bentley [harry e. styles]

01. tucker james

Chapter 1 - Tucker James

“Come here boy, come here.” Charlie Ryan coos to one of the dogs that she watches. 

Owning a dog business is not easy, especially since there is only one employee working there - her. Even though she does not have any support, she still loves doing her job because these dogs are like her best friends.

Charlie didn’t have many friends growing up, mostly because her family moved around a lot but also because she was sort of an odd ball. Instead of caring about the latest fashion trends or biggest celebrity, she’d like to curl up in a blanket with a classic book. 

Her mother is an english professor at Harvard University while her father is one at Princeton University. Because of this, her teachers expected a lot out of her, but she did not seem to mind. Charlie took that as her chance to become a better scholar in school. 

“Jerry, that book isn’t a toy. Seriously, put it down right now otherwise you’re going back in your cage.” She threatens the small puppy. 

Despite her frustration, Charlie adores these dogs. After her many years of hard work in school, she figured that it was not for her. She decided to stop university and start her own little dog business instead. 

London, England is definitely not the smallest city, but she happens to be the most popular dog-sitting business. She does not understand if it is because she actually cares for these dogs or if her fares are pretty affordable, but it does not matter to her. 

While trying to get Jerry to give back her old copy of The Great Gatsby, she hears the doorbell ring.

“Drop the book otherwise your going in the cage.” Charlie threatens again.

Instantly Jerry drops the book and sulks off to go lay down with the other dogs. 

“Hi Mrs. Royal, are you going to pick Bentley up at the normal time?” She asks the elderly lady as she watches the old german shepard make his way to the other dogs.

“Actually no, can he stay an extra hour? I know it’s past closing time but I’ll pay you an extra twenty pounds.” The desperate look in her eyes begging her to allow the dog to stay. 

“Of course, don’t worry about it. Bentley’s my favorite so I don’t mind spending some extra quality time with him.” Charlie assures her, bending down to pet the dog that came to greet her. 

Mrs. Royal looks down at her watch before saying, “I better get going, I have to go pick someone up at the airport.” 

Quickly the two say their goodbyes and Charlie shuts the door. She looks down at her favorite dog and makes some baby noises intended for him. 

Bentley has been with Charlie the longest and she has grown quite fond of him. She adores the way that he does not bark as much as the others, or how he is very calm when it comes to getting washed. 

He’s definitely her easiest dog.  

Bentley has also taken the role as the leader of the pack of dogs. Since he’s the youngest, and the favorite, he’s made it his duty to protect the others from any danger that comes near. Given there really isn’t any because they all seem to get along, Bentley likes to play peace maker. 

As soon as Charlie is about to go outside to play with the dogs, she hears another knock on the door.

“I’m coming!” She shouts to the person standing on the porch of her little cottage. 

“Hi, welcome to Charlie’s Doggie Business. I’m Char -- wait, is that you Tucker?” Charlie asks in disbelief. 

When Charlie was in secondary school, she thought Tucker James was the love of her life. They never spoke a word to each other but she still believed that fate would bring them together.

Tucker was the most popular kid in school. He was the one who flattered all the females and envied by all the males. In Charlie’s world, he was absolutely perfect. 

“Yeah, uh how do you know my name?” He cautiously asks her, a little frightened that a stranger knows who he is.

“We went to secondary school together, and primary school. You were always a year above me though.” Charlie informs him, disappointed that he doesn’t remember who she is. 

“Were you the one that tripped in the cafeteria during Year 10?” 

“No, that was the other Charlie.” She laughs to make him feel better, even though it makes her feel worse.

“Oh, well then I’m sorry that I don’t remember you.” Tucker sincerely apologizes to her. 

Charlie shrugs it off like it means nothing, but in reality, she can feel her heart breaking all over again.

“Anyways, is it too late for me to drop off my dog?” He asks, breaking the awkward silence. 

“Not at all, I was just going to go take them for a walk. Why don’t you come in and we can discuss payment and everything.” Charlie suggests to him.

Charlie moves aside so Tucker and his dog can make their way into the building. After Tucker follows a mean looking bull dog who growled at Charlie as he passed her. 

“Be nice Red.” Tucker tugs on Red’s leash a little bit so he would ease up on Charlie. 

“I’m sorry about that. He usually doesn’t like being out of my house but I’m trying to get him to hang out with other dogs. If you can make sure he socializes a little bit, that would be great.” 

“Sure. There are a wide variety of dogs here so I’m sure he will find a dog that he gets along with.” 

“Now would you like to meet them?” Charlie continues. 

“I’ll have to take a rain check on that. I’m late for the first day of my new job because Red refused to get into the car. We can discuss payment when I come to pick him up, is that alright?” Tucker verifies with her.

“That’s completely fine. Good luck!” She waves goodbye as he rushes across the street to get to his car.

Through the window Charlie admires him and how attractive he still is. It has been five years since they’ve seen each other and yet Charlie still is amazed how his presence can make her feel like a teenager all over again. 

Author's Note

Wow, you guys have been amazing on the amount of comments I'm getting on the short summary. I really hope you guys like the first chapter of this story!

Cast:

Emma Watson - Charlie Ryan

Harry Styles - Himself

Conor Maynard - Tucker James 

- Malcom