kaitlynn rose // h.s

gallery opening

"Does this look okay?"

My fingers tug at the sleeve of my sweater as I try to roll it up. Harry steps over to me, grabbing my wrist gently to help me roll it up the rest of the way.

"You look beautiful," he mutters, kissing my forehead. "You really didn't have to get dressed up for this, it's not that big of a deal."

"It is a big deal," I look up at him with a smile. "Not only are you being recognized for your great work, but you're showing your friends how talented you are today. Also your mom is in town for this and I want to continue to make a good impression."

He laughs and wraps his arms around my waist. "My mum loves you. She wouldn't shut up about how much she loves you on the phone after we flew back here after the wedding."

I feel my cheeks heat as I smile again. "Really?"

"Yeah," he nods. "I mean... my mum saw me at my worst. At my lowest low. She walked into my room when I was like fifteen and I was passed out drunk. When I came to, I don't think I've ever seen her look so hurt and disappointed at me. I swore to myself that I would never do that shit again, but she had to watch me continue to do dumb shit for years after. I think... I think that to her, you're the reason that I've changed. And you're not the only reason, but you've definitely been a major part of it... so she's right, I suppose."

I push his hair back out of his face gently and reach up to press my lips to his. "It was never me, it was all you."

"I completely disagree, but we should end this conversation now because I don't want to be late to the show," he smiles at me and presses another quick kiss to my lips. "Are you ready?"

"Just need shoes," I nod, pulling away from him to grab my sandals.

I get my shoes on and grab my clutch before following Harry out to his car. He plays with my fingers with his right hand as he drives, his eyebrows furrowed. I stop his hand, intertwining my fingers with his and bringing his hand up to my mouth to kiss his knuckles.

"Don't be so nervous," I mutter. "You have nothing to be nervous about."

"What if they think I'm totally fucking lame? What if-"

"Don't jump to conclusions," I interrupt. "Don't they know it's an art gallery that they're coming to?"

He nods.

"So they know that they're coming to see something, Harry. Even if they think it's the lamest thing in the world, which they won't, they're still coming for you. To support you."

He doesn't say anything, but I think he knows I'm right. I could tell that he was a mixture of nervous and excited right now. It's a bit strange to not be the one freaking out between the two of us.

"I love you and I'm proud of you," I look over at him with a smile, squeezing his hand. He glances over at me quickly and gives me a smile.

"I love you too. Thank you for being here with me for this, baby. It means the world to me."

He parks the car and we both climb out at our own pace. As soon as I'm close enough to do so, I grab Harry's hand again. Before we can head towards the gallery, he pulls me into his chest and connects his lips to mine.

"Don't be mad at me," he mutters quickly before pecking my lips once more. "But the project that's hanging up in there is pictures of you. Wanted to give you a warning..."

I place a hand on his chest and pull away before he can kiss me again, looking at him with wide eyes. "What?"

"The project that our professor wanted me to submit was the second set that I took of you for the contrast shoot."