Underneath

I’m rescued from the depths by Mia who drags me out for a milkshake. “You look like shit,” she starts helpfully. “dumped you did he?” she finishes cruelly, taking a deep suck of her shake. “We were never even going out!” I croak, catching sight of myself in the window. (I do look terrible) “He’s got a girlfriend anyway,” I mumble. “yeah you!” says Mia holding up her phone.

I snatch it off her to look. Its a pap picture of us that first night, luckily, it doesn’t catch my face, but I recognise myself. “Well, whatever it was, its over with now, “ I say miserably. “what happened? asks Mia. “I kicked over his planter,” I answer, still horrified by the memory.
“You really are a total looser!, laughs Mia. “You had the hottest guy on the planet and blow it by attacking his pot plants!” Suddenly, I burst into tears, causing a few people to look over with mild boredom.

Mia softens. “Look, its probably for the best, he’s a naughty boy, bound to break your heart eventually.” She absolutely right of course but…I just wish I’d have had more time with him. “Hmmm…” she starts, eyeing me suspiciously. “This probably isn’t a good idea, but I know where he’ll be tonight.” smiles Mia, “and I’ve got tickets!…

…Mia really is a miracle worker! Her dads in the entertainment industry and she secretly RSVP’s to things in his name and swipes the tickets for us! We get ready in a flurry of anticipation. Mia lends me one of her dresses and..this time, the underwear to go with it! The usual lies are told to parents and off we go.

Somehow this seems easier than calling or texting him. Turning up at his place would be creepy and I’m hardly likely to run into the guy at Tescos! Whatever, he’ll know its a set up and I'm already sick with anxiety and excitement.

We spend a good 45 minutes circling every room in the place, but don’t see him. Every flurry of camera flashes sets my heart pounding… but its never him. “Looks like he’s not coming,” says Mia, genuinely sad for me. “Never mind, lets get pissed instead hey?” she says and heads off to score some drinks. As soon as she’s gone, I sense a tall man loom in behind me. “You owe me fifty quid by the way.” says a male voice I recognise.

I swing round to see him standing right there. I’m stunned for a moment, I forget how beautiful he is in the flesh. Every conversation I have with him, I start out winded and gasping for air! “I left my wallet in my other pants,” I say smoothing my dress...but, this time, he doesn’t smile.

“Oh, what for?” I ask, seeing he’s serious. “The neighbours planter you smashed on your way out the other day.” he says, leaning in so we're not overheard. Neighbours? “but I thought that was yours?” I ask, guilt rising. “Why would it be mine? its on the ground floor?”

He thinks I’m mental, I can tell. “How’s your friend?” I ask, trying to redeem myself. “She’s feeling much better thanks,” he says finally looking me in the eye. “and she’s not my girlfriend!” he adds forcefully. “I’m allowed to have female friends without everyone assuming I’m sleeping with them!”

A drink gets pressed into my hand by Mia, who instantly evaporates. I seriously love that girl! I take a huge gulp, eyeing him covertly, something bubbling under the surface. “Can we go outside?” I ask, trying to be upbeat. He doesn’t answer, just puts his hand to my waist and guides me outside.

If anything, its even prettier than our first moonlit garden. The fresh air gives me a boost. “I’m sorry for going ape like that,” I say, blushing furiously. “I haven’t been out with…er…spent time with a celeb before and, dunno, it made me go a bit silly.” He listens, judgement oozing from every pore. “Actually no, that bullshit,” I admit, “I was feeling weird about loosing my virginity and well…er…no thats not it either.” I daren’t look at him, but I sense the smile returning. “so well…I just, sort of…er like you and, well…I got jealous and I’m stupid aaannd…I’m sorry and I’ll pay you back.” I ramble to a finish, my mouth dry as a bone.

A long pause hangs between us…then, “I must say I’m a bit disappointed,” he says (Oh fuck!) “I see you’re wearing underwear tonight.” he adds cheekily. I look up into my beaming lighthouse again. “Do you want to get out of here?…

…I end up taking him back to my place. Mainly because everyone is at Grandmas place tonight and a little bit because Mias heels are killing me.

He walks round the kitchen looking at our family photos. Its totally bizarre to have him in my house. Suddenly he seems taller, otherworldly, like an exotic bird, lost in a strange new world of dull lino and DIY kitchens. “Come on,” I say and pull him to my room. He grins at my single bed, photos of my friends, 'best sister in the world' poster my brother bought me for christmas.

I gratefully pull the shoes off and slip into the bathroom to get out the dress and into jeans. When I come back in he’s wearing a plastic tiara. “Hey bitch!” I say, as I grab the tiara off his head. “Don’t mess with a girls bling!” Harry smiles and pulls me in for a first delicious kiss. My stomach scrunches up and a bolt of static runs through me.

He pulls me to the bed, testing it with his knee. “So whats the suspension like on this thing?” he grins…

Notes