Life in the middle-Harry Styles Fanfic AU COMPLETED

Chapter 7

By 6pm I'm rushing to clean my studio and leave it as clean as I want it to be when I use it again. Yes it's a ritual and yes it takes ages but it calms my nerves and feels quite therapeutic. I rush to the bathroom to have a quick hot shower, wishing I could take a longer shower right now but I can't.
I have a date, well not really a date but this is what I use to get friends off my back for declining their offers to go out.

Jinx is sitting on my bed and I walk into my wardrobe, pulling a pair of skinny jeans, t-shirt, winter shirt and basic underwear. I don't even bother for anything lacy, as if I'll need it.
I roughly brush my long chestnut hair and pull it into a messy bun.
I'm ready in a flash and I grab my phone and bag say a quick bye to Jinx and lock my front door.
The car drive to the support group isn't that far, that's why I chose it, I could have gone further out to save myself seeing anyone I know but I don't like driving far anymore.

Close and convenient is what matters now, I think as I pull up into the driveway. I park my car close to the entrance, for a quick get away if I need it.
As I walk up the steps of this community centre, I stop and stand rigid. Fear strikes through me and I begin to shake. I rub my sweaty palms on my jeans. How could I forget what I promised Pete? I know I was solely concentrating on my work today because it needs to be finished by a deadline but how could I forget this?
I think I can get out of here without being noticed. I turn quietly and start walking down the stairs. That is until I crash into a body, solid and lean. I don't want to look up, my eyes look to my shoes, bright ruby Docs then to the other shoes I can see, dark tan ankle boots. Not female but male. Of course they are male's boots you idiot, I yell internally at myself.

"Hey, are you going the wrong way?" Mr Brit questions? He has black skinny leg jeans on, a purple coloured shirt, top 3 bottoms undone and a hip length black winter jacket on.
I stand there not able to look up at him or anywhere near his eyes. Why? Why can't I look at him? I question myself. Because he stirs something dormant inside me. He makes my stomach flutter and twirl.
'Gee grow up and be an adult', I say to myself as I slowly take him in and finally get to his face.
Wow, just wow. Those eyes both intense but gentle, gaze at me, one eyebrow hitched up, as if to ask, what's your answer going to be Echo?
I shift on my feet, and answer Harry "I forgot something in my car" I answer.
He smiles and gestures towards the car park with his arm, moving slightly out of my way, so I can walk down the stairs. As our bodies almost connect, I feel a tug in my body. A pulling towards him. I think he feels the same because he looks like he wants to say something, I don't give him time too. Rushing to my car, I grab a art portfolio out and lock my car again.
Harry is still standing on the stairs when I head towards the building.
"So you feeling better this evening?" He asks with such a slow drawl I can't help but watch his mouth waiting for more words to stumble out of his perfect full lips.
"Um I'm ok, thanks" I answer as we both get inside.
"So would you like me to get you a coffee or a tea?" He smiles, "no de cafe, alright?" He smiles at me and I blush and look away immediately.
Why the hell did I promise Pete this? Am I insane? Ha I giggle to myself, that has been questioned plenty.
I walk towards the coffee machine and answer him, "no I'm good thanks".
"Suit yourself, I'll just make some tea if you don't mind me?" If I don't mind him what? Him being incredible attractive or charming?
"You're ok, I'm almost done" I manage before I turn to go and sit down on the plastic chairs. A couple of minute pass and
I hear him sit in an empty chair right next to me.
Out of the corner of my eyes I watch his fingers and hands wrap around his hot tea, and he blows the hot steam away.

The meeting starts as it always starts with any new member, which there aren't any this evening. I can't help but take quick glance at Harry while Pete is addressing coping skills like, Distraction.

I sigh thinking I need a distraction from my thoughts right now.