Secrets / Black & White / Playing for Keeps

Lara sat in the chair and watched as the stylists transformed her from average girl to flawless beauty. It was amazing what could be done with the stroke of a makeup brush and the deft hand of a hair stylist. The woman in charge of doing her hair was called Lou and she noticed that she and Harry were friends. He hung around her chair chatting to her as she did Lara’s hair.

When she slipped on her dress she paused to look at herself in the mirror. It was a short black dress with beading that showcased her long legs. Her hair was pulled back into a chignon and she admired her smoky eyes and nude lips.

They want me to be Harry’s girlfriend? She thought to herself. Well, tonight that’s exactly what I’m going to be.

She was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Ready to go?” She heard someone ask.

She gave herself one more look in the mirror before she left.

***************************************************
The press conference was the first port of call for the group. For some reason Harry and Lara were taken in a separate car along with Julian who used the drive to talk to them about his expectations.

“Okay, I need you to both be on the ball tonight.” Julian said. “Harry, be ready to answer any questions they shoot your way.”

“Are we playing against Tottenham tonight?” Harry wondered aloud and Lara stifled a laugh.

“This isn’t funny Harry.” Julian scolded. “I want to look at you both tonight and believe you’re a couple. Hold her close, kiss her and Lara I don’t want you to hold back either.”

It was if Julian had read her mind, Lara thought trying not to show how amused she looked. Of course, her reasons for doing it were completely different to Julian’s objectives.

“Lara, this isn’t funny.” Julian continued, “This is very important. If I’m not convinced, then there will be consequences…”

“Okay, okay we get it.” Harry said, and he secretly rolled his eyes at Lara. “The goal is to look like a real couple, and if we don’t then you’ll give us a red card.”

“I give up.” Julian muttered and ignored the laughter.

As they walked toward the green room, Harry openly looked her up and down, and nodded approvingly.

“Are you acting the part from now?” She asked.

“No, I’m checking you out.” He said without a trace of shyness. “You look different tonight… I don’t know what it is…”

They were looking at each other as they entered the room and she almost ran smack bang into Niall.

“Wow Lara, you look great.” He said with a smile. “Really lovely.”

He retreated to the side of his date; a brunette who Lara later found out was an up and coming model. Zayn actually greeted and properly looked at her for what seemed like the first time.

“You alright?” He asked casually. Two words, but still an improvement.

Liam paused to speak to her briefly, a smiling Sophie hanging onto his arm. Lara briefly wondered if they had been instructed to be nice to her, because this was the first time they had paid her any proper attention.

As Harry greeted the others, Lara’s eyes eventually met Louis’ cool stare. This time, however, she held his gaze and it wasn’t long before he looked away. Obviously he wasn’t into obeying instructions, Lara thought to herself.

“Hi Lara.” Eleanor greeted her warmly, and Lara wondered if she had any clue about Harry. By the way Louis placed his arm around her protectively, leading her away; Lara surmised that she didn’t know.

Lara mimicked Louis and placed her arm around Harry’s waist. Lara looked over at Louis and saw that he was watching them, a scowl on his face. It was almost too easy, Lara smiled to herself. She was so busy congratulating herself that she didn’t notice Harry approach a woman nearby.

“Mum.” Harry said and Lara’s arm instantly dropped to her side. The woman turned and smiled, happily hugging Harry. She held him at arm’s length and then looked over at Lara with interest.

“Mum, this is Lara.” Harry said almost formally. “This is my Mum, Anne.”

Anne’s eyes shined as she smiled at Lara, who shook her hand.

“It’s nice to meet you.” Anne said.

She was younger than Lara would have imagined and very attractive. It wasn’t hard to see that Harry obviously took after her.

“Are you excited about tonight?” She asked them both.

“Yeah, I haven’t seen the doco yet.” Harry replied, and Lara nodded wondering whether Anne knew that she was the fake girlfriend.

The conversation continued and Lara tuned out when she felt Harry put his arm around her.

She tried to remember that this was all for show… don’t get caught up in it. God, he’s only put his arm around me, imagine if he did anything else, she thought somewhat nervously. It didn’t help that his Mum was right there either. She was relieved to hear that Anne was going to have an early night and was not attending the after party. A photographer approached them at that moment and the three quickly posed for a photo. Before Lara knew it they were being whisked away to the press conference next door.

She sat down at the side with the other girlfriends and watched as the boys filed up onto the stage where they stood behind a long table. At the last minute, Louis placed his hands on Liam’s shoulders and made him swap spots with him. Louis now stood next to Harry and he smiled broadly as the cameras clicked away. Louis slung his arm around Harry for added effect and Lara couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy.

Touché Louis, Lara thought to herself.

Notes