Foreign Affair ›› n.h. mature

Fifty-Eight

Olivia Allen

"You ready to go watch some tennis?" Niall popped through the door bouncing on the balls of his feet.

"I think," I mumbled distractedly as I stared in the mirror at the third outfit I've tried on. It's not that I'm not ready for tennis, it's that Niall and I are going out in public.

"You look great, now let's go!"

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"No. But it's got to happen eventually," he said with a shrug.

"Well that's reassuring. Thanks," I said with thick sarcasm.

"What? I'm only being honest."

"Have you talked to your management people? Are you sure you won't be given hell from them over this?"

"They weren't super happy. Mostly because of how we left things with them last time we visited. But I said if Liam can date Sophia openly, I don't see why we can't."

"That's a good point," I said. "As long as they can't legally do anything."

"Oh don't underestimate them. They can probably legally do something. But we technically have their approval."

"I don't understand how they can have a say. I would honestly like to read your contract."

He laughed at me. "I don't doubt that! Let's just get going."

I took one last look in the mirror, smoothing out my white dress and fixing my jewelry.

I was trying to look plain. My jewelry is simple and my dress is modest. Even though it's slightly form fitting and sleeveless, the neckline isn't revealing and it's not too short.

In the hall we ran into Cal again and he had someone with him.

"Liv, you met Cal, right?"

"Yes, we did meet!"

"Yep," Cal agreed. "But I have my nephew here with me today for you guys to meet. He lives in New York City so he's just hanging out while we're here if that's cool?"

"Yeah definitely," Niall welcomed him and made introductions and everything. Cal's nephew's name is Jason and he has dark brown hair and brown eyes. He looks about our age. We didn't stay and chat long so we could get to the tournament.

I was kind of shaking during the car ride over.

"Honey," Niall said. He steadied my fidgety legs with his hand on my thigh. "It's going to be fine."

"I know. It just won't be the same again."

"It might be better though."

"True." I smiled up at this sweet boy of mine.

"We can go out at any time of the day and not hide."

"We're here," the driver called from the front seat.

"Thanks, man." Niall tipped him and helped me out of the car. We were as close to the entrance as you can drive.

It wasn't immediate chaos. Most people who attend the U.S. Open are middle aged and up. But there are some families with kids and there are some groups of friends in their twenties. I heard a low murmur around us as a few people started to recognize Niall.

We got inside and someone ushered us to our seats. They were center court, only a few rows up. Clearly Niall is a VIP. They were treating him better than the average viewer.

"I'm gonna grab a beer. You want one?"

"Yes, please."

Niall left and I scanned the crowd to see if anyone has noticed him. People certainly have.