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

Chapter 3

Ashley came back into the restaurant with a garment bag draped over her arm. She went into the back office to change into something more appropriate for the rest of the night. Unzipping the bag, she smiled. The jeans, shirt, blazer and boots were also birthday gifts from her aunt. The patio would be a bit cool so the blazer would be perfect. The dress fell to the floor when she released the zipper. The white shirt was soft as it slid across her skin. Incredibly expensive, no doubt. Great taste, thought Ashley as she glanced into the long mirror on the back of the office door. She slid her legs into the black skinny jeans, tucked in the shirt, pulled on the fitted gray jacket, and shoved her feet in the high-heeled black ankle boots.

After smoothing her hair, she picked up her things and headed back to the main dining room to thank her aunt once more.

"Aunt Margarite," said Ashley as she stepped back knowing her aunt would want a look at her.

"Darling, you look amazing. The blazer is perfect."

"Thank you so much," said Ashley as she moved closer to her aunt to give her another hug.

"Promise me you'll take care this evening. Do not let that Sheena drive," whispered her aunt.

"I'm not letting anyone drive. I learned my lesson. Please don't worry," she said patting her aunt on the arm before walking back out the side door.

She regretted worrying her aunt. Such a stupid decision. She'd been out with a small group about 6 months ago when she'd had a drink more than she should. Her fairly new Z4 had been entrusted to Sheena who was more drunk than Ashley had realized. When an officer called several hours later, Ashley discovered her car had been impounded. Sheena left the car in a no parking zone with the keys in the ignition. Luckily, the officer, a friend of her uncle's, offered to take care of the paperwork.

Ashley opened the trunk of the car and carefully spread the garment bag out before changing out purses. When she started the car, The 1975's "Change of Heart" was blaring. This album . . . all the relationships, the almost, the might-have-beens . . . NO! I'm not going to be that sad person always bemoaning their birthdays away. This is my night! She put the car in Reverse and backed out of the parking space hoping to pull away from the thoughts attempting to drag her down. The Friday night traffic was heavy leaving her with too much time to think.

Why did she always insist on calling me on my birthday? "Hi, baby," she'd said. Did she somehow believe a call on my birthday qualified her as a parent? Jesus. All I want is for her to leave me in peace. Ashley swiped at the tears in frustration. What a waste to shed a tear over her. Dammit, I'm going to be late, she thought as she pulled her car into a gas station parking area.

Putting the gearshift into Park, she reached for a tissue and pulled down the visor. She grabbed her makeup bag from the backseat and repaired the damage. Resolving to forget the questions that haunted her, she pulled back onto the road and was shortly pulling into a parking spot near Mayhem. Several of her friends piled out of two cars rushing to wish her a happy birthday before crowding into the entry to the brewery.

Derek, one of the owners, was there to greet and usher them to a patio table that had been reserved especially for the celebration.

"The gift table is right there everyone," directed Derek.

He hugged Ashley tightly and kissed her on the cheek before pulling out her chair so that she could be seated at the head of the table.

"Happy birthday," he whispered before moving away from her. "What can I get for everyone?" he asked.

Once they'd placed their drink orders, a waiter took over attempting to offer up various appetizer choices.

"I'm sorry," Ashley apologized to the guy waiting patiently for the noise to die down. "Hey, do you all want to order something?" asked Ashley through her cupped hands.

"It's your night, Ashley. You choose," said Sheena loudly from the other end of the table.

"What do you guys think? Three samplers?"

Sounds of consensus came from all sides of the table. "Thank you for your patience," smiled Ashley. Hmmm, he must be new. Nice looking. Maybe he's single. Derek will know.

"Okay, ladies. Let's see if I've got this right," said Derek with a smile that Ashley knew made more than half her friends sigh inwardly.

He is gorgeous. Too bad . . . She caught herself before her thoughts wandered further. When Derek made his way around to Ashley, she placed her hand on his arm urging him to lean closer.

"New waiter?"

"He's been here a couple of weeks. Why?" asked Derek.

Ashley raised an eyebrow and smiled. Derek shook his head and kissed her on the cheek again.

"Behave yourself!" he said as he turned to leave the table.

"Let's have a toast to a great night," said Kristen. Ashley looked over at her friend who stood to touch her mug to several others before turning to Ashley. "Here is to my very . . . uh . . . my best friend . . . um . . . happy birthday!" Kristen squeaked.

Ashley looked at her best friend in confusion as she sat down. "Have you already been drinking? What was that?"