Hunger [H.S]

September (part 4)

Frankie couldn't get herself to call Andy back. She really didn't want him to like her that way. She felt awful that she might have led him to think of her like that. Harry consoled her and repeatedly assured her that she wasn't to blame.

"It's not your fault he's attracted to you, Frankie. You are all those things he said, after all. I fell in love with you for many of the same reasons." Harry had his arms around her as they sat on the sofa.

"But I might have been too friendly, and maybe he thought I was being flirty. I really wasn't, I promise!" Frankie felt nervous that Harry might think she had been leading Andy on.

He shook his head. "Aren't you going to forgive me for every single fan I wink at at my concerts?"

Frankie nodded. "Of course I am. It's your job."

"Well I imagine you have to be charming at your job as well?" He lifted her chin so she was looking at him.

"Probably not as much as you." She smiled at the thought.

"Is there anything else you want to tell me about your job? Any other tall, broad shouldered Americans I need to worry about?" Harry pinched her chin and smirked at her.

"There is a little guy..." Frankie started, and Harry burst out laughing.

"A little guy?" He repeated, his eyes all warm and crinkly when he laughed.

"Mm-hmm, about this big," Frankie showed the size of the puppy with her fingers.

Harry raised an eyebrow at her, somehow turning it into sexual innuendo.

"No, silly!" Frankie slapped his chest and took her phone out. She showed him the photo of the puppy sleeping on her lap. "This little guy. He's very special to me."

Harry took her phone and looked at the photo. He smiled warmly as he looked at Frankie. "Can I meet him?"

***

Frankie was back at the shelter a couple of days later. She had spent her day off arranging a meeting with Glenne. Glenne was Harry's manager's wife. She worked in a high position with Apple Music, and she would gladly help them arrange a fundraiser. Frankie had completely buried all her thoughts in the project, not putting any thoughts towards Andy and the phone call.

Sally was extremely excited about the fundraiser, and after their meeting with Glenne, she was flying high. Glenne knew exactly how to get prominent guests to come, and she had contacts that could help by donating food to the event and a venue for it. During the meeting Glenne had mentioned Harry on several occasions, and Sally had ooh'ed and aah'ed, clearly impressed. Frankie felt silly she didn't say anything.

Once Glenne had left and Sally went back to work, Frankie felt the nerves creep up on her. She wanted to go say hi to the puppy, but she knew Andy would probably be there, and she wasn't feeling confident enough to face him. She also felt a hint of shame over not calling him back.

Gary walked past her in the hallway and patted her shoulder. "Are you good, Frankie?" He asked and smiled at her. She realized she was just standing in the middle of the hallway, blocking everything, frozen to the spot.

"Yeah, sorry Gary. Just in my own thoughts. How are things?" She snapped out of her head.

"Things are great! So happy you've come aboard, missy," he leaned a little closer and whispered: "Thanks for getting Sally off my back." He laughed and Frankie chuckled at him. "Oh I'm just about to do a check-up on the little dachshund, you like so much. Want to give me a hand?" He smiled, his eyes kind. 

"I'd love to," Frankie said, feeling a sting to her heart. Gary wasn't quite the age her dad had been, but he was close. His kindness made her miss her dad, and his gentle way.