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

Chapter 7

"Hey, Ashley. Ready for your big moment," said Derek motioning for her to come back to the table.

The multiple-tiered cake was white, pink and black with 24 long candles extending from each layer. Once the last one was lit, the group began to sing "Happy Birthday." At the end, everyone clapped and shouted for her to make a wish and blow out the candles. Harry watched her do just as she had at Russo's. Kristen and Derek took over and began cutting and serving cake. The bartender and waiter had placed fresh glasses in the center of the table along with pitchers of iced water.

Derek gave Ashley the first piece Kristen cut before passing plates down the table. "Drink up and eat up!" said Derek loudly. "Save yourselves a few Tylenol in the morning."

"You don't drink much, do you?" asked Harry who had pulled a chair close to Ashley's.

"I don't and neither do you."

"You noticed," he said. "It's never been my thing. I drink if I feel like. Otherwise, I don't care one way or the other. I've never found that I needed to drink to have a good time."

"Likewise."

****

By the time everyone finished their cake, the clock display read 3:20 AM. Ashley made her way to Derek.

"Hey, thank you for everything tonight."

"Leaving so soon," he said with his arms around her waist.

"I've got to get something finished up for my uncle in the morning. He's getting impatient and frustrated since he's not been able to do some of the tasks by himself."

"I'll help you get your car loaded up and box some cake for you all."

"Thanks."

Ashley returned to the table to say her good nights and good mornings to those who remained. She hugged and thanked her way up the table until she reached Harry.

"Question," he said. "Could I possibly catch a ride with you? Seems my car is going with Colin, Kristen, Wil, and Michelle.

"Ever hear of Uber," asked Ashley with a mischievous grin.

"This is just not my night," he said shaking his head.

"I can drive you."

"Thanks. I'll help Derek finish loading your car."

"See you in a couple of minutes," she waved to him as he walked away with an armful of packages.

****

Kristen walked over to where Ashley was cleaning up the last few remnants of the party.

"We're about to leave," she said.

"Do you know where you'll be?

"Yes. Harry put the guys up at The Lux."

"You guys be safe. I love you," she said putting her arms around her best friend.

"Thanks for taking Harry back to his place," said Kristen

"I'm asking you where you're going and I have no idea where I'll be dropping him off."

"Mulholland Estates," said Kristen with a smile. "Sure you'll be dropping him off?"

"You know my policy."

"It's not like you haven't broken that rule."

"Not in quite some time. Besides, he's only looking for a friend," said Ashley.

"With benefits?"

"Shut up. I don't think he's the type."

"That's not what Colin said. In fact, he and Wil made a friendly wager," smiled Kristen.

"On what!"

"On how long before you and he are between the sheets."

"They'll both lose," said Ashley confidently.

"It's been a while, Ash. I wouldn't be too sure. He's quite the charmer."

"I've seen better."

"Come on, Ashley. You have to admit that he has that magnetism. He even has you driving him home when all he'd need to do is call his car service."

"Goodbye. I refuse to continue this conversation."

"Because you know I'm right!" called Kristen as Ashley walked away to gather up the last of her things.