If It's What You Want A Harry Styles Fanfiction || h. s.

Chapter 56

A steady stream of visitors had kept her busy for three days. She felt better than she had in almost three weeks and was ready to be out of the hospital. She planned to head straight to London to catch the latter part of the festival and talk with some of the suppliers. The site visits were flexible. She couldn't think of a better way to ignore her broken heart than a working trip.

****

The quiet on the plane was a welcome from all the voices that had encouraged her not to go. Home was something ominous at the moment, something terrible and lonely. The only way to avoid the emptiness was to just not be there. Steve was the only person to encourage her to go, the only person who knew what she was going through.

She'd been in touch with Kristen and made plans to catch up with she and Colin at the beginning of the following week. Although Kristen said nothing, Ashley had been certain she knew about she and Harry.

****

Ashley looked carefully for her name among the signs held in the hands of numerous drivers. She finally located "Russo" in large letters and made her way to the driver who walked with her down to baggage claim. He was especially talkative offering Ashley numerous suggestions about places she might like to visit. She was relieved when they arrived at the hotel and the quiet momentarily resumed.

After the driver dropped her at the Cheval, she quickly changed into a crimson-colored dress she'd purchased especially for the festival. Luckily, the sleeves were long, covering the bruising from the IVs and needle punctures. She smoothed the fabric from her hips down as she looked in the mirror. It was obvious she'd lost weight over the last several weeks, but the turtle-neck dress still clung to her figure. She clasped the wide chocolate brown belt at her waist and pulled on her high heels before draping the matching wool shawl around her shoulders. Sliding her satchel and purse onto her shoulder, she locked the room door and went downstairs to the car taking her to the Olympia Convention Center not too far away from the Cheval where she was staying. Several pairs of eyes followed her with looks of appreciation as she made her way to the concierge who escorted her to the waiting car.

The driver pulled to the front of the convention center and dropped her at the main entrance. Much of the traffic had waned as it was the middle of the day and most who were attending were already inside. Ashley checked in, received her badge, and followed the map to locate those suppliers with whom she most wanted to meet.

****

She was feeling particularly jet-lagged the following morning when her alarm went off at 6:30 AM. The sole driving force pushing her out of bed was the excitement of meeting the team who managed, made, and sold wine from the Russo Vineyards. Ashley had neglected to tell Harry that her family had ties to the wine-making community. Her uncle's grandfather had been a wine connoisseur. She'd hoped to surprise him and have him make the trip with her to spend a couple of nights on the property. Perhaps she'd see if Kristen was interested in joining her.

Her aunt had warned her that the group would be dressed really casually, part of the trademark for their wine. Ashley decided on a dark grey short pencil skirt, matching tights, and a black turtleneck sweater. She pulled on the black ankle boots and draped a jacket over her arm before grabbing the remainder of what she would need for the morning.

****

"Good morning, Ashley. I'm George," said the slightly older man extending his hand for a firm shake. He was tall and muscular, tanned from a lot of time out in the sun. Ashley liked him immediately.

"It's nice to meet you. How are you?"

"Very well, thank you."

He introduced her to the remainder of the group before the discussion turned to their offerings for the fall. He offered her a glass of one of their best-selling reds as he talked about the orders they'd received since the festival began.

"You remembered that the judging is this evening, yes?" he asked.

"I wouldn't miss it," she said excitedly.

"We have several entries in multiple categories. The winemakers are feeling especially optimistic about our opportunities."

"I am happy to hear it."

"Are you still planning to come out to the property?"

"Yes, I'll be there Monday evening."

"My wife is thrilled you are coming. She looks forward to meeting you."

"Great."