If I Could Fly // h.s.

Chapter 28

Harry arrives at the house early, as he always tends to do. I asked Anna to prepare us something simple for lunch so that we could take it outside and eat in the gazebo. Once we are settled in, Harry looks up at me. 

"Jeff called me yesterday," he says before taking a bite of his sandwich. I smile and wait for him to elaborate. 

"He has some music producers he wants me to meet. He's suggesting that I consider releasing a solo album on the hiatus."

"Wow, Harry. That's a big step. Is it something you've been thinking about?" I ask.

"Not really. But I've been talking to the lads. They're all dipping their toes into a few different things. Niall is even starting a golf agency. So, I don't know. Maybe it wouldn't hurt just to hear these guys out." He looks nervous. I can tell he's watching my face carefully for any kind of reaction. 

"I think you should do it. Decide for yourself. Like you said, no one is forcing your feet to the fire. I know you're enjoying the break from it all, but you're also an insanely creative person. I don't know how long you'll be able to go without creating something wonderful. It would be nice to know your options when you're ready." I smile at my man. It's flattering to know how much he respects my opinions and thoughts on something like this- something I really have no authority on. 

"I think you're right. It's just kind of scary, I guess. I've only really known the band these last five years. I know it's just a meeting, but it seems like a huge step away from my brothers." He looks so vulnerable. I can see the fear and love battling behind his beautiful green orbs. 

"Those guys love you, Haz. They will always be your brothers. You guys will always have the band. But it sounds like they're taking some leaps. You deserve that chance, too," I whisper, shifting my chair so that I'm closer to him. I take his hand in mine. "And you know I'm not going anywhere." I clear my throat, my nerves starting to take over. "This still scares the shit out of me. But I'm in this. I'm here. I'm here with you, I'm here for you. I want to be your rock, if you'll let me. Whether it means walking beside you or cheering you on from the sidelines, I'm here, baby."

Harry surprises me by crashing his lips to mine. He kisses me fiercely, digging his perfect ring-clad fingers into my scalp as he runs them through my hair. When he releases me, I see so much love in his eyes. 

"That's all I needed to hear, angel. No matter what I do next, I need you beside me. I can't go back now that I know what it feels like to have the world in my hands. And you are, you are my world," he says, holding his forehead to mine. "I love you, Amelia. I love you so fucking much."

"I'm yours, Harry. I love you."

We spend the next little while curled up in the hammock, simply enjoying being close to one another. Harry absentmindedly runs his fingertips over my arms, neck, cheeks. Even in innocent, loving moments like this, he touches me like he worships me. 

"The meeting is Wednesday in LA," he says quietly. "I'll have to leave in the morning. I won't be back until this weekend." 

"Oh. Um. Okay," I say, not succeeding at hiding my disappointment. We've gone a few days here and there without seeing each other, but he was still close. We've not been really separated since we met. 

"I know, babe. I don't like it either. I'm almost tempted to change my mind and just stay here."

"You can't do that, Harry. We are going to have to accept that sometimes we will have to spend a few days apart." I snake my arm around his waist and hold him closer. "This is a good thing for you, babe. We can do it."

"You could just go with me, you know," he says, looking down at me. 

"You know I'd love to go anywhere with you, but I don't want to interfere in this. You'll be with Jeff and these producers most of the time. I don't want to be tucked away in a hotel room waiting for you. And while I'm sure you wouldn't care for me to go to the meetings with you, I really think it's more professional if you meet with them alone. At least this time." I wink at him. "But if you decide to make some music with them, they'll have to get used to me."

That gets a smile out of him. "Oh they'll learn real quick who the boss is."

"You saying I wear the pants in this relationship?" I flirt. 

"Well.. now, baby, you know I prefer you without pants. Or any clothes for that matter. But you know I've been putty in your hand since I sat down beside you on that airplane." He kisses me sweetly on the forehead. 

"Damn straight. Don't you forget it," I say before sitting up and lifting myself out of the hammock. "Now, come on. Let's go see what everyone's doing." I reach my hand out to help him out of the hammock. He takes it and follows behind me. He manages to get a swift smack on my ass before we go back inside the house. 

The rest of the day is spent being lazy with Nichole and Aunt Jane around the house. Harry stays for dinner and he gets some good bonding time in with Uncle Richard. I think he's becoming at least slightly less scared of him. 

Saying goodbye is harder than I wanted it to be. We hug and kiss and talk and then do it all over again a few times before he finally pulls away and forces himself into the Range Rover. 

I feel a tear slide down my cheek as I walk back inside and head to the kitchen for my nightly tea. Harry texts me a few times when he gets home. I think this is harder on him than it is for me, if that's even possible. Sleep doesn't come easily that night.

I wake up to a couple of messages from him letting me know that he has boarded the plane. He seals every text with reassurance that he loves me and misses me already. I am just about to head into the bathroom for a bath when I hear the intercom. Joe is asking me to come down. 

I throw my robe on and head downstairs to see what could possibly be going on. I hadn't ordered anything lately and I certainly wasn't expecting anyone. 

By the time I reach the bottom of the stairs, I hear two male voices in the foyer. I round the corner just to see an all-to-familiar face turn to greet me. 

Fuck. 

"Hey, Ames. Surprise," Zack says nervously as he stands awkwardly with his hands in his pocket. 

Fuck.