The Art of Control

I scrolled through my laptop, going over the interview I had with Harry Styles. I've noticed most of his answers were short and vague and it made the interview seem rushed. Before I could decide on what to do my door opened and my best friend, Declan walked through the door. "You could've knocked" I said chewing on my pen cap.

"I could have, but why would I?" He said placing a take out bag on my dresser and taking off his jacket. "You never told me how your interview went" he said handing me a carton of Chinese take out.

"I don't even know. The questions are too basic and the answers are the same. I need more-I need hard hitting exposé" I said a bit dramatically. Declan rolled his eyes and sat in my wheely chair.

"You can always call back for another interview. I mean, he was so willing to do this one" he said digging into his food.

"Yes, he was, but only because he's giving a speech at the graduation ceremony this year. He's probably not going to be willing to do another interview with a silly college girl" I said huffing, "I'd end up wasting his time"

"You don't know that. Call him. Now" Declan demanded sitting his food down. "It's the only way we'll know if he really gives a shit. If he agrees to do a second interview" he said. I found a hint of truth in Declan's 'speech' Harry styles didn't seem like a douche, but he didn't seem like a bubblegum nice guy.

"I don't have his number, but I have his email" I said sitting my food down and grabbing my laptop "I can email him that way if he says no it will cushion the blow" I said taking a deep breath and typing in his email.

________________________
To: Mr. Styles
From: Reagan Carter

Dear Mr. Styles,

After reading over our interview I found it very unsatisfying. Your answers weren't up to par and neither were my questions. It would be an honor for you to agree to another one.

Reply when you can, Reagan.

___________________________

I sat my laptop down and picked up my carton of food. "Have you found a date to the gala?" Declan asked stuffing his face with shrimp fried rice. I shook my head and shrugged my shoulders as if it weren't such a big deal. I had been busy editing the newspaper and tracking down Harry styles for the last few weeks that I haven't had the time. "Me either" he mumbled. "We should go together" he beamed. I scoffed and rolled my eyes at yet another one of Declan's attempts to ask me out "you don't have a date and neither do I" he said.

"You really suck at trying to be subliminal with your feelings, D. You like me admit it" I said throwing a fortune cookie at him. He chuckled and folded his hands on his lap.

"You like me too, admit it" he smirked. I shook my head and bit my lip. "You're going to give in to me one day Reagan Carter" he laughed rolling around in the chair. My laptop dinged and my eyes widened before I sat my food down and clicked on the new email. "Well, what did he say?" Declan asked walking over to me

__________________________

To: Reagan Carter
From: Harry Styles

Dear Ms. Carter,

I am sorry to inform you that I won't be free for interviews until after the 22nd. I'd be happy to do it then.

My sincere apologies, Harry styles CEO Styles enterprises
__________________________

"Great" I huffed sitting my laptop down "my one chance at an amazing interview and it sucks. It sucks so fucking bad" I groaned rolling around on my bed.

"The issue isn't supposed to come out until after the 22nd anyway. Cool down until then and get your second interview. This time, ask better questions" Declan stated. I threw one of my plush pillows at him and buried my face in my covers.

The next morning consisted of me spending the entire day at David's bridal with my roommate, jasmine. We had been looking for gowns to wear to the gala all weekend and she had the 'brilliant' idea of going to a bridal shop. "What about this one?" I asked holding up a aquamarine dress that passed my ankles. The dress was strapless with diamonds all over the heart shaped neckline.

"I like it, but you'd look much better in red" she smiled grabbing a red, tight mid thigh dress off of the rack. I grabbed it from her and handed her the aquamarine dress "it was just a suggestion Reagan. You don't have to take the dress" she giggled

"I know, but if you're saying I look better in red, then I must look better in red" I shrugged taking the dress towards the fitting rooms. Someone tapped on the door and asked me if I needed assistance, but I told them I was fine and I'd manage perfectly. I slipped the red red dress on and tied my hair into a bun. Looking at myself in the mirror I started to see what jasmine was referring to. I do look better in red.

"Come on out, Reagan. I want to see" jasmine squealed banging on the door. I took a deep breath and opened the door walking over to jasmine. The dress I gave her flowed around her perfectly and hugged her in the right places. Jasmine was bigger than me in......places so I could imagine what that dress would look like on me. "You look-"

"Ms. Carter?" My heart stopped at the familiar raspy voice. I stood wide eyed with my back towards the voice. What the hell is he doing here? "It is a pleasure to see you again" he said walking up behind me in the mirror. My eyes were glued to the expensive grey suit he wore.

"The feeling is mutual sir" I gulped averting my gaze to the ground.

"You look beautiful" he smiled scanning my body. I thanked him quietly and blushed "is that your dress for the gala?" He said. I nodded and looked over at jasmine who didn't dare to hide the antagonizing smirk on her face.

"Harry, mate-fuck" someone shouted from the back of the store.

"It was lovely seeing you again. You as well....miss" he said nodding curtly at jasmine before scurrying off.

"He was flirting you" she gaped pinching my arm. "You look beautiful" she mocked in a deep voice "is that your dress for the gala?" She said in the same mocking tone. He wasn't flirting with me, was he? "He likes you" she observed staring around the store probably looking for Mr. Styles.

"I doubt it" I said turning back to the mirror and straightening out my dress.

+++

I sat in my chair in a far back table, letting my eyes scan over the crowd of people. Some people were dancing, some people were laughing and talking and others were looking like me, bored out of their mind. "May I have this dance?" I turned to the person standing behind me and my jaw dropped as Declan stood there in an all white suit and matching tie.

"You look good" I said standing up and placing my hand in his "okay, who did you borrow the suit from?" I chuckled. He rolled his eyes and walked me to the dance floor.

"My older brother if you must know." He huffed placing a warm hand on my lower back "you look stunning" he smiled spinning me around. I giggled and leaned into him as the slow song continued to play. "I really wish you would've came with me tonight" he hummed pressing a slow kiss to my head.

"Declan, you know how I feel about you" I breathed closing my eyes. For months Declan's been on this impossible mission to win my heart and it's almost sickening. I don't want to yell at Declan, but at the same time I want him to get the hint. "You're like a brother-you've been like a brother. Please understand my feelings for you will remain the same" I said softly. Declan sighed heavily above me and pressed another kiss to my head.

"I understand, Reagan" he said spinning my around. Someone cleared their throat behind us and I froze.

"May I cut in?" I know that voice. Its Harry.

Oh. I think I'm going to pass out. "If you don't mind, of course" he said. I could practically hear the smirk in his voice and my heart plummeted to my stomach. My palms were sweaty and all I could do was stare up at Declan who only stared behind me at the gentleman.

"No, she's all yours" he said before kissing my cheek and shuffling away.

"May I have this dance, Ms. Carter?" He asked pulling me into him. Who am I to refuse Harry Styles of a harmful dance? He is one of the biggest endorsers here. It wouldn't be polite to say no. "You look absolutely breathtaking" he said placing a hand on my back. I took the time to observe him. His hair was gelled back, making his green eyes pop out even in the dim lighting.

"As do you sir" I said nodding. He smiled and spun me around before looking in my eyes.

"I like your hair like this" he said tugging softly on my ponytail.

"Thank you sir" I said softly. "I was hoping I could have my interview after the 22nd? Like the day after? I really want to get this issue out" I said a little antsy. Mr. Styles only chuckled and pulled me harder against him.

"May I ask why you're in such a rush to get this interview out and why it must be perfect?" He asked.

"I really want a career in journalism and you are the wealthiest man in New York. If I got at least one good story on you, I should land any spot I apply for" I said. The song finally changed, but it was another slow one.

"Mmm. Have you thought about working for my company in the publicity department? We'd be lucky to have you" he mused gripping my waist tighter. "You are a very smart, talented and beautiful girl. I'd love to have you working for me" he said smiling slyly. Although there was something behind that smile, I chose to ignore it.

"It would be, it would be amazing" I breathed smiling "I love everything about you sir. I'd love to work for your company" I said nodding my head. I can't believe I was just asked to work for Harry Styles.

"Then it's settled. Come in tomorrow morning for a brief interview and we'll sort things out" he said and suddenly stopped moving "I believe your friend wants you back" he said motioning behind me. I turned to see Declan standing there impatiently. "As always, lovely seeing you Ms. Carter. I want you in my office at 8 am sharp. No excuses" he said walking away.

No excuses.

I rushed to Declan and nearly crashed into him. He caught me, chuckling and shaking his head "I'm assuming he agreed to do the interview early?" He asked. I shook my head, trying to catch my breath and steady myself.

"He offered me a job at his company" I panted "I'm so excited. He probably pays well. I can finally get that new apartment" I smiled brightly. Declan's smile faltered into a small glare and he shook his head.

"I don't like him" he said bluntly "he's all over you and something's up I can see it in his face" Declan hissed "I don't think working for him is a good idea" he said looking around the room. His eye stopped on something or someone and they hardened.

"It's my decision Declan." I snapped. "It's for his publicity department." I explained.

"Why does a business firm have a publicity department?" He asked.

"It could be new" I shrugged. Declan ran his fingers through his hair and shook his head.

"Do what you want Reagan" he said walking away.

"Fine" I shouted, getting the attention of nearby students and staff.

"Fine.”

Notes