Cake By The Ocean: Six.
It was two o’clock in the morning and Niall Horan was done. His feet hurt, his phone died, and if he had to hear his best friend ask another stranger to step back he was going to lose it. All he wanted to do was head back to the house and crawl into bed. He didn’t want to take any more pictures. He didn’t want to listen to people praising him for the album he had put out. He wanted to go home and check on his girlfriend. The look of terror on her face when they were ripped apart by people who claimed to love him wasn’t going to leave his memory any time soon. That is the exact reason why he wanted to wait to tell the world. He wasn’t ready to face moments like that. There were sure to be more as time grew on. Keeping her safe was his main priority but he didn’t know how successful he would be at doing so if nights like the one they had just experienced continued to happen.
When the last group of people got their photographs, Niall turned towards his best friend and let out a deep sigh. He didn’t need to explain its significance. David already knew what it meant. Without hesitation, the two men made their way back to the house. David knew he needed to give his friend a pep talk but he didn’t know what to say. He didn’t know what was waiting for them when they got home. He didn’t know if anyone had gotten hurt or if the plan had gone smoothly or if anything out of the ordinary had taken place. All he was concerned with was the fact that he kept Niall alive. His job was done.
David sent a message to Keith as the house came into view. He didn’t have a key and was worried about waking the rest of the house up. The lad from Essex was waiting in the driveway with two cold beers in his hands.
“No one’s asleep yet — well no one important that is,” Keith said handing the beer to his friends. “Figured you lads could use a cold one.”
“God bless you, Keith Miller,” Dave said pressing the bottle to his lips.
“The girls?” Niall asked as they headed for the front door.
“Safe and sound,” Keith said. “Ferg and Jens were ready to draw blood but I got ‘em back safe.”
“And the missus?” Dave asked.
“Jamie was in charge but she’s fine. Looks right pissed though.” Keith said with a shrug.
“Shit.” Dave sighed. “She talk to Fergie yet?”
“No, she hasn’t,” Keith said. “Bit surprising if you ask me.”
Dave shut his eyes taking a long swig of his drink. He knew they were in for a hell of a night. Georgina and Brittany hadn’t had a major blowout since they were teens. Whenever they did, it always started with the silent treatment and Brittany was usually the one to initiate it.
“Leave Ferg be until I’ve talked to her, yeah?” Dave said glancing at Niall.
“But —“ The younger man said with a desperate look on his face.
“I know what you need to do but for the sanity of everyone, I need to speak to her first,” Dave said with a serious look on his face. “Trust me.”
The trio headed inside the house. Keith led them into the living room where the rest of the friends were hanging out. Maggie and Jenna were clutching wine glasses as they sat on the floor filling the room with endless chatter. Jamie sat on the chair above them running his fingers through his fiancée’s hair. Brittany was sprawled across the couch with her eyes shut while Georgina sat across from her, anxiously awaiting the boys’ arrival.
“Boys are here,” Keith said walking into the room. He scooped up his beer from the coffee table and plopped down on the couch by Brittany’s feet.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned towards the doorway. David sent a sheepish smile towards the woman on the couch. Brittany hopped up and lept into her boyfriend’s arms. A sweet reunion was shared between the two.
Ignoring David’s warning, Niall made his way toward Georgina. Everything went out the window. Nothing else mattered but her. She stood up slowly as he pulled her in close. He cupped her cheeks and pressed his lips to hers. Three little words were repeated over and over and over. Her heart was caught in her throat as he peppered her lips with his own. Sweet nothings were whispered as he held her close.
“Please tell me you’re okay.” He said softly.
“I’m fine. I’m fine.” She asked. “Are you?”
“Better now.” He said. “I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry.”
“You let go.” She said.
“One second you were there and the next you were being dragged away,” Niall said.
“Your plan was shit, Horan.” She said with a dirty look.
Niall leaned in and placed a deep kiss on her lips. He didn’t care that she was mad at him. All he cared about was the fact that she was safe. His thumb graced her cheek as she placed a hand on his chest.
“Holy shit!” Maggie gasped.
Georgina pulled away quickly. Niall’s entire life flashed before his eyes. He was suddenly hyper-aware of the fact that he had just blown their cover. He didn’t know what was about to take place. Whether it was at the hand of his girlfriend or the hands of his friends, he was done for. His future hung in the balance.
He looked up at her. “I’m so fucking sorry.”
She shook her head and stepped away.
“Did that just—“ Margaret started to say but froze as she watched Brittany move away from David. She was like an animal stalking its prey.
David attempted to prevent her from moving but his girlfriend was too quick. She was already on her way over to where Georgina and Niall stood.
Brittany’s eyes stayed focused on her best friend. She couldn’t believe it. They really were together. She wanted to be happy but anger was the only thing surging through her veins. It was in that moment that Georgina Ferguson wished she was anywhere but there.
“How long?” Britt asked.
Niall stepped in anxiously. “Now Brittany…”
“No, I want to hear her say it.” She said crossing her arms across her chest. “How long, Georgina?”
Georgina’s head hung in shame. “Since Aruba.”
Audible gasps could be heard around the room as their friends watched on in shock. Although they wanted them to get together, no one ever thought Fergie and Niall ever would.
“Georgina,” Brittany said. Her name had never sounded so cold.
Georgina looked up finally meeting Brittany’s eyes. Her best friend was hurt and it was all her fault. She opened her mouth to defend her actions but Brittany wasn’t having it. She shook her head in disgust.
“You know, I’d expect this from Tally or Jemima. Maybe even Sophie,” Brittany said. “But I’d never expect this from you.”
“Britt…” Niall said trying to help Georgina out.
“I don’t want to hear it, Horan. Even if it was your idea, she went along with it.” Brittany said sounding disappointed.
“I didn’t have any other choice,” Georgina said.
“You did,” Brittany said as she started to turn away. “But, once again, you chose another man over me.”
“Babe,” David said trying to catch her before she left.
“Fuck you too, Watson. You’re just as bad as the rest of them.” She mumbled disappearing down the hallway.
Before anyone could move, Georgina looked between her boyfriend and his best friend. She couldn't believe she let them convince her that Brittany would be okay when she found out — that she’d be happy. A fresh set of frustrated tears formed in her eyes as she looked at the floor.
“I fucking told you she’d react like this.” She mumbled.
“Babe…” Niall said reaching out towards her.
Georgina moved passed him trying her best to stay away from David as well.
“Ferg,” Dave said. “Please don’t be mad at us.”
“Too fucking late, Watson.” She said before storming off towards their room.
“What are we gonna do?” Niall asked turning towards his best friend.
“Fuck, mate. I don’t know.” David shrugged.
The room grew silent for moment. The rest of the group looked at each other in disbelief. They couldn’t believe what they just witnessed.
“Did Fergie and Niall just make out?” Jamie asked in shock.
“Are Fergie and Niall dating?” Mags gasped looking over at Jenna.
“He kissed her in front of everyone.” Jenna gushed. “He actually did it.”
“What are you lot on about? Fergie and Niall make out all the time — especially when they’re shitfaced. They think they’re bein’ real slick about it too but it’s more like Seth Cohen trying to be stealth than any 007 MI6 spy shit.” Keith said before pressing his bottle to his lips.
“How do you know that?” Jamie asked nodding at Keith.
“I drink and I know things, Jamie.” Keith joked.
“Horan, answers. Now.” Maggie said crossing her arms over her chest.
Niall stood with his hands on his hips. His heart was racing. This was it -- the moment of truth.
“We’re dating.” He said with a straight face. “Well I mean after today, I still hope we are.”
“This is brand new information,” David said sarcastically.
“Oh, my days! Jens, we need to—“ Mags squealed running over toward Jenna.
“Before you birds start running your mouth, I need to go see if she’ll even talk to me,” Niall said trying to stop his cheeks from blushing.
“We can talk to her if you want.” Jenna offered.
“I’m the only one who can fix this.” Niall sighed. “I made her keep it a secret from everyone.”
“Ferg wanted to tell us but this one was worried about the potential backlash.” Dave nodded towards Niall. “He just wanted to keep her safe and after tonight I think we can understand why.”
“S’that why Britt’s mad? You found out before her?” Maggie asked.
“I found out on accident,” Dave said. “Keith wasn’t wrong about them making out all the time.”
“Brittany is mad because I wouldn’t let Fergie tell her about us but then in an effort to get her to help me tonight I told Britt and it kinda blew up in me face,” Niall said disappointed with himself. “So I’m gonna go try to fix it.”
“Good luck, wee one,” Keith said raising his drink towards the Irishman.
Niall took a deep breath before heading towards the hallway. Dave met him there. He placed his hand on the younger man’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
“What are me odds, Watson?” Niall said emotionless.
David looked confused. “Of what?”
“Her ending it.”
“You’ll be fine, Ni. Just stand your ground.” Dave said in an attempt to be encouraging. “She’s going to come out swinging so let her get her shots in before you say anything. This isn’t something you want to rush.”
“Are you gonna talk to Britt?” Niall asked.
“If I’ve learned anything in the past ten years, it’s that if she’s this pissed, she needs her space,” Dave said. “Gotta plan out something to say though. If you need me, shoot me a text and I’ll intervene.”
Niall turned on his heel ready to face his fate. He looked over his shoulder before clearing his throat.
“Did Georgina really uh break that lad’s arm at school?”
Dave laughed. “When she hit puberty, Steve and Lydia put her through a self-defense course just to be on the safe side. She’s got a mean right hook but you have nothing to worry about. She’s not gonna hit ya.”
“If you say so.” Niall sighed trying to mentally prepare for whatever was bound to happen.
“She still loves ya, mate. Don’t forget that.” Dave said.
Niall took a deep breath and let it slow. “Let’s hope so.”
With that being said, the Irishman turned around and headed down the hallway towards his room. He hoped he could get through the conversation he was about to have with his relationship still intact.
When he got to the room, he found something he didn’t expect to see. Their beds were separated and his girlfriend was hunched over her luggage. A pile of clothes sat on her bed waiting to be folded and put back into her suitcase.
She was leaving.
“Babe, please stay. I’ll do whatever it takes.” Niall said in a panic.
“I’m gonna stay in Keith’s room for the rest of our time here,” Georgina said emotionless.
“Georgina.” Niall sighed as he moved towards her.
“I think it’ll be for the best.” She said.
Niall sat down on her bed. “I don’t.”
“I forgot I needed your permission. Niall, can I please stay with Miller Time? He offered me his bed.”
“Babe, stop,” Niall said frustrated.
“I don’t want to be around you right now.” She admitted.
“Why?”
“Because I don’t appreciate the way you treated me today.” She said looking up at him. “I’m not just a play toy you can be nice to one minute and mean to the next. I am an actual human being.”
“I’m sorry.” He sighed. “I was jealous of the attention Milo was giving you.”
“You don’t think I get jealous?” Georgina asked. “You are literally surrounded by beautiful women all the time.”
“Yeah but that’s diff—“ He started to say.
“Why? Because it’s part of your job and I should be okay with it?” She asked annoyed. “That’s bull shit.”
“Babe, that’s not what I’m sayin’.” Niall sighed.
“It’s the same thing but, unlike you, I know how to be an adult about things.” She said setting her clothes into her bag. “You could have easily fixed the problem today but you like secrets.”
“Well everyone knows now, so are you happy?”
“Do you think you get a gold fucking star because you bumbled your way into tellin’ our mates we’re shaggin’?” She asked placing her hands on her hips.
Niall’s head shot up. “It’s more than that.”
“What?” She asked confused.
“It’s more than just shaggin’. I love you.” He said.
“Then act like it.” She said with an attitude as she zipped up her bag.
“Georgina.” Niall sighed as he watched her lift her bag off the bed.
“You know I have never kept a secret that big from my best friend. I’ve wanted to tell her for months. I almost told her when you were in Cincinnati.” She explained, “But I didn’t. I didn’t want you to be upset with me. You deserved to be respected.”
“But then you go behind my fucking back and tell her in a way that makes it feel like you’re lying just to get her to help you. That’s bull shit, Horan.”
“I know.”
“You saw the look of betrayal on her face. She’s not gonna talk to me for the rest of the trip.” She said frustrated. “It doesn’t even matter if you take the blame. I went along with it. Just like—“
Niall stood up and walked over to her. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in close. She didn’t know if it was the late hour or if the emotions from the day had finally caught up to her but as soon as her head hit his chest she started sobbing.
“This day has been such shit.” She mumbled between sobs.
“Stuff like tonight is the reason I was hesitant about telling everyone. I knew our friends wouldn’t leak it but if someone found out that wasn’t close, I don’t think I could handle it. You see how quickly we got ripped apart in that crowd.” He whispered in her ear. “One minute you were by me side and the next you were gone.”
“I can’t lose you, baby.” His voice sounded delicate. “I can’t lose you.”
Georgina didn’t respond. She just cried even more.
She didn’t know how she ended up in the situation she was in. The man she loved more than anything was clinging onto her for dear life. Her best friend probably wouldn’t speak to her for the next few days. The rest of her friends knew she was sleeping with a man she openly hated.
She didn’t care though.
Because she was finally free. The weight of their secret had been lifted off her shoulders. She didn’t know what was going to happen the moment they left their room but the fear of the unknown was somewhat exciting. Instead of dwelling on the fact that her entire future was up in the air, Georgina Ferguson focused on the more important matter -- smoothing things over with her best friend.
She grabbed a pen and paper and started jotting down notes.
“What are you doing?” Niall asked reading over her shoulder.
“Don’t hate but I did mock trial when I was younger,” Georgina said glancing over at him.
Niall shook his head as he sat down beside her. He knew he was on thin ice but the image of a teenaged Georgina arguing in front of a full court of teenagers made him laugh.
“Yeah, yeah laugh it up. I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer.” She said trying not to blush.
“You need to take up Phil on his offer.” He said resting back on his elbows.
Georgina looked at him confused. “Since when are you on a first name basis with my boss?”
“We have a two-thirty tee time whenever I’m in town,” Niall said smugly.
“You are fuckin’ irritating, mate,” Georgina mumbled.
“Not me fault that everyone loves me.” Niall winked. “Anyways, what are we jottin’ down?”
“Britt used to help me practice whenever we’d have a trial and I feel like if I go in there without a game plan she’s gonna eat me alive and I’m not having that.” She said adding a new idea to her list.
“You’re going to go talk with her now?” Niall asked surprised. “David said--”
“Fuck what David said. He knows nothing.”
“He said if he learned anything is that she needs space,” Niall said not understanding what was going on. For as long as he’s known Brittany and Georgina, they’ve never had this kind of blow out. This was new territory for them.
“Yeah, he’s waiting for me to take all the heat and then he swoops in and picks up all the pieces like her knight in shinin’ armor.” She explained with a sigh.
Niall looked up at her surprised. “Really?”
“Really, really. Now I need your help.” She said with a hopeful look on her face.
“What’s up Shrek?” Niall asked dryly.
“For fuck’s sake, Niall.” Georgina rolled her eyes making him smile.
Niall giggled before placing a quick kiss to her temple.
“I need to run by what I’m gonna to say to her to make sure it’s okay.” She said. “So I need ya to sit down and shut up.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded before clearing his throat. “But first, Georgina, I need to —“
“I know.” She said quickly writing something down.
“I shouldn’t have said —“
Georgina sighed, “I know.”
“It’s not gonna happen —“
She looked up at him. “I know it’s not.”
“Goddammit woman, can you let a guy apologize?” He said letting his frustrations show.
Georgina could feel her body grow warm. “Sorry.”
Niall reached over and cupped her cheeks. “I was an asshole today and I should have never treated you that way. I love you and promise it’s not going to happen again.”
“It better not.” She said.
“It won’t.” He pecked her lips three times. “Now let’s get our girl back.”
It took Georgina Ferguson thirty-five minutes to build up the courage to walk into Brittany and David ’s room. She knew her points were valid and after a brief rehearsal with Niall, she wasn’t afraid to say what she needed to. She was worried that once she saw her best friend’s face that her mind would go blank. When she walked inside the room, she found Brittany sat on her bed angrily scrolling through her phone. Her cheeks were pink and her eyes were fresh with tears.
The two women didn’t speak. They simply stared at each other like two predators fighting for the same piece of meat. Who was going to make the first move?
Georgina knew if she didn’t say something first she wasn’t going to get a word in once Brittany started going. David’s special ringtone went off but the young woman sent him to voicemail.
Georgina took this as a sign to make her move.
“I know I’m probably the last person you want to see right now.” Georgina started out. “And I can leave if you want.”
Brittany didn’t respond. She threw her phone on the bed and curled up into a ball, facing the restroom.
Georgina walked further into the room before laying down on the floor. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It was either now or never.
“Remember when we were eleven and we spent that summer in Cornwall with Aunt Cynthia and Alex?” Georgina paused hoping her friend would respond.
“Those older girls invited us to hang out with their little clique and there were those two fit lads treated us like proper women.”
Georgina shut her eyes. “I don’t think I would have ever told my mum what they did to me if it wasn’t for you. It was in that moment that I realized you were more than just my friend. You’re my sister.”
The room was silent. She thought she’d at least get a reaction from her. That was one of the most traumatic moments of their preteen years and if it wasn’t for Brittany’s bravery no one besides them and two douchey fourteen-year-olds would know what really happen. She referenced the story because she wanted Brittany to know how much she meant to her but realized that might not have been the best way to go about it.
Georgina could feel her pulse in her head.
She just needed to tell her.
“I love him.” She said softly.
It wasn’t until she heard the bed move that she opened her eyes. A wide-eyed Brittany Fletcher was staring back at her.
“You what?” Brittany asked just above a whisper.
“I’m in love with Niall Horan.” Georgina blushed.
“Since when?” She asked surprised.
“London,” Georgina replied.
Brittany just nodded trying to process what her best friend had just said. Reading between the lines, Georgina knew she needed to explain herself.
“When you convinced me to move in with you, I had sworn off men,” Georgina said sitting up. “Remember?”
“If they ‘ave a dick, keep ‘em away,” Brittany said mocking Georgina’s accent.
“Exactly.” Georgina laughed.
“But—“ Brittany started to say.
“But my first day in America, I meet the most charming man-child with awkward blonde fringe and I thought to myself, ‘this isn’t happening.’” Georgina explained. “He was everything good about Marcus.”
“I didn’t see why everyone was so keen to be friends with him. He was too happy, too caring, and too friendly. So annoying, right?”
Georgina looked up at her best friend. “But then you got up me arse about bein’ nice to him on the way to Aruba and after I found out about what he did to make that trip happen I figured I should at least give him a shot. And what did I find out? Niall Horan is the loveliest person I’ve ever met.”
“That day we were all hungover and you made me go with him to get dinner we had a heart to heart while we were sat in traffic. The dynamic between the two of us had changed and I welcomed it with open arms. I wasn’t ready for anything by the end of the trip but he was. He always is. He said he’d wait. He said he’d give me time to sort my shit out.” Georgina explained. “He proved he wasn’t Marcus.”
“I thought I fucked up because I was scared but he stood by me. Through this entire thing, he’s just been there -- waiting for me to be comfortable, waiting for me to realize how much I actually cared for him.”
“It wasn’t until our trip to London and seeing Marcus that I realized that I was in love with him,” Georgina admitted shyly. “Like I’m in love with him and I don’t care who knows it.”
Brittany stayed silent. She didn’t know what to say. She didn’t know how to process the information she was just given. Her best friend since birth had been dating her boyfriend’s best friend for the past year and she had no idea. The signs were there but she overlooked them because Georgina Ferguson would never be in love with Niall Horan. That would be treason.
She didn’t know whether it was out of embarrassment or betrayal but Brittany found herself getting off the bed and heading for the door. She couldn’t be around Georgina. She needed a moment to herself.
As soon as she opened the door, she was met by a very concerned Irishman.
“For fuck’s sake, I can’t get away from you two,” Brittany mumbled to herself.
“Britt—“ Niall started to say but she shook her head.
“I can’t fucking deal with this right now, Horan.”
“Well you’re gonna have to.” He said crossing his arms over his chest. “It’s my fucking fault we are in this mess so the least you could do is hear us out.”
“But she—“ Brittany said before the look on his face made her grow quiet.
“She’s wanted to tell you for months. She has literally begged me to let at least you in but I couldn’t do it. What if someone else found out? What if it got leaked to the press? I couldn’t let that happen. I couldn’t live with myself if she got hurt because of me.” Niall said.
“You told David,” Brittany said as tears formed in her eyes. “I know he’s your person but I’m hers. I found out last.”
“He literally walked in on us making out. We didn’t tell him on purpose.” Niall said taking a step towards her.
“Idiot over here forgot to lock the door.” Georgina chimed in.
“We didn’t choose him over you or them over you. It was accidental.” Niall said. “And I know that seems really shitty but I was planning on taking you and Davey out for dinner when we got back to tell explain things but uh, I guess it’s too late now.”
“Why didn’t you feel comfortable telling me?” Brittany asked still not able to wrap her head around Niall’s reasoning for keeping their relationship a secret.
“I’ve seen what the media can do to a relationship. If we told people at the beginning, we wouldn’t be together still. I think we needed that time away from the group to feel each other out.” Niall explained.
“Ni. “ Georgina sighed — embarrassed by his choice of words.
“What? It’s true. If we hadn’t kept things a secret, you would have dipped out on me months ago.” Niall said looking over at his girlfriend. “Right?”
“Probably true,” Georgina said.
“You know how fragile she can be,” Niall said in a soft tone. “I needed to protect her and in order to do that, we had to keep it a secret. I truly am sorry, Britt.”
Brittany nodded. Niall was right about one thing: Georgina wasn’t as tough as she pretended to be. She was pretty soft underneath her tough exterior. A twinge of guilt settled in Brittany’s stomach as she thought about the situation her best friend was in. She basically spent the past year navigating a new relationship with a genuinely good guy by herself. She fell in love again without anyone to turn to for help. She didn’t know how Georgina did it. She would have had a mental breakdown if roles were reversed.
“She says she loves you,” Brittany said as her features grew serious. “You fuck this up and I’ll kill you, Ni.”
“Oh, I’m well aware of that.” Niall laughed. He reached out and pulled her into him.
“I’m not going through what we did with Marcus again. Promise me you won’t break her heart.” Brittany whispered in his ear.
“I promise.” Niall laughed softly as he held her close.
“Promise me you won’t let her break yours,” Brittany said softly.
Niall’s chest grew tight. The sincerity in her voice got to him. Brittany cared and she cared a lot.
“I can’t protect you from her forever, Horan.” She said loud enough for Georgina to hear.
“He’s already seen the bad side and he survived.” Georgina retorted.
“So he’s seen, Geraldine?” Brittany asked with a smirk.
Georgina’s eyes grew wide in horror. “Do not bring that up.”
“Who the fuck’s Geraldine?” Niall asked confused.
“You’ve got a lot to learn, kid.” Brittany winked before stepping back into the room.
“But you’re not too far off. You’re already leagues ahead of the last one. I do have to say that those flowers in Vegas were a bit obnoxious but that’s just me.” Brittany said dryly.
“How’d you know?” Georgina asked as Brittany sat back down on her bed.
“Because this motherfucker pays attention.” Brittany nodded towards Niall. “And if anyone was going to spend that much money on a bouquet of some of your favorite flowers, it’d be Nialler.”
A smug smile formed on Niall’s face as he sat down beside Brittany on her bed.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Georgina asked.
“Because I wasn’t sure of it when it happened but looking back it had to be him,” Brittany said.
“Scout was for her too, yeah?” Brittany asked giving Niall a nudge.
“No, I-I-I—-“ Niall blushed, incapable of thinking of a lie.
“Fuck, you’re spoiled.” Brittany joked. “I’ll give you David if you let me keep him.”
“He already spoils you more than he spoils everyone else.” Georgina shook her head. “Fucking trip to Miami for your birthday.”
“If I keep her happy, I keep David happy and that’s really all I want out of life.” Niall teased.
“You two are so weird,” Georgina said with a smile.
“So like what should I expect out of this?” Brittany asked pointing between the two of them.
“She’s actually affectionate,” Niall said with a proud smile on his face. “I don’t get away with paying for everything but she lets me be the man sometimes.”
“You get the good pillow yet?” Brittany asked with a smirk.
“When I get that fucking chair, he can have the good pillow,” Georgina said making her friends laugh.
“So, are we good?” Niall asked placing a hand on Brittany’s leg.
“I’m still mad but I’ll be fine. It’s just gonna take some getting used to.” Brittany said.
“So, we can’t make out in front of everyone yet… got it.” Niall said with a nod.
“Not yet. Speaking of couple stuff, I need you to leave so I can talk to my girl alone please.” Brittany said patting his hand.
“It’s not gonna be another episode of Jeremy Kyle, is it?” Niall asked hesitantly.
Brittany laughed. “No, just girl talk.”
Niall stood up slowly making his way toward the door. Once he got there, he turned around and spoke, “Okay before I go, I’d just like to remind you of the fact that David is nearly half a foot taller me so take that into consideration when you start doing your comparisons.”
“Get the fuck out of here, Horan,” Georgina shouted looking mortified as Brittany cackled loudly from across the room.
An hour later, Georgina Ferguson headed back to her room feeling much lighter. All she needed was a chance to explain herself and she knew her best friend would understand. Things were a bit rocky but she knew they would be back to normal in no time. Brittany couldn’t stay mad at her for too long.
As she stepped inside the room she was sharing, she noticed it was different than how she left it. The beds were back together, her suitcase was unpacked, and the love of her life was scrolling endlessly on his phone.
Niall readjusted the glasses on his face as he looked up at her. “Hey.”
“So I’m staying here, I take it,” Georgina said kicking the door shut.
“Miller rescinded his invitation.” He said looking back at his phone.
“What’d you say to him?” She asked heading for the closet.
“Nothing.” He said with a shrug.
“So he just took it back just like that.” She said grabbing a pair of pajamas from her bag.
“Yeah. He wanted me to uh tell you.”
Georgina looked at Niall suspiciously. “Miller Time essentially kicked me out. Our beds are back together. You’re actually wearing your eyeglasses. You’re up to something, Horan.”
A smug smile formed on the young man’s face as he set his phone down. He opened his mouth to explain but stopped as he noticed she slipped into the bathroom to change.
“You know you could have done that in here, Ferg.” He said.
“Not falling for your tricks, Ni,” Georgina called out.
“I’m not doing anything.” He said as she walked back into the room.
“Says the shirtless Irish stud laying on me bed,” Georgina mumbled making him laugh.
“Well, I am a model now so you aren’t far off there.” He said with a flirtatious wink.
“You’re an idiot. That’s what you are.” She laughed as she walked to the opposite side of the bed.
“But I believe that’s why you love me.” He said fixing his glasses.
She pulled back the bedding and crawled inside. Georgina tilted her head to the side as she looked at him. “But seriously what are you doing? Tits out, glasses, beds pushed together… what’s all this?”
“I can’t see for shit. It was hot in here. And—and okay, fine, I just wanted to do something nice because I was a dick earlier.”
“We aren’t having sex.” She said firmly as he set his phone on the nightstand.
“Okay. Doesn’t mean I still can’t look good for ya, Ferg.” He said with an attitude. “Jesus Christ.”
“You don’t have to look good for me.” She said.
“Yes, I do.” He said disgusted with her statement.
“You really don’t.”
“Fucking hell, babe. I’m a seven on a good day.” He shot back — his feisty side shining through. “You’re a ten every day so I need to do something.”
Georgina shot him a dirty look before taking his face in her hands. “Niall Horan, on what fucking planet are you a seven?”
“This one.” He mumbled shyly.
“You have women from here to Timbuktu who would drop their panties in an instant if you wanted,” Georgina said. “Fucking seven, you kidding me? You’re an eleven, mate.”
“Only because of my job.” He replied.
Georgina dropped her hands shaking her head.
“What?” He asked moving closer to her.
“Have you seen your face?” She asked as she adjusted their blankets. “You’re fucking fit.”
“I remember the Eggnog Incident at Christmas. I’m aware you think this but—“ He started to say.
“The Hen House and David will punch you in the face for thinking you’re only a seven.”
“I just don’t see it.” He shrugged.
“Are you doing the thing where you act like you don’t see it but really you just want the compliments?”
“I don’t have to do that with you. You always speak the truth.” He smiled. “If you say I’m attractive then I must be.”
“Babe, you really don’t think you’re attractive.” She asked looking at him.
“We can analyze my self-esteem issues later.” He blushed before laying down. “How are things with Britt? Are we all okay?”
“She’s better,” Georgina said curling up beside him. “Still gonna take her a bit to get used to it and get over the fact we didn’t tell her.”
“I’m hoping everyone else will be okay. The girls seemed excited. Keith said he already knew.” Niall said before letting out a big yawn. “Jamie’s happy for us.”
“David gets off scot-free again.” Georgina yawned back.
“She’s not mad at him?” Niall asked.
She shook her head. “He was just trying to be a good friend and keep it a secret because he respects you too much.”
“Smart man.” He said slipping an arm around her shoulder.
Georgina rested her head on his chest. “NASA deserves him.”
Niall let out a sigh as the room grew quiet. The chaos of the day was finally starting to settle. He wove his fingers through her hair trying to compartmentalize the feelings he was having. He was scared for the future but excited his friends finally found out. He felt guilty for the way he treated Georgina but could justify his reasoning to push her away from him. Sometimes it was just easier to keep everyone at a distance. He could figure out how he was supposed to handle whatever situation he was and then attack it full force.
When it came to his relationship with Georgina, this tactic was harder to do. She was everything he had ever wanted in a partner. Acting like an immature fuck boy wasn’t ever going to work. She deserved better than that. The entire Milo situation could have been avoided if he had stepped aside and found the right approach. However, his hot-blooded Irish temper got in the way and he was worried she’d keep him at arm's length for the duration of the trip because of it. She might act like things were fine but Georgina Ferguson was hard to read when her emotions were involved.
“What’s wrong?” She asked -- her tone soft.
Niall cleared his throat. “Nothing.”
“Your heart is racing, bub. What’s wrong?” She said lifting her head off his chest.
“Have a heart condition.” He said looking at the ceiling.
“Niall Horan.” Georgina sighed placing her head in the crook of his neck.
He started to traces circles around her shoulder as she cuddled into him. She deserved the truth. The truth was he was worried. He was worried about what the future held and if they had made the right decision.
He didn’t want to lose her.
“Are we good?” He asked.
“Yeah.” She said closing her eyes.
“No, like are we good? Are we gonna be good?” He asked unable to find the words he wanted to say.
“I’m not leaving you. I’m annoyed with ya but I’m not leaving ya.” She said knowing exactly what he meant.
Niall nodded. He knew she’d get what he meant.
“Why’d you come to Britt’s?” Georgina asked.
“Hmm?” He mumbled glancing down at her.
She sat up and looked at him. “Why were you waiting outside the door?”
“Oh.” He smiled shyly. “Every good lawyer needs a Fergie.”
Georgina tilted her head to the side unsure of what he meant.
“The only way anyone at Corningstone & Wallace wins shit is because of you.” He stated. “Yeah, they might be good at arguing and they might have a good poker face but each case comes down to the facts -- the facts that you put together for them. The facts you stay up all night finding. The facts you miss game night for. The facts you think of during the middle of sex. There is no C & W without you.”
She could feel her eyes start to well up. Niall Horan wasn’t going to make her cry for a third time that night. He couldn’t.
“Brittany needed to hear the facts from another primary source. She needed another Fergie to put her in her place.” He explained. “I figured it was the least I could do after everything that happened.”
Georgina rested her head back on his shoulder. She didn’t know what she did to deserve someone as sweet as the man beside her. He reached out and started drawing circles on her bare skin. She reached up placed her hand on his. She was confident that no matter what shit got thrown their way they’d make it through.
“So, how’d I do? Am I a good Fergie?” He asked interlocking his fingers with hers.
“You’re a bit nicer than I am.” She blushed.
“I know.” He kissed her temple. “So we’re good then?”
She nodded slowly. “We’re good.”