Deception (One Direction)

Chapter 13

Riley’s POV

I heard two knocks on the door. Must be Harry. I took a deep breath and opened the door. There he was. While I had so many emotions running through me, he had the look of a puppy about to get scolded on his face.

“Can I come in?” He asked.

I nodded my head and opened the door wider to let him inside. I went into the kitchen and I heard his footsteps follow me. I started to make tea, while he sat down at one of the stools. I turned around and placed his tea in front of him and sat next to him.

“Look Riley-” He started.

“Don’t. I know what’s been going on,” I said. I reached over and picked up the magazines and placed them before him.

He started at the magazines for a while, not saying anything. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, breathing in and out. “Damn it,” he uttered.

“Harry,” I started. “I-”

“No, Riley listen. It’s all my fault.”

“How Harry? You didn’t write those things about us.”

“No but if I wasn’t who I am then none of this would ever happened.”

I stood up and slammed my hands on the table. “Jesus Harry. When are you gonna stop wishing you could change who you are?”

He paused and stared at the counter. He took in a breath. “When they stop hurting the people who are important to me.”

I sat back down and looked at him. His face held some sadness and a bit of regret.

“Harry, tell me why you’ve really been avoiding me.”

“I thought that maybe that the magazines and everyone talking about it would scare you away,” he told me honestly. “I didn’t want to deal with hearing you tell me you couldn’t handle the pressure.”

“Harry,” I started. “I’m not going anywhere unless you tell me to. I’m here for the long haul.”

He smiled a bit sadly. “That’s good to know. You know all of the lads were telling me I was being stupid.”

I laughed. “I kinda think they’re right.”

He laughed. “Me too. I really missed you Riles. But I kind of have another confession to make.”

I held my breath, waiting for the worst. “Okay.”

“There was another reason I was avoiding you,” he started. I waited for him to continue but he never did.

“You ever gonna tell me what that reason is?” I asked.

He looked at me, nervous and a bit afraid. “The magazines were right.”

I was so confused. “What do you mean?”

He tugged at his hair and then pushed it back into place. “The way they were talking about us. It wasn’t true but I wanted it to be.” He looked at me.

My eyebrows knitted together in confusion. “I don’t think I understand what you’re saying exactly.”

“Riles, I like you. As more than a friend. Wow does that sound lame but I don’t know how else to say it.”

I sat there in shock. I didn’t know what to say. Harry liked me. He’s kidding right? But the look on his face told me he wasn’t.

“I don’t know what to say,” I told him honestly.

He shook his head. “You don’t need to say anything. Just one date. That’s all I want. Then, if it doesn’t work out, we can just go back to being friends. Okay?”

I paused. “Okay.”

He smiled and looked at me. “Great. So we have this event coming up on Friday. Will you go with me?”

“Yes of course Harry,” I told him.

He smiled and stood up. “I should get going. We have band stuff super early tomorrow.”

I nodded my head and walked him to the door.

He turned back and looked at me a bit sadly. Then, he kissed me on the forehead and walked out of my apartment.

Harry’s POV

I got into my car and slammed my hands on the steering wheel. “Damn it.” I turned the key and sped off to the nearest pub, wanting to drink this guilt away. I had gotten her to go out with me and at a public event, no less. I was playing into management’s hand, just like they wanted. And there was nothing I could do about it.

FINALLYY. AN UPDATE. I'm sure this is probably trash and I apologize. So sorry for the lack of updates. Between my crazy hectic schedule and writer's block it's been impossible to get any writing done. But I forced myself to write this one for you guys. Thank you all again for the support. I appreciate it so much, you have no idea! Hoping to get an update to you guys soon.