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

Chapter 20

The flight was on time giving her an opportunity to grab another coffee before arriving for a lunch meeting with the seafood distributor. She sat down at one of the small tables and took at her phone to text Harry. I couldn't have imagined doing this a few days ago. The thought that she hadn't been in contact with Kristen in a couple of days weighed on her mind. As soon as she texted Harry, she punched in Kristen's number from her contact log. Several rings later, Kristen answered.

"Hey stranger."

"Hey yourself. What have you been up to?" asked Ashley.

"You know."

"Are you still hanging out with Collin?"

"Amazingly, yes. He's heading back to London tomorrow, so we're making the most of the time we have left."

"What happens then?"

"Nothing really. We've had a great time, but I don't see us staying in touch. Don't worry. I'm not going to be moping around after he leaves."

"Oh, I'm in Seattle by the way. I'm sorry I haven't called sooner. My uncle is back in the hospital."

"I want to know more about that in a minute, but I heard that's not the only reason you haven't called."

"Thanks for being concerned about Uncle Raymond."

"Sorry. What happened?"

"Another heart attack."

"Ashley, I'm so sorry. Is he going to be okay?"

"We think so. He'll be in the hospital several days. That's why I'm in Seattle. He needed me to take care of some vendor contracts."

"Big girl duties!" said Kristen.

"Yep."

"Listen, we'll catch up when you get back. Okay?"

"I'll call you as soon as . . ."

"I wouldn't be so sure," said Kristen.

"What are you talking about?"

"I hear someone has dibs on your time the minute that plane hits the ground."

"Do these guys gossip like a bunch of school girls?" asked Ashley a bit perturbed that their newly blossoming relationship was a source of conversation.

"Don't be too hard on him, Ash. I think he is smitten."

"Great!"

"Be nice," said Kristen.

"Talk to you in a few days. Love you."

"Love you back,"

****

Ashley took a deep breath before entering the restaurant where she and the representative would be meeting. She had dressed in slacks and a blazer in an attempt to present herself as all business. She and Sean had arranged to meet at the host stand with red folders in hand to identify one another.

"Hello, I'm Sean. It's nice to meet you."

"Ashley Russo. Nice to meet you as well."

"Our table is ready if you'd like to sit."

"Of course."

He stepped back to allow her to follow the hostess who seated them against the wall where it would be slightly quieter. They both ordered iced tea before scanning the menu.

"Do you come here regularly?" she asked.

"Two or three times a month. It's a little pricey for me personally, but I like to bring clients here. The food is amazing and the tables aren't so crowded together that you can't hear one another."