A painful silence was present as Harry and I walked up to his father’s massive yet beautiful home. I was still upset, yet I was aware of my ignorance. I understand I am overreacting, but it’s not like I can help how I can feel. I know with all of my heart that Harry loves me, but how could I not be upset when I found out he only pursued me from the start because he wanted to mess with Max? It just makes me wonder how long he faked liking me until he actually fell for me. Ugh. I’m starting to think all of this dating crap isn’t as glamorous as you see in television shows or movies.

Just as we got to the large door at the front of the house, Harry stopped and grabbed my elbow to stop me. “Addie, are you really mad at me?”

“We should get inside, I’m sure your dad is expecting us.” I plastered on a fake, weak smile and continued towards the door. God, I didn’t even try to be cold towards him, it just happened. The problem is me, and I know that. I don’t know what to think or do, and I really just wish we weren’t here right now so I could call Grace to get some much needed advice, but since I can’t, I guess this one’s all me.

I vaguely heard him exhale a deep sigh before the door flung open revealing a tall man who was clearly Harry’s father. “Hello, son. And you must be Adelaide. It’s nice to finally meet you!” He exclaimed and let us in the house.

“You can call me Addie.” I smiled at the man. It only feels right when Harry calls me by my fall name, as weird as that may be. Harry was still awkwardly silent behind me, but I don’t think his father seemed to notice when he walked up to him and pulled him in for a hug.

“Oh, goodness, I apologize. I’m Des.” He chuckled and held his hand out for me. I returned his handshake with a genuine smile. It was nice to finally meet him, and he seemed much less intimidating then I had imagined. “I was beginning to think you two were going to bail on me! Although it wouldn’t shock me much, Harry hasn’t been around much since he mentioned you a few months ago.” He looked over at me with a deep grin, displaying the same dimples his son must’ve inherited from him.

Harry mumbled something I couldn’t make out but his father laughed so I didn’t think too much of it. “Well, I set up your room for the both of you. Why don’t you go bring up your bags then join me for some lunch, yeah?”

“Yeah, thanks.” Harry said before grabbing both our overnight bags and began walking. I followed him through the recently updated home and couldn’t tear my eyes away from the beautiful, yet expensive, paintings that covered the walls. Wow.


“Is this okay?” Harry asked as he opened the door to show me a decent-sized room with a queen bed in the center. It was more than okay; a large bay window displaying the beautiful backyard that held a pool, expensive artwork covered the walls just like it had in the halls, and a large television resting above a brick fireplace directly across from the bed. It was like a freaking hotel room.

Not that Harry lived a poor life, but his mother’s home was definitely not as expensive as this. I suppose Harry does drive a Range Rover, but other than that, I would never have guessed Harry’s father was living this lifestyle. I decided not to dwell and returned to the present. “Yeah, it’s perfect.” I simply replied.

“Well, we should probably get downstairs before my dad thinks we’ve decided to break in the bed.” He let out a breathy laugh but stopped once he realized I wasn’t laughing.

“Yeah, I’m starving.” I averted the conversation and walked past him towards the kitchen we had passed through on the way to the room.

---

“So how’s school, son?” Des asked Harry as we ate some delicious pasta for lunch.

“Okay,” Harry shrugged and continued eating. I couldn’t tell if Harry was angry, feeling down or even realized I was upset about what he had said earlier. He didn’t seem to press me on the topic, which normally he would, but he also was acting more quiet than usual.

“So Harry tells me you’re a genius.” Des grinned at me and I couldn’t help but blush. I’m terrible at receiving compliments. “I didn’t believe him though. I told him: ‘If she’s really smart, then she wouldn’t be dating my son!’” He chuckled and I even giggled a little.

“Asshole.” Harry muttered, but I could tell there was a hint of humor in his tone.
Des chuckled once more and wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin. “Well, I was obviously wrong. You do seem like an intelligent young lady, I’m glad you’re here.” He smiled.

“I’m glad to be here.” I half lied.

The rest of lunch continued on with a lot less awkwardness than I had anticipated. I knew I couldn’t give Harry the cold shoulder the whole time we’re here, but I was just waiting until I had some time to talk to him. He didn’t seem to notice that I was still avoiding him a little seeing as his hands were always trying to hold mine or rest on my knee. I didn’t protest even though I sincerely wanted him to know I was still upset with him.

The day itself seemed to slip away from us, and before i knew it, it was nine in the evening and we were all watching some movie on the television. Des had fallen asleep on the couch and I could tell Harry was about to drift off. I, however, was wide awake. I don’t know how though; it has been a long, exhausting day.

“Do you want to go upstairs? I’m about to fall asleep.” Harry whispered and I replied with a nod before standing up. Ugh. I’m going to have to share a bed with Harry, and for the first time, since I’ve met him really, that is the last thing I want to do.

I let him lace our fingers together as he led me upstairs to the room his father called his even though it held nothing of Harry’s possession. We quietly changed and I left him alone in the room while I went to brush my teeth and wash my face. When I returned no more than ten minutes later, Harry was fast asleep on the bed and was lightly snoring to confirm his unconscious state.

I sighed looking at my handsome boyfriend, knowing I was being irrational about this all. Half of me is saying that I’m stupid for not breaking up with him yet and letting him continue to hurt me, but the greater half is beating myself up for being upset over something that Harry did before he really knew me. God, I’m such a girl.


I decided I wasn’t ready to sleep after an hour of restless tossing and turning in the large bed. I hopped out of it and made my way through the long hallways to get to the kitchen. I poured myself a glass of water and sat on a stool at the breakfast bar hoping to convince myself to move past this.

I startled when the light flickered on and I heard footsteps behind me .“Oh, sorry. Didn’t know you were still awake.” Des’ voice confirmed there wasn’t an intruder in the home.

“Yeah, I just couldn’t sleep.” I shrugged and began to get up. I felt a little awkward, not sure why though.

“Oh, don’t leave! Let’s have a chat, yeah?”

“Uh, sure.” I agreed and sat right back down while he pulled a stool to sit opposite of me across the island countertop.

“So what’s going on with you and Harry? What’s he done this time?” He smiled, but I knew he wasn’t joking.
I let out a sigh and contemplated telling him simply because I really needed to vent, but it seemed odd because Harry is his son after all. “Nothing.”

“I’m calling bull. Come on, I can tell. I may still be living in this house alone, but I know a hell of a lot more about relationships than you could imagine. What’s my son done this time? I hope he wasn’t too much of an idiot.”

“It’s really nothing,” I shrugged and took a large gulp of the chilled water. I wasn’t looking at him, but I could tell he was studying my face for the lie I was telling.

“Alright, well I guess it would probably be a little weird to talk about that with your boyfriend’s old man.” He chuckled but recovered into a serious demeanor quickly. “Look, I may not see Harry often, but he tells me all about you. That boy is so in love with you, it’s insane. I thought I was dreaming the first time he visited and gushed about you; I’ve never seen him this way, and I’m glad he’s finally seemed to get his life together. I don’t know you very well obviously, but I know it’s because of you. That boy loves you more than himself, and trust me when I say that if he hurt you, he didn’t mean to.”

I felt the tears brimming in my tired eyes so I had to look down to my hands so Des wouldn’t catch me crying. It was an awkward situation, but it was like he knew exactly what I needed to hear. God. He was right; Harry would never intentionally hurt me. . . He did what he did before he met me, and I obviously just have a problem getting over what he did before we began dating. It’s becoming a reoccurring problem.

“Addie, unfortunately Harry had me as a father, and I wasn’t the best role model for him growing up.” He let out a knowing laugh and I heard the stool screech against the wood floor seconds before I felt his hand on my shoulder. “I know he’s trying, and I hope he is treating you well. You deserve a good man, and I hope what ever Harry did won’t affect you both in the long run. Trust me when I say you’re the best thing that’s happened to him; he wouldn’t do anything to purposefully push you away.” He said thoughtfully and continued to rub my shoulder blade.

“Thank you, Des.” I sniffled and lifted my head to look at the older version of Harry. “That’s exactly what I needed to hear.”

“It’s hard for him. He loves you dearly, Addie, he just doesn’t think he deserves you. Until I met you, I didn’t understand, but I do now. You are a wonderful young lady, and I can see why Harry would think that. I know you love him too, and before I stop the corny-fatherly speech, I just need to thank you for coming into my son’s life. I know Anne is also thankful.”

And that’s when the tears surfaced and spilled down my cheeks. “I should probably get to bed.” I told him and he nodded as we both stood from our seats. “Thanks again, and yes, I really do love your son.” I smiled

“I’m sorry my son can be an asshole sometimes, but you can blame me for that.” He chuckled and I even giggled. He threw his arms around me and embraced me for a second before saying goodnight and retreating to his room as well.

I quickly shuffled down the halls to return to Harry. The chat with Des really helped, and I’m glad we got the chance to talk one on on. I know I seem so back and forth with my feelings,but I can’t control it. This is my first relationship and I don’t know what to expect. I feel like I had a reasonable excuse to be upset, but one day is enough.


“Addie? Are you still awake?” Harry asked with a sleep-filled voice when I got back under the covers and scooted close to him.

“Yeah, go back to bed.” I smiled and snuggled into his chest.

He looked down at me with confusion but wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “You okay?”

“I’m better.” I sighed. “Sorry for today. . . I just-“

Harry placed his lips on mine to prevent me from continuing. “Don’t be sorry, I should be apologizing. You know I love you baby, I promise I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He whispered against my lips causing the bumps to raise on my skin.

This time I stopped Harry by kissing him and this time we didn’t stop until Harry was hovering over my half-naked body. “Harry, we can’t. What if your dad hears?” I giggled and covered my face.

“It’s a big house baby,” He smirked before lowering down to close the space between us. “I need you. . . now.”

Notes

ahhh I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to update! I've been with family/traveling and this weekend has been incredibly busy! But I'm finally home to the -20°F weather :/ Yuck. haha.

Anyways.. I hope you enjoy! Please comment, rate & subscribe!

P.S. two chapters left :( Don't be mad, but I'm still deciding on whether I'm going to make a sequel. I'm just not sure yet!