The Writer (AU)

Chapter Three-

My expression softened.

"So? It's a parking lot and this is a free country. I can stand here if I want," I huffed and he took a step closer to me.

"If it's such a free country, why don't you just get in your car and go home?" he smiled again, his tone completely normal.

"Fine. I will. I actually have somewhere to be," I huffed.

"And where is that?" He grinned.

"The gym."

"The gym?"

"The gym," I snapped, opening my car door and slamming it behind me. Speeding out of the parking lot, I took a deep breath and tried to shake him from my mind to get ready for practice. Pulling into the gym parking lot after a hellacious drive, I leaned my head on the wheel. Groaning in annoyance from Harry staying on my mind, I got out and stomped inside, hearing a basketball hitting the floor and guys yelling.

"Elle Bell! What's up girl?!" Collins yelled.

"Nothing much," I sighed, pulling on my shoes before quickly stretching.

"You can get Jake. He's gotta go," Mike said, catching his breath. Restarting the game, I began to sweat and the temperature rose inside the gym. Clearing the lane for George to get the layup, someone walked through the gym door.

"Harry! Hey man!" Collins exclaimed. Harry? What the fuck?

"Hey Collins, Mike," Harry yelled back with a nod.

"What the hell is he doing here?" I snapped fiercely.

"He played for us and we still do workouts with him. Why are you so upset?" Collins scoffed.

"Nothing," I grumbled and watched Harry walk toward us.

"No. If he's playing I'm not," I yelled.

"Elle, just play. It doesn't matter," Mike replied and began to bounce the ball. Harry sat on the bleachers and I could feel his eyes watching me intently as we played. After winning the second time, Collins brought everyone to the middle.

"Good game guys," he said, giving them fist bumps as I shot free throws.

"Alright Ellie, you ready?" He asked with a smile.

"Always," I nodded.

"Alright, first we're gonna work on some stuff off the dribble." Through the workout I had completely forgotten Harry was there until he coughed as I jumped to make a layup. My chest was tight and my legs burned as I shot more free throws and then Collins walked to the line.

"Close out, box out, get the rebound, and put it back in. You gotta make ten and then you're done," he breathed. Through the drill, I smashed all my weight into Collins and fought for the rebound.

"Great job today. Get some rest and I'll see you same time tomorrow." My heart was pounding in my chest as I plopped down on the hardwood floor and tried to control my breathing.

"Good job," Harry's smooth voice trilled. Opening my eyes, he was standing over me with a wide smile.

"Go away."

"I haven't even started my workout yet." His chuckling became further away and I opened my eyes as I sat up.

"You're annoying," I snapped, slowly standing and walking toward the water fountain. Hearing Collins and Harry start their workout, I refocused my thoughts and quietly watched.