Secrets / Black & White / Playing for Keeps

Everything seemed to move very quickly after her meeting with Julian. He called her every day to touch base as though he were afraid she was going to change her mind, but when she finally signed the agreement he suddenly stopped calling.

“This agreement is a work in progress. Let’s just test the waters first and see how we go. If all parties are happy then we can proceed.”

Agreement. Parties. Proceed. The language was so formal and everything seemed so premeditated that Lara could not help but feel unsettled. She remembered that no matter how organised things seemed to be, nothing went to plan.

The first example of this was Harry’s entire demeanour.

She had seen Harry once more at Julian’s office and he had studiously ignored her as he had brushed past her to leave without even a second look. But she had received a text not long after.

Harry: Can’t believe you’re doing this.

Even though Lara secretly agreed with his words, she could not help but feel a surge of annoyance.

Lara: I’m doing this because I have to.

Harry: How noble

Harry’s response made her switch off her phone in anger.

She wondered what Julian would think of these secret conversations. Maybe he would not care. Getting the job done was the most important thing. But it was the first indication that not everything was going to plan. Julian thought he had control, but there was always room for error.

Lara kept seeing Tony and was surprised when Julian did not even bring him up. She continued her life as usual, aware that the Harry deadline was looming. Soon they would be together again and the mere thought left Lara feeling anxious.

When Tony invited her to an industry party, she gratefully accepted. She needed something to keep her mind off her worries and being with Tony always managed to calm her down.
They arrived at the club to find the party underway. Tony and Lara linked arms and were soon joined by his friends. Jay and Belinda were an older couple and although they smiled politely at Lara and tried to include her in the conversation Lara still felt slightly
uncomfortable. She knew that they were friends with Tony’s wife and it wasn’t long before they brought her up in conversation.

“Susan’s latest paintings are absolutely stunning. I visited her at the studio the other day and she’s very excited.” Belinda said.

“Susan has an exhibition coming up.” Tony explained to Lara.

“Wow.” Lara’s exclamation was drowned out by Belinda to rave some more about the paintings. Lara had never met Susan, but thanks to Tony’s friends she was learning a lot. It was not long before she tuned out, only to have Tony affectionately squeeze her arm in a bid to get her attention.

“Would you like a glass of wine Lara?” Jay asked.

She glanced at Tony who peered back at her expectantly and shook her head.

“No thank you.” Lara replied politely.

Her bid for sobriety extended way beyond the drugs and she had effectively cut out drinking too. She had not directly spoken to Tony about her past addictions, but she figured he must know all about her rehab stay. It seemed like everyone in London knew about her problems; the six months she had spent in a very pubic relationship with Harry Styles had proven that.
So why was she willing to return back to the spotlight? The question kept her awake at night even though she knew the answers.

Threats

Money

Harry

Helping Harry to be exact.

And yet she still struggled with the whole concept. Maybe she had agreed too quickly… maybe she should have said no. Lara was so immersed in her thoughts that she didn’t hear Tony calling her name.

“You okay?” He asked when her eyes finally focussed on him.

“Yeah… I mean yes.” Lara said. “I just… I think I need some water.”

Lara broke away from the group and made her way to the bar. As she waited to be served, she let her eyes roam over the party, only to stop cold.

Harry.

His back was turned but there was no mistaking the long curly hair and his signature skinny jeans. Lara curiously gazed at him only to realise he was standing with someone. His body shielded the person so Lara could not see who it was, but she could see him hunch over slightly as they embraced. It was a playful hug and as he swayed from side to side, it soon became clear he was with a woman. Lara stared blankly as he bent his head down to kiss her, his arms now wrapping around her waist.It was a lingering kiss and she could see him smile as he backed her against a wall.

“Can I get you a drink?”

The voice jolted her out of her daze and Lara turned to see a man smiling at her. She self-consciously pulled her midriff top down, her hands lowering to her flared skirt. It was another new outfit she recently purchased and she did not miss his appreciative gaze as he gave her the once over.

“No, I’m fine. I’m just getting some water.” Lara said nervously.

“Well then, let me get you one.” He replied.

“No, it’s okay. I was just going to ask for a glass of water.”

She did not even want the water anymore. It was just an excuse to leave the group, but now she felt trapped again. She glanced back at Harry, who was now hugging the woman from behind as they chatted to another couple.

“Allow me.” The man said smoothly as he turned to order.

Lara opened her mouth to protest, when Harry suddenly looked up. Their eyes locked and his smile disappeared.

“Sparkling or still?”

“I beg your pardon?” Lara said dumbly, as Harry’s eyes flitted to the man next to her.

“Do you prefer sparking or still water?” The man’s voice was patient but as she turned to meet his gaze ,she could tell he was now a little confused by her obvious disinterest.

“Th- thank you, but I’m fine. I have to go.” Lara stuttered as she backed away. She quickly made her way into the outdoor area, taking a deep breath of fresh air. The phone in her clutch buzzed and she curiously swiped the screen.

Harry: What’s the hurry?

Lara’s instantly lifted her eyes to scan the party inside, but she could not see him. Turning her back and leaning onto the balcony, she took a moment to pause. Was he making fun of her again? She was about to fire back a missive when the screen lit up again.

Harry: Your boyfriend looks depressed LOL

Lara rolled her eyes as she typed her response.

Lara: That’s not my boyfriend.

Lara took another deep breath before she headed back into the party. She found Tony seated on the couch with Jay, Belinda and a few others, engaged in a lively conversation.

“Everything okay?” He asked. Lara nodded in response as he placed his arm around her shoulders.

Harry: So that’s the boyfriend?

Lara realised she was still clutching the phone in her hand as she read Harry’s message. She looked up to see Harry standing by the bar watching her. He did not disguise his curiosity as his eyes raked over an unsuspecting Tony before he looked down at his phone and quickly typed a message.

Harry: He’s too old for you

Lara could not help but glare at him from a distance as he leant against the bar and gave a small unapologetic shrug. She was soon distracted by Tony placing his hand on her thigh and she smiled up at him as she returned her attention to the group. But it did not take long for her eyes to stray and fall back on Harry, who still stood in the same position as he cradled a drink in his hand. The woman from before had joined him again and they were standing precariously close to each other. Harry’s hand slowly massaged the small of her back as he intently listened to her talk and Lara felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. She remembered what it felt like to have Harry’s full attention, his dark green eyes burning into hers. But she also remembered how it felt when the attention switched off. As if on cue, Harry’s eyes wandered over to Lara and she quickly looked away, but not before catching the way his long fingers gently moved a strand of hair behind her ear.

The woman looked slightly older than Harry, but the heavy make-up may have been misleading. Her long brown hair fell in waves and she wore a little black dress. Lara could not help but notice Harry pulling her even closer as they shared another kiss before they were joined by a few other friends.

Harry: Having fun yet?

Lara: Looks like you are

Harry: Uh huh

As far as Lara could see, Harry never looked her way but the messages still continued throughout the evening. He knocked back a few drinks and seemed to be in a merry mood as he hung out with his friends, the woman never straying from his side.

Lara kept her phone hidden under her clutch, but it did not take long for Tony to notice that she was preoccupied.

“Are you okay honey?” He asked.

“I’m okay… just a little tired I guess.” Lara said, hoping he would not mention her phone.

“Maybe we should get going soon then.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Tony excused himself to say goodbye to a few co-workers seated at the next couch and Lara found herself looking down at her phone again.

Harry: Wanna dance?

She snuck a look towards Harry who still did not acknowledge her. The woman beside him clung to his arm as though she were trying to get his attention.

Lara: No thank you

Harry: You can bring your Dad if you want

Lara’s head snapped up at the comment and she saw Harry staring directly at her with a small smile on his face. She frowned at him disapprovingly before throwing the phone in her bag and then looking out for Tony. Thankfully he was by her side within seconds and he held out his arm for her to hold. She could hear her phone buzzing again, but refused to acknowledge it. They walked out of the venue thankfully without seeing Harry again and Tony drove her home. The temptation to check her phone grew stronger as they approached the apartment and Tony kissed her good night.

As soon as she walked in and turned on the lights, Lara flopped on the couch and pulled out her phone.

Harry: I’m just kidding. Lighten up.

Lara rolled her eyes. Tony may be slightly older than her, but he was very attractive. Harry had no right to make fun of him. She could have sworn the woman he was with tonight was older than he was, so who was he to talk?

Harry: I was just having a little fun.

Lara could not help but slightly shiver when she read the last message he had sent for the night.

Harry: Maybe what you need is a little excitement in your life too.

Notes

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