Life in the middle-Harry Styles Fanfic AU COMPLETED

Chapter 8

I find myself yawning as Pete rounds the meeting up. Finally I can get up and stretch my legs.
I see Pete approaching and I've been dreading this all night. To be fair to Pete he hasn't asked anything of me while I've been attending this group. He hasn't even pushed me to share my story. So I'll give the old guy a break tonight.
I turn to move the chair and find Harry standing quite close to me, I feel an energy between us. I dare myself to look into his eyes for a moment. They blaze into mine and I wonder if he is felling the energy too.
Everything stops when I concentrate on Pete's words.
"So Harry, I've spoken to Echo in regards to some support for you while your sister is struggling and she would be more then happy to help" Pete beams. As a matter of fact so does Harry. Am I the only one not smiling here? I answer my own question and I try a little harder and smirk.
"So I've already given Harry your details Echo and warned him not to have his phone on private if he wants you to answer" Pete laughs. I manage a small laugh mainly because I think Harry doesn't believe this fact about me.
"I'll leave you be now, see you next week" Pete says and walks away leaving me with Harry.
I walk to the rubbish bin and throw my cup in the bin. Harry follows suit and walks a foot behind me. We both get outside and I stop at the bottom of the stairs. I watch Harry do the same, standing and rocking on his heels, hands in his back pockets. This is awkward and I don't do awkward well.
"So" he starts, "How do you want to do this? Dinner, and a chat or maybe breakfast?" He asks me.
"I don't do breakfast and I'd take you up on the dinner offer but I have a friend to tend to"
He looks down and pulls a hand out of his pocket to quickly rake through his hair. I wait.
"So would you have to check with your partner then?" Harry asks, trying to regain some eye contact with me.
I chuckle lightly and his eyebrow hitches up questionably.
"No, um no I don't have a partner, nope" I begin, "I have a cat with a rigid routine". God that is as dumb as it sounds. Here I go, "I have a cat I need to go feed, he's feeding time is after the evening groups, so yeah not dinner and no breakfast" I spit out awkwardly.
He looks at me again, these looks are driving me insane literally.
"So that leaves us with lunch or supper?" Harry questions with a truly puzzled look on his face.
I'm suppose to be supporting him and I'm doing a shit job of it already. I should say yes to this and I know I need to follow through, just like the Shrink says.
"What is that black folio full of, pictures of you cat?" Harry laughs. It's a magical sound and it's contagious. I start to laugh myself, mid giggle and answer him, "no it's my art folio, I'm a freelance artist".
Up with those eyebrows again, his smiling face questioning,
"May I have a look, I love the arts, and work in the music industry, we're always looking for cover art on for bands cd's". I look down at the folio and know it's way to hard to try and spread this out for him to look at, so I find myself answering "my place supper and art then?"
He's smile is larger then normal and I notice, dimples for the first time.
"I have your details, I'll see you shortly then, don't want to keep that cat waiting, now do we?" He answers with a hint of sarcasm.
Hmm, that's an extra point for him, at least he will get my humour I think.
"Sure I'll see you in 10" I answer as I get into my car.
Holy shit I start the engine, I have to get home at least 8 minutes before he is at my door, I need my shower, I need not to change to much too soon. I've already said I would help, I've agreed to show him my art and I've agreed to supper with a stranger. I get home in record time, quickly leap into the shower, telling Jinx, he will have to wait a couple of minutes.
I dress quickly in yoga pants and a thin long sleeve t-shirt.
"Come on Jinx" I open the can of food and scoop some out on a dish. Jinx meows and rubs himself on my shins. I almost trip over him when I hear the door bell buzz.
I press the intercom, "it's Harry"
"Ok, just push the door when you hear the click" I say pressing the door lock.
Oh Echo calm down, it's been a long while since any male has come into my sanctuary, if I don't count Jinx and my elderly neighbour Des.
I breathe in through my nose slowly and breathe out of my mouth the way the Psychologist taught me.
I come back to earth when I hear a tap at my door.
I open the door, slowly, Harry looks different, more tense then at the meetings.
"Come on in" I welcome him and lead him to my lounge room. He looks around before choosing my 3 person couch to sit on, shifting just a couple of green tinted pillows over.
Jinx walks in as if he's timing was perfect.
Harry smiles all dimples.
"So this is the man you needed to tend too? He's an incredible looking cat, may I?" Harry asks putting his hand out.
Jinx the smooth cat he is walks straight up to Harry's hand and gives him a nudge with his head. I smile thinking, you hate everyone you met you traitor but you like him?
Hmm Jinx, you may have something here I give my cat a stare, nodding slightly, I think I like him too.

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