The Journalist

Chapter Nine

I quickly settled into a rhythm, wake up follow Harry and Claire around all day and secretly make fun of them with Liam. Then at night I would run on the beach and then sit and watch the waves lapping against the shore. There was something relaxing about it. Then I would go back to my room and write an article and send it to Ms. Richmond and sleep for 4 hours if I was lucky.

On Friday Liam and I went to a local bar with Harry and made fun of him mercilessly. Liam and I had been going to different bars the whole week but we kept coming back to a little Irish one near the hotel. Harry took our teasing without complaint, even firing back a few shots. Then again whenever I did talk to Harry we would bicker over little things. It was all in good fun and despite myself I looked forward to every interaction with him. On Saturday I was waiting for Liam at the bar when Harry walked in.

“Liam’s running late.” He said by way of introduction. I nodded and took a drink of my beer.

“No fancy Manhattan martinis?” He asked. I made a face.

“Ew, those things are disgusting.” Harry laughed. “What’s so funny?”

“Your face!”

“Like you’re one to look at.” I huffed.

“No the face you made. Your regular face is fine.”

“So now you think my regular face isn’t special! Thanks a lot Harry.” Harry laughed and I smiled, looking down. He got up to get a beer and I turned mine over in my hands. I was behind just from one day of not writing but I didn’t care. This was the most fine I’ve had in a while. Liam walked in just as Harry sat down again.

“Sorry Emma, Bridezilla held me up again. Oh hi Harry.”  Harry rolled his eyes.

“She just wants it perfect Liam.”

“I know, I know.” Liam sat down next to me and Harry handed him a beer.

“So what are we making fun of Harry for tonight?”

“He said my face isn’t special.” I pouted. Liam laughed and I let out a giggle.

“Well that’s just rude.” Liam said.

 We proceeded to make fun of Harry but he wasn’t really responding like before.

“Bridezilla huh?” he said finally.

“She’s just a little obsessive mate, nothing personal.” Liam said.

“It’s a wedding, isn’t she allowed to be obsessive?”

“Yeah, but she takes it to extremes I mean she chose Starships for your wedding song. Do you really want that to be the first decision you make as a married couple?”

“It’s her day.”

“But it’s yours too.” I said, butting in. “A marriage is two people, not one. You should have a say in what’s going on.”

“Like you know anything about marriage.” My hand self consciously went to my ring finger on my left hand. I did know about marriage, but Harry didn’t need to know that. He saw my movement and his eyes darkened.

“Sorry.” He muttered. Liam looked at me.

“You were married?” He asked.

“Engaged, almost married.” I let out a little laugh. Liam pursed his lips and then looked back at Harry. I let out a small puff of air, glad he didn’t press any further.

“Let’s just drop it. We’ve argued enough.” Harry shrugged and for once silence descended upon the table.

“Hey Emma, you want a martini?” Liam asked.

“Gross!” I yelled and just like that we were back to how things used to be.