PATIENT LOVE

Chapter thirteen

"I'm so glad to hear that Cheryl," I say through the phone. I listen as she goes on about how her parents absolutely loved the aerial dance I chose for their wedding last week and how the jazz band just added the right 'flare'.

The conversation then shifts to a more serious matter. "I don't think words can describe how grateful I am for Madelyn, you made my dream come true and so much more and by some miracle you were able to have my f-father there. Thank you, thank you so much." Cheryl cries into the phone.

I feel that feeling in my chest, that feeling of accomplishment and so much pride. "It was my pleasure. Have an amazing honeymoon, Cheryl. Say hi to Marcus for me," I end the call.

"Cheryl Matthews?" Alice asks.

"Yes, calling to say thanks and how everything was perfect." I say as I move over to my office, Alice following close behind.

"Like always," she says. "Anyways, I came to find you because Mr. Styles just called saying that for the appointment today, it's going to be just him. Ms. Tyler will be out of town again."

"She's going to miss the freaking rehearsal again, now we have to move it back." I groan, sliding my hand down my face, annoyed and tired.

"I know, but apparently 'it's important'." Alice shrugs. "He'll be here in ten."

"Thanks Alice." I try to smile and she walks out, going to attend to some other task.

I pull out my binder with all things regarding the Styles Wedding. The past month Harry and surprisingly Jessica and I have found time to come together and actually plan for the wedding. It seems like she's making an effort.

Harry and I keep our distance; we keep things strictly on the wedding. We haven't spoken about what happened with Roman and it seems we've had a mental agreement with each other not to.

Roman one the other hand is still constantly reaching out to me. Desperately wanting to try, wanting to take me out to 'prove that he's changed'.

I hear a knock at my door and look at my watch. He's early, as always.

"Come in," I say, reaching for my coffee cup and seeing that it's empty.

"Shit," I mutter to myself and then throw the cup into the bin.

Harry walks into the room, gives me a tight lipped smile.

"Ms. Clarke," he says like he always does for the past month and every time he says it I still feel a jab being taken at my heart. I hate that he doesn't call me by my name anymore. I hate that he doesn't look at me the same. I hate that I notice the change and I hate how it makes me feel. And I hate that I'm planning his wedding.

I keep this all to myself, making sure not to show the emotion on my face.

"Mr. Styles, great to see you," I say.

"Sorry that the rehearsal has to be moved once again," he shakes his head.

"It's fine, I just hope it doesn't happen again." I say and he just nods.

"So where were we last time?"

"No coffee today?" he quirks a brow, catching me off guard.

"Oh, uh no. I finished my cup already, I'll get more later," I wave the conversation off and go back into talking about how the venue will be arranged.

"Or we could go get some now?"

"No, that's okay, Har- Mr. Styles." I catch myself. His expression change at not using his first name like it always does when I don't, but I ignore it.

"Don't you want to get out of this office, almost every appointment we've had has been here. How about we change scenery and go to the coffee shop? I know for some reason you need more than one cup of coffee to survive the day."

I'm hesitant. I really want to go, but I also don't. "Come on, I'll finally show you my pictures. I have my camera in my car."

"Harry, really, it's fine." I say, avoiding his eye contact.

He doesn't say anything and when I look up at him to see why he's so quiet, he's smiling so wide at me and it stops my heart, air is no longer making it to my lungs. Harry gives me a smile I haven't seen in forever and I can't believe I went a month without seeing it and somehow am still alive.

"What?" I can't help but smile at the beauty of his face.

"You called me Harry, instead of 'Mr. Styles'. I hate it when you call me that," he says.

"Well, I hate it when you call me Ms. Clarke." I smile right back at him.

"Then can we go back to speaking in a casual manner, where I don't have to act like I have a stick up my arse?" he says and I laugh.

He eyes me, astonished like he hasn't ever heard me laugh.

"I'd like that," I smile after composing myself.

"Then let's get out of here and do something wild, like go to a coffee shop, get some fresh air rather than sitting here." He smirks.

I slightly shake my head with a small smile pulling on my lips as I grab the binder, my purse and blazer, already heading towards the door.

"Are you coming or not Harry?" I purposely emphasize his name.

He's grinning, his dimple visible. "Let's go Maddie."

(Lana on the side)