More than Friends | HARRY STYLES FIC

Chapter Ten

Harry's P.O.V

The last of today's sunny rays beam through the window as I pull up to Laura's house. My hands feel cold and clammy, my body weak knowing what I'm about to tell her. I spent the whole flight contemplating the best way to break it to her without causing pain, but I know nothing about this news is going to come easy. And though my discovery benefits me in that I want Jared gone, I can't bring myself to feel joy at the expense of her happiness. She deserves so much more than the situation she has been dealt. 

I take a deep breath and climb out, counting each step as I make my way past Jared's empty parking spot and to the front door. From the window, I can see the light on in the kitchen, which means there's a chance she might still be up. I knock my knuckles against the wood and hold my breath as a silhouette approaches. As the door opens, my eyes receive an unexpected greeting.

"What do you want?" Jared says quietly, stepping on to the porch and pulling the door shut behind him. He's standing directly in front of me, arms crossed against his bare chest and eyes glaring from beneath his brow. He must have parked in the garage, a first.

"I need to speak with Laura," I respond, holding his gaze to show intimidation doesn't work on me. I don't look away, but over his shoulder I can see movement inside from the window. 

"I don't think that's a good idea," he quietly barks, his tightened lips twitching.

"And why's that?" I press, growing irritated.

"Because ever since you've come around sticking your nose into our business, Laura and I have had nothing but problems, that's why."

"Oh, is that it? Or is it because you know I see through your lies and your afraid that Laura will too?" I spit back at him. 

"You don't know anything about me, if you did, you wouldn't have the nerve to show up here uninvited," he says stepping towards me. 

I laugh at his effort and keep my feet glued firmly where they are. "I think I know you all too well, actually. How was Manhattan?"

He grits his teeth and balls his fists at his side before he lifts his index finger to my face.

"You listen to me –––

The sound of the door swinging open interrupts our standoff.

"Harry?" I hear her sweet voice from over his shoulder. I ignore his stare, moving to the side so that I can see her. 

"Hi Laura," I say, smiling when my eyes meet hers. 

"What're you two doing out here?" she asks and I can tell she's nervous. I give her a reassuring look that I'm not spilling what's been going on between us, that's her decision to make.

"I just got back to L.A. and was dropping by to see how you're feeling, but Jared just told me now isn't a good time," I reply, shooting him a smug smirk that I know only he will catch onto. "I'll just come back tomorrow," I add, turning to walk away.

"No, you've already driven all of this way," she says, as he grabs ahold of my arm. "Come in, we were just sitting down for a late dinner, if you want to join?" I stare at her for a moment and sense that she wants me here even more than I want to be here – something mustn't be right. 

"I'd love too," I respond, staring straight at Jared before heading past him into the door.

Jared and Laura sit across from me at the table. I ignore his eyes beating into me with each bite and instead focus on Laura, which I know must be fuelling more resentment.