn’t get away from him, we were bad for each other but even after we were done we kept coming back to each other, like we couldn’t finally just let go.
Things got worse and I eventually left Australia and came to stay in London for a bit and it was then when I wrote this song. Everything was much clearer and I reflected a lot on everything we did and all the hints I had along the way as to how much we weren’t ever going to work. So this song came from that. From understanding when someone isn’t good for you, when you aren’t good for each other. And in the end denying them anymore access to your life, denying them any part of you.” Annabelle Blake excerpt from ‘Headlines!’ album.

Kate rushed around behind me while I stared doubtfully at the way my hair sat oddly across my shoulders.

“Are you almost ready, the boys will be here in any second.” Kate looked seconds from having an aneurism and I amused myself watching her scramble for make up, shoes and a bag. This was clearly an important date for Kate and Liam and I would really rather not be a part of it.

“Are you sure you want me to go?” I asked, turning around on the vanity chair to face Kate. “I mean clearly this is important to you and Liam and I don’t want to interrupt that.”

“I want you there.” Kate said firmly, looking up from where she was trying to squash more make-up into the little purple clutch she had decided to take.

I took pity on her and held out my larger white Kardashian Kollection bag I was going to take. She smiled and shoved a powder, blush and foundation into it before snapping her clutch shut. I laughed and picked up my gloss from Kate’s vanity and threw it in to join Kate’s things.

“Tell me again why you are the one that’s nervous, when I’m the one who doesn’t even know the guy?” I looked back at the mirror, pulling on the light curls that framed my face. I still didn’t like it.

“Your hair looks great, now let’s go before we’re late.” Kate completely ignored my question and threw a pair of shoes at me from the mess in one corner of her room. I glared at her but obligingly slid the small heels on, flicking the pink strap into its lock.

Kate yanked on my arm and pulled me out of the room, barely letting me grab my bag. Lucinda called out a goodbye as we slid out the front door and into the elevator.

“Your grip hurts.” I yanked my arm out of Kate’s grip and shot her a glare; she didn’t even bother to be apologetic. Just watched the floor numbers tick by slowly as we travelled to the ground floor. I pulled Kate’s keys from her hand before the elevator doors opened.

“You are not driving all rushed and strung up like you are.” I told her firmly, leading the way to her shiny white Aston Martin. She didn’t fight back, just climbed into the passenger seat with a look of nausea settling around her features. I smiled fondly at her before starting the car and taking off, out of the garage.

“You need to calm down okay Hun. You do not want to puke in this car.” I warned her, gesturing down to the ridiculously expensive seats. She had bought the most expensive car out of all of us. It was love at first sight between them both.

“It’s just Liam, Kate,” I said softly. I could feel the tension radiating from her and seeping into the car. “It’s Liam, beautiful, amazing Liam who has been there for us through everything. Who never abandoned you and always waited. Liam, who let me hate him so I would never hate you, Liam who only cares about the people around him. Funny, hilarious Liam who you are completely in love with and do not try to deny it.” I cut in before she opened her mouth.

Kate nodded sheepishly, her eyes focused on the road in front of us. I reached over to grab her hand and squeezed her fingers tightly.

“When it comes to Liam you never have to be worried or nervous or anything okay sweets.” I shot her a smile before pulling into the closest park to the restaurant we were meeting at. Kate went to get out of the car but I stopped her.

“I’m serious about what I’m saying Kate. This is your Liam and there is nothing in the world he wouldn’t do for you. So stop being nervous.” I refused to let go of her hand until her smile was a little more genuine and her shoulders a little straighter.

Liam was waiting out front of the restaurant. His jeans tight, like always, with a black button up shirt and a leather jacket thrown over top. He played the part of a boybander well. He was talking to someone next to him. They were taller, more lithe than Liam. Their blonde hair a short curly mess with a few piercings littering his left ear. He wore a nice black blazer with a dark blue shirt underneath. He was better looking then I expected. Liam’s friend nudged his shoulder when we caught his eye, directing Liam to where we walked towards them.

Kate grabbed my hand when Liam turned, her shoulders stiffening and the feeling in my hand slowly began to be squeezed out. Until, Liam smiled. He smiled and walked towards us, all calm and composed, his eyes barely straying from Kate. She relaxed in the few steps it took to reach him and wrapped herself around him in a warm hug. I grinned at them, happy that they were finally doing something, being something together.

It became awkward when I met the eye of Liam’s friend and didn’t even know his name. Liam was still to busy breathing in Kate’s hair, or whatever else, to think of introducing us.

I bit the bullet and held out my hand. “I’m Annabelle.” I smiled, startling the man before he smiled blindingly back. His smile seemed to split his face in half with its brightness.

“I’m Rick,” he said. “I assume that’s Kate that my mate is smothering.” He let go of my hand to nudge at Liam cheekily. Both Kate and Liam at least looked slightly apologetic when they pulled apart.

“When was the last time you saw each other, last winter?” Rick teased, a bright glint dancing in his eye.

“Actually just yesterday.” I joined in with the teasing. Rick looked to me in complete shock.

“My Gosh, that long really? However did they last?” He pushed his already thick British accent until it sounded fake and pompous before holding out his arm for me to link with. “I suppose we best leave them alone to properly catch up.” He mockingly bowed at Liam while I linked our arms together. Liam rolled his eyes and reached out to swat his friend over the head.

“Come on you lot, inside.” Liam shooed us in, grabbing onto Kate’s hand as they fell into step behind us.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been to such a fancy restaurant.” Rick told me conversationally as we walked up the stairs, the music and lights hitting us all at once. “Didn’t even have the right clothes, had to borrow Liam’s.”

I smiled at his uncaring honesty. It was a nice difference to most people I usually met where money was something you took for granted. “I think you look great.” I told him, smiling as happily as I could without making it fake. He smiled back before we were approached by the maître de.

“A table of four under Payne.” I instructed the man before we were led to our already awaiting seats, ahead of everyone else that was still waiting.

“Perks to being ridiculously famous and rich.” Rick commented, glancing around in awe at the fancy restaurant. The lights on low with candles flickering off the walls. Both Kate and I had our chairs pushed in after us before menus were placed down on the table.

“We don’t normally come to places like this.” I admitted to Rick, who was too aware of everything around him to look at his menu.

“Shh, Annabelle, I’m trying to impress him.” Liam nudged my arm.

Rick rolled his eyes. “Please Payne, you never actually impressed me.”

“How did you two meet?” Kate asked, her eyes curiously staring between both of the boys.

“Rick is my mechanic.” Liam declared proudly. Rick only looked amused at his friend.

“This idiot here buys a Lamborghini and knows absolutely nothing about them. It was a tragedy if I ever saw one.”

“I know nothing about cars and I have a Bentley.” I piped up.

“That’s understandable since you’re Australian.” Rick patted my hand condescendingly before focusing on his menu.

My jaw dropped and I shared a look with Kate. I honestly didn’t know whether to laugh or be insulted.

“And what, may I ask, do you have against Australians?” I asked him.

“Not much, you are a pretty bunch.” He winked at me. I couldn’t help but punch his arm.

“Let me guess, you’re a surfer.” He said, mockingly rubbing where I hit him.

“So. Liam is too.” I defended.

“Yes but I think we’ve already discussed how ridiculous Liam Payne is.” Rick replied.

I laughed, loudly, unable to stop myself. “Where do you find people like this?” I turned to Liam jokingly. But a part of me was serious. Rick was funny and easy to talk to and refreshingly honest.

“We’re currently on sale, two for one at your nearest vintage store.” Rick got in right before the waiters arrived.

The dinner was fun the atmosphere around the table was relaxed and Kate and Liam hadn’t stopped smiling at each other all night. It was only starting to become nauseating.

I pulled Rick away from the pair when we ended the night. Kate and Liam were too immersed in their conversation to worry about what we did.

“How long have they been stepping around each other?” Rick asked.

“Too long.” I murmured back, watching from where we stood near the bushes.

“I had a lot of fun tonight.” I turned to Rick when Liam and Kate still hadn’t moved closer. “Seriously, no one has really been that honest and genuine to me in a long time.”

“You must have some shitty friends.” Rick blushed lightly, one hand coming up to ruffle his hair uncomfortably. I found it adorable that the man who had been making jokes at everyone else’s expense all night was flustered after one compliment.

“They aren’t the greatest.” I replied, thinking of all the people I trusted and it all bubbled down to my family, the girls and One Direction included.

“Then maybe I can be the brutally honest friend of yours. I always enjoy knocking Liam down a peg or two.” Rick said before pulling out his phone and handing it over so casually.

I laughed but took it, keying in my phone number. “You hand that number out and you will be sued by so many lawyers.” I jokingly warned him.

“Aww shit, there goes my plan on handing out your number to every male I walked past tonight. What about your snapchat, can I hand that out? Dick pics are every girls dream I’m sure.”

I laughed loudly, shaking my head and reaching up to press a kiss to Rick’s cheek. “I am so looking forward to hanging out with you even more.” I patted his shoulder before making my way back to Kate and Liam who didn’t seem ready to separate anytime soon.

“Alright love birds, let’s say goodbye and off we go.” I gestured behind me towards Kate’s car.

I was pleasantly surprised when Liam pulled Kate back to him and gave her one firm kiss on the lips before letting her go and sending me a wave. Rick grabbed the celebrity around the neck and pulled him into a headlock while they wandered off down the street to where they had parked.

I laughed at Kate’s stunned face before grabbing her hand and leading her the opposite way. “Come on my love. Let’s go freak out at home.”

Notes

Song Lyrics - Denial by The Saturdays