Free (Sequel to Through The Dark) Complete

Chapter 28

Harry was in a lunch meeting with his manager and friend regarding plans for his movie role, an extensive photo shoot for a magazine, and holding off on his solo plans until after the movie had finished filming.  He was having a hard time concentrating though as once they sat down for lunch he noticed he'd missed a phone call.  From Julie.  He hadn't heard from her since Tahoe.  That had been weeks ago.  He wanted nothing more at this point then to call her back.  He was semi-distracted through the first part of the meeting.  He looked up at Jeff when he heard him clear his throat.  "Huh?  What?  Sorry."  He said blushing slightly as he realized he hadn't heard what was just said.

"I asked if you had something more important to do.  Trying to nail down this schedule is proving difficult when you're not with me."  Jeff said shaking his head.

Harry heard his text notification go off and looked down at his screen.  "Yeah, just, uh, let me take care of this."  He didn't want to tell Jeff exactly what was going on.  He knew that Jeff would be supportive, but he wasn't quite sure himself, and he wasn't sure Julie would appreciate it right now.  Oh, hell, he was just keeping it to himself to hold it close to him.  Maybe she was rubbing off on him.  He read the text and smiled.  He read it again to be sure.  It said, 'Sorry to bother you if you're busy, but if you have some time later, could we meet up somewhere?'. Yes! He screamed in his head.  He'd been waiting for this.  The not knowing was driving him insane.  He texted back, 'Yes, of course.  I'm free this evening.  Tell me when and where.  Any time after 5.'.  He received a quick response, 'I will meet you at your place about 7.'  He sent a simple, 'Perfect.' back to her and then set his phone down and smiled.  "Ok, I'm ready; let's get this settled."  He was able to concentrate on getting his schedule set.  He had to get it done so he could get home.  He shook his head.  He shouldn't be this excited about her wanting to meet.  But hell, he couldn't wait.

Harry arrived home about 5:30 pm and immediately took a shower and got ready.  He was being extra particular picking out what to wear. He wanted it to be something she would like.  She sometimes gave him a little hell over his more colorful choices.  It was almost like a first date, and he had no idea why she was even coming to see him.  He laughed at himself as he dried his hair.  Should he get dinner?  Should he make something or order something?  Would it seem presumptuous?  He stopped himself and took a deep breath.  Why was he so damn nervous?  He would order Chinese.  That way she could eat if she was hungry, and it wouldn't be a big deal.  Yes, that was his plan.  He picked up a menu he had from one of the times they had ordered.  She had written all over the menu.  Yummy, Ok, no thanks, and not a chance in hell.  It was cute.  They had a fun night, that night.  He remembered fondly that night.  The laughs, the goofing around, the way it ended.  Yeah, tonight wouldn't end like that, but he hoped for a good night.  He placed the order and looked at the clock.  She should be here any minute.

When Julie got to Harry's door, she hesitated for a minute.  It was something she felt she needed to do, but she wasn't necessarily looking forward to opening up more.  She wasn't even sure how, at this point, he would even take it.  She took a deep breath and pressed the doorbell.  She resituated the strap of her bag onto her shoulder and took a step back.  When he opened the door, she smiled.  "Hey, thanks for seeing me."

Harry smiled when he saw her.  "Of course, come in, please."  He stepped aside and let her come into the foyer.  "I wasn't sure if you'd eaten, so I ordered Chinese for dinner.  Figured you could eat if you wanted."  He walked towards the kitchen and picked up the menu, he showed it to her and then set it down.  "Thanks for this, made it easy to remember what you liked."  He walked to the fridge.  "Water?  Juice?  Tea?"

"Water's fine, thank you."  She set her bag on the stool by the counter.  "Ah, yes, the infamous menu."  She smiled slightly at the memory.  It seemed so long ago.  "Thanks for the dinner offer.  Guess we'll see once it gets here.  I might be enticed by the smell."