£1.50 • hs

Chapter 42

We ride in the car and harry taps his thumb quickly on the steering wheel while he's driving, which I noticed is only something he does when he's nervous.

'You okay?' I ask concerned.

He looks at me briefly before turning back to the road, 'yeah I'm fine, are you going to be okay with everyone?' he asks.

I slightly chuckle, 'Harry I'll be fine, don't worry about me.'

'But I do.' He says quietly

I'm slightly shocked and I turn to face him to check if the words actually came out of his mouth. I suddenly feel bad because I can tell he's actually worried about me, his forehead is creased with little lines and he looks doe eyed.

'You know, when I was with Tim the other day he made me realise how much you helped me, of course I still need to improve. But a few months ago, if someone asked me to meet a bunch of their friends I haven't met before I would've stayed home and I wouldn't of even given it a second thought. But look at me now.' I say smiling.

He looks at me smiling briefly before looking back at the dashboard and reaching out to hold my hand.

'You still are a bit awkward though.' He says laughing.

I laugh and slap him lightly on the chest with the back of my hand, 'you're so mean!'

He continues to laugh and slightly rubs his chest, 'you love me though.'

I smile but I stop laughing because... I do. More than he'll ever love me.

He notices my sudden silence and he looks at me, 'you okay?'

I nod and smile, 'yeah, I'm fine.'

We pull outside the back of the venue. Harry walks around to my door and opens it for me while taking my hand.

'I've just got to get some equipment from the back, I'll lead you in.'

We both walk to the boot of the car and Harry opens it, 'I can take something.' I offer.

'I got it.' He says picking up a box.

He shuts the boot with one hand and walks toward the door at the back of the bar, 'I'm pretty sure this is it.' He mumbles.

I open the door and he follows behind.

I walk slowly trying to look for someone to talk to.

'Where am I going?' I whisper.

'Why are you whispering?' he laughs, 'just go straight through and you should come out to the lounge area apparently.'

We usually come through the front entrance so I don't know the back way at all.

I follow the hall until it opens out into the lounge area.

Various dark wooden tables and chairs fill up the middle of room and along the sides are built in red couches.

The usual atmosphere is quite relaxing and I instantly want to order myself a drink and sit down.

'Harry!' I hear someone yell.

I look to find a few people sitting down on a couch up against the wall and one girl running over to Harry.

I watch as Harry places down the box on the floor and welcomes the girl running to him with open arms.

I try to swallow my jealously as he picks her up hugging her.

'I haven't seen you in forever!' she squeals.