The Only Way Out [Book 2]

Chapter 70 - The Only Way Out

A/N: You're gonna hate me, then you're gonna love me, then probably hate me again...but let's face it, you can never really hate me.

***Harry's POV

"I don't know what to do anymore, Mum," I sigh, leaning back in my desk chair and I rub my aching forehead. "Bea is just...I don't know. She's not my Bea anymore. I think, I think it's over."

"Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry. I had no idea things were this bad. Would she consider going to grief counseling?"

"Doubt it," I scoff and a knock at the door captures my attention.

"Oops, I'm sorry."

"Mum, I have to go, but we'll talk later."

"Okay. Love you much, Harry."

"Love you, too, Mum," I quietly say into the receiver and I hang up. "You can come in, Holly."

"Thanks! Sorry to interrupt, but I thought that was your truck out there. I was driving home from my yoga class and said to myself, 'Is that Harry's truck?' and sure enough it is. So what are you doing here on this gorgeous Sunday afternoon, Mr. Styles?"

"Just getting some work done, and I've told you that you can call me Harry," I kindly correct her, earning a blushed smile as she brings a chair over to sit down. "How are you today, Holly?"

"Oh I'm fine. And you?"

"Fine as well; just trying to get a handle on some new assignments for the semester," I explain, shifting the papers around to make it look like I've worked. "Sunday afternoons are quieter than the weekdays, so I can get some work done, although I've debunked that theory today."

"Oh...is something wrong? I'm a good listener if you need someone to talk to, plus I don't charge an arm and a leg."

"That's awfully kind of you," I laugh along with her, clearing my throat when I realize I'm staring into her sparkly brown eyes. "It's nothing. I'm probably just hungry. I've been here for three hours now."

Holly's nod lets me know she's either buying my bullshit or she has changed her mind and doesn't want to listen to my sob story.

It's quite awkward right now considering we're just sitting here, and in close proximity nonetheless, so I start gathering my folders to put back in my desk drawer.

"Oh! I went shopping this morning," Holly says, earning my attention, "and I saw this..." she pauses as she rifles through her purse, "and I thought of you," she smiles softly, holding out a small paper bag. "I remembered you were talking about it last week and I just had to get it for you."

"What? You didn't have to get me anything."

"I know that, silly," she rolls her eyes into a smile. "I wanted to. Here."