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

Chapter 26

Steve waited while Ashley got out of her car at the back of the restaurant. When she stepped out, he whistled loudly.

"Oh stop. That's getting old."

"Who are you dressing for? Damn, honey. You look amazing," he said kissing her on the cheek. He stepped aside to let her walk ahead. He couldn't help but admire her and the dress she'd chosen. The deep plum color was perfect for her pale skin. The bodice was sleeveless and fitted to the waist before falling in soft folds to just a few inches above her knee.

"How's Harry?" he asked.

She pushed back her perfectly straight dark hair and reached to straighten the diamond necklace she'd received for her 21st birthday before answering.

"Very busy."

"Honey, I wouldn't be too busy for you," he said looking from her face to her ankles.

"Stop it. You're embarrassing yourself."

"It's more likely that I'm embarrassing you," he said chucking her under the chin.

"Oh, several of us are meeting up tomorrow night at Mayhem for an impromptu party. Want to come?"

"No thanks. I'm really not interested in seeing Eric so soon."

"Kristen said something about Derek and I. Maybe we should go somewhere else. I don't want you not to be there," she said.

"Hey, it's your party. Don't worry about me."

"We'll go somewhere else. Let me think about it."

****

Preparing for the evening took over and Ashley didn't stop until after 8:00. She excused herself to check in on the kitchen and call to see how her uncle was doing.

A large party celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary took much of Ashley's time after she returned. The couple were personal friends of her uncle's and she wanted to make sure everything was perfect for their special night. The multi-tiered anniversary cake had been delivered earlier and was waiting on a cart in the large walk-in refrigerator. Multiple bottles of chilled champagne along with ice buckets and glasses were ready on another cart.

"Can I get you anything for you?" Ashley asked the couple.

"No, the staff is doing an excellent job. Sit with us for a few minutes and have a glass of wine, dear."

"Thank you. I'm afraid my hands are full. It's quite busy this evening. Have one of the staff let me know if you need anything at all."

Ashley made her way back to the host stand after stopping to say hello to several more patrons. Steve caught her eye and nodded toward the hallway leading to her uncle's office. When she raised her eyebrows, he nodded and went back to caring for his tables.

When Ashley turned the corner, she saw Harry waiting for her.

"I thought you were working," she whispered.

"I heard through the grapevine that there was an exceptionally beautiful woman at Russo's tonight. I finished up work early and thought I'd come to see what everyone was talking about. Looks like I made a good decision," he said pulling her close.

"It's good to see you."

"Did you miss me?"

"Since this morning?" she asked smiling.

"That's been hours ago, sweetheart."

"Yes, I missed you. I have to get back to work. It's really busy."