Homecoming [Harry Styles] *NEW*

12

When I arrived back at the art studio, there were only three or four cars parked outside. I recognized Zayn's motorcycle near the door, and a pit grew in my stomach as images of Harry punching Zayn flashed in my head. I'm make Harry call and apologize, but we all knew that was never going to happen...

I parked and stepped out of the car and into the cooler fall air. I couldn't help but think about the party tonight. As excited as I was getting to see Harry, I was dreading running into Louis as well. I cared so much for Louis, but at a certain point, sex wasn't the only thing I was looking for in a guy. If we wanted to, we could be a great couple, but neither of us really wanted that status and responsibility.

Inside, it was warm and smelled like a vanilla candle was burning somewhere. A bell had gone off when I stepped inside, and I waited for someone to come meet me in the empty lobby. It felt so different when it wasn't crowded with people drinking and mingling. Liam's head poked out of the hallway and he smiled when he saw me.

"Holly, it's good to see you again! I'm glad you came back."

He walked over and we embraced each other in a friendly hug.

"Are you here to talk about that job I'd offered?" He asked with a funny smirk on his face.

"Of course! Couldn't pass up an oppurtunity like that."

He tilted his head back in laughter that just lightened up the room. He had one of those personalities that people were attracted to and wanted to hang around. 

"Alright, well we can go look at the calender, yeah?" He offered as he rubbed the stubble on his chin.

"Sure."

I followed Liam back down the hallway he'd come from and we passed by rooms with glass doors. We paused in front of a room and I could see Zayn inside leaning over one of several kids' shoulders as he helped them with something. Liam knocked on the glass, which caught me off guard and caused me to flinch. Zayn looked up and smiled at the sight of Liam and I. He said something to the kids befor walking out into the hallway to meet us. Zayn pulled me into his arms for a quick, tight hug.

"I'm so glad you came! Are you going to take the job?" Zayn asked as his eyes lit up. I nodded and he looked over at Liam.

"Awesome. Well, I'd love to talk, but I kinda need to get back to the kids. It was nice seeing you again."

I noticed the bruise by his lip and thought back to the other night. 

"Zayn-" He turned around before closing the door. I didn't really know what to say with Liam right here.

"Hmm?"

"I'm sorry about what Harry did the other night..."

Zayn's face turned more serious and he sort of motioned for Liam to give us a second alone. Liam got the message and headed back down the hall.

"You never called. I was so worried about you..."

I thought of falling asleep in Harry's car and him taking me back to his room at the frat house.

"I know, I fell asleep and completely forgot. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you..."

He nodded and grinned down at me almost sympathetically.

"I don't mean to interfer in your personal life, but that guy seems like trouble."

I couldn't help but laugh, because up until this morning, I would've said the exact same thing.

"It's fine... Harry's...a lot to handle, but I'm fine. Nothing official is even going on between us. He kind of keeps following me."

The words sounded a lot worse out loud and Zayn gave me a concerned look that made me laugh.