Free (Sequel to Through The Dark) Complete

Chapter 53

Harry couldn't seem to help himself when he showed up at Niall's.  He had just gotten out of his car when Niall was pulling into his driveway.  He had dropped Julie off a few hours before, so he figured it'd be safe to go back and see what was happening.  Maybe treat them all to dinner.  When he walked in with Niall, he could almost feel the heaviness in the air.  And the fact that Amanda checked with Julie before she agreed to the dinner for four made him a bit uneasy.  Everything had seemed so good.  They had gotten along so well, so he hadn't thought there was any trouble.  But, he should have known.  Or at least he now suspected there might be.  Should he be worried?  He tried to slow his thoughts as he walked towards the couch.  He looked down at Julie and then leaned down and kissed her.  "Sorry, I just showed up.  Thought maybe I could take you all out for dinner, but this is better."  He looked her in the eyes and was slightly relieved when she smiled.

"It's fine.  It's been a long time since we've all spent time together like this.  I do miss it."  Julie said standing up.  She leaned back against him when Harry put his hands on her hips.  She could tell he was a bit concerned, but everything was fine.  She was with him and wanted to be.  But she would have to seriously consider Panda's words and have a talk with him about slowing this down just a little.  She wanted to spend most of her time with him, but she did need a bit of time to take it all in without his hands on her all the time.  "Panda, can you order from that pasta place?  I really would like their chicken and broccoli alfredo."

Harry chuckled.  "Well, at least you're eating broccoli."

"Covered in thick, buttery, fattening white sauce."  She joked putting her hands over his and squeezing his fingers before stepping away.  "But it's also grilled chicken, so I'm winning."  She shrugged her shoulders and took her wine glass over to the fridge.  "And it goes wonderfully with white wine."  She grabbed the bottle and filled her glass, turning and filling Amanda's when she walked up to her.

"I'm going to take it as a win, too."  Harry said taking the beer Niall handed him.  He normally drank wine as well, but when the four of them were together, he seemed to be the beer mate to Niall while the girls drank the wine.

Julie looked at Amanda when she caught her staring at her.  She knew why.  "It's fine, Panda."  She said quietly.  "I'm still staying here tonight, and I will talk to him.  You can stop worrying now, Mom.  I don't want to get rid of him.  I'm just trying to find my way still."

"I know.  It's just that we got through that conversation, and he's here.  So, I see what you mean. I still don't think that it's what you think it is though."  Amanda said squeezing JJ's hand before stepping back and grabbing the menu from the drawer.  She knew what everyone else would eat, so she quickly placed the order.  She looked at Niall and then nodded subtly towards JJ.  She wanted to talk to Harry and figured Niall could spend a little time with JJ.  She grabbed her wine and JJ's arm and walked towards the couch with her.

Niall shook his head at Amanda.  He knew what she was up to, but figured it wouldn't hurt, at least for now to give her a little leeway.  Plus, he hadn't really spoken to JJ in quite some time.  He missed his smart mouthed friend.  He walked over to JJ.  "Come outside with me, so we can catch up."

Julie gave side glance at Niall and then at Amanda.  She knew when Amanda wouldn't look her in the eye that she was up to something.  She should tell her she knew, and that she should stay out of it, but maybe it would help if Harry talked to Amanda.  She looked at Niall and shrugged.  "Ok, why not?"

Harry glanced at everyone.  He also knew something was up but figured it would happen at one time or another, so he just let it go.  And maybe he could get something out of Amanda about if he should worry or not.  He reached back over the couch for Julie's hand though and when she slid hers into his, he squeezed it before kissing the back of it and letting it go.  "Niall, keep your hands off my girlfriend."