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

Chapter 88

"Hi," she said almost shyly.

"Feeling better?" he asked without turning around.

"A little. What's cooking?"

"Oh . . ." he stopped speaking when he looked at her. She was fully dressed, wearing makeup, and had dried and straightened her hair. The dark tan, short skirt was topped with a silky long-sleeved, off-the-shoulder, cream-colored blouse. His eyes were drawn to the medallion hanging from the ribbon-style choker she was wearing. He walked toward her and lifted the medallion in his hand. "I didn't know you were religious," he said.

"I think everyone needs something to believe in. Once when my mother and I were staying in a shelter, this nun gave it to me. I somehow managed to hold onto it even through all of the chaos of my childhood. I haven't worn it in a very long time. I'd lost all of my faith, I think. Anyway, I didn't think there would be anything to eat here, so I thought you might take me somewhere to get lunch. Kristen isn't available until after 6."

"I see. Okay. Let me just put this away."

"What is that?"

"Something out of the freezer. I think I burned it actually."

"Oh. Maybe the garbage disposal is hungry," she said with a smile.

"Good idea."

****

Harry sat out on the deck looking over the railing at the beautiful view after he'd taken Ashley back home. He'd planned for a long sleepless night, but it wasn't yet 1:00 and he'd already finished everything on his list. Is she asleep? What has she decided? How did Kristen weigh in? he wondered.

When the phone rang unexpectedly, he couldn't answer it quickly enough.

"Hello."

"Hi, Harry. It's Kristen."

"Is everything okay? Is Ashley alright?"

"Sorry, yes. I just convinced her to go to bed and try to get some rest. She was beyond exhausted."

"Thank you for staying with her."

"She's my very best friend. I'd do anything for her."

"Good to know."

"I wanted to prepare you for tomorrow," she said softly. Harry's gut tightened as he steeled himself to hear what she had to say.

"Alright," he said in a husky voice.

"She's really on the fence about your relationship. She talked endlessly, sometimes in circles, about Nadia. I think you fail to understand how dangerous that woman is. She inflicted pain that scarred Ashley for life just because she could. Unless you can hear what Ashley's telling you, I don't think there's a chance for the two of you. You need to acknowledge her fears. They are well-founded."

"I see. What else can you tell me?"

"She's worried about being a mom. She's afraid that because she didn't have a good role model when she was small, she'll fail."

"She'll be amazing."

"I know and it's good to tell her that, but you also have to acknowledge her fear. She needs to know that you hear what she is saying and you are there for her if she stumbles."

"I feel like an idiot. I thought I was doing the right thing."

"Harry, you are a great guy. Please don't take this as criticism. It's just an observation and a few suggestions."