Picture Perfect

Chapter 20

HARRY'S POV:

"Toni?" I ask.

I can't believe she is on the same flight with me and sitting across from my seat.  Maybe the God's are allowing me an opportunity to make things right. 

"Harry?" she asks me, surprise on her face. 

"Yeah, it's me.  I didn't expect to see you here.  Are you returning to London already?"

"Yeah, uh yes – the Stones shoot got pushed up so I have to return now.  Harry, this is my best friend, Nico.  Nico, this is Harry" she says as I lean in to shake her friend's hand.

"Hello Harry.  I thought you already in London.  Toni, didn't you tell me he left yesterday afternoon?" she says, giving me a definite glare.  Guess I know Toni has told her about the situation.

"Uh, yeah.  I was waiting on a friend to call me back, but apparently, he was busy.  It's nice to meet you, Nico.  Toni speaks very highly of you."

"Toni and I go back a long way together.  So, why are you just now leaving, Harry?" Nico asks me.

"Well, it was the next flight out.  I didn't want to have the private plane just for me.  Toni, if I had known you were returning, I could have arranged for the private plane." I tell her.

"It's quite alright, I don't mind flying commercially.  This is a nice plane and hey, we're in first class.  Can't really complain.  And it's only a one hour or so flight back to London" Toni replies.

"Uh, do you need a place to stay and get some rest?  Something tells me you haven't slept."

"Do I look that bad, Harry?" Toni asks.

"No!  That's not what I was implying.  I..." I trail off and run my fingers through my hair.

"Way to go, Harry. You just have to make my friend feel self-conscious, thanks a lot!" Nico scolds me. She turns to Toni and gives her a hug and whispers something in her ear.  Toni shakes a bit and when they release from their hug, she just looks at me with very sad eyes.

"No, no, really, you both look beautiful, it's just I know you were out with Niall and didn't get in until late.  Shit. I'm sorry." I say as I see Toni with her face covered by a blanket wrapped around her, shaking as if she's crying. 

I kneel at her feet and try to wrap my arms around her.  "Toni, I'm sorry.  I wasn't trying to insult you.  I'm such a wanker.  Toni, please?" I beg.

Slowly I hear Nico trying hard not to laugh. Toni on the other hand is still shaking and has the blanket over her head but I can hear her starting to giggle.

"Oh no.  You didn't just ..." I say, as I place my face in the palm of my hand.

Nico looks up at me and Toni pops her head out from under the blanket.  She has a huge smile on her face and looks at Nico.  They high five each other and look at me.

"Mr. Styles, you should watch yourself around the two of us.  We have very sick senses of humor." Nico finally tells me. 

Standing, she pushes me back to my seat across from them.  She sits down next to me and leans in to whisper in my ear.  I lean towards her to better hear her.

"Harry, my friend means the world to me.  There isn't a thing I wouldn't do for her.  That includes hiring a hit man to take you out. Your player bullshit isn't going to be tolerated.  You want to sleep around, stay away from Toni.  She deserves better."

I pull my head back to see her face to face.  Swallowing, I nod my head knowing she has more to say.

"If you hurt her, I will make certain you are dealt with.  You won't know when or where, but rest assured, I'll be the one making certain you pay."  She smiles sweetly and turns back to Toni.  Toni looks at her and smiles as she makes herself cozy in her seat.  Nico looks back at me and says "Harry, I want to root for you, but if you are still willing to keep your head firmly thrust up your ass, stay away from her."