Curls [H.S. A.U.]

Curls: Chapter 3

Harry

"Hello?" A pair of fingers snap in front of my face. "Earth to Harry?" My eyes come into focus on a blond boy. A crooked smile almost splits my face in half.

"Niall!" I greet with equal enthusiasm. We embrace in a single hug before parting. "When did you get back from Ireland?"

He shrugs and checks his phone. "Fifteen minutes ago."

"Well let's go out, get some food." Niall can't resist an offer to get food. Especially if I pay. "My treat."

The blond jumps for the offer and after a quick change and grabbing my keys we're off to his favorite burger stand in Central Park.

➖✖➖

"Any girls worth a fuck around here?" Niall's question has my mind wandering again. A short girl with a soft caramel undertone and voluminous hair comes to mind, but not for a 'quick fuck'.

"I wouldn't know, I'm not looking for a fuck," I answer with a shrug. "Got my priorities straight, ya know?"

His blue eyes roll. "Yeah, I know. Everything is about work."

"Not ever--."

I freeze at the sight before me. A beautiful head of curls walking two German Shepherds. The woman before me has two earbuds in, a pair of tight leggings on, and an itty bitty sports bra on. Familiar tattoos litter her arms and legs.

Bella.

"Harry, where'd you go?" Niall snaps me from my transfiction on the five foot beauty. I stalk off to the woman, leaving one of my best buds behind in confusion.

Bella stands at a water fountain refilling her water bottle and two portable water bowls for her dogs. Hesitantly I tap her shoulder. She spins around almost immediately, ready to scream for help, but something flashes in her eyes and she smiles at me.

"Oh, hey! You're the photographer from last week!" She enthusiastically reminds herself. "Whatcha need? Was I taking too long? Sorry, this water fountain is the only cold--."

"I'd like to ask you to dinner, and also save you from embarrassing yourself with your rambling." She giggles at my crooked smile. "I couldn't help but think you're just. . . beautiful."

A small blush coats her cheeks and her eyes avirt from mine. She adjusts her dogs so both leashes are on her right hand and sets the water bottle down. She shakes my hand.

"I'm Arabella, but everyone calls me Bella."

I give a small nod in understanding. We stand in a silence for a moment before I release I haven't introduced myself. "Well, Arabella, I'm Harold, but everyone calls me Harry."

She pulls out a phone with the Guns N Roses logo on the back. She types a few things before handing me the phone. I fill the little box with my number before handing back the phone. She grins and tucks her phone away.

"I'll text you--."

"I'd actually prefer a phone call, if that's okay." She looks at me through her eyebrows confused but nods her head none the less. She turns to leave but spins around again with a finger in the air.

"Actually, do you mind if I ask you something?" I shrug. "Why did you ask me out in person and not Instagram stalk me or something?"

I adjust my fedora. "I have class. If a man finds a woman attractive he should ask her out for dinner. I was raised right."

Her mouth opens and closes like a fish on land. I accept her head nod as a sufficient answer and hand her the water bottle she set down. With a thank you tossed my way she stalks off with two happy dogs.

Niall stands with a silly smile where I left him. He claps my shoulder and I grunt in response.

"Mah boy got himself a girl," he chuckles. He scarfs down the rest of his third burger. "Let's go get some lemonade. I saw a stand back there."

We walk to the lemonade stand with money in our pockets. I hand Niall a five for his drink and stand beside him as we wait. My phone dings.

Unknown Number: I'll call you at five. --Arabella

And just like that another smile blossoms on my face and I respond almost immediately.

Me: Noted.