"Good morning ms. Slate!" Katrina cheerfully greeted as I walked through the office doors.

"Morning." I waved.

"Ok so you have a decent amount of messages. Three from Vogue. One from corporate. One from OK! One from Cosmopolitan." She seemed more cheerful than ever.

She went on to read off the messages and to be honest I wasn't even listening. Everyone in the building was tiptoeing around me being extra cheerful and it bugged the hell out of me. I've snapped at people who didn't even deserve it. It's been a week since the trip to Milan and I still feel agitated. I've only spoken to Liam to make sure he had all the dates for the wedding. He told me that Grace and Louis talk everyday and FaceTime every chance they get. Niall and Bridgette seem to be enjoying whatever it is they are. Every time I see her she has this glow about her. Zayn and I haven't spoken since that morning I walked off, Liam said he's been off since then...but Zayn and I both haven't tried to reach each other. Maybe he was mad at me. Or maybe glad we didn't have the romp in the bedroom that we were suppose to have. Either way, we left on an awkward note. Harry...has called nonstop since Grace and I left. I didn't know what to say, I mean I remember most of what I told him that night at the bar but not the exact words. Honestly? What's left to say? Liam had said that Harry had been extra...harsh lately, on everyone. He's usually the more laid back one but he is very vocal about his opinions at work. I plopped everything in my hands on the desk and sat in my chair logging on to the computer. Katrina had followed me into my office still relaying the messages.

"One from Grant. Two from your dad. And...Twenty-two from Mr. Styles." She pursed her lips.

Like I said. Nonstop.

"Just go ahead and leave it on my desk. I'll get back to them today." I sighed. "Oh and if it's not important then don't forward my calls please."

"Of course." She nodded. "Would you like me to get you anything?"

"Coffee. Cream, no sugar please." I glanced back and forth between her and the computer screen.

"Right away." She chirped and turned for the door.

"Wait!" I yelled.

"Yes Ms. Slate?" Her smile was so genuine. Katrina has been with me since I opened my business. Never complained once. Always on time and stays late without asking. I couldn't ask for a better receptionist.

"When was the last time you took time off?" I leaned back in my chair so she had my full attention.

"Uhm..." Her eyes rolled around the from trying to remember. " I believe when I had pneumonia. I took a couple days off."

"Ok" I nodded. "You're going on a vacation." Her eyes widened. "Two weeks, wherever you want. Pick the dates and let Grace know ok?"

"Ms. Slate I..." For once she had no words.

"Not up for discussion Katrina. You deserve a break." I couldn't have been more honest, she is a very hard worker.

"Thank you Ms. Slate! Thank you so much!" Her smile couldn't have been any wider.

"No problem, now go figure out when and where you're going." I shooed her out of the office. She pranced out of the office repeating her 'thank you's'. At least I made someone happy.

------------

As I finished up calling everyone back I glanced at the stack of message slips. The ones from Harry. I leaned back in my chair and propped my feet on the desk. My mind of course couldn't be cleared no matter how much I tried to calm my thoughts. I should call him back. No, no I shouldn't. Yes! He's called several times, don't be rude. No I have all the right to be. Just listen to what he has to say. "Ugh!!!" I groaned. Being at war with yourself is unbelievably exhausting. Maybe I should call Zayn. Hopefully it isn't awkward. I picked up my phone and searched for his number. As it dialed I felt nervous. Nervous about him possibly being mad at me. Nervous that he won't pick up. Nervous that...

"Hello?" A woman's voice chimed.

"Uh, hi?" I hesitated. "I think I may have the wrong number."

"Who are you calling for?" Her accent thick like Zayns.

"Zayn?" I came out more like a question.

"Oh no dear" she giggled. "You have the right number. May I ask who's calling? The caller ID said Sweets?"

"Ah yeah...This is Alana. And no no it's ok, I can call later if he's busy." I tried to rush off the phone.

"Nonsense, hold on. Babe! You have a phone call!" She yelled to Zayn. Wait. Babe? Fuck. This is why he hasn't called. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!

"You know what, it's fine I actually have to take another call. I'll try again later, thank you." My foot frantically tapped on the ground.

"Wait wait here he is." She rushed her words. "Stella love, who are you talking to?" Zayns voice came into ear shot.

Stella? Stella!? The same Stella who was the equivalent to Dean? The same Stella who cheated on him? The same Stella who broke his fucking heart?! She's calling him babe, he's calling her love! This is complete bullshit.

"Alana called for you darling." Her voice was smooth as silk.

No, no, no! I'm not doing...whatever this is. If he wants to be with her then by all means, go for it. I hung up before I could hear him respond. Why does this always seem to happen. As much as I want to throw myself a pity party, I can't be a hypocrite. Yes I'm irritated and yes I'm pissed off that he went back to her but, I was pretty much throwing myself at Harry that night at the bar. So if anything, I set myself up for complete and utter failure in the love and romance department. Own it Alana, just...own it. My phone began ringing and to my surprise, Liam was calling. I let out a sigh of relief.

"You have no idea how much I need you in my life at this very moment." I groaned.

"Well if that's the case, I'll be on the next flight out." He laughed.

"What's wrong?" "Oh ya know, the usual. Busy with work, wedding stuff and I just found out that Zayn is back with Stella." Sarcasm laced each word.

"What?!" Liam screamed in the phone so loud that I dropped it on the floor. He was yelling so loud that I could hear him crystal clear.

"Liam." I said.

"That idiot! I can't believe everything she put him through and he takes her back!" He didn't even pause.

"Liam." I said a little louder

"She's conniving, she's the snake in the grass! I don't know what is wrong with him!" He was gone in a rant.

"Liam!" I raised my voice. "It's cool, it's whatever. He's a grown man and can make his own decisions."

"Alana I'm so sorry, I didn't even know. He's a bloody idiot. I have no clue what's wrong with him, he's got to be completely mental to be with her again." He huffed in frustration.

"Liam, like I said...it's cool. No biggie. Onto the next as they say." I sighed. "Besides the wedding is almost here and I honestly can't wait to see you."

"Do you still want him there?" He asked.

"Who?"

"Zayn, well and Harry." He was carefully saying the last name.

"It's not my wedding, Grant invited them. He'll be bummed if they don't come to be honest." I pursed my lips and the thought of how close Grant got with them.

"If you don't want them there I'll make sure they don't come along." He suggested.

"No it's fine. It's Grant and Jens big day so all eyes will be on them."

"Alright if you say so." He didn't buy anything I was saying but most likely didn't want to push the matter any further.

We kept the conversation pretty short, I actually had to be at the salon soon for a client. Somehow Bridgette's receptionist double booked her, and let me say I'll be surprised if the receptionist still has a job tomorrow. Usually I would understand a few slip ups but with Bridgette's new product line selling through the roof and A-List celebrities knocking at your door you need to be at the top of your game. I was walking out the door when my phone rang. It was Liam. We just got off the phone, wonder what he forgot.

"I know you miss me and all but we just hung up silly." I giggled.

"I do miss you." My mouth dropped. I checked the caller I.D. Just to make sure I read it correctly. Yup it's Liam's phone.

"Alana?" The voice rang familiarity in my head. But why call from Liam's phone?

"Alana True Slate..." Now, there are only a few people who use my full government name. None of them make it sound this good.

"Yes, Harry?"

---

LIAMS POV


I've tried my best to not knock Zayn across the head about getting back with Stella. Funny thing is that he hasn't mentioned her to any of us, not even Louis. I mean, how and why the hell would he? There aren't too many people on my shit list but Stella? She's top five if not number one. Harry has been a little bipolar. He's happy one minute, but when Zayn is around he pretty much an arse. I'm guessing Alana told him about Stella. I suppose he's just angry that he did that to Alana, I don't blame him but at work we need to stay professional. Before we knew it, it was time to leave for the wedding. The lads and I boarded the jet and got settled in. When I spoke to Alana she said to pack shorts, tank tops, swimming trunks and sun block. She insisted on SPF 4,000 since I was in her words 'really white'. Little devil, not everyone can have a natural sun kissed glow.

"You excited to see Bridgette mate?" I asked Niall.

"You have no idea." He smiled.

"How are things between you two?"

"Great, I mean...she's..."

"Are you blushing!?" Louis teased and we all laughed.

"Yeah yeah." Niall shook his head. "She's amazing."

"That's good, I'm happy for you two." I patted his shoulder.

"How's Alana?" Niall asked.

"Good! Her and the rest of the family got there a couple of days ago." I informed the group. "I believe Grant is picking is up from the airport."

The lads all nodded but Zayn seemed to be hanging on my every word. During the flight Niall and Harry slept, Louis was watching a movie, I was reading and Zayn doodled in his notebook. I figured this would be a good time to speak to Zayn.

"What's going on mate?" I said sitting across from him.

"Nothing really." He shrugged.

"You sure? You look like your mind is going a million miles a second." I raised a brow. He let out a sigh.

"Let's just say someone is back in my life. Times two." He put up two fingers. Times two? Stella and who else?

"What?" I asked.

"I'm sure Alana told you about Stella." His voice monotone. I stayed quiet not wanting to out Alana. "Well technically we're not together but we kind of are." He sounded confused himself.

"There's no such thing Zayn. Either you are together or you aren't."

"I just...I have to." He mumbled.

"No you don't!" I spat. "Why are you with her Zayn? She's bad news!"

"You don't understand Liam. I have to be."

"What's there to understand?" I countered. Honestly, this makes no fucking sense.

"She's pregnant!"

Oh shit.


----------


"Glad you guys got here safe." Grant cheerfully said driving back to the resort.

"Us too!" Louis matched his cheerful mood.

"So most of the guests are doing their own thing right now. But the wedding party is all at the beach, intense volleyball game going on." He smiled.

"Volleyball huh?" Niall asked.

"Yeah, you'll see when we get there." Grant grinned. "Thanks for coming though, it really means a lot to me." The lads and I spoke at the same time, "No problem- of course!- thanks for inviting us." We dropped off our things in out rooms and headed to the beach after we changed. As we walked on the sand we heard people cheering and yelling.

"Woah..." Louis mouth dropped.

There were three guys who looked like giants, like some body builders. All three were covered in tattoos. Full sleeve and chest pieces. All three had hair longer than most women I know.

"Oh don't worry those guys are just big teddy bears." Grant looked on at the game being played. "Damn they're still playing?!"

"Is this the intense game you were talking about?" Niall asked.

"Yup, almost two hours now." Grant smiled and was greeted by Jen.

"Ahh! Here's the glowing bride to be!" I announced.

"Hey guys!" She smiled and hugged each of us. "Thank you so much for coming!"

"So who's winning?" Grant asked Jen wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Tied at the moment, but you know how the boys get especially with Alana." She giggled.

"What boys?" Harry asked and Jen point and the body builders.

"Those are not boys." Zayn snorted, Louis elbowed him and Zayn raised his hands in defense. "What?" He whispered.

"No worries." Grant laughed. "That's Harley in the red shorts, Jacob in the black shorts and Tui (two-e) in white shorts."

"Tui?" Niall questioned. "Don't mean to be rude but what kind of name is Tui?"

"They're Samoan, you should see their license they had to use extra small print to fit their whole name." Jen said.

"Ah! That explains it." I said. "They're pretty solid."

"If you think they are solid you should see their uncles. Now those are some solid guys." Grant pat his stomach hinting they were on the heavier side. We began walking closer to the group when out of nowhere Niall got tackled. When we turned around to help him but stopped immediately when we saw who it was. Bridgette.

"I missed you so much!" She squeezed him and buried her face in his neck.

"I've missed you too love." Niall loving held her. They stood so Bridgette could say hello to the rest of us although Niall kept a hand on her back throughout all of the hugs.

"Ok ok that's enough." Niall swung her around. "Come here babe." Bridgette gladly obliged.

"Oh my gosh you guys are missing the game!" Bridgette pulled Niall towards the group. "It's really close, Harley and Jacob are down one but I honestly think it could be anyone's game." She said as she walked hand in hand with Niall.

"What about...uh Tui?" Louis asked.

"Oh him and Alana are a team. See?" Bridgette pointed over at the three brothers and this figure of a woman. She was smiling and being ridiculously silly. Making faces at the other brothers and talking smack. Hi-fiving Tui and doing some kind of shouting thing along with speaking in a language that I didn't understand.

"What was that they just did?" I asked Grant.

"I think it would be easier to tell you the story." I nodded for him to go ahead. "Our grandfathers were in the Marine Corps together and as the story has been told to me, my grandfather saved Li'i, their grandfather, during an ambush. They became the best of friends, ever since then he was in our lives. Our families practically grew up together. We always called each other siblings and their parents were like second parents to us. Alana and I are actually fluent in Samoan because of Li'i." He proudly grinned.

I looked back over towards the brothers and Alana and saw how genuinely happy she was. She was playfully pushing and bantering with Jacob. She looked quite small next to them which made it hilarious when she would have to literally look up and yell back.

"You're full of shit Jacob! You hit the net!" Alana yelled.

"No I didn't you're just blind sis!" He roared in laughter. Alana began speaking Samoan and it left Grant and the other two brothers into a fit of laughter.

"What did she say?" Jen asked.

"If he would stop being a fat ass and exercise then he would be able to jump high enough to hit the ball over the net." He said covering his face. "It's funny because he use to always call Alana fat and they would always fight about who was bigger."

"Then they definitely have a normal brother/sister relationship." Jen said.

We took a seat under the umbrellas and watched the last of the game. Alana didn't even notice that we had arrived, she was lost in the game with her brothers. I didn't expect her to be horrible at volleyball, she was very good to be honest. I knew she was athletic but she was also quick and if you've ever played volleyball in sand you'll understand that it's much more difficult. She and Tui moved effortlessly in sync.

"I take it she's closest with him?" I asked Grant nodding towards Tui.

"Yeah those two are like ying and yang, ever since they were little." He smiled.

"Aww is Liam scared he's going to be replaced?" Bridgette teased.

"Brother." I pointed at Tui. "Best friend." I pointed at myself.

"Sir, I'm going to need you to correct that last part. You are her GUY bestie. I am THEE bestie." She grinned.

"Yeah yeah whatever you say." I rolled my eyes and laughed. Alana definitely was rubbing off on me. I don't know anyone who rolls their eyes more than her.

"Next point wins!" Tui yelled out.

Alana jump served and it was hit hard. All you saw was the ball being assaulted by the four players. Jacob would spike and Tui would dive for it. Alana would spike and Harley would dive for it. Back and forth for almost five minutes. Grunting, yelling, name calling and sand being kicked up everywhere. Finally Jacob set the ball for Harley and it was perfect, he hit the ball with so much force the sound alone made Jen flinch. Alana dove face first to dig the ball, Tui bumped it high enough for Alana to stand back up and set for the spike. She ran and jumped to meet the ball, she did a full wind up and smacked the ball right into Jacobs face. Jacobs hand moved to bump it but the spin of the ball caused it to go out of bounds.

"And that's game!" Grant stood clapping for his siblings.

Alana leaped into Tui's arms celebrating their well deserved win while Harley collapsed on the sand out of breath. Grant hugged Jacob and said something in his ear and Jacob smiled and glanced our way. The five of them made their way over to us, Jen and Bridgette tossed them some water bottles. We all stood for the introduction, Alana set her eyes on me and pulled me into a hug.

"So glad you're finally here!" She said trying to steady he breathing.

"Me too! That was some game." I squeezed her tightly.

"I know, tell me about it."

She moved on to say hi to the rest of the lads. Niall was first, the Louis and then there was Zayn. She didn't even flinch when she hugged him. A few days ago she was clearly distraught finding out about Stella, but now it's as if nothing happened. I knew she and Harry smoothed things over so their hug was expected.

"Ok so these are my are my knuckle head brothers." She walked back towards the three. "This is Harley, Jacob and Tui. And this is Liam, Niall, Louis, Zayn and Harry." We exchanged Hellos and shook hands.

"We've heard a lot about you Liam, looks like Alana found herself another brother." Jacob said grinning.

"Hopefully it was all good things." I chuckled.

We all carried on with conversations about what to do tonight. The rehearsal dinner was tomorrow so everyone was free tonight. Harley, Louis and Niall had many similarities and got on real well. Jacob and and Zayn fell into a conversation about tattoos. The rest of us just spoke about the nights festivities. Tui would occasionally talk to Alana in Samoan and glance at each of us and Alana would respond. I couldn't help but wonder what they were saying. When we walked back towards the resort Alana was walking with Louis talking about a surprise that she has for him, and of course Louis being Louis, he was giddy as soon as she mentioned it. The brothers were all in the front of the group but stopped when we reached the lobby.

"I think the boys need to get to know each other don't you think?" Jen asked Grant.

"Yeah, we'll grab some drinks at the bar. You girls...go do what girls do." He shooed his bride to be off. Jen just rolled her eyes and started walking towards the elevator pulling Bridgette away from Niall. Alana stood there with a suspicious look on her face.

"Be nice." Her tone serious.

"I'm always nice!" Jacob frowned.

"I was talking to Tui."

"Always" Tui grinned at her.

Now from what I've gathered, Alana and Tui are close. If she had to tell him to be nice then what does that mean? Grant is pretty laid back, but Tui? He could smash all our faces in. Starting with Zayn and Harry. Alana eventually went up to the room with the girls and we went over to the bar and found a table big enough to fit all of us. We ordered our drinks but when we tried to pay for the round the waitress declined and said it's on a tab.

"Oi! Who started the tab?" Niall asked.

"It's on me bro." Tui raised his beer. "Manuia!"

The lads and I exchanged blank stares.

"It's like the Samoan way of saying cheers." Harley spoke.

"Thanks mate, you didn't have to." Niall said.

"Yeah I did." Tui took a big gulp from his beer. "Me and the boys weren't there with you guys in Vegas." He looked at each of us. "It's just a small kine thank you for what you guys did for our sister." The brothers glanced at each other. Grant even turned serious in the moment.

"Don't even worry about it mate." I said.

"No, you need to understand that we are beyond grateful that you guys were there. Grant told us what happened, and Alana told us her side." Tui then looked directly at me. "That cunt better count his blessings that we weren't there, I'd snap the neck of anyone who hurt our baby sister." His last words were cold as ice.

I've always understood the role of an older sibling especially being an older brother. You're suppose to protect and defend your younger siblings at all costs. Yes Grant was there to defend her and he did pack a few punches but had these there been there it would have been a different story. Their size alone would scare anyone, and Dean would most likely shit himself. They could easily knock him into next year but Tui? I'm sure if given the chance he would have killed Dean. No doubt in my mind.

"But on a happier note, that dick head left with a bloody face, we made some new friends and congrats to our brother Grant who's about to tie the knot!" Jacob spoke up raising his beer. We all raised our drinks to Jacobs impromptu toast.

"Manuia!" Louis cheered and we all laughed at his attempt at the new language, but the brothers praised him for his efforts.

I've got to say, Grant was truthful about them. As soon as they had a couple beers they really opened up and were hilarious. Harley was the goofy one, with all his jokes and pranks he played on the people around us. Jacob was the musically inclined one, he got one of the ukuleles out of nowhere and sang songs. Tui was definitely the ladies man, women would pass by and their eyes would linger a little longer on him.

"You better watch out before Alana beats up another one!" Harley warned grinning mischievously at his brother.

"Another one?" Harry asked which led to Jacob, Harley and Grant to roar in laughter and Tui to shake his head.

"Yeah! She..." Harley tried to control his laughter.

"Ufa! Shut up!" Tui yelled at him, but it only made them laugh harder.

"This aikae brought home this one girl right?" Grant said stifling his laughter. "We were all in the backyard swimming in the pool and Alana goes in to get a drink. So you could imagine the look on the girls face when she sees Alana walk in with a two piece." Grant is laughing so hard his eyes are filled with tears. "The girl goes off on Alana about being in the house looking like that. The next thing we hear is yelling, things banging and hitting the floor and then the sliding door opens and out comes Alana dragging the girl by here hair." Tui even joined in on the laughing. "She's says 'What did mom tell you about bringing trash to the house!'"

We all let out loud laughs and it caused everyone in the bar to stare at us.

"She's so mean, one time she beat the shit out of this girl at her softball game because she called her teammate fat." Jacob chuckled and shook his head.

"Yeah I've been on the receiving end of one of her punches." Zayn sighed and the rest of us nodded but the brothers looked confused. "When were trying to break her away from that fucker by the pool, she accidentally hit me in my chest, that shit hurt." He laughed reliving the bruise he had.

We shared stories about everything, from childhood memories to more recent events. The waitress interrupted is by placing a tray of shots, we all grabbed a glass and raised it up.

"Here's to our newly found British" Harley stopped and looked at Niall. "And Irish brothers!"

"Manuia!" We all shouted in unison. We were all feeling pretty good at this point. Everyone was talking, laughing or in Jacobs case, singing. I noticed Tui leaning over saying something to Harry. He nodded and they stood up and walked out. A side of me thought nothing of it, but a side also worried about what was to come of this. Tui wanted to speak to Harry alone and I figured it was about Alana. If there was ever a time to pray it was now, to pray that Tui doesn't snap any necks.

Notes

Hey hey hey!

So what do you guys think about the chapters? Keep letting me know :) you guys have been amazing with your feedback. Very blunt lol but either way I love it. On an even better note, I am now officially a Licensed Cosmetologist!!! YAYYYY!!!! For that I have to thank my *Watermelón for keeping me same during and after school. Not to mention she's the reason I fell in love with 1D ;) . Speaking of friends, if you're looking for another amazing read check out my friend NessaLovesA and her story Just a weekend? I guarantee you'll love it!

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