Lockdown | Harry Styles | AU

Chapter 8

After another round of drinks Aubrey then ordered a salad, while Mr Alarie and Harry ordered a couple of steaks, the atmosphere now somewhat easing around them.

Maybe it was just the alcohol but, Aubrey didn't feel as awkward as before, even with Mr Alarie's lingering looks between her and Harry, or the way Harry occasionally shifted in his seat and his knee would accidentally brush against her thigh.

In fact, Aubrey found herself tingling whenever this would happen, her body buzzing with anticipation just being near Harry. At one point her stomach completely fucking summersaulted when Harry casually placed his hand down on the table causing his pinky finger to accidentally brush hers, the small action making Aubrey's entire hand feel like it was on fire.   

But luckily, she was then relieved of her inner torment when the food arrived. Which also meant less talking amongst the group, so Aubrey could have a break from translating, her mouth already dry enough without having to talk so much.

But just as Aubrey was getting stuck into her salad, the sound of her phone ringing in her bag filled the air around them. Her hands carefully placing down her knife and fork before she began fishing it out of her bag, apologising to the table in english and french for the interruption.

"Mr Johnson, hello! How are you?" Aubrey spoke once she had answered her phone and held it to her ear, moving her focus away from the table slightly.

Harry paused cutting into his steak to look over at her for a moment, a curious frown on his face.

"Oh... well, I'm actually with Mr Alarie right now. I could ask him while you're on the phone if you want?" Aubrey asked so politely after a few moments of silence. "Yes. I um, I ran into him so we're just having lunch. Of course, yes. Just one second..."

Aubrey then tilted the phone slightly back and away from her mouth, her eyes fixed on Mr Alarie before she spoke.

"Malheureusement, Monsieur Johnson vient de me dire que quelque chose s'est passé, alors il a demandé si cela ne vous dérangerait pas de repousser notre réunion à demain matin?" [Unfortunately Mister Johnson has just told me that something has come up, so he's asked if you wouldn't mind him pushing our meeting back until tomorrow morning?]

"Bien sûr que non," [Of course not] Mr Alarie gave Aubrey a sweet smile once he had finished chewing the piece of beef in his mouth. His words making Aubrey nod and return his smile, moving the phone so she could tell Mr Johnson, but she paused when Mr Alarie spoke up again. "Tant que toi et Harry me rejoignez ici pour un autre verre après le déjeuner?" [As long as you and Harry here join me for another drink after lunch?]

Harry's expression perked up at the sound of his name, his head fully moving to the side so he could lock eyes with Aubrey. His strong gaze reading her intently, trying to figure out the situation.

"He wondered if we would join him for another drink after lunch? Our meeting has now been pushed till tomorrow. But I can just stay and I'll let him know that you had to go--" Aubrey rambled on slightly, her phone moved further away from her mouth before Harry interrupted her abruptly.

"Oui! I would love to!" He said with a cheeky grin, now facing Mr Alarie after cutting Aubrey off. His words making Mr Alarie nod and smile wide, clearly figuring out without translation, that Harry was very much on board for prolonging their lunch together.

Aubrey blinked for longer than she needed to when Harry and Mr Alarie clinked their glasses together in some kind of giddy, silent toast. Her lungs then taking in a deep breathe before her tongue came out to lick her lips as she straightened up to compose herself.

"Mr Alarie said thats fine. Same time tomorrow as today?" Aubrey spoke down the phone, her tone strained, like she was trying to sound casual but deep down she was extremely concerned and nervous at spending more time around Harry.