Substance over Styles | H.S.

XI. Visible Change

For those who speak Italian and you find mistakes, blame google translate. By the way, I changed some things in previous chapters. Nothing major. There were little mistakes with the days or whatever. Anyway, as I said, nothing to worry about.

Enjoy!

~*~

I sat in the back of Harry's giant black Range Rover and looked out the window. I didn't know what to say anyway. Harry was busy on his phone in the backseat next to me and the driver, who's name was George, was too busy focusing on the road, obviously. What was surprising was that George was quite the looker. Very unlike how I imagined drivers of CEO's to look like. I imagined them to be either father figures to the CEO's themselves or divorced middle-aged men, most likely ex army. Needless to say, I imagined them older, much older.

"So you prepared everything for this afternoon?" Harry asked all of a sudden. I was pulled out of my reverie and had to reorientate myself for a few seconds.

"Yes, uhm, yes I did. The powerpoint is ready and in your mail,"

"Oh yes, I see it now." Harry interrupted and pointed at his phone. So this lunch was going to be filled with business topics. Good. That made me calm down a bit. At least, now, I knew I wouldn't embarrass myself too much.

"Right, the catering should be in the conference room at a quarter to four. Everyone was already invited but is also reminded of the meeting and there aren't any special speakers coming so no need for a microphone. I think everything is covered." I was looking at my hands which were automatically counting all the items I should've done.

"Did I forget anything?" I turned to look at Harry but found him already looking at me with a smile on his face. Hmm.

"No, you didn't." He said calmly. "Are you hungry?" He asked to divert the topic.

"Very."

"Good. Do you like Italian food?"

I smiled. "It's my absolute favourite."

~*~

We arrived at the restaurant after a 20 minute drive. When I looked at the surroundings I immediately recognised the Beautiful Mayfair streets and smiled at what was about to come. This was going to be funny. La Genova. One of the best and oldest Italian restaurants in London. I knew it very well since my parents love this place. We used to come here every time we spend a day in the capital. I was surprised, however, at the chances that Harry brought me to this exact spot.

We entered the familiar space and I could point out all the staff members that hung to the walls in all the different pictures. Giovanni, Antonella, Guido, Lucrezia, Marco and Alfonso. They were all there. As I said, typically Italian.

"Ah, Harry Styles, my young friend, come stai?" Giovanni, the owner of the restaurant, greeted Harry warmly with one of his infamous hugs and chatted with him for a short while.
I had to laugh again at the situation because this man has literally known me since I was three months old. Yet of course he hadn't recognised or seen me because of my new looks.

I was so going to tell mum and dad about this.

"Giovanni, I would like you to meet my new assistant, this is-" At this point Harry was interrupted by an overexcited Italian restaurant owner.

"Mio Dio, piccola Mia, sei tu? Che sopresa! E cosi bello vederti. Dio, sei belissima." Giovanni said in a loud and more than excited voice. I saw Harry's mouth drop open and his gaze switched from Giovanni to me and again to Giovanni.

"Ciao Giovanni, é bello rivederti. É passato troppo tempo." I said in my best Italian. It was one of the only occasions I could practice. If Harry seemed in shock before, well then now he simply was in a coma. His face was priceless, yet still so handsome. He stepped closer to my side and put his hand on my lower back. It made me shiver and the butterflies in my belly flattered again. I did hope he didn't notice.