The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 22

As the car pulled to a stop in front of the pub, Maddie was admittedly nervous. Though Harry had met them at the airport the night before, this was truly a public place—in the daytime. Though she had long ago committed to whatever came along with being with him, the thought that this might be it seemed to be hanging over her head. And the unknown when and how left her slightly unsettled and more nervous than she would ever admit out loud.

While she had dressed earlier, she found herself wondering if Harry and his family were constantly checking themselves in the mirror before they walked out the door; looking for tops that were too low-cut, hems that were too high—bound to reveal too much. She had never really been that girl; checking herself out constantly. She had solid, classic tastes and made sure to buy clothes that fit her well. And, after she was dressed for the day, she very rarely gave herself another glance. Yet, as she had prepared to leave that night, she found herself checking. And she sincerely hoped it was not a new part of her daily routine. But, Ella had turned her around and nodded her approval and Harry had smiled wide before leaning to kiss her; so she felt ready.

Harry was the first to emerge from the car, waiting for her to step out, followed by Ella. Shutting the door behind them, he immediately reached for Maddie's hand. The excitement was rich in the air; almost celebratory. And the smiles on their faces, the lightness in their steps were evidence of that. Ella's eyes twinkled as she looked up and down the street; at the people, the music, the laughter. She had missed this. Her time in Bendal had been wonderful, but she had missed this part of living in the city; the liveliness.

Maddie watched Harry as he moved to open the door for them; his head held high, smile in place. Glancing around, she noticed that there was no mob, no throngs of people running to see him. Maybe, just maybe, he was going to be incognito tonight. As they stepped into the pub, they were greeted with the most wonderful sense of welcome-ness. The lights were lower and the music was great. There were groups of people around the bar watching the TV with interest. There were booths and tables full of crowds of people enjoying drinks and food. And nobody was watching them as they moved through the crowd.

Pausing for a moment, Harry scanned the room for his friends. Spotting them, he squeezed her hand in his and led the two of them to an inconspicuous table in the back of the bar where three men and three women sat pouring beer and chatting. When they noticed Harry coming their way, they slowly began rising to their feet.

A chorus of hellos were spoken as Harry dropped her hand and moved to offer hugs and place kisses on cheeks. He then turned back to Maddie with an adoring smile.

"Everyone, this is Maddie and her best friend Ella," he winked at Maddie as he spoke. "And this menacing crowd is Penelope, Anna, Kiki, Leo, Sean and Bishop—whose actual name is Ian." He introduced one after another. They each smiled warmly and moved to greet both Maddie and Ella.

"It's so very nice to meet all of you," Maddie smiled her hellos as they all moved to situate themselves around the table. It wasn't lost on Maddie that the group naturally shifted so that Harry was sitting in the least visible spot at the table. They seemed to reflexively protect him. Harry pulled a chair out for her and Ella right next to him. For the most part, they seemed very open and inviting. Anna seemed to be more on the shy type, but Kiki and Penelope were bright and chipper. Penelope immediately commented on Ella's new shoes; becoming an instant soul mate to Ella. Kiki seemed to be involved with Sean, though Maddie wasn't entirely sure on that one.

"So, what are we drinking?" Harry looked around the table.

"I was just heading up," Bishop stayed standing. "What can I get you ladies?" Bishop nodded to the two of them. Maddie and Ella locked eyes and, in unison, replied,