The Lens Queen

chapter ten: coffee book

1o | coffee book

LIAM's POV

It's been five months now and I was glad that my relationship with York was pretty good. Once she finished developing the photos that she took of me and the park, she quickly put them into a nice-looking and professional-looking portfolio and rushed over to me. She had this insatiable passion for photography and it showed through her works. They always seemed to tell a story so I took her portfolio and presented it to the lads.

"Shit, she's good," Zayn said. "I can't believe it," he added.

"This is scary, Liam! I didn't know she had such a monster talent," Harry said.

"All photos look so professional and everything's so clear," Louis said, letting his hand slide on top of the pictures.

"You could make a great model," Niall said. "She makes you look good," he added quietly. 

I looked at him curiously. Niall seemed out of it recently but he wasn't talking to any of us so we all assumed that he wasn't ready to talk about it. He seemed more serious too. I wondered what was going on wiith him.

"You remember that coffee book that they were going to make for us, right?" Louis asked.

"Yeah. It will feature us, right? What about it?" Niall said in reply.

"Well, I think that York can be the photographer," Louis said, stretching his arms. Harry and Zayn's faces brightened and they nodded their heads.

"I think we could show Simon," Zayn added. "I'm sure he'll love this idea!" Harry said, clapping his hands together.

"Alright, then. Off we go, lads!" I managed to say, trying to contain my happiness due to the reactions of the boys.

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YORK's POV

Liam, it said on the caller ID.

I answered the phone and I heard lots of voices through it. What was going on?

"Hello, love! You're on speaker!" Liam greeted loudly.

"Oh, hi guys! So, what's up? Hearing all your voices through one phone is pretty weird but... nice," I said, closing my laptop and walking towards the terrace.

"Well, we showed Simon your portfolio," Zayn started. "And he wants to see you later for lunch!" Harry added cheekily.

"W-what? Oh my... Holy shit! What's happening guys?" I said in a panicked voice. Liam turned off the speaker and spoke calmly.

"We showed him your portfolio, love and he said it was bloody brilliant. We were actually looking for a photographer for our coffee table book and so we suggested you. He gladly agreed," he said happily.

"Really? Oh my god, that's great! Where do I need to go later? And what do I wear? Something corporate or something artsy?" I said, blurting out questions. Liam managed a laugh at the other end.

"It's alright, York. Anything casual would do and I'll drive you so there's no need to worry, okay?" he added.

"Okay. Thanks, Liam," I said, ending the call.

This was so cool! My life as a professional photographer now begins! I was literally dancing on clouds. I texted Isla saying that I wanted to meet her and she quickly replied yes. I walked over to Sara's room and knocked on her door.

"Come on in!" she said. She was typing away in her laptop and as I studied it further, I saw a lot of <img src>,<br> and <hr> signs. Whoa.

She removed her glasses and smiled at me.

"What's up?" she said, stretching a bit.

"Well, I have to tell you something. And it's kind of long," I said. 

So, I told Sara about everything. How I met Liam, One Direction, and all the details in between. She just kept silent and listened to me, smiling.

"I mean, that's great! That's so cool too. I'm happy that you're happy with Liam... and you have that new job too! That's something major, York," Sara replied after.

"Yeah... about that. Are you free tonight? We'll be meeting my bestfriend, Isla for dinner. You know, to celebrate," I said.

"Yeah, sure. I just need to finish this thing. I've been up since two in the morning," she replied, going back to her swivel chair.

"Is that for the website of mom?" I asked.

"Yeah. It's almost done too. You'll be able to see the end product by tomorrow. Just a few more tweaks," she said.

"Okay. See you tonight. Wear something fancy!" I called out, closing her door.

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I ended up wearing a black sleeveless top with a matching white blazer and pants. I wore an inch tall Mary Jane pumps and accessorized with a long, golden, chained necklace. I tied my hair up in a ponytail. Liam and I were currently outside of Simon's office waiting. I kept twisting my necklace and so Liam took my hand into his.

"You know, you look so stunning. I feel so luck to have you," he whispered, kissing my cheek. I only managed to give him my dimpled smile. Soon after, his secretary ushered for me to come in. Liam only stayed outside.

"I'll wait here," he told me, mouthing me a "good luck."

Simon was in his trademark shirt and jeans. He gave me a smile and shook my hand.

"I'm so pleased to meet you, Miss Italia. The boys showed me your work and I must say, you are quite a hidden gem. You're very talented," he said.

"Thank you, Sir. I never imagined that Liam would actually show you my photos. It feels surreal," I said.

"Well, now, we could go over your contract, yes?" he said.

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"And so, I'll be working with you guys for about five months in order to get all the shots needed! I'll be tagging along concerts, shows, gigs, photoshoots and we'll also have our own photoshoot! I'm so happy, Liam. Thank you, thank you," I said.

"I'm so glad it worked out like this! I'm really happy for you, love," he said, his eyes on the road.

Suddenly, a call came through. Liam pressed the bluetooth earpiece he had. His eyes suddenly widened with shock and this caused him to drive a little bit faster. Before I knew it, we were infront of   a hospital, not the restaurant I was supposed to be going to.

"Who's here?" I asked him urgently.

"It's Isla," he replied to me with a solemn gaze.

As soon as I heard her name, it seemed like everything was quiet, so still.

"What happened?" I asked Liam as we were briskly walking towards the surgery room.

"A car accident, love," he replied. "She was hit," he added.