Secrets / Black & White / Playing for Keeps

A week passed and Lara managed to avoid seeing Harry. There was no official reason to see him and in any case she had started school, and had other things to focus on. She had ignored his phone calls and text messages. Ben mentioned that he had come to the apartment looking for her, unaware that she had started school.

The week of respite finished when she was summoned to meet up with Julian and Harry. She pulled on an old sweater and a pair of jeans that had ripped at the knees.

She entered the same boardroom in which this whole saga had started to find Julian seated at the head of the table with Harry by his side. Harry looked up to see her walk in a small smile on his face. Lara ignored him and regarded Julian before sitting down. She noticed him look at her closely and frown.

“What in the world are you wearing?”

“What?” She asked innocently, looking down to see if she had worn her sweater inside out.

“That can’t be one of the outfits you have been allocated.”

“No, it’s one of my own.” She said haughtily.

“Well in future please wear the clothes you have been given. You have an image to uphold.”

“Image?” Lara almost squeaked.

She noticed Harry trying not to laugh, but not being very successful. He placed his hand over his mouth to hide his amusement. Before Lara could give into the temptation of quitting as Harry’s girlfriend, Ben walked through the door. He quietly sat down beside her and looked at Julian expectantly.

“Right, now that we’re all here, let’s begin. Lara, I heard you have started university. How’s that going?” He looked down at the file before him, sounding polite but disinterested.

“It’s going fine. A few photographers turned up but they were kicked out. Everyone’s been nice though.”

Harry’s face had grown more serious now, and he listened with a slightly anxious expression on his face.

“A few girls have recognised me and have asked a few questions about Harry.” She went on, enjoying the fact that Harry was growing more uncomfortable by the minute.

“And what did you tell them?” Julian asked.

“Nothing.” She said, noticing Harry’s look of relief. ”Just that I was who they thought I was, and that Harry and I are seeing each other.”

“Well, let’s keep it that way.” Julian replied. “But the reason we’re meeting today is to talk about taking the next step in the plan. Our online analysis and general feedback shows that the fans have taken to Lara quite well. They’re happy… well most are happy that Harry has settled down with someone, and are curious to see how the relationship plays out. This is why we want to take it further.”

He leaned back in his chair and looked at them both,

“Lara you will be moving in with Harry.”

“What?” Harry and Lara said in unison, and then instantly looked at each other in disbelief.

“I don’t know why you’re so shocked.” Julian said. “We discussed this possibility from the beginning.”

But it hadn’t seemed as final as it did now, Lara thought.

“I don’t see why we have to move in together.” Harry spoke up for the first time. “If the plan is going so well now, don’t you think we should just go with it? I mean you wouldn’t want to alienate the fans… I mean moving in is… serious.”

“It’s been decided Harry. Lara, I know you’re busy with school now, but I expect you to be packed and ready to move in by the end of the week.”

“Harry only has one bedroom, where am I going to sleep?” Lara suddenly asked. She heard Harry mutter to himself.

“Er, I suppose we can organise a trundle bed of some sort...” Julian said as if the thought had never occurred to him.

“What if I say no?” Lara said in a small voice.

“Lara.” Ben said in a warning tone. “This isn’t a game. There’s a lot at stake.”

“Speaking of games Ben.” Julian said in a wary tone. “I’d like to have a talk to you. Alone.”

He looked at Harry and Lara with a pointed look, and they obediently filed out of the room.

Once outside Harry turned to Lara.

“Why didn’t you answer my calls?” He asked.

“Why do you think?”

“I wanted to explain… about what you saw that night.” He touched her arm and she couldn’t help but react to the familiar touch. “Louis and I…”

She looked up at him expectantly and he paused.

“What’s this got to do with me?” She asked.

“I know you got upset that night, so I just wanted to-“

“Harry, I know that we have to live together, but it doesn’t mean I like the idea. So how about you stay out of my way, and I’ll stay out of yours?”

“You know what? You must really like me.” He said the old smirk back on his face. "Otherwise why would you be so angry?”

Lara growled as she pushed him out of the way heading straight for the exit.

Notes