The phone felt heavy in my hand as I listened to it ring, waiting for Jada to pick up. This listening party was supposed to be Zayn's big night, and I wanted to support them both. The screen blinked to life as Jada picked up, her familiar voice coming through, warm but hesitant.
"Hey! Are you still coming tonight?" she asked, and I could hear the edge in her voice. It was as if she was already bracing for some kind of disaster.
"Yeah, of course," I replied, my voice more nonchalant than I felt. "Why wouldn't I?"
She sighed, and I could tell she was choosing her words carefully. "I just... I know Justin will be there, and I know how things went down the last time you two saw each other." Her tone softened. "This night is huge for Zayn. He's worked so hard on this album, and some big people from the new label will be there. I just don't want anything to ruin that, you know? Oh and of course I don't want to see you hurt" She chuckles.
I took a breath, leaning against my kitchen counter and letting her words settle over me. I could hear the worry in her voice, and as much as I wanted to brush it off, I knew she was right. This wasn't about me, not tonight. "Jada, I promise, it's fine," I said, injecting as much confidence into my voice as I could. "I've moved on."
"Are you sure?" she pressed, her skepticism clear. "Because last time, Gael..."
"Yes," I cut in, trying to reassure her. "I'll be fine. And I'm bringing someone, anyway."
There was a pause on her end, and then she sounded a bit too interested. "Excuse me someone? Who, what and When?"
I laughed, though it came out a bit forced. "Yeah, his name's Jordan. We met right after Zayn's concert. He's... great. It actually feels like things are falling into place. Maybe it's fate," I said sarcastically, more to convince myself than her.
"Okay, wow omg" I could hear the relief in her voice. "Then bring him along. Zayn and I would love to meet him. Just... remember, tonight's important."
"I know, nothing will happen i promise"
Another knock at my door signaled Jordan's arrival. "Gotta go—Jordan's here. I'll see you guys soon," I said, hanging up just as I opened the door.
Jordan stood there, casual but polished, with a crooked grin that made my nerves relax a bit. "God, you look gorgeous" he said while pulling me in for a kiss.
"Ready?" I asked, looking me over with a quick, appreciative glance.
As I shut the door behind us, I tried to push away the lingering thoughts of Justin. Tonight, I was going to keep things together.
The party was already in full swing by the time we got there. The place was packed with a crowd of faces, some familiar, others just glimmers of half-known celebrities or industry people, all here to celebrate Zayn's upcoming album. Jordan held my hand as we wove through the crowd, and I felt a sense of calm with him beside me.
"Gael!" Jada's voice cut through the crowd as she spotted us, waving us over with a bright smile. "Thank god you made it!" She pulled me into a hug, her eyes flicking over to Jordan with that familiar curiosity. "And you must be the Jordan," she said, offering her hand with a friendly grin. Jordan shook her hand, his smile easy and charming. "All good things, I hope."
"Well duh, come let me get you guys a drink!" she replied, nudging me playfully. But I didn't miss the brief, assessing look she shot me, as if to say, Remember your promise.
Zayn joined us, giving me a quick nod and a clap on the shoulder before introducing himself to Jordan. "Glad you could make it," he said. "Means a lot."
