If It's What You Want A Harry Styles Fanfiction || h. s.

Chapter 2

Ashley escaped to the bathroom after talking with the group who were really nothing more than casual acquaintances. She was beyond ready to leave and meet her girlfriends to continue her birthday celebration. It wasn't that she wanted to leave her aunt, simply more that she needed to release some of the nervous energy she felt. Her birthdays always brought mixed emotions. The earlier phone call had been enough to mar her day, now another of those she-looks-like-an-interesting-evening guys had presumptuously intruded on her family time.

Who did he think he was coming over to our table? How typical of those like him. I was invisible until a night like tonight. Although we've come into contact several times, he didn't even recognize me, she thought as she stepped in front of the wall mirror to look again at her appearance.

Her aunt had insisted on a spa day that ended with a makeup and hair session. The stylists agreed she should wear her hair down for a change and opted for beachy waves. They had insisted on colors and liner that highlighted her gray eyes, one of the very few good things she'd inherited from her mother. She leaned closer to the mirror before opening the small beaded bag she carried with her to locate her lipstick. After a touch up, she reached to rearrange her hair and smooth her dress. She stepped back to look at herself once more.

She tilted her head critically looking at her reflection. The beaded bodice of her dress was fitted to the waist before the lace and tulle flared out to several inches above her knees. The platinum and diamond earrings, necklace, and bracelet were delicate and simple. Silver stilettos gave her some added height.

Not bad, I guess. My aunt is happy and that's what matters.

****

He'd been waiting for her to reappear. He'd half listened to his friends talking about continuing their evening with a few drinks somewhere else. She walked into view with her chin slightly up and her shoulders back obviously intending to give off an air of confidence. After briefly glancing in his direction, she frowned before heading for her table. Did I unknowingly offend this girl? So what. Christ, just forget it! Wonder where she's going.

"Harry, you up for a couple of drinks?" asked Collin.

"Maybe. Where are you going?"

"Your choice, mate," responded Wil.

"I'm in," Harry said waving at their server. He kept one eye on Ashley as they sorted out the check. She'd been on the phone for a couple of minutes when she suddenly stood apparently preparing to leave. She leaned in to give her aunt a kiss on the check before turning to exit through a side entrance. How can I find out where she's going? Maybe the waiter knows.

"Steve, I guess Ashley's planning on a late night," said Harry to the waiter.

"Oh yeah. She's headed out to meet with friends, but a bunch of the staff are going as soon as the restaurant closes."

"Sounds like fun," said Harry.

"You should join us. You familiar with Mayhem?"

"The microbrewery and restaurant? She doesn't strike me as the beer and conversation type."

"Guess you don't know Ashley," smiled Steve.

"Thank you for the great service. Have a good evening," said Harry.

As Steve nodded and walked away, Wil began to shake his head. "This evening will not come to a good end," he sighed.

"A cold beer sounds good. You did say my choice," smiled Harry.

"Jesus," whispered Collin as if to himself.

"Let's go. I want to get there before she does!" said Harry as he got to his feet.