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

Chapter 8

"All ready to go," said Derek when Ashley walked out of the restaurant. "I started your car and turned on the heater so lover boy could warm up."

"Ha, ha. I'm giving him a ride home. That's it!"

"You know I'm teasing you," he said pulling her close and giving her a kiss on the cheek. "I've already had the talk with him."

"What talk?" she squeaked.

"The one about steering clear unless he plans on scooping the unrepairable, shattered pieces of his broken heart into his empty chest cavity and never feeling whole again," he said with a rare regretful smile.

"Derek, no," she said laying her head on his shoulder.

"No worries. It's been a long night and I just need some sleep."

Ashley placed her hand on his cheek and kissed him lightly on the lips before thanking him again and turning to walk to the car. In that instant, she realized Harry had seen everything. Her face burned with embarrassment and anger. What happened with her and Derek was very private and very painful. He'd intruded into that space. Come on, Ashley. It's not his fault that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Derek knew he was in the car and you should have realized you both were visible. Maybe that's what you subconsciously wanted. To throw him off. Keep him at a distance. Shit! I'm overly tired, overly emotional, overly everything.

"Ashley . . . Ashley, everything alright?" asked Harry with evident concern in his voice. She realized he must have gotten out of the car when she hadn't moved.

"I'm sorry. You shouldn't have seen that. It . . . he and I . . . Just let me drive you home."

"How about I drive? I've probably had more sleep than you and a far less exciting day," he offered.

"You . . . you're not the least bit drunk, right?"

"Not in the least. I don't think I finished a pint. You can trust me," he said crossing his heart. "I have a similar model. I can handle it."

"Thanks."

"By the way, I live in Mulholland Estates so it won't be a terribly long drive."

"Great," said Ashley getting in on the passenger side.

"May I ask where you live?"

"I have a bungalow behind my aunt and uncle's place in The Summit."

"We're practically neighbors," he said as he placed his hand on the back of her seat to watch as he backed out of the parking space.

"Yes, practically."

"Pretty convenient if we're going to be friends."

"I would imagine you'll barely be around to establish any type of friendship," said Ashley.

"I'll be filming on and off for about 6 more weeks and on break for about 3 months. I will probably travel to see my family but that's it. I prefer the weather here at this time of the year."

"I can imagine. Interestingly, I'll be going to London for a wine show in about 3 weeks. My uncle wants to expand our wine selection but can't travel right now and my aunt won't leave him."

"Is he ill?" asked Harry seeming genuinely concerned.

"Yes. He had a heart attack about three weeks ago. It was mild, but the doctor told him he absolutely had to take some time off and stay away from the stress. He'd recently discovered a staff member was falsifying tip amounts on receipts. He was incredibly humiliated and embarrassed. Of course, he fired the employee, but the reputation of his restaurants means everything to him."

"I'm very sorry to hear about his troubles and his health. Could I send him some flowers or something to let him know I'm thinking about him?"

"I'll text you the address if you promise not to stalk me," she said in an attempt to break the tension she'd begun to feel.

"I can't promise anything," said Harry with a laugh.

"Harry?"

"Yes."

"What I've told you is personal. We are intensely private people. Please don't share this with anyone."

"I wouldn't do that. I know what it's like to have one's privacy violated," he said with disgust.

"I'm sure you have had your share of bad experiences."

"You have no idea," he said.

"Then why do you continue in a job that puts you out there?"

"Because it's what I want to do. I love the work," he replied.

"I see. Wait, didn't you pass Mulholland?"

"Sort of on purpose."

"Why?" asked Ashley a little nervously

"I know a bakery that is already open. They serve the best hot donuts. They are amazing. Want to try one?"

"Seems I don't have a choice," she said.

"There is always a choice in everything."

"So now you're going to be philosophical," she sighed.

"No. It's way too early."

"Thank goodness."

He laughed as he pulled into a parking space next to a strip center.

"Wait. There are a few cars here."

"So," he said.

"I don't want to be seen with you."

"I really appreciate that."

"No, you misunderstand. I work closely with clientele. I don't want to become fodder for the rumor mill. I can't afford the publicity and more importantly, the publicity that would come with being discovered in your company. I hope you understand."

"Actually, I do. I'll go alone."

"Or I could. I wouldn't attract attention."

"Great. I want two glazed donuts and a chocolate milk," he said handing her a twenty. "Get whatever you'd like."

"I'll be back in a moment."