Resolution

Seven : Saffron

Seven : Saffron

When I agreed to this non-date date with Harry, I never thought he would text me an hour later saying he wanted to hang out this weekend. I was dangling on the hope he’d be too busy or come to his senses and snob me all over again. I’d gotten hurt by him once and even thought it was small, it was still pain and I didn’t need that again. I’d only agreed so that the magazine would get him to feature in the next issue. Sure, a part of me actually wanted to go out but a bigger part, or the part I believed more, was for work.

He gave me an address and gave me the time of 10:30pm for Saturday night. I contemplated saying it was too late but deep down I knew it was perfect because it gave me time to hang out with Coral during the day. I sent him a short text saying ‘Okay.’ then left it at that. And true to his word, not even ten minutes later, Barbara came strolling out with a grin on her face. “Harry just agreed to feature in the magazine. Laura, spread the news, tell everyone to start planning. Saffron, go run and get me a coffee.”

I nodded silently and made a move to stand up. I got to the door of her office area when she called out to me, “And Saffron? Don’t piss Harry off. I know all about it.”

I cringed and looked around. She had a smug smile on her face. “This issue will get buyers really going so don’t do something that will make him pull out.”

I smiled sweetly and made my way out but underneath my sweet smile, was a bubbling anger. Not only had he conned me into this non-date date, but he was now hanging my work over me. Oh did I have a few things to say to this British boy.

+   +   +   +

On Saturday, I hung out with Coral but even though we were having fun, my mind kept drifting back to Harry. I was slightly nervous for tonight because when I googled the place we were meeting, I found out it was almost an hour out of town. I knew we had to keep it a secret but I didn’t realise that meant travelling great lengths to do so.

The drive to meet Harry was long but I spent the time on a phone call to my best friend Darci so it wasn't too bad really. We caught up about everything that was going on back home and I moaned about missing everyone. She reassured me she was coming in September though for the New York Fashion Week so at least I had that to look forward too.

When I drew nearer to the meeting place, I said goodbye to my best friend and hung up. I hadn't realised, but I'd entered a more run down part of LA with flickering street lights and empty streets. I pulled into the parking lot that was near empty and my car stuck out like a small thumb so going on instinct, I drove around the back and parked there. I stayed in my car awhile because I was early but curiosity got the better of me and I decided to bite the bullet and go inside.

 'Inside', as it turned out, seemed to be a smoky bar with old music and the same age range occupants. They didn't ID me at the door so I waltzed straight in and settled down at a table near the pool tables. 

I was glad I dressed more street today and less high-end because I didn't seem to stick out so much. I ordered a coke and waited for Harry to come, my leg bouncing up and down nervously as I looked at all the throngs of people around me.

It was 10:28 when he walked in casually. I was surprised that he was on-time, I'd expected him to be late. I had just been trying to convince myself I hated him when he waltzed in, and every thought running through my mind disappeared instantly. He walked in with so much confidence and steez, spotting me almost instantly. He threw me a grin. Gulping, I mustered one up for him, ignoring the jittery feeling in my body. He looked wholesomely good tonight in what I figured was his usual attire – black skinny jeans, worn boots, a cuffed plain tee showing his tattoos and a bandana to keep his unruly curls back. He fit in nicely with this place; having the whole, rugged rockstar look going on. I was impressed.