Red String 2 {h.s}

Chapter 8

They arrive in Los Angeles and Harry heads straight to the CBS studios with Amy coming along. Amy hangs out in one of the green rooms with Tom, they had both happily starting playing card games together to pass the time. Harry sits in meetings about his hosting duties for this week and a few pre-taped segments. He already recorded an abbreviated version of Carpool Karaoke with James when he did his crosswalk concert performance so they don't need to worry about that, but they do run through a few things for the following day. They're out of there fairly quickly with Ben making sure to say hello to Amy and let them know he'll be there for their engagement dinner.

Later that evening, they are back in their hotel suite, opting not to do a house rental this time to have the benefit of the elevator locking access to floors. It provides them with additional peace of mind until they figure out a more permanent solution to where they stay on future visits to LA. As they eat dinner, Amy starts asking about the schedule for tomorrow.

"What time do you have to be at the studio?"

"Pretty early. I have to prerecord a sketch, and then rehearsal with the band and then rehearsal for hosting, too. Harry is meeting me there with a few wardrobe options that I'll have to choose between. And Jenny will be there as well to do my nails. Plus, Ben talked me into doing Spill Your Guts/Fill your Guts so I have to rehearse that as well. Should be a long day."

"Oh," she says, confused at his tone, like he is trying to make it sound super undesirable and tiresome.

"I think you might be more comfortable staying here for the day. I wouldn't want you holed up inside for hours waiting on me. You've been doing that too much lately."

She is a bit surprised at his words because he has been so keen on keeping her close, always wanting her within a short walk away. Checking in on her every chance he can. She does admit that it might be nice to get outside tomorrow without the threat of paparazzi following her. She could go out and do some Christmas shopping.

"Alright, yeah, I have some errands to do."

The next morning, Harry kisses Amy goodbye while she eats room service in bed. She has a shower after he's left and puts on a pair of jeans and a white tee. She grabs her purse and is out the door.

Harry had arranged a rental car for her and it's waiting outside the hotel. It feels strange for her to go someplace without him, which is wild since she's been doing everything solo since June. But being apart from Harry always feels weird to her. Her missing limb.

She has no security with her for the day, though Harry tried insisting, she believed it would draw more attention and she'd have better luck blending in without it. Today feels different, as she isn't looking over her shoulder constantly to see if she's being followed or watched, like she would be if she were with him. She thinks about how Harry has gotten used to this because he's lived with it for so long. She knows it bothers him but he never complains about it. Just accepts that it's part of the lifestyle.

She manages to get all her Christmas shopping done, picking up gifts for both her parents, Anne, Gemma, even Tom. She picks up a few things to send to her friends in Vancouver as well as Alice in Paris. She debates forever about getting her sister something and eventually caves and buys her a simple, but luxurious, cashmere throw. She thinks maybe this will warm her cold heart, and then immediately feels guilty for the sentiment. She knows realistically she should forgive Sarah That her sister was trying to look out for her but should have been minding her own business and not projecting onto Amy her own problems. She sighs, knowing she is going to have to make amends with her sooner than later.

Harry is the most difficult one to buy for. He's the king of thoughtful gifts and she wishes he were worse at it so she wouldn't have to feel bad about not being as good as him. After feeling like she has been to every store in the area, she decides that a gift for Harry is going to take a bit more consideration.