Secrets / Black & White / Playing for Keeps

It was when Julian threw a bunch of papers across the table when Lara knew he was really angry.

“Why are we bothering with all of this?” He yelled. “Why are we doing this, if you both don’t want to listen?”

Harry and Lara sat shoulder to shoulder across the table from him, but did not say a word.

“Don’t you understand this story is only starting to gain momentum? We can’t afford to slip up now. Not when we’ve just started!”

It was the morning after, and while Lara had woken up feeling refreshed despite the awkward night before, she could tell Harry was not in such good shape. His shirt had a hole in it, he wore his trademark bandana to pull back his messy hair, not to mention the paleness of his skin and the dark shadows under his eyes.

“We went over the brief and if you ask me it was a bloody no brainer.” Julian said. “The brief said to stay together and pretend to be a couple. But no, Harry disappears for God knows how long-“

“Lara was outside talking to Niall.” Harry spoke up.

“Oh and Lara’s outside chatting up Niall.” Julian cried. “This is just getting better and better.”

Harry looked accusingly at Lara, who sat there open mouthed.

“We were just talking, I was not chatting him up!”

“You didn’t bother to dance, like all the other couples there” Julian ignored her. “And when you finally did return to your tables you looked as though the world had ended. How am I supposed to market that huh? Can either of you tell me?”

“Harry was drinking.” Lara blurted. It was Harry’s turn to look at her as if she were a traitor.

“Enough is enough.” Julian yelled. “You’re supposed to be following the brief!”

“Brief?” Harry said. “My whole life is a brief!”

“What do you want me to say to you Harry?” Julian said. “I can’t keep covering up your mistakes.”

Mistakes? Lara thought. What mistakes?

“They’re not mistakes!” Harry retorted. “It’s just not part of your master plan that’s all!”

“No it’s not.” Julian said quietly. He looked at Lara as though he had forgotten she were there. “Listen, you both seemed to be getting along. You weren’t best friends, but you don’t have to be best friends. Just keep it light and fluffy, that’s all I’m asking. Can you please talk it out? I can’t do everything for you, you know.”

Julian gathered his files and walked out. A loud silence followed before Lara broke it.

“Light and fluffy?” She repeated amused. They both glanced at each other and smiled.

“Yeah.” Harry said. “Light and fluffy, just like a little puppy. You can even get me a leash.”

Lara smirk disappeared when Harry reached over to touch her neck, his fingers becoming tangled in her hair.

“Or I can get you one.” He said. “That’s if you’re into that kind of stuff.”

She looked at him strangely.

“I was only kidding Lara.” He finally said. He then took a deep breath. “Look, I’m sorry about dumping you on your own yesterday.”

“It’s okay.” She said. “I’m sorry I got so mad.”

“No problem. I kind of deserved it. Friends?” He stuck out his hand.

“Friends.” She said shaking it, although her neck still tingled from his touch.

Notes