Lapse [h.s]

Chapter five

I ended up sleeping right through dinner and all through the night apparently. I remember checking my phone for the time around 11:00 pm to find myself confused, dazed and engulfed in complete darkness.

You know those naps where you're completely passed out and wake up not remembering whether it's the same day or not?

Yeah, that happened.

Leah said she attempted to wake me up about an hour after I went to my room, but I think the events of the last two days got to me and my body really needed the rest.

Taking into consideration that I slept for a couple hours in the middle of the day, I am now wide awake at 6:00 am.

Today's my first 'official' day at HS unlimited and I am a nervous wreck. I still don't know exactly what Harry's game is and I'm so intimidated by it. On the other hand I'm also very intrigued by it, I just don't know what he wants from me.

I think the long sleep really helped rest my brain, at least it means I can go in this morning with a clear head. It's like Leah said yesterday, if it really is that bad. I can always leave, no big deal.

Leaving my warm bed, I make my way to the bathroom. At least sleeping all day yesterday and waking up super early today, has allowed me the extra time to get ready this morning.

I don't have to rush around like a headless chicken, as per usual. Hoping in the shower, I let the burning hot stream of water hit my body. Slightly scolding it but not so much so that it's comfortable.

Following Harry's 'instructions', I need to head straight up to his office when I get in this morning. Not that hard, right?

Today, I'm just going to put my head down and get on with the work. I'm there to earn money to be able to live my life, not to get distracted or sucked in by Harry's, or anyone else's games.

Hoping out of the shower, I choose carefully what to wear and apply a little bit of makeup. Not too much that it looks like I've got a full face on. Once I'm ready, I prepare a small breakfast and decide to scroll on my phone for the last bit of free time I have before I have to leave.

— —

Harry's not here. It's 9:00 am on the dot and he's not here. I did everything he asked me to, not talk to anyone and head straight to the office. And he's not fucking here.

After waiting around for another 15 minutes, alone with my thoughts. I push up from my chair to make my exit as someone crashes through the office door. Startling me, I take a precautionary step back and stop for a second.

I'm met with a very short blonde man, his breathing is staggered. Like he ran to get in here. "Hi! Grace is it? It's lovely to meet you!" A thick irish accent rings through my ears as he extends his hand for me to shake.

"H-hi?" I question as I take his hand.

"Sorry, uh, I'm Niall! Harry's-uh-coworker I guess." He drops his hand and makes his way over to the window before continuing. "Harry is just running a little late, he should be here any second."

And as if by magic, Harry walks through the door while clearing his throat to gain Niall and I's attention. He stands at the entrance for a second, scratching the back of his neck and assessing me. Before taking a step into the office, leaving the door open behind him.

"Ah, so I see you two have met." He rolls his eyes before continuing. "Thanks Niall, I've got it from here." Harry walks towards his desk and gestures his arm towards the door, presumably for Niall to leave.

"Right! Nice meeting you Grace, I'm sure I'll see you round here more often!" He flashes me a warm smile and he closes the door to the office behind him.

He seems sweet. I give him a little wave and turn my attention back to Harry, who is now sitting on his desk.

"What the fuck Harry!" I raise my voice a little. "You're 15 minutes late! This isn't a joke to me like it probably is to you. Don't take me for a fool." I slump myself back into the chair as Harry takes a seat on his desk and lets his hands rest on his knees.

"Calm down le miel, I got held up." He stares me in the eyes as he speaks. "I am surprised you actually showed up, though. After running out of here yesterday and not replying to my text, I thought I wouldn't see you." My palms immediately get clammy and I take a deep breath.

"Well...yo-you said I needed a job and I do. So I'm here, but don't expect me to stick around if you keep playing games with me." Feeling accomplished with my response, I relax back into the chair.

Harry stands up and walks towards a door that is conjoining to his office, but is on the other side of the entrance. He opens it and pushes his shaggy black hair out of his face with his hand. "This is your office, so I can always keep an eye on you, Grace."

Getting up to follow him through the door, this room must be the most decorated in the whole building. The walls are painted white but they have colorful art prints all over the wall, there's a few plants scattered around. With the sun coming through the glass windows, the room is filled with gorgeous shades of yellow and orange just as the sun is leaking through the buildings opposite.

Walking over to the desk I drop my bag onto it and pull out my laptop. "So what actually happens now? What's my role here?" I let out a sigh.

Harry walks over to me and stops right in front of me. "Well, you are my personal assistant, so you'll be answering to me." With a smirk on his face, he brings his hand up and places his finger and thumb on my chin. Moving my head around to meet his and lifting it up so our eyes meet. "Got it?" He questions.

My throat goes dry and I struggle to get any words out. "Hmm Grace? Use your words pretty."

"Right, yes, gotcha." He drops his hold on me and I let out a breath I didn't realise I was keeping in.

"There's some paperwork on the desk with instructions on what I need you to do, when you're not doing something for me. Complete it and I'll be back in an hour to check on you." Harry walks over to the door and leaves without a second glance.

What have I signed up for?