Fall

Chapter 20

"Move fatty."

I bumped Harry's hip with my own and he stumbled a little as I took my place in front of the mirror.

"Do you mind?" He asked. At least that's what I'd assumed he said through all the toothpaste in his mouth.

I smiled, picking up my lipstick that sat besides the sink and leant towards the mirror. I could see Harry in the reflection, hand on hip while he scrubbed his toothpaste-full mouth. When he saw his eyes on mine, he raised his eyebrow and stilled the hand that held the toothbrush. I laughed and set my eyes back to where I started tracing the pink lipstick onto my lips.

"Excuse me," Harry mumbled just as early as he'd bumped my hip.

I let out a small squeal and stumbled away from the mirror.

"Harry!"

He bent down to the sink and I cringed as he spat his toothpaste into the sink. I crossed my arms and stared at him until he'd finished rinsing his mouth and drying it with the towel on the banister.

When he looked up, his eyes met mine and I couldn't help but raising a questioning eyebrow at the ridiculous smile that came across his face. I wanted to ask him why he was making that face but I didn't think he would hear me over his now hysterical laughter.

I pushed him away, still bent over laughing, and looked at myself in the mirror.

"You little-" I tried to find the words to insult him, but I couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "You're such a poo."

I brought a finger up to my cheek and tried to rub away the line of pink smeared across my cheek.

"Why are you getting so dolled up anyway? It's just lunch."

I parted my lips and wiped my finger down the corner until it was all cleared up. Looking at myself in the mirror, I realised he was right. I did have a lot of makeup on, but this is what girls did right?

They had to look nice on first dates.

But, this wasn't a date. Was it?

"I've never-" I paused, choosing the right words. "A guy has never taken me out to lunch before."

I stood up straight and smoothed down my hair, avoiding Harry's eyes in the reflection.

"I thought you had a boyfriend?" He questioned, obviously now confused.

"I never said he was a good one."

"He never took you out?"

"Not really."

"So what did you guys do?"

I let my teeth nibble on the inside of my cheek and made the mistake of meeting Harry's eyes in the mirror. He was standing behind my left shoulder, eyebrows pulled together with confusion and arms folded across his chest. I blinked my eyes a few times and tried to ignore all the times spent in Jye's apartment.

"Can we talk about this afterwards?" I turned around to face him, the top of my thighs resting back against the countertop.

"Yeah of course. We better get going anyway or we won't get a table."

He unfolded his arms and started out the door.

"Harry."

My eyes followed him as he stopped, his broad shoulders turning until he was facing me again.

"Do I look okay? I'm- new to this."

After piling everything out of my suitcase, searching through my clothes, I'd finally settled on an outfit I thought was appropriate for not a date, but not really a casual, friendly lunch either. I met halfway and just went with a white oversized jumper that reminded me of the one I'd borrowed from Harry, black jeans and brown leather ankle boots. I'd rolled the sleeves at the end because they flopped over my hands.

"You look great."

I looked everything less that great when you compared me to Harry. He made looking good look so effortless. He pulled everything off. Even right now, donned in black skinny jeans, a black t-shirt and a pair of brown boots. His hair was pushed back and his bright Jade eyes seemed to stand out, contrasting his dark appearance.

I smiled awkwardly and looked down. "Okay."

"Let's go."

I followed him out the bathroom door and down the stairs until we stopped at the solid oak front door. He grabbed the keys his keys from the small ceramic bowl and pulled his jackets from the hanger. It was a light brown colour and looked warm, woolen on the inside and on the collar. His large hand reached out and twisted the doorknob, opening the door to me.

"Ladies first," he smiled and I returned one.

I stepped out and looked around at his neighborhood, seeming to ignore the chilly air and cloudy sky. None of his neighbors were outside today which made me slightly happier and more comfortable.

I felt Harry's hand on my back as he guided me to the car, jumping forward at his chance to open the door to me. He seemed to be acting more nice than usual. Maybe this was his chance to make a good impression on me after last night.

When I'd climbed in, escaping the chilly air, Harry closed the door behind me, his words from last night playing in my head.

I'm trying. I'm trying for you.