Through the Dark

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

"Y-you're t-telling me that y-you're gonna work with Harry for a c-couple of m-months?" Stacy stammered, her sandwich slipping right out of her hand onto the table.

"Pretty much, yeah." I shrugged, trying to act nonchalant.

"That is so awesome! You lucky bitch! You'll be spending time with him, ogling his body, kissing him, and eventually making lo—"

"Woah there, Stace! Stop right there. That is not gonna happen. And I won't let it happen."

"And why not? Don't tell me you're still stuck on your past!" Stacy's tone sharpened, almost accusing.

"Exactly!" I snapped. My voice was shaking, but I didn't care. "Guys from my past only wanted me because I was... pleasurable. And there's no difference between the guys back then, the guys now, or the guys in the future. All they want is to hump and dump. And I am never letting that shit happen to me again!"

I took a deep breath, glaring at her before she could even open her mouth. "And don't you dare give me that crap about 'true love' waiting for me out there. It's not true. There is no true love for me!"

Thank God we were eating lunch in my office. No one else needed to hear my little meltdown.

Every time my past is brought up, I can't help but feel upset, frustrated, and unbearably sad. Those years were the darkest part of my life—the ones I wished had never happened.

Stacy sighed and gently took my hand. "I'm sorry for bringing that up. I know it hurts you, and if I could erase those memories, I would. I just want you to be happy, Sammy."

Stacy and James are the only two people who know the truth about my past. They're my lifelines—the only ones I can confide in, the ones who've helped me move forward and try to live as normally as possible.

I first met Stacy at the airport after our suitcases got switched. We laughed about it, started talking, and from then on we just... clicked. She's beautiful, kindhearted, and full of life. She even let me stay in her flat for as long as I needed until I could afford my own place. She was also the one who recommended me to Shine Records.

James came next. I met him in a pub near Stacy's flat. Handsome, sure, but not my type—we instantly settled into a brother-sister dynamic. He's always been the big brother I never had: protective, dependable, kind. So when I later discovered that he was actually going to interview me for a job at Shine Records, I was floored. But James was clear—I didn't get hired because of our friendship. I earned it fair and square.

Smiling at Stacy now, I squeezed her hand. "I know. And I'm sorry for snapping at you."

"It's okay, Sammy. But you have to admit—Harry looks like he just stepped off the cover of a magazine. Or like... some Greek god, sculpted and flawless. He's so hot!"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't hide a little smirk. "Yes, that's true. Now let's drop the subject and eat. I'm starving."

"You're still a lucky bitch," she teased with a wink.

"I know," I admitted with a laugh.

*****

"...Hey how ya doin'? Sorry you can't get through, why don't you leave your name and your number..."

Ugh. Why in God's name is my phone ringing at this ungodly hour?

Groaning, I fumbled around my bedside table until I grabbed it and answered without even checking the caller ID.

"Hello," I grumbled, my voice thick with sleep. My eyes flicked to the clock. 4:32 a.m. What the actual heck?!

"Good morning, Sweet Cheeks! Why so grouchy this early?" a too-familiar, far-too-cheerful voice teased from the other end.

My eyes flew open.

"Harry?! Are you seriously calling me at four-thirty in the morning?!"Sweet cheeks?

"Harry Simpson, it's only 4:32 in the morning! I don't get up until 5:30. You better have a good reason for calling," I whined, rubbing my eyes.

"Hey! I just wanted to be the first to greet you a very good morning," he said, and I could practically hear the smug smile in his voice.

I couldn't help but laugh. Someone's in a ridiculously good mood. "Really? This early? You could've just greeted me later at the studio, you know. And wait—how the hell did you even get my number?"

"James Ford," he replied simply.

I groaned. "Damn it. That idiot!"

"Don't blame him, Sweet Cheeks. You know I would've gotten it eventually, especially since we're going to be working together from now on."

"Touché," I muttered, rolling my eyes even though he couldn't see it.

*****

Harry and I had been talking on the phone for over an hour—about completely random things. I learned he doesn't drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes. Says it's bad for his health. What a very responsible (and ridiculously hot) lad. See? Totally random, but weirdly entertaining.

The first rays of sunlight crept through my bedroom window, and when I glanced at the clock, my heart jumped. 5:43 a.m.

"Shit! I have to go. I'm gonna be late for work. Oh no—this is all your fault. Why do you have to be so damn talkative?" I teased.

"Hey! Not my fault. You're the one who can't resist me. Just admit it, Sweet Cheeks."

My face flamed. "Shut up, Harry."

"I bet you're blushing right now," he chuckled. "Don't worry—I like making you blush. You look so damn cute when you do." His voice dropped smugly. "By the way, want to grab breakfast with me again?"

"Nope," I shot back, forcing my tone to stay serious.

"Oh, come on. A friendly breakfast won't hurt. Besides, we need to work on our relationship—as friends, of course—since we're going to be stuck together for a while."

I sighed, defeated. "Okay, fine. Meet me at the coffee shop—the same one as yesterday. 6:30. Don't be late." Without waiting for a response, I hung up and bolted to the bathroom for a shower.

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