The Maid For Styles

Chapter 58

Chloe's POV

I'd sent a quick text to Renee, letting her know that only Harry and I would be attending. She thought it was probably better that way, seeing as her family could meet Harry without any distractions, along with Matty, who was to be attending as well. Funnily enough, Harry was quite nervous to meet Renee's family. I'd ask him why and each time he'd reply with "Because, they're, like, your family and meeting your family is an important step in our relationship". It seemed as though he knew more about relationships than he gave himself credit for.

When we arrived, the first thing Harry did was ask me if he looked okay. I felt bad for it, but I couldn't hold back the small giggle that escaped my lips. He was such a sweetheart and I treasured the fact that the nerves inside him were bubbling to the surface and slowly managing to get the best of him. So, instead of answering him, I wrapped my arms around his neck and told him not to stress, because they were lovely people and I was one hundred percent sure they would adore him, almost as much as I did. Harry held me against his torso firmly, allowing me to feel the rapid beat of his heart against my chest, showing me just how anxious he really was.

"I love you," I told him, hoping to ease his nerves.

I felt him smile against my neck and a sense of pride washed over me. "I love you more."

With that, we entwined our fingers and walked up to the front door. The grip Harry had on my hand was almost constricting and his palm was getting sweatier by the minute, but I knew that the simple and comforting touch showed him that I was going to be there with him through it all, and that it was going to be alright, so I didn't let go.

I pushed open the front door, not bothering to knock; I knew that Renee wouldn't give a shit if I entered without any warning. Harry and I moved our way into the house, the voices of Renee's family already filling our ears.

"Was that the door I just heard?" Asked Grace, Renee's darling mother, from the opposite end of the house.

"I dunno. If you think it was, go check," stated the voice I recognised as Matty's.

"Don't be a fuckhead," spat my best friend, causing a small laugh to escape my lips.

Harry and I entered the living room where the family seemed to be scattered on the couches that were positioned in a circular motion, facing the large plasma TV that sat on the wall.

"Hi," I smiled, giving them a small wave.

Renee shot up off the couch and wrapped her arms around my neck as her family said their 'hello's'. Harry didn't loosen his grip on my hand, only allowing me to wrap one arm around Renee. I could tell his nerves were getting worse, but there was only so much I could do when they were sitting right in front of him.

"Hi, Harry," smiled Renee as she released me.

"Hello," he replied, giving her a polite nod and a small anxious smile.

I turned to the rest of Renee's family and grinned. Tanayah, Renee's sister, wasn't anywhere to be found, so I figured she was out with her fiancé, Zac.

I stroked my thumb against the back of Harry's hand as I opened my mouth to speak.

"Hi, guys. It's nice to see you again," I acknowledged them, before turning my head to look at Harry, a small smile playing at my lips as I took in his tense expression. His jaw was clenched and I could see the nervousness in the way Harry flicked his gaze back and forth between each member of the family. "This is Harry, my boyfriend," I introduced him.

"Hello," Harry said once again, his tone as friendly as it could be at that point in time.

"Why, look at you," grinned Grace. "What a fine young man you are," she gushed, standing up and walking towards him. When her arms wrapped around his neck in a hospitable hug, Harry admitted a small chuckle, before awkwardly rubbing her back.