No Control • hs

three

I wake up to a knock on my door. I yawn and slip on my slippers before walking to answer the door. "Good morning!" Harry says holding out a tin can.

"Good morning!" I say, then looking down at the can confused. "What's this?"

"They're muffins, I thought you might want some."

"Thank you!" I say, Harry handing me the muffins.

"Nice hair, pippy."

My eyes widen as I realize my hair was still in French braids from last night. "Do you like?" I flipped the braids about in a model-like manor.

"Yeah."Harry says, smirking. "Well, I have to go, my shift starts in a half hour."

"Okay, well mine starts in an hour so I guess I'll see you then?"

"Yeah, see you then."

"Thanks again." I have him a sweet smile.

"Bye." I shut the door and set the muffins on the table. I walk in the bathroom and start getting ready for work. I take out my braids and spray in some texturizing spray. I put on my makeup and change into a Rolling Stones t-shirt and jeans. I grab one of Harry's muffins and eat it while I watch the news. Then brush my teeth.
I leave the house just on time grabbing my keys and phone, and heading out the door. I walk out of the apartment lobby and find my car where I left it last night before Harry came over.

***

I walk into the coffee shop and my eyes immediately fall on Harry. He was wearing the same Rolling Stones t-shirt with jeans. Harry looks up from his cup and grins. "Peyton, Peyton, Peyton, what am I going to do about a copy cat?" I roll my eyes at him and walk behind the counter where he is in a green apron and visor. I grabbed a sharpie so I could start taking the next customers order.

"Hello! Welcome to The Coffee Cup what can I get you?" I ask a dark-haired male.

"Mmmm... Perhaps a dinner for two?"

"I'm sorry, I just do drinks." I see Harry glaring at the customer from beside me, putting fresh pastries in the displays.

"Styles, how are you?" The man asks.

"I'd be better if you'd stop flirting with everyone you meet."

"Whoa, take it easy Styles, I'm just here for a drink." Harry shakes his head clenching his jaw. "I'm Zayn, and you are?"

"I'm the girl who isn't looking for a guy and needs to take your order because there are people waiting."

"Give me a Latte, tall, half caf, 1 shot, 2% hazelnut, extra foam, extra hot." He hands me the money, looks up and grins widely before walking to the other side of the counter.

"Don't listen to him." I turn around to see Harry making Zayn's latte.

***

It nears my lunch break and I take off my apron and visor. "Hey Peyton, wait up!" Harry says from behind me catching up to my pace.

"Tell me about this Zayn guy." I say walking with Harry.

"He's a real player. Let's just say we don't get along very well." We approach McAllister's Deli.

"I'm eating here, so I'll see you back at work?"

"Yeah..." I turn around and open the door.

"Wait." Harry says, "May I join you?"

"Yeah, sure." We walk in and hop in line together. We finally get up to order and Harry insists he pay for my lunch. "Harry, you don't have to do that!"

"Yes I do. Consider it a thank you for last night." We sit down. "So..."

"So..." I fiddle with my thumbs awkwardly.

"What'd you get?" Harry says, resting his elbows on the table.

"I got the club sandwich. You?"

"A salad." The waitress comes with our food.

"Would you like any dressing on your salad, sir?" The waitress asks.

"No, I'm good." She walks away.

"A salad without dressing. Yum." I said, unfolded the napkin around by silverware.

"Not exactly." Harry reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a little container of salad dressing. "I always carry around my favorite."

"Let me get this straight, you carry around a bottle of salad dressing everywhere you go?"

"Everywhere." I break into immense laughter. We finish our meal creating small talk and exit the restaurant. We walk into the coffee shop and the smell of coffee beans engulf our senses.

"Back to work Peyton." Harry says adding three claps and entering behind the counter while I'm still trying to tie the back of my apron.

I eventually finish work, but it dragged. I hop into my car and drive home. I pull into my usual parking spot and grab my purse from the passenger seat. I turn my head to the window and let out a bloodcurdling scream.

It was Harry standing outside of my car window, his shift must've ended at the same time as mine. I lean back in my seat trying to recollect myself, taking deep breaths.

I finally get out of my car slamming the door. I see that Harry has waited for me to get out."Did I scare you?"

"I think you can answer that question yourself Mr. Styles." I say, my feet stomping on the concrete rapidly as a fast-walk through the parking lot. Harry stifles a laugh as we finally reach the lobby of the apartment complex. I click the elevator button to my floor and it lights up. "What floor?" I ask Harry. When he doesn't answer, I look over at him. He's looking over at me, hands behind his back.

Then he simply states-"You live in front of me."