Mia

Mia spent a restless night - whether it was because of her late nap the previous day, or being in a new environment, she wasn't certain. But she was up at dawn, and trying to figure out how to operate the coffee maker, when she received the now-familiar notification that someone had joined the chat room.

Julie: Good morning, Mia.

Mia: Good morning. You're up early.

Julie: I am at work already, actually. Mr. Harris asked me to let you know that the money you requested has been transferred to your account, and to see if there is anything else that you need right now?

Mia: Wow, that was fast! I can't think of anything else right now, but thank Jonathan for me, please.

Julie: I will.

-Zayn entered chat-

Zayn: Hi Julie! Mia, you're here!

Mia: Hi Zayn! I thought you were going to L.A. today?

Zayn: Yup, I'm at the airport! See?

Zayn posted a selfie in the chat. Even this early in the morning, he looked perfect. No dark circles, or puffy eyes. Mia considered her own rumpled clothing and bed head. No human should look that good at seven in the morning. The man was some kind of alien.

Julie: Oh! That is a nice picture. A very nice picture!

Zayn: Thanks! Do you like it, Mia?

Mia: Meh, it's okay.

Zayn: LOL. Okay, I get it. I'm going to have to work a little harder to impress you.

Zayn: I'm up for the challenge!

-Liam entered chat-

Liam: Zayn, you're here!

Zayn: Ya

Liam: What time is your audition?

Zayn: 2:00

Julie: Liam, shouldn't you be getting ready for school?

Liam: Ugh, I was up all night gaming. Sooooo tired.

Zayn: Dude.

Liam: What? Why do you always lecture me like a little kid?

Julie: Because you act like one.

Zayn: Exactly. Listen to your elders.

Liam: Help me, Mia!

Mia: C'mon guys. Cut Liam some slack.

Liam: Thank you!

Zayn: You're always complaining you don't have a girlfriend. Mia, would you want to date a guy who was failing out of school and does nothing but play video games all night long?

Mia: Well…

Liam: WHA-?

Liam: It's too early for this abuse. I'm leaving.

-Liam left chat-

Zayn: That boy, I swear.

Zayn: Oops, gotta run. My flight is boarding.

Julie: Good luck with your audition!

Zayn: Thanks! Mia, I'll text you later.

Mia: K. Have a safe flight!

Zayn: Yep. Later!

-Zayn left chat-

Julie: You know, Zayn worked really hard for this opportunity.

Mia: Yeah, I know.

Julie: It would be a shame if he were to become distracted now when he is so close to reaching his goal.

Mia: ….

Julie: Anyway, I must get back to work.

Mia: Okay. Have a good day.

Mia signed out of the chat room and poured herself a cup of the coffee that had finally brewed. She drifted over to the couch and sipped from her mug while perusing the profiles of the other RFA members. Jonathan's profile pic was of a cute, fluffy white cat wearing a jeweled collar with what looked like real diamonds. Mia squinted. They couldn't be real diamonds. Could they?

Liam's thumbnail was a screenshot from a video game of a huge warrior clad in massive armor, wielding a sword bigger than himself. More Freudian stuff going on there than she cared to delve into this early in the morning.

It was Julie's profile pic that really caught Mia's eye, however. She had already changed it to the selfie that Zayn had shared in the chat just a short while ago.

Wow, obsessive much? Mia wondered what was going on between those two. Zayn had been flirting heavily with Mia in front of Julie right from the start, so she couldn't imagine that they were currently in a relationship. But Julie certainly seemed less than thrilled by Zayn's interest in Mia. Exes? Unrequited love? Whatever it was, it smelled like drama.

Mia hated drama.

She finished her coffee, took a shower, and dressed. Refilling her mug, she crossed to the computer and took a seat at the desk before turning it on. Once it booted up, she started scrutinizing Rita's guest files in earnest. Mia was shocked to find correspondence with some of the most recognizable names in politics, entertainment and business. All of it was years old by now, and it was possible that the contact information was no longer valid. Mia decided to start by sending a group email (with a BCC, of course) introducing herself to all the former guests and see which ones bounced back with bad addresses. Then, she could start trying to update the obsolete dossiers with current data - with Seven's help, of course.

Speaking of Seven…Mia messaged him to see what he thought of her plan. Several minutes passed before she received a thumbs-up emoji in return.

Taking that as tacit approval, Mia began compiling a spreadsheet with all the email addresses. She was so lost in her work that the notification for an incoming text startled her out of her reverie. As she picked up the phone, she was shocked to find that it was well past lunchtime.

The text was from Zayn.

Z: I'm here at the studio, waiting to go in.

Z: I'm so nervous!

M: Deep breath in. Deep breath out.

M: You're gonna be great!

Z: Phew. Okay.

Z: Wish me luck!

M: Break a leg!

Mia put the phone down with a grin. She was surprised to find that she had sympathy nerves, and hoped that Zayn would message her when he was done to let her know how it went. To distract herself in the meantime, she went to the kitchen and made a peanut butter sandwich. She knew it wasn't good to eat the same thing for every meal, but she didn't feel like venturing out for takeout. Checking her bank balance, Mia saw that Seven had indeed deposited money for her; and a generous amount, at that. Maybe she would splurge and order pizza tonight. She texted Seven:

M: Hey, are you busy?

707: Yeah, kinda.

M: Sorry. Just wanted to say thanks for depositing the money.

707: Just doing what the boss says.

M: Is he? The boss, I mean?

707: That's…complicated to explain.

707: But Jonathan handles the finances for the RFA.

M: Okay. Well, thanks again.

M: I'll let you go.

707: I'll text you later.

Mia shot him a thumbs-up emoji before setting down her phone. Seven was so hard to figure out. Half the time he was joking around, and the other half he was super serious. She understood that he had a lot of responsibility within the group, but the difference was so incongruous that it could be a bit jarring. Mia sensed that beneath the jovial facade lurked something hidden and dangerous.

In the past, Mia had always been drawn to troubled people; perhaps because of her own childhood. Wounded souls were good at identifying kindred spirits; but in romance, it was usually a disastrous combination. In contrast, Zayn seemed to be playful and bright. He had zero filters, and was comfortable sharing his every thought and feeling. Obviously, he had his own problems, like everybody else, but he definitely seemed more transparent than most people. Mia could feel the appeal of someone who could pull her from the shadows, where she tended to hide, and shine some light into her life.

Not that Zayn is that person, Mia reminded herself sternly. For one, he was too gorgeous, and well aware of his own beauty. He probably had women throwing themselves at him constantly - including Julie. For another, he was a member of the group where she was now employed. And last, but not least - Mia wasn't looking for a relationship right now. Or maybe ever.

Couldn't forget that one.

As if summoned by her musings, Mia received a text alert.

Z: Hey, it's me!

M: How'd the audition go?

Z: I think it went really well!

Z: My agent said I should hear something within a week.

M: Woo hoo! Congrats!

Z: Ya. Really excited!

Z: I still can't share all the details, but one of the stars specifically requested that I audition.

Z: So I have a really good feeling about it!

M: That's amazing!

M: I'll keep all my fingers crossed!

M: Although…it might be hard to work that way.

Z: Lol.

Z: So cute.

Z: I'll sign into chat later, but I wanted you to be the first to know.

Z: Your support made all the difference!

M: I doubt that, but I was happy to do it!

M: Maybe next time, I'll have to get a little skirt and some pom poms to cheer you on.

Z: Oh…um…

Z: I think my mind just short-circuited there for a minute.

Z: Maybe…you can wear that for me when I get the role?

M: I'll take it under consideration.

Z: Okay, now I don't know which thing I'm more excited about lol.

Z: I gotta run. My flight's in two hours.

Z: I'll let you know when I get home.

M: Okay. Have a safe flight!

Zayn sent her a thumbs-up emoji, followed by a kissy face emoji, and Mia sat back on the couch with a huge grin on her face. She consciously tried to wipe it away, to take control of her emotions - to remember how she had just been telling herself that she was not looking to get romantically involved with anyone. But her face wasn't having any of it. Their banter was so easy and so fun. So what if she was flirting? Nothing serious had to come of it. Right?

Mia spent the rest of the afternoon adding the contact information for all the former potential and actual guests onto her spreadsheet. By the time she was done, her eyes were blurry from staring at the computer screen, so she decided to leave composing the introductory email for another day. She shut down the computer, stood, and stretched. Gray clouds ushered in an early dusk, making it feel later than it was. Mia's stomach grumbled, so she ordered the pizza, as planned. The chat room opened just as she finished placing her order.

Mia: Hey, Liam! Did you get some sleep?

Liam: Hi! Yes, I feel much better. Although I did miss my classes today. *crying*

Mia: That's not good.

Liam: I know. I just…haven't been able to concentrate lately.

Liam: I've been thinking about you. And Rita.

Liam: About having the fundraisers again.

Liam: And about what I want to do with the rest of my life.

Mia: That's…a lot of thoughts.

Liam: Yeah.

Liam: Games at least take my mind off of everything.

-707 entered chat-

707: Hey! It's Liam! And Mia!

Liam: Hiya

Mia: Hey Seven.

707: Hey!

707: Oh, I already said that lol.

707: So, to recap what I missed…

707: …Liam has no girlfriend…

707: …no career options…

707: …and instead of going to school, like a good boy, stays up playing games all night long.

707: Does that about cover it?

Liam: Ya.

707: Poor Liam.

-Jonathan entered chat-

707: Jonathan! Where's Elly? I want to play with her!

Mia: Who's Elly?

707: Jonathan's cat!

Jonathan: Her name is Elizabeth the Third, and you can never play with her.

Jonathan: NEVER!

707: Waaah! But I love her sooooooo much!

Mia: This is the cat from your profile picture, Jonathan?

Jonathan: Yes. The most perfect creature in the world.

Mia: Okay, I have to ask…are those real diamonds on her collar?

707: lololol

-Zayn entered chat-

Zayn: Why are we talking about that damn cat again?

707: Because she's so cuuuute!

Zayn: Just looking at her makes my nose itch.

Mia: Zayn, you don't like cats?

Zayn: Hi Mia! I'm deathly allergic, so no. Not really.

Liam: How was your audition?

Zayn: It went really well. I should hear something soon.

-Julie entered chat-

Julie: Congratulations! I'm sure you were great! Are you still in L.A.?

Zayn: Thanks! No, I just got home.

Liam: Did you meet anybody famous?

Zayn: Actually…yeah.

Liam: Really? Who?

Zayn: Uh…I can't say.

Liam: ?

Mia's door buzzed. Her pizza had arrived. As she pushed the button to let the delivery person into the lobby, she typed:

Mia: My dinner's here. I gotta run.

Liam: Oh! Speaking of dinner…do you want to come to my house tomorrow, Mia?

Mia: Sure!

Liam: Yay! I'll call you later, k?

Mia: Yep!

Zayn: Wait! Liam's going to be the first one to meet Mia in person?

707: Uh, no lolol. I already met her.

Zayn: !

Zayn: Not fair!

Zayn: I want to see you!

Zayn: Or at least hear your voice. Can I call you? Before Liam does?

Liam: Hey!

Mia: OMG. Anyone who wants to call, can call. You all have my number.

Jonathan: I don't want to call.

707: lolololol

The pizza delivery person was knocking on Mia's door.

Mia: Guys, I gotta go.

Mia: Call, text, send a telegram…I don't care.

Mia: Just give me time to eat my dinner.

Mia logged out before anyone could respond, and took the pizza from the impatient delivery person. A large tip appeased him somewhat, and he muttered a grudging, "Have a good night," before departing. The heavenly aroma of melted cheese caused Mia's stomach to growl again, louder this time. Setting the box on the coffee table, she wasted no time before digging in. A quarter of the pie was gone before Mia came up for air, her initial hunger sated. She fetched a soda from the refrigerator and casually picked toppings off another slice as she sipped.

Her phone dinged with an incoming text notification, and Mia wiped the grease off her fingers before picking it up.

Z: Are you done eating?

M: Ya

Z: Can I really call you?

M: Lol. Sure.

Her phone rang a second later.

"Hello?"

"Oh my gosh. Your voice is so cute!"

Mia laughed. "I only said one syllable. And how can a voice be cute, anyway?"

"I don't know. It just is. How is my voice?"

"Hmm. Soft. Sexy."

"Really? Good, then it matches the rest of me." Zayn hurriedly amended, "Though I'm only soft on the inside."

"Soft on the inside, sexy on the outside?"

"Exactly. You so get me." They both laughed. "I can't believe I'm talking to you."

"Not nearly the most exciting thing that's happened to you today, I'm sure."

"I don't know about that. But it has been a pretty good day."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"You really are, aren't you?" Zayn said. "I can hear it in your voice that you're sincere."

"Of course! Why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know. People tend to be jealous of other people's success."

"Well, I'm not like that."

"I believe you. We just met, but I can tell you honestly wish the best for me. That's why I want you to do PR for me. I want people working for me who truly believe in me, rather than someone just here for a paycheck. Unlike Mr. Trust Fund."

"Who?"

"Jonathan. He's the heir apparent to some Fortune 500 CEO. All he cares about is work, and his cat."

"Oh." Mia hadn't gotten that impression of Jonathan, but she supposed Zayn knew him better than she did.

"But I don't want to talk about him. If you weren't having dinner with Liam tomorrow night, I would invite you over."

"Gotta be quicker next time," Mia teased.

"So jealous he gets to see you before me! Don't suppose you'd send me a selfie?"

Mia found herself suddenly nervous. She knew she wasn't unattractive, but Zayn was so unbelievably good looking. She knew she shouldn't care what he thought, but she did. "I'd rather not. Anticipation is half the fun, no?"

"Ahh! I think I might die of suspense," Zayn said with a dramatic sigh. "Okay, then…can you come to my house earlier in the day?"

"Um, I need to at least get some work done tomorrow."

"Then the next day?"

"Sure." Her phone flashed an incoming call. It was Liam. "I'm getting another call. I gotta run."

"Okay. I'll text you my address." Zayn's voice dropped to a seductive purr that sent a tingle through Mia's body. "I'll be eagerly awaiting your arrival, Miss Mia. Have a good night."

"You, too."

"I will, now that I've talked to you."

Shaking her head at his over-the-top, goofy charm, Mia disconnected with Zayn and picked up Liam's call. "Hello?"

"Hi! It's me! Liam!" His voice was high-pitched with excitement. "Did you finish eating?"

"Yep."

"What did you have?"

"Pizza."

"Oh! Pizza sounds good! With hot sauce and tons of parmesan? Yum!"

"But not as good as what you're going to make for me, right?"

"No way! I got the lasagna recipe from my mom. I already made the sauce, I bought all the ingredients for the salad, and I'm trying to figure out how to make the rolls. I bought the ones in the tube, just in case."

Mia laughed. "I like a man with a backup plan!"

"Yup! I'm not doing homemade noodles, though. It's too much work, and I was afraid I would mess it up. I hope that's okay?"

"Are you kidding? It's free food. Whatever you make for me will be awesome."

"I hope so! If not, we can always order in."

"Think positive, Liam!"

"Right! Okay! So, you don't have a car, right?"

"No."

"Me neither." He told her what bus line to take and where to disembark. "Text me when you leave and I'll meet you."

"You don't have to do that."

"I want to!"

"Such a gentleman."

Mia could practically hear him blushing over the line. "Ah…yeah, so…I'll see you tomorrow!"

"See you tomorrow."

When Mia hung up, she saw that she had a missed text from Julie.

J: Is there something going on between you and Zayn?

M: I don't see how that's any of your business.

J: It's my business because Zayn is a member of the RFA and my friend.

J: As I said before, he's worked really hard to get to where he is and I'd hate to see him throw it all away now.

J: In addition, you are here to help us hold our fundraisers again. I suggest you concentrate on that.

Mia paused to compose herself before firing off a response she would regret. While she didn't like this relative stranger butting into her personal life, she recognized that she was the newcomer here and it might pay to try to handle things with some diplomacy.

M: If Zayn doesn't attain his career goals, it won't be because of me.

M: I intend to do the job that I was hired to do, and to do it well.

M: That being said, there is such a thing as having a life outside of work.

M: You should look into it.

Okay, so that last bit was a little snarky. But overall, Mia felt she managed to be professional while still making her point. The dots that indicated that Julie was typing hung on the screen for a long time, but in the end, what came through was:

J: I've said my piece.

J: If you truly care about Zayn, I hope you'll take my words under consideration, and do what's best for him.

Mia didn't respond, and Julie didn't send anything further. But Mia was unsettled by the conversation. Being warned off only made her want Zayn more, but she knew that was a childish reaction. He wasn't some prize to be won. And if Julie was really in love with him, as Mia suspected that she was, a love triangle could lead to a whole mess of hurt feelings. Especially if Mia was just looking to flirt and have a bit of fun. Which she was.

She definitely wasn't falling for Zayn. At all.