𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋! | harry styles

𝐗𝐈

HOW am I supposed to study with Harry's offer sitting on my brain? He hasn't brought up our Napa Valley adventure again since Monday, as if by not giving me any details, I won't be distracted. Wrong, awesome boyfriend. You are so wrong.

After my final review session on Wednesday morning, I convince myself that a diversion, just a quick trip to buy myself one new outfit for the trip, will clear my head. It's all for the good of my studying, which will be so much more productive after I get this out of my system.

During the whole bus ride to my favorite little boutique, I indulge my imagination, and boy, has that thing learned to run wild since meeting Harry. I close my eyes, and I conjure Harry, just ahead on his bike, leading me through neat lines of grapes growing fat and juicy under the warm Napa sun. He passes tastes of wine from his tongue to mine when the guide isn't looking; we swallow more than we should. Our lazy, boozy lunch leaves us languid and slow for our return ride, until it kicks in that we are gonna get naked as soon as we get back to that room! We race to the hotel, arrive breathless, and even in my fantasy, I can't find a smidgeon of restraint once we reach our room.

Shopping is mildly distracting, and bonus: I come away with not one but two kicky little sundresses that will look great romping through rows of grapevines. I focus better later that evening, at least long enough to cram the concepts into my head, and well enough that I don't bomb my exam in the morning.

The hungry and thirsty weekend Hooters crowd doesn't allow for daydreams, especially with Jessica Rabbit to supervise and Ruby home with the flu. It's all hands on deck. Even Derek is behind the bar, pouring drinks, much to some of the customers' dismay.

"You want a show or you want your booze?" he snaps when they complain.

"Come on, at least shake your ass for us," one wise guy shoots back.

Derek, being Derek, spins around and twerks, and the crowd erupts in cheers.

"Better be careful, boss," I warn him at the taps. "You might just get yourself a full-time gig back here."

"Ha! Over Ruby's dead body!"

Closing up on Sunday night, Derek stuffs an extra wad of twenties into my hand. "You were a rock star this week, Sophie. Thanks for getting us over the hump."

I feel very much like the rag I just used to wipe down the bar-wrung out and finished-but it's always nice to be appreciated. "You think Ruby will be back soon?"

"Should be back on her feet Tuesday, if not tomorrow."

"Would this be a good time to ask you for next weekend off?"

━━━━━━━

Harry answers my Good news: next Fri-Sun off! text as if he's been waiting for it with his phone in hand.

I'll make the plans!

And you don't have to miss MM!

━━━━━━━

"Don't forget, we're only a phone call away. Harry can have me back here in ninety minutes if you need anything."

"That's sweet, Sophie, but 9-1-1 is only five minutes away," Mrs. C says. "And no offense, but they're a lot cuter than you. Now, go on and stop worrying about me."