Hoax

Chapter forty-two

Estelle Adler 

Harry's an interesting character; that much has been clear to me since the beginning.

When I say 'interesting' I suppose I also mean 'complex'.

I've never met anyone like him, in both the good and bad sense.

I've seen sides to him I really like and sides to him that are pretty intolerable.

However, this past weekend he's been chatty, kind, funny at times, and understanding – all traits that look exceptionally good on him.

I had hoped he'd stick to this version of Harry for a little longer, but his vibe seems to have dampened slightly, ever since we left my place.

Every time I bring up a conversation starter, he simply 'hums' or provides a short answer to each question I ask.

It reminds me, a little, of the old version of Harry.

However, I don't let myself get hung up on this. Instead, I reassure myself that it's probably just jetlag...which isn't a lie.

I am totally shattered too. 

I guess he's just quiet when he's sleepy – that, or he's got something on his mind...

Either way, I don't pry on these thoughts, as I pull up to Harry's house.

I pull up to the curb outside his place, noticing something rather strange immediately.

Not only is his blacked-out SUV sat in his drive, but so is a different car.

A rather sporty, silver Porche.

"That's a beautiful car" I state, truthfully. "I'm jealous as fuck...who's is it?"

I switch the engine off and pull the hand break up, before turning towards Harry.

I'm met with an expression, I wasn't expecting.

One of vacancy.

His mouth is slightly open, and his skin looks a tiny bit paler than usual.

I furrow my brows in confusion – "Are you okay?" I lean my head across, to meet Harry's eyeline.

I notice him suddenly snap his eyes towards me, like consciousness just electrified his body.

"Uhh...yeah!" He exclaims, forcing an unconvincing expression of naturality.

A short silence ensues.

"Who's car is it?" I innocently ask, again.

"Oh...just my publicist's..." Harry states. "Must be important for her to be here now, so I better be off..."

Harry starts unbuckling his seatbelt with a loud click.

"Yeah, of course..." I mumble.

Even though the whole point of me driving here was to drop him off, I still can't help but feel a little put out by the speed in which he seems to be extracting himself from the car.

I mean, I thought we were passed this weird stage?

Harry opens the passenger door and quickly climbs out, before I watch him through my back window, head towards the trunk.

At this, I open my door and clamber out too – "One sec...I need to unlock it with my car key" I state quickly.

Harry waits patiently, as I use the key to physically click open the lock of the trunk, exposing his luggage.

He scrambles to get his bags out and I duly slam the trunk shut.

My eyes draw up to him, trying to formulate a sentence.