All Again

BECCA
THEN

Harry was at my house the next day after the concert.
Minutes before 5pm, he pulled up in his usual black Range Rover.
By then, I was already outside finishing house chores while my sister, who was the only other one home, chilled inside.
“Hey love.” He said warmly as he pulled me in his arms.
“Hey.”
As I pressed against him, we shared our usual kiss, though for the first time, I pulled away from him quickly.
“I’m sweaty.” I explained, as he surveyed the mess that was Becca Johnson in front of him.
“What are you doing?” he asked taking in the messy bun, holey t-shirt and boy shorts.
“Yard duty.” I said. “Ya know, the stuff my parents claim they are too busy to do so they make me do it.” I said with a playful role of the eye.
He smiled.
“Where’s your sister?”
“In the house. As usual.” I said. “But I’m about done. Let me take a quick shower and I’ll be ready to go.”
He shrugged me off.
“Don’t worry about it. I sent a text out.” He assured me. “I’m all yours. No one’s going to bother me.”
As we locked eyes, I just smiled, suddenly remembering his text.
Yours.
You.
Since disconnecting after the show last night, we had been in contact.
He had headed back in town early this morning and had spent the earlier part of his day golfing with Jeff and Xander.
I had spent it just catching up on sleep and doing chores.
Now tonight was ours since tomorrow he had another show and soon my work schedule would resume at both of my parents stores.
Not to mention, his already pre-scheduled studio times, band meetings and endless American shows he was going to be doing the next two months; and that was just the big stuff.
As I finished up, he helped.
“So um,” he lifted a bag, helping as I picked the last debris and weeds up, “Did we decide to grab dinner or go straight to my place? You didn’t text me back.”
“We can get something out.” I offered.
He nodded okay, picked my bags up for me, placed them in the garage, and then we headed inside together.
It was Harry’s first time in my home, so he was immediately observative.
“So this is home?” He questioned. “Becca Johnson’s world?”
“A small part of it at least.” I said as he smiled at me.
“It’s nice.”
I led him through my living room, past the awkward family photos and upstairs to my bedroom.
Taylor was still locked away in her own room so we had complete privacy, yet I still closed the door behind us.
“Woooow.” Harry sang heading straight to the wall I wanted him to mainly avoid.
I grimaced as he took in my high school pictures and academic ribbons.
“Well somebody is super smart.”
He turned to me with a wide grin, and I held back my smile.
“Look at all this…”
His eyes took in the wall of my only accomplishments that I displayed proudly.
“Jesus Becca, have you ever not been on an honor roll? And look…you use to cheer?” he asked in surprise. He stared at my red and white SOCES(Sherman Oaks Center For Enriched Studies) uniform.
The big bright smiley Becca in the pictures seemed like a different person. Once again, my blonde best friend was too blame.
“Long time ago.” I said, pulling off my shirt for a shower. “In a repressed part of my life.”
He smirked. “How repressed? Do you still remember your cheers?”
“They’re engrained unfortunately.”
“Really? Show me one.” He said trailing his hands over the old pom pom’s that were hanging right beside the picture.
“No way Jose.”
“Oh come on,” he smirked wider. He grabbed me as I tried to pass him and wrapped his arms around my hips, pulling me to him.
“Show me.” He pouted. His green eyes were entrancing as usual, but he was out of luck. That was a side of me he was just never going to see.
I didn’t even want to see that side of me anymore.
I pulled out of his arms, giving him a final kiss and moved away. He sat on my bed.
“Well that’s not very nice.” He said.
I just shrugged, shimming out of my shorts.
“I never said I was a nice girl.”
He just grinned.
“Maybe not, but you are a super smart one.”
He gestured to the wall.
“That’s kind of a turn on. A big one.”
I finally smirked.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah.” He said with a cheeky grin.
I went over to him giving him a quick kiss as he palmed my butt.
“Well show me how much later….but for now…give me five minutes.”
I pulled away and grabbed my robe.
“Turn on my TV or something.”
Harry didn’t respond, still studying my wall and I rushed to the bathroom.
Rushing through my shower as well, when I came back in my room, he was not alone.
He and my sister sat alone in the middle of my bed with a wide book open between them.
The family pictures.
I yanked the book just in time to hear “Told ya she use to have a gap!”
“Get out.” I said to her and “Shut up.” to Harry who had already started laughing.
“He wanted to see them!” Taylor argued, standing.
Harry watched me in amusement as I shooed her out of the room.
“It’s true.” He said quickly coming to her defense. “I was looking for the cheerleading pictures.”
I rolled my eyes and my sister smiled.
“Stop by later Harry, I’ll show you the rest.”
She winked at him and they went into cahoots together.
“Deal.” He said to her while I just cut my eyes at both of them.
I could have killed her.
And him.
I re-dressed, throwing on a simple shirt and some jeans and Harry watched me with a smile waiting for me to finish.
"Can we make a stop?" I asked fifteen minutes later from the front seat of his car.
"Sure. Where?" He said starting his car.
"Can we go to a Starbucks or something?"
"Course." He said shifting his gear shift and pulling out of my driveway.
As I rolled down my window, he took a back street heading towards the Pacific Coast Highway; a tourist’s dream route.
The wind blew my hair in the car and I watched Harry nodding his head along to his car stereo. Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon album was playing and Harry rocked his head like it was the greatest album ever created.
I watched him.
“You sure love the classics don’t you?”
He turned to me with a smirk.
“Yeah? Who doesn’t love a good classic?”
I stayed silent, not agreeing either way and turned from him.
As I did, smiling to myself, he leaned over pinching my cheek. Swatting him away, his right hand eventually landed in my own, holding it until we reached our destination.
When we arrived at a nearby Starbucks located at a local market a couple minutes later, there was comfortable silence.
"What do you have to get?" He asked as he turned off the car.
"Some Iced coffee." I said vaguely. My attention wasn’t on him. My eyes were on the shops in front of us.
Where were we?
I knew we were in Western Malibu, but I had never seen this little shopping mall before. It was filled with the essentials- a bank, a grocery store, couple small boutique's, and of course, suburbia's favorite; coffee.
"Have you ever been here?" I asked taking in the quaint area.
"With my mum once." He said casually. Unbuckling his seatbelt, he grabbed his phone and opened his car door.
"Did she like it? They look like they have nice stuff." I said, repeating his actions. I was staring at a particular boutique. It was for women and from the window I could tell it was stuff I would have liked.
Harry shrugged.
“Yeah I guess.”
As we gathered in front of his car, Harry’s hand graced the small of my back and I began the trek to Starbucks, until I felt his pull backward.
His finger was curled in my belt loop and he smiled at me as I turned to him.
“Did you want to see?”
“See what?” I asked him.
He nodded to the boutique.
"We have time…Let's go."
I shook my head no.
"Oh no, it's fine. I was just looking."
He smiled again, highlighting my favorite dimple.
He ignored me, walking past me and headed to the store entrance.
“You haven’t taken your eyes off the front window. Come on, let's look." He said encouragingly. Keeping my smile, I gave in, patting his chest lovingly as I walked past him in the store.
"Hello!" A woman from the register said almost instantly, giving us a warm welcome.
"Hi!" I said matching her cheered tone, while Harry took in the exchange.
"Can I help you find something?"
"Just looking." I said politely.
“No problem! Let me know if you need me!”
As I walked further in the store, Harry’s hand once again graced my back, gently pushing me forward. The contact was just enough to be considered intimate, but not long enough to be noticed. As quickly as he touched me, he pulled away.
Turning back to him, I suddenly forced the contact, clasping his hands into mine.
As I leaned into him, he brushed the top of my head with a quick kiss.
"See anything you want hun?"
I looked up at him with an honest smile.
"Lots. Why… are you going to buy it for me?"
"Sure. Pick out anything you want."
I just smiled. Millionaires shouldn’t say such things…especially in stores like this. It was a California girls dream.
“Seriously.” He said with a chuckle. “Whatever you want.”
I patted his chest.
"You’re very sweet. But I’m actually way too independent to let you buy me anything.”
He scoffed playfully. “Trust me I know. It must have been really hard for your exes to date you.”
I gave him a wide smile, pulling away and heading to a display of shirts. As I gathered a cream one in my hand, I answered.
“Actually they all fell madly in love with me.” I teased and turned back to him. “Didn’t even know what hit them.”
“I’m sure.” He said. He moved by me, speaking low.
“My parents warned me about the drugs in the street but never the ones with hazel eyes and a heartbeat.”
As I turned to him with a smile, he smiled back.
“It’s a poem I saw once.” He explained.
Before I could say more, he turned back serious.
“You want?” he questioned, already reaching for the shirt in my hand to hold it for me.
I snatched it out of his reach quickly. “No. Go find something to do!” I said shooing him away.
He rolled his eyes and went to the display across from me.
“You know Becca, while you’re being so stubborn…it’s not like I’m super rich or anything, or crazy about the girl I’d be buying the stuff for so….”
He trailed off giving me a smug, tongue in teeth, Harry Styles smirk.
I ignored him and his dangerous charms going over to a rack.
That smirk could make me do anything and he knew it.
He had learned me very quickly.
Allowing myself to get lost in the aisles of clothes before me, Harry found a nearby chair and plopped down, taking on the standard boyfriend role.
He pulled out his phone.
"Oh I can get in trouble here.” I said to him since he was still in earshot. Looking up from his phone that was now perched in his hand, he dismissed me once again.
“Then go crazy."
I just continued to make my way around the store. As I shopped, I glanced at him here and there and he as always was pretty consumed in his phone. Though he told everyone to ‘leave him alone’, he was engrossed in something and I welcomed the distraction.
Ten minutes later, I returned to him with clothes in hand.
"Do you mind if I try some stuff on?"
He smiled at me. His green eyes looking a bit jade today.
"Babe it's your world, I’m just living in it. Do what you want. I’m fine.”
I could have kissed him, and if he wasn’t Harry Styles, I would have.
"Thanks!” I said. He was so good to me. “I'll be two seconds."
He just waved me away again.
I darted to the fitting room, while he glanced back down at his phone.
I quickly worked my way through the items. Finding some too small, some too large and the one of course, I needed Harry’s assistance with.
Opening up the dressing room, my eyes moved over to his previous area. Where I expected to see him, sat alone, deep in his phone, he was now standing talking to two girls. The girls were our age, and obvious fans.
I tried to listen.
“And we saw Jeff a couple weeks ago-" one of the girls continued as I caught the tail end of her sentence.
"How was he? Awkward right?" Harry responded.
They both laughed, and nodded.
Watching the girls, I continued to study the exchange.
"He's so nice though.” They continued. “My friend Tanya use to work for CAA."
"Really? Doing what?" Harry asked.
The girl answered, and I just stood there. With my little head poked out, I watched once more as the man I slept with transformed into the popstar. There wasn’t anything he really did to transform, but the contrast between the two was still noticeable to me. Something about watching him interact with fans, or take work calls, or hop into his $80,000 SUV was a quick reminder, though he didn’t act a tad pretentious.
As I stared, Mr.Fifth Sense must have felt my gaze, because after about thirty seconds, slowly his eyes moved away from the girls and met mine. Then, the two girls followed his gaze. As all six eyes took me in, I quickly disappeared back in the dressing room hoping they didn’t get a good look at me.
Maybe they would figure I was another shy fan and not put it all together.
After all, Harry was in a women’s boutique, and he was obviously sitting waiting on something- or someone.
I just hoped they were as clueless as their fake tans.
Focusing back on the mirror, I began to study the top stuck to me, remembering the whole reason I poked my head out in the first place---I needed Harry’s help. Giving it about a minute, I grabbed for my phone and sent him a quick text.
*Safe yet?*
I waited for his text, while I was distracted by a knock on the door.
“Someone’s in here.” I called out.
“Becca,” the voice behind the door called out. “Open the door.”
I did and came face to face with Harry, glancing behind him.
“Where’d they go? Are they gone?” I whispered looking around.
He smiled back at me in amusement.
"Well if they weren't, you surely would have just alerted them. Again....relax, deer in headlights… they left."
I ignored his mild scolding comment, and turned away from him.
“Can you?”
I gestured to my back zipper and he came fully in the dressing room, shutting us completely in together.
He zipped the shirt up for me.
“Thanks.”
As I admired the shirt, he replaced his previous location, this time sitting on the stool in the dressing room.
“No!” I said shooing him away. “Get out of here.”
His eyebrows wrinkled.
“What?”
“They’ll recognize your shoes.” I argued gesturing to the wide crack at the bottom of the door; the tan Yves Saint Laurent boots practically saying ‘Harry Styles this way!’
“Go sit back out there.” I said.
Harry rolled his eyes and looked down at his phone.
“No way…calm down.” He said, starting to send a text. Maybe he figured I was joking.
I wasn’t.
“Harry!” I called. “Go!”
He looked up at me, disgruntled and pouted.
“Becca they left.”
“The store?” I questioned for confirmation.
“Yes.” He said with minor impatience. “And I told them not to post anything for a couple hours. We’re good hun.”
“Do you think they saw me?”
He smirked.
“In your two second appearance that made The Flash look amateur—don’t think so.”
I shushed him by throwing a t-shirt at him and he grabbed the loop of my jeans again pulling me in his lap.
Tickling me, I tried not to make that much noise in the small room as his mouth eventually attacked me too.
All we needed was more attention.
I kept my squeals to a low pitched level and when I finally freed myself, got back to my original thought.
“Get out here.” I demanded. “And take your Chelsea boots with you.”
“Shut up.” He said before slapping my butt and finally leaving the small room.
Fifteen minutes later, I was dressed with a full arm of clothes. As we walked to the checkout area, Harry continued texting and I was once again curious who was getting so much of his attention.
“It’s work.” He said. “I’ve been trying to get in touch with my friend Johan for the last few days for a session and he’s finally getting back to me.”
“Session?”
“Studio.” He clarified. “I’ve been meaning to work on something with him. He’s amazing on the piano. I’ve never seen anyone like him and he’s just really good.”
“Why? I thought you guys were pretty much done with the album?”
“We are. This is just for me. I do a lot of solo stuff sometimes.”
I looked at him curiously.
“I mean of course I wrote for the albums all the time, but there’s stuff I want to work on too. And I mean, I write for other artists sometimes and he helps. We did a song for Ariana Grande last year.”
“Really?” I asked in admiration, but didn’t get to inquire because it was time for me to be rung up.
As the unaware cashier made small talk with me and Harry, I watched my total.
“$156.46.” she said at the end, and I had to blink twice.
For what?
I had two shirts, a necklace and a pair of shorts.
Jeez I hated having to count my money all the time. It was so tight fisted because of my college expenses.
Already glancing at what I could put back, Harry quickly cut in. Before I could protest, he was handing her his card.
“Don’t-“I began.
“Chill out today.” He said. “Let someone do something nice for you for a change.”
“You’re always doing something nice for me. That’s the problem.” I said honestly.
He once again ignored me. With a quick swipe, he foot the bill.
As the cashier printed the signature slip, Harry quickly signed his name. The large italized Harry Styles, suddenly stood out to the cashier.
“Hey-“ she began keeping her eyes solely on him, “I hope this isn’t weird, but can I ask you a question?”
“Course.” Harry said.
“You wouldn’t happen to be that guy? The singer would you? Your name looks awfully familiar.”
I instantly looked at him in slight panic, but he just smiled.
“No.” he said, in a sudden polished American accent . “But I get that all the time. He’s a lot taller than me I think.”
And then to hide my smile, I turned away.
Harry grabbed my bags, thanked her, and we left quickly.
“Fucking liar.” I teased as we walked to the Starbucks.
“What?” he questioned innocently. “She didn’t say an actual name…she could have been talking about someone else.”
“Sure.” I said mimicking his fake American accent.
He chuckled.
“You know what, I’m going to take your shit back. You’re being mean to me today.”
“Oh poor baby, let me make it up to you.”
He smiled as I pulled him to me, gripping his shirt and kissing him quickly.
I then moved to pull back.
“No, wait-“ he said pulling me back, starting to kiss me this time.
For a moment, we forgot where we were and who he was. As his mouth teased mine slowly, he pulled me closer. My hand went to the back of his head, savoring his tongue until the sound of a car door slam broke our trance.
Harry pulled away from me quickly, and landed his eyes in the direction of the noise.
I followed his demeanor and pulled away, keeping a strangers distance until we reached Starbucks. When we arrived, a two store trek later he opened the door.
This store was much busier, but like most coffee shops, everyone was glued to their phones and laptops, and I was relieved when no one even looked up as we walked in.
As we moved to the line, we both skimmed the menu.
"What are you getting?" he asked casually.
"Iced Latte with brown sugar."
He made a disgusted face and I smiled.
“Well what are you getting?”
“Good old fashioned Cold Brew.”
"Yuck.” I actually said.
"It's real coffee, which you're supposed to get in a coffee shop." He argued
“It’s gross. And if anyone knows anything about coffee…it would be me. So…you’re cancelled.”
He laughed. “What the fuck does that mean?”
“It’s a college term.” I said laughing back. “The cool kids say it.”
As we shared a laugh, with him shaking his head at me, I turned to the barista.
Harry mumbled beside me, “I should call your mum, tell her where you choosing to spend your Friday afternoon. Does she know you cheat on her with other shops?”
“Shush you.”
I quickly placed our orders and as before, recognition didn't filter through the Cashier’s eyes. Though, he wasn’t really looking at Harry.
"Can I get names?" the guy asked hiking up his black permanent marker and the first cup.
"Becca and Harry." Harry answered, keeping his eyes on the barista, who was keeping his eyes on me.
"Coming right up." he said cheerily.
"Thanks.” I said matching his tone, purposely flirting. “For you.” I said placing a sudden dollar in the tip jar and winking at the guy.
The guy, who couldn’t have been any more than seventeen and not my type, blushed.
I instantly made his day.
Watching the whole thing, Harry shook my bag in jealously, reminding me that he was going to once more ‘take my shit back’ and I turned to him with a smile.
I turned from the guy quickly.
“Jealous?” I began as we headed further down the counter. Harry was about to answer, when he paused. Looking straight ahead, he slightly froze.
Clearing his throat, he gave a forced smile, a quick wave and shifted in front of me. Now shielding me with his body, he lowered his voice and looked directly at me.
“Don’t freak out or anything.” He warned.
“What?” I asked trying to look past him.
He blocked me with his head.
"Those girls from before are in here."
"What girls?"
"From the store, they’re by the door. I thought they left, but they must have just came here."
Curiosity killed the cat and I instantly tried to look.
“Don’t.” Harry said, casually blocking my view. “Besides I didn’t see their phones out. Just act cool.” He said gently. “I have lots of female friends.” He whispered. “That’s all we could be.” He explained.
I just nodded and he moved out of the way.

Yeah, or we could be fucking for the last four months….as we had.
Peeking ever so slightly, I took in the girls who were fans and they were watching alright. Curious, wide eyed glances mainly in my direction.
Harry gave me his own look and I tried to act cool as we waited at the end of the counter for our drinks, but they were watching me, not him, and he was the celebrity!
As the girls talked amongst themselves I recognized the look—they were interested in who I was. They also were rising in their thoughts; shifting through a rolodex in their minds.
Friend?
Assistant?
Family?
Fuck Buddy?
Girlfriend?
Girl. Girl. Girl. Harry. Harry. Harry.
Screw that.
Thinking fast, I pulled far away from Harry and headed to the wall of accessories. As I could hear the disappointed sigh of Harry, I ignored everyone, pretending to find the wall of water tumblers the most fascinating thing I’d ever seen. Screw what the hell he was talking about. He wasn’t going to be splatted all over the internet- I was.
Eventually the loud Harry and Becca order was called, and we both made a movement to grab the cups.
As he reached to grab them both, I beat him this time and grabbed my own. Turning from him, I headed right out of the door, hearing another sigh.
The last thing I heard was, a cheery “Bye Harry!”
When he met me outside, his expression was unreadable.
“Let’s just get to my house.” was all he said.
******************************
When we finally made it to his house an hour later, the only thing on our minds was food.
On the route, we had stopped and picked up some food from one of his favorite local spots; Cafe Habana.
As I sat tepee style on his couch, the silence between us was comfortable and the run in at Starbucks was not mentioned again.
For now, we didn’t have any plans, except for a plan to just be together.
The comfort of London returned and I was happy whatever funk we had been in before I left was gone. I still didn’t know what that had been but I was glad we seemed to be back to us.
I was still reeling from his text the previous night, even though I didn’t know what that specifically meant.
You.
So he considered himself belonging to me—what did that mean?
We were officially together? Or was it just a flirty thing, a way of reaffirming he wasn’t sleeping with anyone else?
School was a little over a month away and the single- by Harry’s admission- would be out fairly soon.
So while I may have belonged to him, I was well aware it still didn’t mean much; whatever feelings were stewing still needed to sit under the surface.
I could admit though I was still scared to be around him, but he was regular Harry again, and making it impossibly hard to stay away.
Long after we finished the food, we just sat there, with my head on his chest and his hands in my hair watching mindless television and just talking about the upcoming show the next day.
“Do you want to come?” He asked flipping channels. “You can head out with me this time on the bus.”
“Can’t.” I said. “I have a late shift tomorrow. I’ll be just getting off when you hit the stage.”
“Call in.” He said. His voice had an airiness to it, and I knew he was smiling behind me.
“I wish.” I said.
He wrapped around me tighter.
“Please? I need you. I’ve forgotten how to perform without you there. You’re my muse.”
He kissed the top of my head.
I smiled. “I think you’re doing okay. Did you forget I missed a couple of the last shows?”
“You may have missed them, but you were there. Trust me.”
As he placed a second kiss against the temple of my forehead, once again I was in that bubble.
And it was growing.
I was steadily falling in love with him more and more each day.
He was perfect; with everything he said and did.
And the rabbit hole was pulling me in faster and deeper.
I stayed in his arms, doomed with each passing minute.
~
Eventually the day turned to dusk, and the dusk turned to night, and antsy Harry started to get restless.
He wasn’t a sitter, much preferring to stay busy and I could tell being with me was fine but he was longing to do something more than lay around on the couch.
As he started shaking his leg in anticipation bored from the TV, I started throwing out suggestions.
“Are there more movies out?” I suggested. “At the theatre?”
He frowned. “I don’t really want to see a movie. It’s much too nice out anyway.”
I turned to him with a mischievous smile.
“Well want to go back by the beach? Long drive…our own flames or paradise?”
He turned to me and smirked.
“Someone’s been listening to too much Taylor Swift.”
I turned back to the TV and shrugged.
“It’s a great song,” I said almost forgetting it was about him.
“Ice Skating?” I suggested next.
He shook his head no.
“I’m too much of a hazard. Didn’t you see the video?”
“What video?” I asked in confusion.
He just smirked and turned from me.
“Nothing.” He said and leaned back on the couch.
“Well…Laser tag?” I suggested, just throwing out things now. “Miniature Golf?”
He turned back to me.
“Wow, you really going there aren’t you?”
“I’m just trying to think of something fun.” I protested. “Don’t want you to be bored with me.”
“I’m never bored with you…And this is fine….I just feel like I should be doing something. My time is not going to be my own for too much longer, but we don’t have to go out if you don’t want too.”
“No I want too.” I said.
He snapped his fingers as a thought came to him.
“How about bowling? I haven’t been in a while.” He said.
I sat up from my spot on the couch, which was no longer in his arms.
“Bowling sounds fun, but also, very public.” I said honestly.
“What do you mean?”
“Well I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Why?”
“Well….I’m sure its going to stand out if Harry Styles and a girl are bowling alone. I’m sure they’ll be pictures and shit by the end of the night.” I reminded.
He stretched.
“So? And first off, don’t say it that way. Hearing you say my full name like that is weird… and secondly, who fucking cares? It’s been four months now.”
His voice still had a lightness to it, so I smiled.
“You do.” I reminded him. “And me. And TMZ.”
He rolled his eyes and sighed. He looked around the room, reaching for his phone.
“Well like I said, we can’t hide forever babe. It’s going to come out sooner or later, and I’m not going to stop living because of what my fans may think. Besides, we don’t have to address it, if it does come out. Let people draw their own conclusions.”
“That’s not the full issue.” I said under my breath. “Besides you’re bias. You’re not the one who gets affected.”
He didn’t answer, but he definitely frowned causing me to explain.
“I’m sure in the past when the world finds out, the hate is thrown at the girl…you may get an article or two, but you’re seen as the lothario. While we, the girls, are the demons sleeping with you.”
“Uh no.” he said quickly. “I get the brunt of it too. Do you know how many times I’ve been called a womanizer? And how many people think I just fuck women and go?
I literally have ‘winter girlfriends’ because I’m that fucking shallow or something, according to the media.”
“Yeah but who cares Harry?” I said passively. He wasn’t getting what I was saying.
“I care.” He said immediately. “And I told you, I protect the people I care about. The women who have meant the most to me have not been in the spotlight purposely.”
“And if they are what do you do?”
“I keep it between us.” He said.
“And don’t you think that’s messed up?” I questioned. “While the fans flood their page, you stay silent?”
“It’s not anyone’s business.” He argued defensively. “Why should I confirm something for someone else’s benefit? It’s my life and my relationship. Fuck that Becca.”
“You don’t get it.” I said under my breath.
“What don’t I get?” he asked quickly.
“You’re Harry Styles. Their God. The girls get it the worst because they want to be with you.”
“And how would you even know?” he questioned. “You knew nothing about me a year ago.”
I leaned and grabbed my water bottle off the table.
“I’ve been quickly educated. Lou and others have told me what to expect.”
He rolled his eyes dramatically.
“Well I don’t care.” He said.
“Of course you don’t.” I said, but I still wasn’t taking this conversation that serious. My voice was still jokey, but Harry’s grew serious.
“Why does it matter, if we’re together? Let me make this clear-the only opinion I care about is yours Becca, so why does this shit bother you so much? Why are you talking about it with Lou? I thought we moved past shit like this in London.”
What shit?
“I thought the shit was clear now.” He finished.
His smile was gone and I continued to look at him.
Again, what shit?
Internally yes I was on a whole different level, but physically me and Harry still sat where we had back in Bangkok. The only difference was a few more hickies and an emerald necklace.
I still wasn’t his girlfriend.
This still wasn’t serious.
This still was ending very very soon.
“Because we’re not together Harry.” I quickly reminded him. “We both know this is nothing but great sex… and for what….another two weeks? What am I moving past?” I questioned.
As the words left my mouth, I didn’t mean for them to sound harsh, but that was the way it appeared.
The sternness in my voice had definitely been there, but only to remind myself.
Every time he said things like that or hinted at something more, my heart danced happily, psyching myself that this could be long term. The fact that he was a lot more casual about people finding out sent sharp little pulses to my heart.
He’s starting to care Becca…maybe, just maybe you guys could
My brain shut that shit down quicker than the thought appeared and as the words spilled from my lips, I had to admit it did sound cold and sent a little stab to my own heart.
Well geez, it was just a thought. I internally scolded.
The conversation quickly took a different turn.
Harry just looked back at me for a second trying to read me; not saying anything.
I didn’t know what he was trying to see.
My real feelings were hidden far behind some tough girl act I was pulling and for now, that lie of us being nothing was all he was getting.
Though fact of the matter was, he was something.
I just had no clue how much yet. He was already fusing himself in my veins.
Biting his lip, he suddenly turned from me and ran a hand through his hair.
He didn’t have anything to say at first. He just sighed.
“Fine then forget it.” he said a second later. “Just forget the whole thing.”
Plopping back on the couch, he suddenly looked miserable.
He picked up the remote and I relented, appeasing his boredom.
Jeez, who knew going out tonight was that important to him?
“No we can.” I said quickly. “We can go out, I just….let’s just go.” I said finally.
He looked up at me unsure.
“We’re bored, so let’s find something to do.” I reassured.
“I’m not bored.” Harry mumbled to himself and then unlocked his phone. “But fine.”
His tone was immediately shorter, and I knew he didn’t want to discuss it all anymore.
He didn’t face me, so all I said was a gentle, “Kay.”
He sent a quick text message and tossed his phone between us a minute later.
“Just made it a foursome. Jeff and Glenne are going to meet us here.”
I wanted to instantly protest, just wanting the night with him, but I didn’t say anything more.
He was noticeably irritated by the whole discussion.
“They’re going to meet us here in about an hour.” He said.
I just nodded and focused on the pile in front of me.
The takeout platters of Shrimp and Fish Tacos were still spread out amongst us and while Jeff and Glenne were nice people, I wasn’t much up for a foursome anything.
Now ignoring me, he headed to another part of his house, while I quickly headed to the kitchen dispersing everything to its proper place.
Harry eventually headed upstairs to change while I remained my position on his couch.
While he was upstairs, I just thought about things; London…my feelings…my fears...my words. I zoned out until he came back downstairs.
“You want a different shirt?” Harry asked when he eventually appeared back before me.
He was popstar Harry now, refreshed, hair wild and free and in his infamous black jeans, but his patterned shirt and boots cost more than my entire savings account.
“Of course.” I said with a warm smile. “We all know how much I love them.”
He didn’t smile back.
We headed back upstairs together. As I sorted through his closet, I remembered that I still had some of his shirts at my house. I was quickly growing a collection.
“Keep’em for now.” He said. “I’ll get them in two weeks,” then he looked up at me. “Ya know when just the great sex ends.”
His voice was tainted with sarcasm so I didn’t say anything.
Turning back to the closet, I quickly found a shirt and tossed it on, ignoring his pressed stare.
A half hour later, we weren’t alone and Jeff and Glenne were standing in Harry’s foyer. As Jeff and Harry debated on cars, Glenne took a seat beside me.
In her inviting smile, she tried to catch up.
“I haven’t seen you in forever.” She said warmly. “How did you like London?”
“Loved it.” I said glancing at Harry. “It was fun.”
Harry turned at that exact moment and we locked eyes. Giving him a small smile, we both quickly had our own thoughts of our previous month together.
“Yeah, where’d he take you?”
I kept my eyes on him.
“He took me to see Big Ben and I got to ride the tube...Oh! and Camden Lock Market. That was fun.”
I turned back to Glenne.
Sharing a small smile with her, Harry turned back to Jeff, but he was lost in his own thoughts. Looking down, he bit his lip and placed his hands in his jeans.
Glenne continued.
Seemed she had been to London quite a few times. As she named more landmarks, I let my own thoughts continue.
For me late nights in his arms, tunnels and our last night was the highlight.
I wondered what was for him?
His shows probably.
He loved to perform.
Jeff sat on the other side of me suddenly, scrolling something on his phone. Peeking, I saw it was bowling alleys.
“Which alley Hersh?” he asked.
“Anyone.” ‘Hersh’, aka Harry replied lowly. His mind was now elsewhere.
“It’s Friday, they’re going to all be pretty busy.” He reminded.
He just shrugged him off.
“I don’t care.” He said.
Jeff gave him a look; and seemed to have the same thought I did earlier.
What about if she’s photographed?
Harry ignored us both and even rolled his eyes.
“Just pick one.” He said sternly. “I’m ready to get out of here.”
Jeff eyed his friend curiously. His big brother protectiveness instantly kicked in.
I wondered why he was concerned.
Piling in Jeff’s car minutes later, the boys continued to debate bowling alleys up front, while me and Glenne discussed her last couple days at work. She worked for Snapchat, the largely growing social media platform and her job was intriguing to me. One day soon, I hoped to have a ‘big girl job’ too.
Between the three musketeers I surrounded myself with tonight, I felt pretty inadequate. They were all well accomplished, while I had nothing in the form of merits outside of my school statistics and I was far from being accomplished in the world.
I couldn’t wait for that to change.
In just a few short months, Becca the college grad could take the world by storm, and I wasn’t going to let anything stand in my way.
As the boys continued their small talk up front, eventually a sentence caught my attention.
“I sent a text out. Cam is on his way. And Waseem is in town, so he’s coming.”
I didn’t know who any of these people were, but Glenne turned to me with a smile.
“You hear this Becca? They’re trying to surround us with men. Hey, how about some women too on this little gathering!” Glenne called out front to her boyfriend.
How about some clarity, I wanted to ask.
When had the foursome bumped up to a six-some?
“Call them.” He said casually.
Glenne just continued her smile.
“No, we can hang with the boys can’t we Becca?”
“Absolutely.” I said, not even sure what I was agreeing to at this point.
We eventually landed at Lucky Strike Bowling arena in Los Angeles, and Cam- Jeff’s brother, and Waseem- longtime Jeff and Harry friend-and another girl- Kaia - met us.
The Kaia girl looked really familiar and it took me about a good five minutes to realize she was Cindy Crawford’s daughter.
She gave me a bright warm smile reminiscent of her momma, and hugged Harry.
As I was introduced, I was called ‘Harry’s girlfriend Becca’, and Harry was quick to correct them.
“She’s not.” He muttered walking past us all and opening the establishment’s door.
This garnered another look from Jeff, and even Glenne looked between us in concern.
Following his gesture, we all walked in.
As we did, Harry sided up beside me.
“You want to call your sister or Kelsey?” he whispered in my ear behind me.
“Why?” I asked turning to him.
The conversation was just between us, as based on Harry’s tone.
“Just because. These are all my friends and I want you to be comfortable.”
I smiled at him. He was always so sweet, worrying about others.
“I am.” I said. “I’m with you right?”
I didn’t mean it in an intimate way, more so like ‘we’re close friends, and I’m comfortable if you’re there’ but he frowned.
“I’m starting to get whiplash.” He said.
“What do you mean?” I asked in confusion.
He didn’t answer as he moved away from me, taking in the lights of the place.
Cosmic bowling was in full effect and as Jeff assumed, the place was packed already at 10pm. We all walked in the huge dark room with lights flashing, and headed for the nearest corner. It was a pretty nice alley with all the newest bowling amenities.
As we settled, Jeff grabbed Harry.
“Come on Hersh. We’ll go pay.” He announced much to Harry’s own surprise. “What are your sizes?”
As everyone called out their shoes sizes, Glenne linked her arms between me and Kaia.
“Alright ladies. Fuck what they’re talking about…we’ve got to show these guys how we do this.”
I smiled, as we found a corner and began to plot. Harry and Jeff hustled off, while Cam and Waseem went to get some food.
After everything was paid, and the shoes were ordered, and the drinks and appetizers were on a table before us, the game was in full effect.
The Ladies vs The Guys.
I have to admit it was entertaining. Glenne was a ball of energy and I had always been a good bowler. I quickly bonded with Kaia, and at the end of the first game we lagged an impressive six points behind the boys
Harry was noticeably quiet, but played well as well.
As the second game started up, I took a seat by him.
“Good idea.” I said to him, now happy for this bowling suggestion.
He didn’t say anything to me.
I studied him.
“Are you mad at me?” I questioned.
His green eyes rose before turning to me.
“Why should I be mad at you?” he questioned.
I shrugged.
I didn’t know. All I knew was he hadn’t been the same.
“I’m just checking.” I said.
“It’s whatever.” He said. Then, “I just want you to do whatever makes you happy.”
I leaned and kissed his cheek, and then lifted for my turn.
He didn’t say another word.
As the second game came to a close, Waseem was ready to fill the drinks and food before Glenne interrupted. .
“Actually guys…listen up…Kenny says she’s headed to Bootsy Bellows. Want to meet her instead?”
“Bootsy Bellows?” Jeff questioned. “What, does she fucking live there now or something? She was there last night.”
Glenne just smiled.
“What’s going on there?” Harry cut in across the room.
“The usual madness.” Glenne said with a smile. “She’s headed over from the Nice Guy.”
“No thanks.” Harry said quickly, looking back down at his phone he had been watching.
Glenne rolled her eyes and completely ignored him.
“Becca you want to go? Leave the old man at home?”
I smiled as Harry scoffed at her, and then realized what she said.
Harry’s friends looked at me expectantly and actually seemed pretty okay with the idea.
I didn’t need to get close to Harry’s friends by any means, but the words “Sure” were out of my mouth before I could stop them.
Harry looked at me in surprise.
“You’re going?” he questioned.
“Sounds like fun.”
He gave me an unreadable look, then looked back at Glenne.
He sighed.
“Well If she goes, I’m going too.” He said reluctantly.
“Cool.” Glenne said, clapping her hands together.
It was not cool.
It was loud and congested.
All Instagram models in short skirts and six inch heels.
Boys in button downs and jeans; aftershave fresh in the air.
“Maybe this was a mistake” I mumbled as I walked in, taking in the gold and black trim of the club, and the long, long, line.
It was a Friday night and it seemed Bootsy’s was the place to be.
Luckily from the moment Harry stepped on the sidewalk of the club, we were whisked into VIP land; yet, not before passing the hundreds of rowdy partygoers, calling his name.
Staring at them and the dress code of the club caused me to instantly take in my appearance of a t-shirt, sandals and jeans. It was totally inappropriate but as I would learn tonight, Harry’s lifestyle and rules were very different from my own.
“What do you want to drink?” Glenne asked, plopping beside me when we made it to our section.
We had been in the club all of five minutes but she was already feeding off of the energy.
“Coke?” I guessed.
“And?” she asked wanting to me to finish.
“No alcohol.” I emphasized.
“You don’t drink?” Glenne questioned.
“I do.” I said. I just preferred to go through tonight as sober as possible.
Who knew with liquid courage what words may come out and I didn’t trust myself with Harry right now anyways, especially, under the influence.
Not caring either way, Glenne turned to Kaia next.
Exchanging a look and a gesture, they both stood.
“We’ll be back with the drinks.” Glenne announced.
“Just wait for the bottle service.” Jeff piped up.
“I like to get my own drinks, thank you very much.” Glenne argued and sauntered off.
I gave a small smile to her puzzled boyfriend and turned back to Harry.
As an Iggy Azalea song played around us, I studied him.
He was looking in the distance, focused on something and didn’t turn to me.
“Have you been here before?” I asked, finding myself craving his attention suddenly.
We hadn’t spoken much at the bowling alley, and now that we were here…I was kind of wishing I had gone with his initial thought.
It had seemed so long since we had spent any real time together, just being us, that I was kind of already anxious for this night to end back at his place.
He was just getting comfortable.
“Yeah…” he said, not glancing at me and then waved at the distance.
Following his distracted gaze, I was surprised to see two of the members of Five Seconds of Summer in the corner. Michael Clifford and Calum Hood.
Had we all missed the party memo or something? In another corner, I could see another young Hollywood actress and a destructive male paparazzi favorite.
As Harry seemed to talk to his fellow musicians, through some weird famous sign language I wasn’t privy too, I just watched.
I had met the guys back in Bangkok in March as the openers of the concert, but hardly knew them.
Yet Harry seemed happy to see them and well acquainted.
After a couple of seconds, he pulled away too.
“I’ll be right back,” and then so I wasn’t alone, he signaled Jeff to take his previous spot. I watched him as he walked away.
“So what do you think?” Jeff asked as he faced me. “Like it?”
“Yeah it’s fine-“ I began, watching as Harry moved through the crowd to the other VIP section.
“We come here all the time. It’s one of our new spots….” Jeff trailed. “If you like this place-“
Yeah, yeah yeah…
Jeff continued small talk beside me but I was barely listening.
I was watching Harry and his other famous friends. Michael patted Harry’s back as they came together and they exchanged a laugh. Harry gestured to us, and for a split second we locked eyes. I gave him a small smile as he turned back to the guys.
Ugh.
I continued watching.
He was carefree, not at all aware of the events happening around him.
Some girls near the VIP had definitely caught on that Mr. Harry Styles was in the building and were watching curiously as well.
The 5SOS boys were guarded so they weren’t getting close, but I watched them as well, watching how they took in their idol.
Ping, another reminder.
Harry was famous. Harry was well known.
There were people in the world who dreamed of meeting him and talking to him every day.
He was actually an unattainable guy in our everyday society.
Yet thinking of the way he texted me, held me, touched me….I was pretty damn lucky, and tonight while I still could, I vowed to show him.
As Cam and Jeff continued talking, I kept watching Harry.
He was laughing now, and I could swear I could hear that unmistakable squeal from his laugh across the room.
Smiling myself at Harry’s infectious demeanor, I watched them for a couple minutes.
After a while, Jeff must have known I was ignoring him because he stopped talking directly to me until Glenne and Kaia returned.
When they did, they had two new friends trailing behind them; one a brunette who appeared as excited as me about tonight and the other a tall leggy brunette who was often on my TV on Sunday nights on E!.
“Hey guys. You came!” the tall guest exclaimed instantly hugging Cam- Jeff’s brother.
She was easily 5’10 and dressed for the night in a cream open silk top and skinny black jeans. The highlight of a choker around her neck, completed the look.
“Hey Ken. Hey Lauren.”
“Hey.” The bored brunette ‘Lauren’ said with a hand wave, but I wasn’t looking at her. I was looking at her friend.
As I took in ‘Ken’, my eyes processed that I was actually seeing Kendall Jenner- live and in living color.
She hugged Waseem next, and then Jeff, and finally locked her eyes on me.
Giving me a quick once over, she turned to Waseem, who was on the other side of me.
It appeared as if she was waiting for him to introduce us, but I beat him to the punch.
“Hi.” I said extending my hand. “I’m Becca.”
She smiled at me, shaking my hand back. “Kendall.”
And then she focused again on the other party on the side of me. Plopping beside Jeff, they began small talk while Glenne handed me my drink.
Taking a sip of the ice cold liquid, my ears stayed on the Kendall conversation and my eyes stayed on Harry still in the corner- at least until the two fused together.
“Where’s Harry? I thought you said he was with you guys.” Kendall asked suddenly and Kaia spoke up.
“He is.” She pointed her slender finger in his direction- and as if he had ESP- he turned and looked at us.
Finishing up his conversation with Michael and Calum, he headed back our way.
All in all, he had been gone about five minutes.
As he leapt back into our section, our eyes locked first since I hadn’t taken my eyes off of him.
“Sorry.” He said quickly.
I didn’t respond as Waseem cut in asking him a question, and he took in Lauren and Kendall.
Giving Lauren a welcoming head nod, Kendall got more of an introduction with a playful fuss of her hair. As she laughed and swatted him away, I watched their interaction.
“I’m still mad at you. Don’t talk to me.” She pouted with a wide smile I had only seen on Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
Harry smiled. “What else is new?”
Kendall playfully kicked him while he focused back on me. Looking at Jeff, he waved his hand, gesturing for him to stand, and Harry went back to his previous position- by me, and now, by Kendall.
Looking at him, she continued her taunt.
“Well how come I didn’t get any tickets then?” she asked Harry.
“I told you, I couldn’t get any. San Diego was sold out.”
“What about your section? Jeff went.” She said and gestured to him. “And Xander.”
Harry just smiled. “You don’t even like 1D.”
“Of course I do.” She argued. “When’s the next show?”
“Tomorrow.”
She looked up thinking.
“I have a shoot in the morning, but I’ll text you.”
Harry smiled, and made his first real contact with me of the night; but only to shade her.
Leaning into me, he joked “Remind me to turn my phone off tomorrow.”
She slapped his chest again and he laughed.
I wanted badly to roll my eyes.
Maybe I would have to cancel my shift after all.
Taking another sip of my drink, I turned from them.
Watching Harry with a girl was not-
Then it hit me.
They had dated. This wasn’t any girl.
I was actually sitting next to another woman Harry had potentially slept with- and they were friends.
I let that soak in, and my whole demeanor changed. Tossing my drink back quickly, I needed something stronger.
Harry turned to me in concern, as the brown liquid disappeared down my throat.
“What are you drinking?” Harry asked me a moment later.
Looking up at him, his eyes were only on me.
“Just soda.” I said.
He was instantly relieved.
I stood.
“I’m going to get another one though.”
Harry began to stand too, though I didn’t know why.
“I’ll be back.” I announced not waiting for anyone to interrupt or follow.
I moved through the thick crowd.
Now out of VIP, the floor was more crowded and congested.
I headed to the bar section. It wasn’t as packed as other bars, mainly because of the bar service at the tables, but I still weaseled my way through.
“What’ll it be?”
“Rum and Coke. Strong.” I said.
“Coming right up.”
I turned away from the bartender and looked back over at the VIP section.
Everyone was still laughing and talking and Kendall was leaning whispering something in Harry’s ear.
I sighed and tried to keep my jealously at bay. I didn’t need one of these nights.
They’re just friends Becca.
Friends that I didn’t want to be around right now.
So after I got my drink, I lingered.
Like thirsty wolves, I quickly got the attention I was waiting on.
As a guy I was sitting beside at the bar sat next to me, I engaged in the usual small talk.
Where are you from?
Come here often?
Here with anyone?
The guy was cute, and my favorite kind. He gave me my space, and didn’t push himself on me, and if I was looking, I may have entertained him further.
Still, he was there for a purpose, and as I looked back over to the VIP section, I saw it worked.
Harry was watching, and his eyes creased in confusion and mild possession.
Flipping my hair and smiling, I made it appear that I was flirting, though I truly was not.
Like magic, five minutes later, Glenne was by my side.
“Hey Becca, what are you doing over here?” she called. “Come with me.”
It was obvious she had been sent over.
“Sorry I’ve got to go.” I said to my bar companion and he threw out a quick parting,
“Hey, can I get your number?”
Before I could turn it down, Glenne smiled and grabbed my hand.
“She has a boyfriend.” Then she yanked me through the crowd.
As we shuffled back to the VIP section, Glenne didn’t say another word.
As I took my previous spot by Harry, he looked at me.
“Did you get lost?” he asked.
“No.” I said honestly, taking a long smug sip of my drink.
Harry rolled his eyes, and as I drank more and more, the burn killed my throat.
This time, he must have sensed the alcohol, because he cut in, gently pulling it from my mouth.
“Please slow down.”
His voice was soft and the Becca from a few minutes ago, disappeared.
I was being immature about this whole thing and those concerned eyes had me second guessing.
So, remembering who I was, and where we were, I smiled back at him.
“Sure.” I said.
“Do you need anything? A chaser? An appetizer or something?” he asked next.
I couldn’t help but smile.
Still always worrying about others.
“No.” I said quietly and patted his leg gently. “Thanks.”
Harry turned back to his friends, listening to a Cam and Jeff conversation, while Kendall on the opposite of him, pulled out her cell phone and rocked her body along to the rap song playing above us.
Her best friend Lauren was also fully involved in the conversation, and while they were talking about something I had no clue about, I tried to get back engaged.
So this was Harry’s usual world.
I could tell that this gang was well acquainted.
Their conversations were laced with past events, hidden memories and secret innuendos.
Glenne who was always a sweetheart, tried to include me asking my opinions and thoughts on everything but it was obvious I was kind of a third wheel to this whole thing.
Even Kendall noticed, eyeing my place a few times beside them.
Parting from her phone early on, she was an active member of the conversations and spoke the language too, and she kept touching him.
Casual little pats and brushes had me still sipping my drink in mild irritation.
Kendall didn’t know me and it wasn’t romantic gestures so it wasn’t disrespectful, it just bothered me that it was happening.
I wasn’t friends with my exes and couldn’t understand their relationship now, and I definitely didn’t mix my past and present lovers as casually as Harry did.
He was immune to it.
If it wasn’t his phone, it was other partygoers that grabbed his attention.
Eventually some other famous face pulled his attention too, and he stood.
“I’m sorry. I’ll be back.” He said.
He quickly disappeared into the crowd with Jeff this time.
This time, as he did, Kendall watched him like I did, as he made his way across the room.
As I watched her, watch him, I took in the next events with precision.
She was fascinated by him.
Smiling, she seemed as wrapped up in the Harry bubble as I was.
I wondered about them.
Had she really like him?
Had she loved him?
Who had ended it?
Had it ever been serious?
“Hey Becca?” Glenne called suddenly, pulling my attention.
Turning to her, she was smiling at me.
“Come with me?” she questioned, standing before me. “I need to head to the bathroom.”
I stood.
Kendall’s head snapped up too.
“Oh I’ll come with. My hair always sticks to me in this damn club,” then she looked at me with a smile. “But do I stop coming? Nope.”
Giving her a polite smile back. we all stood- Kaia and Lauren too- and headed for the bathrooms.
We had the help of security shielding Princess Kendall, we made it to the bathroom without any issues.
As we entered, it was semi full. Yet as I learned, with this bunch not for long. Security quickly intervened giving Kendall (and friends) the whole bathroom.
I had to admit, that celebrity privilege was kind of nice.
Lauren headed for the stall, while Kaia, Glenne and Kendall took up the sink.
Me, I just stood off to the side, out of the way.
Fluffing her hair first and digging in her small wraparound, Kendall started the conversation.
“So what were you guys doing bowling? Whose idea was that?”
“H.” Glenne said, touching up her own mascara.
Kendall looked at her in shock.
“That’s surprising.” She said. “When he texted me this morning, he said he would be busy all night.”
Glenne glanced at me from the mirror.
“Well he probably was.” She said casually.
“Well was it fun? Who won?”
“We did!” Kaia said with a smile. “The last round anyway.”
“Which is the only one that counts.” Kendall said. “Which location?”
“Lucky Strike.” Kaia said.
Kendall smiled. “You should have told me. I would have met you guys there first.”
“But you were with Hailey too right?” Glenne asked.
“And Chris. They left and met up with Justin and-“
They went into another world again; more people and events I had no clue about.
This time Kaia noticed.
Cutting in from a conversation on the restaurant The Nice Guy- Kaia turned to me.
“Have you ever been?” she asked politely.
“No.” I said honestly. “I’m never in town to really go to many places here.” I specified. “And I just turned twenty-one.”
Kendall chuckled.
“Oh that doesn’t matter in this town if you know the right people.” She applied lip gloss and looked at me from the mirror. “Where are you normally?” Kendall asked.
“New York.” I answered her.
“Oh that makes sense.” She said, and then turned to me. “How long have you and Waseem been together?”
I looked at her in confusion.
“Waseem?”
“Yeah. Did you guys meet in New York?”
Lauren came out of the stall and went to a sink.
“I don’t know Waseem.” I said honestly. “I only met him here tonight.”
Kendall looked confused this time and looked to Glenne for an answer.
Her eyes seemed to scream—then why is she here? Who is she with?
How do we know her?
“She’s with Harry.” Glenne quickly assured and she blinked.
“Harry?” she questioned.
Glenne looked at me through the mirror and gave me a small smile.
Kendall continued, eyeing me as well.
“With Harry? Like just came together or…”
“No.” Glenne said simply as she further clarified the gray area.
“She’s officially ordained in the club.”
Kendall looked at Glenne, while Glenne looked at me.
I didn’t say anything as Kendall eyed me from the mirror as well. Her curiosity about me reached a new height.
“Oh.” was all she said. “Oh I…I didn’t know the club was taking new members.”
Her voice had a lightness to it that was clearly forced.
She nervously chuckled and shrugged it all off.
“My bad.”
I still said nothing.
I had nothing against Kendall Jenner but I didn’t know her, and wasn’t looking to have small talk with her.
She was nice enough, but this was girl code one on one. She had probably fucked the guy I was fucking....I seriously didn’t see best friends and mani dates in our future.
I could tell she definitely didn’t either.
Feeling something uncomfortable waft through the room, I began to turn away.
I was going to head back out to the club area.
She asked a quick follow up question.
“How long have you known Harry?”
“A while.” I said non-committal.
Kendall seemed to look at Glenne then, her voice screaming for details, but I was over the whole thing.
“I’ll see you girls out there.” I said, moving out of the bathroom.
I headed back out to the main booth where Waseem and Cam were and they gave me a small smile.
I was so ready for this evening to end.
Eventually the girls came back, and then Jeff and Harry, but by then I was so checked out.
I knew I was over it when my favorites started getting played and I didn’t even realize.
As the Pussycat Dolls ‘Don’t Cha fused with some Flo Rida song, Harry quickly turned to me.
Smiling he seemed to wait on me to react.
I just looked at him bored, then I remembered--- just two months earlier, in his car singing to the top of my lungs.
This was one of my jams.
I just gave him a small smile too.
He looked at me in concern.
“Hey…Are you ready to get out of here?"
This time I wasn’t even accommodating.
“Yes.” I said honestly.
He surprisingly sighed in relief.
"Great! I'll get the car." he said.
I nodded okay and remained quiet as he moved over to Jeff, taking a seat.
Kendall briefly glanced at me once more, but I tried to ignore her.
I know she had been listening to every word, and she didn't even try to hide it.
As Jeff and Harry debriefed in the corner, I remained quiet.
Eventually their conversation took a turn and grew a little louder as Harry stood back up.
"I'm not playing Harry, I need it back early."
"You will. Relax man." he said.
"Harry I’m serious. I need to meet my parents in the morning for brunch."
"I'll be there by nine. Promise."
The keys were in his hands and I didn't understand what was happening, until Harry came over to me.
"Let's go." he said.
I looked around at everyone else who had came with us. They didn't seem to be too aware that we were all leaving.
Harry read my expression.
"They're going to ride with Ken." he explained.
Hearing her name, and still deeply engaged in our conversation, she cut in.
"What?"
"Jeff says you have a service tonight. I'm taking his car. You can drop them off on the way."
"Uh no..."she said. "I was meeting a friend after this. I’m staying at his house"
The word friend was lingered.
"Besides why can't they ride with you?"
"Because i'm taking her home." Harry said pointing at me.
"Then double back." she argued.
"It's already worked out." he said giving her a final smile. "I'll pay you back."
"In what way?" she questioned, but Harry didn't respond.
He turned to me.
Yeah, what way?
Gesturing for me to get up, I followed his instructions and gave an awkward wave to Glenne and the rest of Harry's gang.
"See ya later, it was nice to meet you." Waseem said warmly.
"You too."
"See you soon Becca!" Glenne said just as warm, lifting to give me a hug. "I should get your number."
Harry didn't seem especially enthused by this request and tapped my back.
“Next time. We have to go.” He said.
Let's go.
I started to head out, bypassing Kendall and she stood.
"Nice meeting you." she said. "Good luck with everything."
Harry and I both turned to her, not understanding her statement, but she sat back down, taking a sip of her drink.
"You too." I said quietly.
Ten minutes later, we were out of the club and back in Jeff's car.
As we fastened our seatbelts, I turned to Harry.
"So you're taking me home now?"
"No." he said, turning on the air conditioning. "I just told them that."
And then turning to me, he had to confirm.
"I thought you were spending the night with me?"
"No I am." I said quickly. "I was just making sure."
"Oh." he said, and turned on the car radio.
We rode in silence on the way to his house. When we arrived, it was nearing 2am.
Punching in his alarm, Harry gestured for me to follow him upstairs.
Taking the steps in front of me, he shook his hair, tousling it like I had seen him do a million times before heading to his master bedroom.
I had been in it many times now, but it still amazed me how wide the space was. I took a seat on bed while he quickly began to undress in front of me.
“Fucking hate clubs.” He mumbled. “See why I said ‘no thanks’?” he asked casually moving around his room.
I just nodded, taking in his inked chest and arms.
“Did you like it?”
“Not exactly my scene.” I said honestly. “More Kelsey’s thing.”
He smiled facing me and began removing his pants next.
It had been ten days this time since I had seen him nude, and my thoughts immediately swirled.
The alcohol was pulsing through me and the heat rose quickly between my legs.
"I need to take a shower." he announced. "You want to go first or...?"
My eyes scanned his skin.
No.
Definitely no.
I pulled my hair in a quick ponytail. Then demurely as possible answered, "How about one together?"
Harry who was moving to remove his boxer briefs paused.
Glancing up at me, he slowly smiled.
I smiled back at him, giving him a seductive look.
He stopped.
"Okay." he said. "I'll see you in there then."
As he headed to the bathroom, I held back my pout.
That moment wasn't exactly what I had been picturing.
In my mind, he was supposed to undress me and we kiss and touch our way into the shower.
Standing in the distance, I heard him turn on the shower and I quickly undressed.
Seemed he actually was picturing a shower to get clean, while my thoughts were more dirty.
I just sighed.
Nothing was ever as I expected when it came to Harry.
Making my way into the bathroom, he was still in his briefs and he handed me a towel.
"For after."
I took it from him gently and he finally pulled his briefs down.
My eyes quickly moved to my friend; long and thick in front of me.
He was barely flaccid and my eyes searched hungrily.
I was already nude, and a second later, he reached his hand out to me.
Taking it, he led us into the shower that was already slightly steaming the room.
Falling under the warm water, Harry wet himself first.
As his curls dissolved in right of me, and he ran his hands over his face, I just watched.
Damn, damn, damn. He was Adonis and all the other Greek gods’ love child.
He reached behind himself and handed me a loofah.
“Thanks.” was all I said as he confirmed my previous thought.
We were very much together in this shower, but very apart.
Reaching for his body wash in the opposite corner, I lathered the small sponge and turned from him.
The minute I placed it on my chest to get started, Harry stopped me.
His large hand curled around my own and my back pressed against his chest.
As I began to turn to look at him, his mouth landed on my neck, and his hand moved over my own, moving the loofah lower…lower…lower until it was over my most intimate area.
Helping me clean and lather my lady bits, his mouth gently probed my neck. I couldn’t help but smile as the moment became what I wanted it to be.
Switching to the other side of my neck, he moved the sponge back up, this time focusing on my breasts.
I could feel my friend in my back, and I could care less what he was doing.
Pulling away from him, I dropped to my knees, instantly taking him in my mouth.
He instantly gave a surprised, “Oh! Okay…”
His hands moved to my hair and his eyes didn’t move away from me.
The water was falling over his shoulders and I didn’t let the water cascading down, interrupt me.
As I edged him closer and closer, he finally had enough, lifting me and pushing me against the closed shower stall.
“Lift your leg.” He demanded grabbing my left leg.
I did as he said and this time he bent before me.
Long story short, he came, I came, we got clean and we ended up on his bed.
Damp and our bodies riddled with droplets of water, I sat on his lap.
His mouth was all over me, and my hips slowly rocked on him pushing towards the main event.
"Do you have a condom?" I asked, as his mouth played some tongue game with my nipples.
"Always." he said then pulled back. "But why? What's wrong?"
"Nothing, just checking." I said going for his deep pink lips again but he pulled back.
He stopped me.
"Well I mean...don't get me wrong. I'm glad we're thinking safe sex, but you haven't asked me lately. We haven't used condoms in a really long time." he pointed out. "Why are you asking now?"
"Louis." I said, thinking of the news he had recently told me. "Just don't want any mistakes." I said honestly.
Harry looked at me skeptically, and then ultimately nodded in agreement.
"Oh ok...It’s in my nightstand if you want to get it.”
Lifting off of him, I grabbed the foil packet and he placed it on.
Climbing back on him, I quickly tried to resume my previous position.
"Wait Becca-" he began pushing me away once more. "I need to ask you something first."
"What?" I asked.
He looked up at me, all clear green eyes.
His expression was serious.
"Did you mean what you said earlier?"
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I didn't know what he meant.
"About us." he clarified. "Has this really only been about sex for you?"
“Of course not.”
“Then why did you say it? That this is nothing…Are you not happy?”
I smiled at him. What a ridiculous question.
“I’m very happy.” I said honestly and thumbed his damp hair. “Babe-“ I leaned to kiss him again and he stopped me again.
“Then why did you say it?” he asked again.
Swallowing, I backed up.
I shifted on him, trying to get comfortable. He was still hard underneath me, and resting wide and at attention on my thigh.
"It came out wrong. That wasn't what I meant to say."
"So what did you mean to say?" he asked, not missing a beat.
I shifted on him again.
"Can we kind of talk about this later...at least...after?" I questioned.
He smirked.
"Oh you're ready to use me huh?"
I didn't answer, leaning and kissing him again, letting my mouth do the talking.
His left hand rested on my hip, while his right cupped the back of my head.
Seemed he gave in, but now I had my own self-doubts.
I pulled away breaking the kiss.
"Was it ever for you?" I asked quietly. “Maybe not now. But maybe in the beginning?”
"Was what for me?" he asked re-opening his eyes.
"Was it ever about sex?"
"Never." he answered gently. "Not even close."
His eyes searched mine.
"You mean something to me. You get that right?"
I put my head down, as my insecurities took over.
He lifted me by my chin.
“Becca?”’
“Yeah I do,” I said a second later. “But-“
“But what?”
I thought back to the club and tonight.
“Kendall Jenner. She’s really pretty.” I said.
His face immediately contorted.
“Huh?”
“She’s really pretty. Why did you two break up?”
He looked at me in disbelief.
“You’re sitting on my lap, naked, in my house and you’re asking me about Kendall Jenner?”
“Yes.” I said honestly.
He shook his head as if he couldn’t even begin to comprehend why I was asking this.
“Why?” he asked.
“Because I’m curious.” I said. “I didn’t realize you guys were still friends.”
He sighed and placed his head in the crook of my neck.
“Jeez Becca…please don’t.”
I didn’t know what he meant until he pulled away.
His boner was quickly deflating.
He faced me and dropped his hands from my hips.
“I don’t want to talk about her.”
“Why?” I asked. Was that a red flag?
“Because I’m here with you.” He said quickly. “Jesus Becca, what is this? What’s up with you lately? You’ve been different since London.”
I ignored his comment.
“It’s a valid question.” I said.
“It’s a stupid question.”
“Why? Wouldn’t you be curious?”
“No.” he said.
“Yes you would.” I said. He was weirdly jealous in his own ways. “You would care if I hung out with my exes.”
“Do you?” he asked, not pausing.
“Well no. Not lately.” I said honestly.
“Well if you did, do you still like any of them?”
“No.” I said.
“Then I wouldn’t care.”
I rolled my eyes.
“You would.” I said. It was human nature.
He sighed and wrapped his hands around my waist.
“Becca, look at me.”
I did, but I didn’t have much choice.
We were still close and only skin separated us.
“I don’t care about Kendall Jenner. I’m not sleeping with Kendall Jenner. We haven’t even hooked up since last year.”
Last year?
“She knows me. And Jeff. And his family. We’re all close in that way, and that’s all it is. I barely even talk to her like I use too.”
I didn’t respond.
“I’m here with you.” He continued. “I like you. Really, really like you. And this, with you--- is where my head is at.”
I still didn’t respond. I sighed and looked at his patio.
He didn’t take his eyes off of me.
“Please tell me that’s where you are too?” he asked gently.
I turned back.
“Because I think you’re hot, and amazing, and smart, and funny and if you only knew how much I” he paused. “...Anyway… this…this insecurity thing you seem to now have is going to drive me fucking crazy. I don’t know what else to do to show you I’m here and to get you to trust me.”
“I do trust you.” I said.
“I don’t think you do-“
“I do.” I said in exasperation.
And that’s why I didn’t want to drink.
The alcohol was bringing things out I didn’t want him to know.
He didn’t need to know the inner workings on my mind, well…here it was…
“I just see her, and like I said…I don’t get it Harry. I truly don’t. I don’t get why you like me. I’m not rich, I don’t have a modeling contact. I don’t travel all over the world or have access to the lavish things. I flinch when my total comes to a damn hundred dollars! I’m a college student, that yes may be headed to a great career in five years, but for now, I have nothing but student loan debt and exams to look forward to in my near existent future. What are you getting out of this? We’re nowhere near on the same levels. But some of those other girls are…What can I offer you that you don’t already have except yes, decent sex-”
“Something that’s real.” He cut in and I paused.
“And something I can build.” He said.
He continued to look at me, completely relaxed.
“You could give me something that I’ve never had,” he said seriously and as I comprehended his words, he smiled.
“I mean…if you would just chill the fuck out.”
I couldn’t help it, that garnered a laugh out of me, and he smiled back at me.
“Okay?” he questioned.
Losing my smile, I grew serious too.
“Okay.”
“Okay.” He said in agreement.
I shifted on him again, and he used the moment to remove the unused condom. He leaned and tossed in the wastebasket.
Well there went that.
“I ruined the mood didn’t I?” I questioned.
He just shrugged and placed his hands on my hips again.
“It’s fine.” He said. “I told you, it’s not about the sex.”
I rested my hands on his shoulder.
“Still….I made this the most complicated summer fling ever huh?"
This time he chuckled.
He pulled me to him for a kiss.
As his kissed me slow, his hands trailed my back.
“Well actually…I have something to tell you.” He said when he pulled away.
I looked back at him.
“What?”
He trailed his hands on my back.
“You have to promise not to tell anyone—even Kelsey.”
“I promise. Besides, I don’t tell Kelsey much anyway.”
“Well still-“ he said. “I know how it is when you’re with your best friends.”
I smiled. “So you and Jeff talk about me?” I joked.
He rolled his eyes playfully.
“Yes we do. But you already knew that.”
I smiled wider.
“Well what did you tell Xander about me? He seems to know a lot.” I inquired.
He smirked.
“Oh I told him everything.” He joked giving me a quick kiss. “He’s in love with you too now.”
“Ooh he’s my type too! Did you still have that threesome request? He might be a good candidate.” I joked.
His smile faded. “Absolutely fucking not.” He said and I laughed again.
“That will never happen. I’m going to keep him far away from you now.”
I laughed harder as he began to laugh with me.
A minute later, I grew serious again.
“Okay, okay…what do you have to tell me?”
He grew serious too.
“It’s about the band.” He said.
“The band?” I questioned.
He nodded yes.
“And I mean baby, you can’t say a word.”
“I’m not…besides…what is it? You guys breaking up or something?”
Smirking, ever so slightly, he gave me a telling expression.
“Are you?” I asked in disbelief.
“No.” he said. “It’s a break though.”
“What do you mean?” I asked completely confused.
I had seen them all yesterday and everything seemed fine. There was no signs of any pending changes.
“We’re going on a break. It’s something we’ve been discussing for a while, and…well…it finally went in my favor yesterday. Louis' impending fatherhood helped and I found out before you came. There’s nothing. No album. No tour, nothing next year.”
“What?” I asked kind of upset by this news. “The whole year? And what do you mean in your favor? And what do you mean by break? And for how long?”
Harry just smiled.
“Slow down.” He said. “I’ll start from the beginning.”
“Please do.”
“But you can’t -“ he began again.
“Tell anyone. I know.” I said.
“Sorry. I just have to keep saying it. I haven’t even told my own mother yet.”
So this was big news. I looked back at him.
“So why are you telling me?”
And then he smiled. The widest, most comforting smile.
“Well Becca Johnson…I’m telling you, because this changes things for me.”
“In what way?”
“Well I’m off all next year.”
“So?” I questioned.
“That’s five months away.” He said.
I still didn’t get it.
“Sooooo?”
“Sooooo, you technically finish school in December right? Until you graduate in May… right?”
“Yeah?” I questioned.
“Well…the possibilities are endless.” He said cryptically.
And then I slowly started to catch on….
Was he?
Could he be?
Was I not imagining the undertone of his words?
“Get me?” he said finally.
I smiled.
“Maybe.”
I needed to hear the actual words. I needed the gray area, a bright and vivid black and white.
“So what are you saying?” I asked.
He shrugged casually, a teasing smug look taking over his whole face.
“I don’t know.” He said. “Tell me what you want me to say.”
He placed the ball completely in my court.
I bit my lip thinking.
“Five months….” He taunted. “Just five…I mean…its already been four now. Time can fly.”
“You’re touring.” I reminded him.
“I have breaks.”
“I would never see you.”
“I have a computer. And a phone. Skype and Facetime are lovely inventions.”
I smiled.
“It would never work.”
“We haven’t tried.” He argued.
“People would find out.”
“Maybe.” He said. Then, “Maybe not.”
His smile was just as wide as mine.
“You’re drunk.” I estimated. These had to be ramblings of a drunk man.
He gave me his infamous Cheshire cat smile.
“I guarantee I’m not. I didn’t drink tonight.”
Then he suddenly lifted me, flipping me on the bed and rolling on top of me.
“But…I am something else.”
As his head dipped between my breasts placing a quick kiss, he looked up at me.
As our eyes locked, he once again waited on an answer.
Finally, the one thing I had always dreamed about was here, and I couldn’t believe it.
“The possibilities are endless.” He said again. “Just remember that.”
And before I could say anything more, he was inside of me, deep and working me again.
Making love to me.
Again.
As I finally came, his name was on my lips and his words in my head.
Just five months.
We would only have to make it five months and then I could see him as much as I wanted too.
It could be a real relationship.
He could fall in love with me too.
Holy shit. I could actually have this!
Well…
I didn’t give my answer that night.
I needed time to think about it.
I needed to fully weigh my cons.
Yet so far, all I saw was pros, and man was I unbelievably happy.
**************
Hours later, I couldn’t sleep.
It wasn’t the thoughts. It was the heat.
Waking up, tangled with Harry, I had only been asleep about an hour when the heat from the room awoke me.
Shifting out from under him, the clock read 5:42am, and my body was covered in small sweat.
I was clothed again in one of his long t-shirts and before moving, he had been bare behind me.
Tip toeing out of the bedroom, I swiped my phone and headed to his master bathroom.
Running some water, I quickly went potty and tried to cool myself down.
For the first time the air conditioning wasn't on in his house, and the warm weather of Los Angeles breathed through his patio's open door, creating a warm muggly feel to the air .
Going back in the room, I wasn't sleepy, but I didn't want to lay around either and I didn’t want to wake Harry up, who was gently snoring.
So grabbing my phone, I headed downstairs.
Going to his living room, I turned on a small lamp and his TV.
His bedroom was far from the living room area so I didn’t worry about waking him.
I turned on my phone.
Hours earlier, before entering Bootsy Bellows, I had turned it off.
Now, as it loaded, the chimes began alerting me to missed text messages.
I scanned the senders only catching the start of the sentences.
Taylor:
*Are you alright? Are you freaking out? What-*
Mom:
*Hey sweetie. Taylor told me. Looks okay-*
Christina:
*Nice ninja moves! I could barely tell it-*
Sabrina:
*Hey Cousin. Miss you. Um this is going to-*
Ping. Ping. Ping.
Seven more messages. Four, from Kelsey alone.
What did I miss?
I started with the messages from my best friend and quickly got caught up.
Apparently there was a picture circling the internet of me and Harry today.
When the hell did that happen?
I instantly freaked.
Logging into my Tumblr accounts, I browsed my dashboard. I followed Harry blogs so it led me right where I needed.
Starbucks.
The two girls who had been watching me, had of course posted the picture of them with their idol, but also a blurred picture of me and Harry. It had been snapped as I left the shop.
‘Harry and the girl he was with’, they had captioned on the original post.
Clicking the link, I went to the Instagram account of the girl who had posted it, and saw the 500 comments underneath it.
Who was he with?
Who is she?
Were they alone?
Did they seem like they were together?
It’s Kendall!
It’s Joy Muggli!
It’s Glenne!
It’s a friend!
It’s an assistant!
Guys…how do we even know they were there together?
My head started to spin.
I sighed, sifting through it.
It was a lot of arguing and a whole lot of clueless guesses.
Who cares who it is, Harry can have friends!
Harry’s dating Sara Sampaio!
Harry was with Kendall tonight, its her! Hendall is real!
Ugh. Fucking Ugh.
Evne though it was 5am, I clicked out of the Instagram mess and texted Kelsey back.
*Thanks. Didn’t know. We’re good, but…let the fun begin* I typed with an eye roll emoji.
And then I headed to Twitter. I purposely headed to update sites trying to see more of what I could find, because my social media was dead.
There was nothing and no one knew it was me; except my teenage cousin who had came across the picture and had some questions.
The top rated post by HarryStylesDailyUpdates, was getting the most traction.
A brunette girl, some chick named Madison Dupree, was this fandom’s answer to who ‘Starbucks girl’ was.
As I read through the long thread, I saw why.
She knew Harry.
She had lunch with him, Xander and friends only days earlier while I had been in Mexico.
She had even been at the concert yesterday.
I had never seen this girl before and I was proud of myself, as she was thrown before me, that I didn’t react.
I barely blinked an eye.
Yawning I leisurely moved to her page and saw what more I could find out, though I knew it wouldn’t be much.
I didn’t really care.
Something about the last few hours had my insecurities on a whole new playing field.
You couldn’t tell me anything right now. Harry wanted to be with me and that’s all I was thinking about.
I was just bored and not ready to go to bed.
I scrolled through her pictures.
She was a consultant for some media based company and as I clicked on the most recent picture, posted hours earlier, my attitude changed.
In her carefree smiley picture in her house, the hate messages stood out like a sore thumb.
Slut.
Bitch.
Fuck off.
Get lost.
You are soooo ugly.
Leave him alone.
Stay away from Harry.
Die whore.
And it went on and on and on and on….800 comments.
800.
In seven hours.
And nothing was even confirmed. No one even knew the status of their relationship or if it was her in the picture.
I should have clicked off.
I should have closed the page.
Yet, I read every post.
Every
Single
One.
Slowly starting to feel some type of way.
This was supposed to be me.
These posts would have been on my page if people knew it was me. And while some people may have felt relief she was getting the hate, I felt disgust.
It was some eerie foreshadowing that turned my stomach.
This is what I had to look forward too?
This is what they would do?
Would this be an everyday thing?
Would they spam me the way they had spammed her?
Would they eventually send these messages to my friends and my family?
Would that be the forever assumption of me, just some slut that Harry was sleeping with?
Some girl with no life, no feelings or no self respect?
Because of what, who I was sleeping with?
Plus Harry had already said he was not going to defend it. His stance was just to not get involved.
Well seeing this, how could he not?
Is this what the girls went through in the past?
Is this what he saw and chose not to get involved in?
Is this how he abandoned them?
Granted it was 5am and he wasn’t sleeping with this girl—I didn’t think—but Harry never confirmed anything in the past; even I knew that.
How could he just sit back and let people rip apart people he cared about?
This shit was disgusting, and more importantly hurtful.
This type of shit could give somebody an extreme insecurity complex.
This shit was the worst type of cyber bullying there was and I was not going to be dealing with this.
As I sat there, reading every word that was meant for me, tears filled my eyes.
Harry was worth so much, but not this.
This is not something I needed in my life.
I was a strong girl, but I knew shit like this could break me.
I wanted out.
So logging off everything, with my cheeks unexpectedly stained, I picked up the phone dialing my sister.
After four rings, a groggy voice was on the other end.
“Hello?”
“It’s me.” I said quickly. “Sorry to wake you, but I need you to come get me.”
A shift, a cough…
“What? What’s going on? Where are you?”
“I’m at Harry’s. And I need you to come get me. I’ll text you the address.”
“Why? And where is he? And what’s wro—Becca its five in the morning! Have you lost your mind?!” my little sister exclaimed.
“Just come get me. Please.” I pleaded .
“Becca, i am not driving-“
“Please?”
“No way! I have a shift at 8! Where’s Harry? Or Kelsey-“
“Look I don’t ask you for much.” I snapped. “But I need you right now. Your fucking sister needs you, so please come get me.” I demanded, damn near in tears.
“Okay.” She said finally. “Send me the address.”
“Thank you.” I said and hung up on her.
I headed upstairs to grab my clothes.
I was leaving.

Notes

Thank you all for continuing to follow the story. I appreciate it so much! Did anyone catch Harry finally telling her he loves her? She sure didn't. LOL.