We Figured It Out

Sunday afternoon finally arrived and I was beginning to regret accepting the invite to the awards show. I had never been to an event of that proportion and didn't know what to expect. I was placing the backs of my stud earrings, the last touch to my outfit. The light gray dress I chose to wear to the event made me feel like royalty. This was the first time I'd ever worn something this elegant. I couldn't help but smile at myself in the floor length mirror in my walk in closet.

Jackson was very punctual to which I was grateful for. He arrived in a perfectly tailored black suit, his rich brown hair spiked up, his porcelain skin radiating from the clean shaven look. He brought a driver provided by his workplace and off we went towards the arena. The drive wasn't long and being in the presence of Jackson calmed the building nerves I was experiencing before he arrived.

"Will we walk the red carpet?" I asked as I looked out the window. The driver had stopped at the entrance where people were walking the red carpet.
"Yes, it's the only way in. No one's interested in us, though. They're busy with the celebrities." he smirked and I nodded.

When we stepped out of the vehicle, we were rapidly ushered forward after a woman took note of our names. The media photographers were snapping away at perfectly poised women who I assumed to be famous. We started walking along the red carpet where our picture was snapped a few times. Jackson rested his hand lightly at the curve of my hip as our picture was taken.

"I was told our seats would be in the middle section, row J. They will have our names." Jackson stated once inside.

Many women in elegant gowns and men in fashionable suits were going on about trying to find their seats. It all seemed so surreal. I felt a bit starstruck upon seeing some of the famous singers I usually listened to. It was inevitable that I marvel at the sight of them so close and approachable. Of course I didn't approach any of them and instead followed Jackson to our seats.

"This is amazing, Jackson!" I whispered to him once seated at our seats.
"It is! Best job ever, honestly." he said back and out of nowhere I placed my hand on his forearm and squeezed in excitement.

I began to look around in search of other famous people I might recognize. I was not prepared when my eyes met with a set of rather familiar blue ones. There he was standing at the end of the next section with a gorgeous blonde woman. He was wearing a navy blue suit, black rimmed glasses framed his eyes and his hair up in it's usual quiff. He looked different but the same all at once. His once bleached hair was now it's natural brown, his stubble darkening his cheeks and dimpled chin, and those glasses... They went with him all too well. I could tell he was surprised, maybe even annoyed, that I was there. I turned in my seat with one swift motion and faced the stage. I let out a big breath upon realizing I had been holding it in this whole time.

"Are you ok, Zoe?" Jackson asked from the seat beside me, completely unaware of my quickening heartbeat.
"Um, yeah." I answered managing a smile.
"You seem tense. Are you sure?"
"Completely." I assured him hoping to get off the subject when in reality my head was spinning.

I never thought Niall would be here and I suddenly regretted the decision to come. I wasn't prepared for this moment at all. If anything, I figured I'd never see him again. The desire to turn back to look for him was strong but I managed to stay focused on the stage as the awards started. So many questions were floating around in my head. Was that his girlfriend? Was he nominated? What did he think when our eyes met? Is he uncomfortable?

Jackson sat next to me entertained by the musical acts and the lame jokes said by the presenters before announcing nominees. Half the show was done with and I had not paid much attention to most of it. I had worked so hard to move on and seeing him again just made my heart light up as if time and distance never happened.

My heart skipped a beat when the host announced the next nominee presenters. One of them was Niall. I watched as he came out the side of the stage with the same beautiful and voluptuous blonde hanging from his arm. Since I was just another person in the crowd, I took the liberty to really look at him. Soon I realized it was a bad idea as memories started flooding back in with the sound of his thick Irish accent resonating from every inch of the arena.

"Do you want to visit the bar?" Jackson brought me back from the time traveling going on in my head. His time appropriate question made me wonder if he knew what was going on in my head.
"Ok, sure." I agreed as the winner of the category went up to accept his award.

The bar area was full of people drinking and socializing. More famous people were there but I didn't care about that anymore. There was only one person in my mind now. I mentally kicked myself for allowing him to have such an impact on me.

"Here you go." Jackson said while placing a drink in my hand. I thanked him before we moved to an empty table.
"So this is the side of awards shows that we don't see." I stated, sipping my martini lightly.
"Yeah, I kind of like it honestly. It's crazy to be surrounded by so many beautiful people." he smiled and took a large drink from his whiskey on the rocks.
"Says the model looking guy." I teased making him display his pearly whites.
"So you think I'm handsome?" he asked, pointing his drink slightly towards me.
"Ummm, I guess you could say... " I began but was interrupted by that Irish drawl I had once adored so much.
"Zoe... " my name spoken by Niall's unmistakable voice as he reached the side of our table. I looked towards him, my heart at my throat unable to form words. I looked towards Jackson who was bouncing his gaze from me to Niall. "I didn't think I'd see you here." Niall continued and I knew I needed to speak.
"Me neither." was all that came out and I mentally kicked myself.
"Wait, you two know each other?" Jackson asked surprised.
"I'm sorry, mate. Where are my manners? I'm Niall Horan." Niall then extended a friendly hand towards Jackson. My words still were nowhere to be found.
"Jackson Miller. So nice to meet you! I love your whole album." Jackson responded.

I watched as Niall thanked him and Jackson continued to make conversation. I could tell Niall wasn't into the small talk as he drove his hands into the pockets of his pants and leaned on his left foot. His quick glances towards me made me nervous. What was he thinking?

"Maybe I will see you at a show soon, Jackson. Again, so very nice to meet you. Zoe? Could I talk to you for a minute?" Niall's request had my heart ready to beat out of my chest. It's been over a year and a half. Why does he want to talk to me?

Regardless of not being sure if this was a good idea, I nodded and excused myself from Jackson. He seemed confused and I knew he would ask about it later. I quietly followed Niall to the opposite side of the bar. The whole time I spent it thinking about what he was going to say but especially what I was going to say. Niall motioned for me to take a seat. This area was much more quiet than where I was with Jackson.

"Sorry for taking you away from your boyfriend. I just wanted a quick catch up." Niall started as soon as we both sat. A small smirk formed on my lips. He thought Jackson was my boyfriend, ha! I debated whether to clear it up or let him believe it.
"Oh, it's fine he won't mind." I responded and felt a bit amused at the sight of his jaw clenching. "I don't know if I can say the same about that blonde you presented with, though." I stated smiling sweetly.
"I'm sure she won't mind either." he retorted and I suddenly felt my comment bite back as my smile faded and a pang jealousy rushed through me.
"Well, just in case, we should hurry up here." I snapped unintentionally which made Niall press his lips tightly together.
"I just wanted to know how you've been. It's been so long and we lost touch..." I wasn't sure what to expect from him but I surely didn't expect him to treat this like we were just friends who lost touch.
"I've been fine. Finally finished my Master's program. Still working at BBC." I recapped my uneventful life before letting out a small laugh and continuing, "I never thought I'd make London my home." a slight smile remained on my lips as I looked towards the floor.
"London is a good place to call home." Niall stated looking intently at me.
"Well, L.A must be better... " I said raising my eyebrows.
"It's not. That's why I'm moving back to London full time." Niall said then watched carefully my reaction. I tried to keep my poker face on before responding.
"Oh? That's nice." is all I managed to say. Internally, my heart was doing somersaults.
"Zoe, we should go back to our seats." I heard Jackson say from behind me.

I didn't mean to be rude and leave him alone, but I completely forgot about him. As much as I wanted to fool myself, Niall being here now made me get the same butterflies I did back then. That was no excuse for abandoning Jackson so I promptly excused myself from Niall who looked like he wasn't finished catching up and followed him back to our seats.

"How do you know Niall Horan?" Jackson asked as soon as we were back in our seats.
"Long story but I hadn't talked to him in like a year. He just wanted to catch up." I answered unwilling to give out the details.
"I see... " was all Jackson said before focusing his attention on the next musical act.

The night seemed to drag on for me. Much to my dismay, I didn't catch another glimpse of Niall the rest of my time there. I felt disappointed but tried to hide it for Jackson's sake. After the awards show he wanted to hit one of the after parties but I politely declined and called myself a cab. I just wanted to be in the comfort of my own home again where I could sort through tonight's events.

Notes

!!!
So, Niall is back in the picture! I think this guy has some serious explaining to do, don't y'all think?! Where does everyone think this is going? Will Niall and Zoe reunite soon? Especially now that Niall is moving back to London? Again, what does everyone think about the Jackson character? So much planned for this story and this is just the beginning!

I have chapter 3 written down. If y'all get to 10 subs, I will post it tomorrow! I'm sorry, I don't really like the "bribing" route for my readers but WTAC was such a success, I just want the same for WFIO. It won't always be like this once I see people are joining us over here but in the mean time, subscribing does wonders for my motivation to post! :)