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

Chapter 59

"You'll be on your own for a bit. I'll be with our team until the judges are finished. After that, I'll call you."

"See you in a while," he said taking her hand and kissing her cheek.

Ashley stepped over to the table and took a deep breath as the judges approached. She listened carefully as the wine master answered questions about each of the wines. A couple of the judges raised their eyes in appreciation over one of their red wines. When they finally stepped away, Ashley's enthusiasm bubbled over. Other members of the team seemed hopeful as well. Ashley excused herself until the awards ceremony.

The center was beginning to fill with bidders, photographers, and the curious. Grand prize teams would be interviewed for Wine Country and be featured in the following month's edition of the magazine. As always, Ashley would avoid the cameras and publicity.

She stepped just outside one of the entry doors to call Harry. "Hi," she said.

"Hello. Where are you?" he asked.

"Just outside the entry. I came out to get a breath of fresh air."

"I'll be right there," he said hanging up.

****

The first thing he noticed was the excitement emanating from her. "How did it go?"

"Really well, I think," she said a little breathlessly.

"Really well as possibly an award?" he asked.

"A couple of the judges seemed visibly impressed by one of our reds."

"I'm happy for you. How long until the awards?

"About an hour."

"I noticed tea service downstairs. Would you like to get some?"

"Sure."

They rode the elevator down in silence. She could feel his eyes on her until they reached the underground floor.

"Ashley?"

"Yes," she said turning to look at him.

"You look exceptionally beautiful tonight."

"Thank you. So do you."

He smiled a deeply dimpled smile and reached to straighten her choker. She felt his hand on her cheek.

"I very much would like to kiss you. I can't tell you how much I've missed that," he said.

"You'll muss my lipstick."

"I know. Later, maybe?"

"Hm," she said noncommittally.

****

They sat sipping tea and talking in generalities, small talk, meaningless. Ashley's phone beeped indicating it was time to go to the presentation room.

"Is there space for guests to sit?"

"Yes, everyone will be there. Those who will be bidding later will want to have seen which of the wines received awards and what the judges had to say about the wine."

"Perfect."

****

Once they entered the room, Ashley left him to join members of her team. Harry watched her interact easily with men and women two and three times her age. One of the younger men seemed particularly interested in Ashley. His eyes followed her every gesture. He appeared to smile far more expressively and laugh more boisterously than the others at something she said.

Chimes indicated it was time for everyone to take their seat. The judge's panel was introduced with a short bio of their expertise followed by a general welcome and congratulations in general to the vineyards and wineries participating in the festival. Each of the categories was discussed by a member of the panel who briefly talked about the traits they looked for in a wine from a particular category.

There was a brief break as the winning bottles were brought out in sleeves and placed on a table on the platform. Harry looked in Ashley's direction to find her turned seeming to look for him. When her eyes met his, he gave her a thumbs up.

Awards for the chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, Riesling, and cabernet sauvignon were presented to rousing applauses. Harry could see Ashley scoot forward on her chair. This must be their category, he thought. One of the judges stepped forward to talk about the merlot they'd chosen. Harry realized he was holding his breath when the award went to another winery and he released the air from his lungs. He could see Ashley sit back in her chair. No doubt she was disappointed.

He returned his attention to the stage trying to remain focused for the final award. He scanned the brochure quickly for an explanation of the pinot noir. The wine was temperamental and grapes were apparently grown in very few areas. He wanted this to be over so that he could console Ashley, be with her, convince her they could make a go at a relationship.

The judge began to talk about the uniqueness of the wine. He discussed the fine appearance, aroma, aftertaste and especially the potential of the wine they'd selected. The judge indicated the panel believed this to be one of the best they had encountered in the span of several years. He credited the region in France and the longevity of the vineyard there.

"The award for this year's pinot noir goes to the Russo Vineyard and Winery located in Cote-d'Or," announced the judge as he slipped the sleeve from the bottle. Harry immediately recognized that the label was the same color as the dress Ashley wore. Wait, Core d'Or? The vineyard is in France? But California? He'd assumed they were based in California. But France?

The members of the team were shaking hands and hugging one another when Harry refocused his attention on them. Most hugged Ashley and swept her up with them to the platform. When the judge handed the award to the wine master, he turned and handed it to Ashley who was beaming. As with all the other awards, camera flashes were continually going off.