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

Chapter 76

Harry heard his mother and Ashley laughing when he and Robin came in from the patio. He smiled at Robin before walking to the kitchen to see how they were coming along.

He had been relieved that Ashley seemed to have gotten on well with his parents during lunch and seemed to genuinely enjoy the company. Colin and Kristen had left earlier with a promise that they would all get together when everyone got back to LA. Wil gave his typical "see you when I see you" before leaving.

"What is all the laughing about?" he said smiling first at his mother and then Ashley.

"Your mother was just telling me some stories about you as a little boy."

"Mum!"

"Oh, it's nothing," she said giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"You apparently have always been quite the performer," said Ashley.

"I'm not sure I should have left the two of you alone together."

"We are just fine," said his mother. "On your way," she said swatting him on the rear.

****

Harry sat down next to Ashley and placed his arm along the back of the sofa. His dad and mom sat across from them on the love seat sipping the hot tea Harry had served everyone.

"So Mum, you and Ashley are set for some shopping tomorrow?" asked Harry.

"I think so."

"Dad and I can drop you off and we can meet back up for lunch if you'd like." Harry looked from his mother to Ashley.

"Sounds like a plan," said Ashley reaching over and squeezing Harry's knee.

I like this girl. I appreciate the way she treats Harry. She has such an easy way about her, thought Anne.

"Want to know something interesting about Ashley?" asked Harry.

"Of course," said his mother.

"She owns a tea kettle, a teapot, and proper teacups," he said proudly.

"No wonder you like her so much," said his mother laughing.

"Actually, mum I . . ."

"Harry, no," said Ashley before she could think.

"What?" asked Harry.

"I . . . just . . ."

"Sweetheart, I'm very open with my parents."

Ashley removed her hand from Harry's knee and looked down at her lap.

"Harry, perhaps we . . ." his mother began.

"No, mum. I want you and Dad to know this." He reached over and took Ashley's hand in his. "I love her. I think I knew from the moment I saw her in the restaurant. I haven't told her this, but she is under my skin in a way no one has ever been. I think about her constantly, dream about her, want to be near her."

Ashley continued to focus on her lap.

"Harry, you are obviously making Ashley very uncomfortable. Let's talk about something else," said his mother.

"It's okay, Anne. I want you to know your son is very easy to love. He's compassionate and caring and loving. If this relationship doesn't work out, it will be my fault. He's . . ."

"Stop," interrupted Harry.

"But I . . ."

"Ashley, this is new to you both. I know you didn't ask, but I'm going to give you some advice. Just enjoy your relationship and all the good that's coming from it. Do everything on your own time. Don't worry about other people and what they think. Just focus on one another and most importantly, communicate."