cold ♡ h.s. » au

Chapter 3

"You seem down today," Ben, my co-worker, said.

"Just tired," I lied while placing my apron over my head.

I worked at a smoothie joint, we were lucky to have up to five customers a day.

"Could you go get some more cups from storage?" 

"Sure," I walked out back and got the cups, only to come back out to find Harry.

He hasn't bothered to contact me in a week, and here he was getting smoothies with another girl. The girl's hand had a tight grip on his, but his hand was fairly loose. 

"Ellen! I need those cups."

I stumbled the rest of the way, trying not to make eye contact with Harry. That failed.

"You do their orders, boss needs me."

"What can I get you two?" I asked.

"I'll take a blueberry smoothie,"  the girl paused. "What to you want, babe?"

Her use of words made me cringe, the smirk on Harry's face tells me he saw my action.

"I'll have the same," he said as he pulled out his wallet.

Ben took over about halfway and Harry excused himself to the bathroom, so I followed.

"Look, I'm sorry." he stopped in the hallway.

"No, I'm sorry for getting my hopes up," I spat. "Because in the end, hope is the one that screws you over."

"I'm trying to help you by staying away, Ellen."

I pushed past him and joined Ben behind the counter.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing," I lied. Everything, my mind screamed for help as a tear rolled silently down my cheek.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he pestered again.

"Trust me, it's nothing," I said wiping my face. "I'm just tired."

For the remainder of my time here, I kept a sharp eye on Harry. That's when I made a decision to go to the party tonight.

__________

"Ellen! Great to see you," Perrie squealed before pulling me into a hug.

She handed me a beer and led me to the room Harry and I discovered at the last party. There he was, drinking straight vodka with his arm around the same girl from earlier. 

"Look who's here!" Perrie practically held me up in front of the whole room, once Harry noticed I was here he started choking on the alcoholic beverage.

"Now we to find you a guy," she mumbled while her eyes skimmed the room. "Him!"

Perrie pointed to an extremely attractive guy, he had light brown hair and caramel colored eyes. He appeared to be well over six feet, and I was drooling just by glancing at him. His name was Jake.

I worked up enough courage to approach him, he easily towered over me.

"Hey," he smiled. "You new around here?"

"Yeah," I paused. "Let's take some shots."

He thankfully took up the offer, before I knew it we were directly across from Harry and his girl.

"To new beginnings," Jake slurred before downing another shot.

Harry chuckled lightly before bringing the glass to his lips.