Redemption

3 - Not a Coincidence

Chapter 3 - Not a Coincidence

"I really don't want to go," I tell Zayn as I apply mascara to my lashes. I can see him in the mirror, sitting on the bed with his phone in his hands.

"We don't have to stay really long. Harry has. . . Well, he deserves as many nights out as he can get."

"What does that mean?" I ask, putting the mascara tube down. Zayn shrugs typing away on his phone. I'm wearing high-waisted flared jeans with a white turtle neck accompanied by a maroon bomber jacket. I didn't feel the need to go all out. Zayn and I are strictly in a "fling" zone, and Harry is no one I want to dress to impress. Every encounter I've had with him is rude and unenjoyable.

I sigh, running my fingers through my ironed curls before putting my white Docs on. We leave the apartment, driving Zayn's car to the restaurant where we will meet Harry and Rebecca at. It's a small bar right off of campus with neon lights hanging above the door.

Zayn grabs my hand as we walk into the bar. It has a little stage in the corner with a band setting up, a small bar lining the opposite walls, some games directly across from us, and tables scattered throughout. I spot Harry right away, talking to some blonde girl at a high top. She's breathtakingly beautiful. We weave our way through the crowds to their table, catching Harry's attention before we actually sit down.

He looks at Zayn before looking at me, his eyes trailing down my body. I suddenly feel self-conscious with him looking at me. It reminds me of the night at his frat house. Shawn was talking to me while Harry watched with intense eyes before exiting to the backyard to exchange salvia with a different girl than Rebecca. The thought makes me shiver in slight disgust.

His tongue swipes over his bottom lip, making eye contact with me. I clench Zayn's hand, immediately growing sweaty from the attention. Zayn doesn't seem to notice, letting go of my hand to greet Harry with a hug. I turn my attention to Rebecca, bright blue eyes and wavy blonde hair. Classic.

She smiles a perfect smile, extending her hand. "Hi! I'm Rebecca."

I return her smile. "I'm Amber."

Her eyes light up, "I love that name. It's so pretty and reminds me of fall."

Does she mean Autumn?

"Thank you," I reply, plopping down on a stool.

"Rebecca," Harry says, putting his elbows on the table and leaning on them. "Go get some drinks for me and Amber. Take Zayn, too. He has to use the toilet."

My eyes widen, quickly looking at Zayn to make sure he's not actually going to leave me here with Harry when he knows how much I don't enjoy his presence.

Zayn just smiles. "Sure."

I want to slap him as he walks away with her, starting a lighthearted conversation. I drum my fingers against the table, avoiding Harry's eyes. I can feel them on me, analyzing every flaw and imperfection. I wonder what he's thinking. I finally look up at him, and just like I expected, he's looking at me.

"You still haven't answered my question," he teases, downing the rest of his beer. I don't know why he's so keen on knowing my opinion of him.

"Maybe because I don't want to?" I answer sarcastically. Harry chuckles, running a hand through his hair. I can see his tattoos showing through his shirt, drawing my eyes. I wonder what all of them mean to him. Zayn has tattoos but they all look like silly drawings without meanings. Harry's look real and thought out.

"You're funny," Harry concludes. I purse my lips, waiting for him to continue but he doesn't.  He stares at his hands, gazing at a tattoo that's a "M". Right next to that one is an "A". He looks sad almost but catches me staring, hardening his eyes. He gets up, exiting the bar without a second look back. My feelings are a little hurt that he gave me such a cold look but I can't think about it for too long before Zayn and Rebecca return.