That Summer

Chapter 25

"Liz, you need to take a deep breath." Claire said over the phone later that afternoon. "I really don't get why you're so nervous. You've been on plenty of other dates."

"Claire, I haven't been on a real date since I was with Shawn. Harry and I never really did the real date thing we just sort of were together. It's different with Niall."

"It's not like he's asking you to marry him, Elizabeth. It's just one date. He probably wants you to be sure of your feelings before he tries to make anything official. I mean, you haven't exactly made things easy on him this past month."

I groaned. "I know, I know. He's just so perfect, Claire. He deserves better than me. Honestly, if I were him I would have given up on me a long time ago."

"I know you can't see me right now, but I'm rolling my eyes at you. He obviously hasn't given up on you because he knows how you work. He knows you better than yourself, really.

I smiled. "Thank you, Claire. You're right."

"I know I'm right." I knew she was grinning.

"I better get going. It's almost four here and I should head back to my hotel and start getting ready." I said standing from the bench I was sitting on.

"Alright, babe. I want full details on the date after! I don't care what time it is when you get home, call me first thing!"

"But of course! Love you, sis! I'll tell Zayn you miss him."

"Thank you! Love you too!"

I got back to the hotel and noticed that there were even more fans outside than when I had left. I knew there was no way I would be able to make it past all of them. So, I decided to enter through the back entrance. As my hand reached for the handle, the door swung open and hit me in the head, knocking me to the ground. "Oh my God!" I heard Harry shout. "I'm so sorry!"

I rubbed my head, still keeping my eyes shut. "It's fine." I said after a couple minutes.

"Elizabeth?" He asked, just now realizing it was me.

"No shit, Harry." I said getting off the ground.

"I'm sorry!" He exclaimed. "Were you coming in this way because of the fans?"

I nodded. "I swear the number tripled since I left less than an hour ago."

"That's why I was leaving this way, so I could sneak off without being noticed."

"If you're still going to sneak off, I recommend doing it now before they figure out the other entrance is here." I said still rubbing my throbbing head.

"I'll be fine. How's your head? I think the door hit you pretty hard." He said reaching out to feel of there was a bump. I slapped his hand away the second his hand touched it. "Ow! Why'd you hit me?" He cried, holding his hand.

"You hurt it when you touched it!"

"Then let's go get you some ice. That'll help with the bump." Harry said taking hold of my hand, leading me into the hotel.

"Weren't you just leaving?" I questioned.

"I was just going for a walk because I was bored but now I have you to take care of." He smiled.

"Fine. Just don't make a habit out of hitting me with doors at the hotels we stay in, okay?"  I smiled, waiting to see if he would catch on that I was staying. 

"I won't. It was an accident." Harry said clearly not getting my hint.

"Good. I don't think my poor head could get used to that."