My second day at the bakery went by much more smoothly than the first. I didn't burn anything, including myself. Harry told me I would only be focusing on making the muffins for the first week or so until I felt comfortable with it. Then I could start learning how to make the other pastries. At the end of the day, Harry told me he and his sister were going to host a party for Niall's birthday, Sunday afternoon.

"We'll probably play some music, watch movies and just hang out. It should be fun." Harry added as he pulled on his jacket.

"Sure, that'd be great. Should I bring a gift?"

"Nah, Niall said he just wants to hang out with everyone."

Even though Niall apparently said no gifts, I couldn't help myself. I borrowed my dad's car the next morning and made a quick run to the store. I was beyond excited when I managed to find a notebook in the shape of a guitar. It might be a little awkward to actually write in, but with Niall's love of the guitar, I felt it was too perfect to pass up.

When Sunday afternoon came, Kara picked me up in her beetle. She had been invited by Liam, of course. I used the drive over to Harry's to prod her for information on her new relationship.

"So? How are things with Liam?" Her face lit up at the mere mention of his name.

"Oh you know..." She trailed off.

"Come on now, you're a talker. You can't clam up on me now!"

Her smile grew wider, if that was even possible, and she gave a contented sigh before she spoke.

"Liam is...perfect. He's really sweet. He loves to laugh. He treats me so well. I didn't know guys like him even existed, you know?"

I smiled as I listened, so happy for my best friend. She deserved someone like Liam.

"Oh and his body! Holy smokes! I mean you saw him at the pool party, but wow, he's just...wow."

And there's the Kara I know so well.

=O=

When we got to the house, we had to park in the street as the driveway was already filled with cars. Anne opened the door and ushered us inside as soon as we had set foot on the front step. She pointed us toward the basement door. We could already hear music pouring up from down below us. Anne informed us she would be leaving shortly for a charity event a few towns over. She also said she would be staying at the hotel where the function was being held. She assured us that if we wanted to crash on any of the couches for the night, we were all welcome to it. The music got louder as we descended the stairs to the basement.

Upon entering, we found the space was finished with tan walls and a low ceiling with recessed lighting. Plush carpet, matching the color of the walls, covered the entirety of the room. There were three large, overstuffed couches angled in a wide U shape facing a blank projection screen which hung on the wall. Harry, Niall, Zayn, Gemma and a couple girls I didn't know sat on the couches. Niall, of course, with a guitar in his lap, though not playing it at the moment, just leaning on it as he chatted.

There was a small kitchenette area to the right that held a fridge and sink. To the left there was a pool table, currently occupied by Liam and Louis. A sound system sat behind them against the wall between two white doors. One door was open, revealing a bathroom. The other was shut, presumably hiding the water heater and extra storage space.

Kara had left my side to be Liam's good luck charm, and by the swears coming from Louis, she was a damn good one.

"Sadie!" I heard Harry call. He motioned for me to come over. I ended up sitting between Harry and Niall. I greeted Niall and wished him a happy birthday as I handed him his gift. Because of it's odd shape I just ended up putting it in a blue gift bag with some confetti colored tissue paper. He moved his guitar aside, sitting it on the floor propped up against the couch as he took the small bag.

"Aw, you didn't have to get me anything. Didn't Harry tell you?" He leaned forward to look over me and glare pointedly at Harry.

"Yes, he did tell me, but I couldn't help myself." He seemed satisfied with my answer as he dug into the bag, tearing past the tissue paper. When he pulled out the notebook he beamed a bright smile.

"Oh wow! This is awesome Sadie, thank you!" He leaned over and crushed me in a hug. When we separated, I looked over at Harry who was smiling as well, though it was more of a tight-lipped smile. It kind of worried me a bit realizing that Harry never seemed very fond of interactions between Niall and I. Even though I had asked Harry before about it and he had said nothing was wrong. It was getting harder to believe him when he seemed to keep having a negative reaction to Niall and I have any kind of moment, romantic or even just friendly. What was his deal?

I was introduced to the other girls at the party, Rees and Brandi. We engaged in some small talk and I learned that Rees went to school with Gemma and Brandi was Niall's neighbor. I decided on some playful teasing and asked if there had been any romance between Niall and Brandi, given the whole boy-next-door/girl-next-door thing. To which I received a hearty laugh from Niall.

"No, no. She's like my little sister."

"Not to mention, he's not really my type." Brandi added to my surprise. I thought Niall could pass as anyone's type. Who wouldn't want him? With his blue eyes, beautiful smile and great personality, he seemed to fit the bill. Though things were made much clearer to me at Brandi's next words.

"Maybe if he had longer hair, bigger boobs and a little less business going on below the belt."

It took me a moment to realize what she meant, but as everyone began to laugh, it dawned on me and I looked to her for confirmation, she nodded with a smile and added, "Don't worry, you're cute and all, but you're not my type either."

I joined in on the laughter now, not really sure if I should be relieved or insulted. Either way, at least she was nice. It was sure to be an interesting night with this group.

A/N: To everyone celebrating today, Happy Thanksgiving! And to those who aren't, I hope you had a lovely day! This chapter is just kind of leading up to...something. I can't wait to get writing on the next chapter. 

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DCMurphy