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

Chapter 23

When she arrived at the hospital, her uncle was sitting in a chair talking to one of his friends from the local church. He smiled as Ashley walked in the door and reintroduced her to his visitor.

"Hello, hope you have good news for me," he said.

"Signed, sealed, and delivered. Everything is finished!"

"That's such a relief."

"I knew it would be," she said patting his shoulder.

"Here, sit, sit," said the visitor.

"Where is Aunt Margarite?" she asked.

"She'll be right back with some juice and water."

"I think I'll work for the next 2 or 3 nights. I want to see how everyone's doing."

"Why don't you host tonight?"

"I prefer to work with the wait staff," she said.

"I understand, but I prefer you to be there to reassure our guests that everything will continue to run smoothly. In fact, I would like you to make several calls to those with large catering orders coming up. People need to know they can depend on us."

"Where would you like me to place Katie?"

"Ask her to help in the bar. She's licensed, right?"

"I'll need to leave early to go back home and get ready. I brought my other work clothes."

The noise at the door indicated her Aunt Margarite was headed into the room. She had multiple cans of juice and a large mug filled with ice.

"Here, let me take some of that," said Ashley rushing over to help.

"You know Harry stopped by for just a few minutes earlier," said her aunt.

"Oh?"

"I'm so glad you've been seeing him. He's incredibly kind and thoughtful."

"I suppose," she said noncommittally.

"Margarite, Ashley is going to serve as host this evening. You should take some time to relax, dear."

"Maybe I'll stay here a little longer this evening," she said walking over to hand him the juice.

"Thank you."

"See what a wonderful person I'm married to," he told his friend.

Ashley's phone began to ring. "Hello."

"Ashley Jane Russo!" said Kristen.

"What?"

"You are a bad girl."

"I haven't done anything," said Ashley.

"Excuse me," she said to those in the room and stepped into the hallway to continue the conversation.

"Explain," demanded Ashley.

"Harry!"

"What about him?"

"Are you purposely being mean?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about."

"He called me, Ash!"

"Jesus, can't I just have a little privacy?"

"What has he done to cause you to say what you've said? I don't understand. Have you gone off the rails? He seems to be an incredible person."

"It is precisely because he is such a great person, or seems to be, that I am trying to discourage his interest."

"Why?"