Find A Way

Chapter 4

The intense ache from my feet almost stopped me from running to the crosswalk, but knowing that I only had about 3 minutes, I couldn’t. I pushed past everyone in my way, even disposing of my coffee to maybe give me more speed. I checked the time on my watch before entering the building; exactly 11:05. Shit. I hope he’s still here.

I opened the door to the room I was in only a few days ago, praying that the artist was still here. When the heavy metal door screeched, the three men in the room all whipped their heads to look at the source of the noise.

“Um...” I swallowed, “Hello.” I was still catching my breath. Upon the men there, I noticed the one I talked to the night of the opening; the one I couldn’t get my mind off of.

“Ellie” he smiled, folding his hands behind his back. “How nice to see you.” he stalked over to me, leaving the other men to continue their conversations.

“You remember me?” could I have been on his mind just like him on mine?

“Can’t forget a pretty face.” he smiled big; so big that large dimples appeared on either cheek. His accent was music to my ears and wished he continued talking instead of waiting for me to contribute.

“Um. Yeah…” I stammered, looking down at the rips in his jeans. How does he go outside like that? It’s freezing.

“Remember my name?” he bent down to catch my gaze.

“Yeah. Harry, right?” he raised his hand to rub the back of his neck.

“Yep” he smiled; he always seemed to be smiling.

“So what are you doing here?” the heat of the building started getting to me so I began unbuttoning my coat.

“I could ask you the same thing.” he raised a brow. I took off my coat and noticed his quick glance down my front.

“I’m here on business.” I answered, looking around the room to try to find where might be the photographer; if he was still even here.

“I happen to be here on business too.” he beckoned me to follow him.

“Buying one of the photos?” I questioned. He laughed deep, like the first time I met him.

“‘Fraid not” He held his hand out, gesturing for me to give him my coat; I willingly obliged.

“For what then?” I gave him a quizzical look, waiting for his answer.

“I’m supposed to be selling one of my photos today. However, my customer seems to be running late.” he replied.

“Wait, you’re the photographer? There’s no way.” there’s just no way someone like him would own an art gallery, let alone be a photographer.

“Why is that so hard to believe?” there was a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“Something about you just screams ‘musician’ I guess..” I explained.

“Surprisingly enough, I get that a lot,” he spoke, an even greater smile plastered on his face before he asked, “So how may I help you, my dear Ellie?”

“I am here to purchase one of your photographs… the one of the bird? It was very beautiful.” I stuttered. I can’t believe I’m talking to the actual photographer, and I’m making a complete fool of myself.

“Oh, so you’re the lovely Ms. Hayes!” he beamed. “I’ve been waiting for you.” I couldn’t get enough of that dimpled grin.

“I’m so sorry, I had to take the train.”

“Now Ellie, there’s really no need to apologize. It’s fine. I’ll give you a ride back after we finish up here.” he said nonchalantly.

“Oh no, I can’t ask you to do that! I’m completely capable of taking the train.” I replied.

“Babe, you didn’t ask me anything, and I want to take you home. I won’t be able to sleep at night knowing I made you take the train home when I could have driven you. It’s cold. Let me take you home.” he insisted

“I guess that’d be alright.” I sighed. He probably wouldn’t take no for an answer. It was cold anyway, so a ride home would be great.

“Great. Let’s discuss the artwork you’re buying” he smiled.

“How much is the black and white photograph of the bird; I believe the title was ‘For Anna’?”

“Well, that picture is priced at 750 dollars at the moment” I opened my eyes wide; I was not expecting that price. He looked down for a moment and cleared his throat, “But for you, it’s on the house.”

*Harry’s POV*

She gave me look like I had just suggested we go streaking through times square.

“What?” I asked.

“Are you giving me your photo for free?” she crossed her arms -- no doubt unaware of the way it made her breasts push out -- and tilted her head to look up at me.

“That’s what ‘on the house’ means, doesn’t it?” I shook my head.

“Why?” she pressed.

“Because.” I simply answered, “Why do you have to question it?”

“Because.” she mimicked, sticking her tongue out and giving me a reason to stare at her plump lips.

My investors called me and Ellie over for further discussion on the sale; we made some agreements and planned how the photo would get to the event before saying our goodbyes to the big business men.

“Let’s get you home” I stepped in front of her.

“What?” she looked up from buttoning her coat.

“You think I forgot? Come on babe, let’s get you home.” I opened the large metal door for her and followed her out the building.

She shook her head and sighed loudly, “You really don’t have to do this.” I smiled to myself. This woman was stubborn.

“I know I don’t have to, but I want to.” I told her. And that was the truth, I wanted an excuse to spend more time with her. She fascinated me.

“I just don’t think it’s fair that I not only get a ride home from you, but also a free piece of artwork from your collection.” she replied with a hint of annoyance.

“Then you can pay me back by buying me lunch tomorrow.” It was a lost cause, a woman like her would never go for a guy like me, but you can’t blame a man for trying.

She hummed softly before replying, “Deal.” she looked up at me and smiled brightly. God, her smile was beautiful. I smiled back before letting her in the passenger side, and then getting into the car myself.

I was enjoying the silence in the car with her; the fact she was in the car with me alone left me grinning like a fool. I simply felt happy. I snuck glances at her, only seeing the back of her head as she stared out the window; admiring the city’s view. The one word exchanges we made to find her house were the only breaks in the silence, and I didn’t mind. I’d be lying if I said this short car ride wasn’t the highlight of my week.

“Here we are” I announced while I parked in front of the large building.

“Thanks” she smiled, taking my breath away yet again.

“Anytime” she exited the car, giving my a small wave before disappearing behind the green door of her apartment building.