𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐍! | harry styles

𝐗𝐗𝐗𝐈𝐕

FOR Harry, much of Monday was spent learning the ropes of his new job at Barnes' Chamber. He arrived before the store opened, and Michael spent the morning explaining his new duties and where he could find the supplies he would need. They discussed which days Harry wanted to work as well as the times he absolutely needed off in order to fulfill his parole requirements.

"It's important that the store stays clean and the shelves are stocked," Michael explained as they stood in the warehouse. "Once you're done with that, you can work on organizing this mess. We're expecting a few large shipments during mid-February, mostly to replenish what we sold over the holidays, but we're also expanding our professional audio department. You'll have a few weeks to get this place organized according to that layout." Michael pointed to the hand-sketched map of the warehouse in Harry's hands.

Harry looked at it, then he looked at the mess of small inventory items and unpacked boxes that surrounded his feet. There was no rhyme or reason to any of the instruments or equipment packed into the corners.

"Any particular area you want me to start in?"

"I'm going to trust you to make the best decision," Michael said. "You're the one doing the work. It doesn't matter to me the order it gets done as long you finish in a timely matter. If you want to work any overtime for the next couple of weeks, that's fine too. If you need any help, or have any questions when I'm not here, talk to Jonah. He'll assist you."

"I appreciate everything you're doing for me," Harry told him sincerely. "This job is exactly what I had hoped for."

"You have your whole life ahead of you. Don't be afraid to dream big."

Harry nodded and looked away. Dreaming was something he'd given up a long time ago. Thinking beyond one day at a time was not something he was used to doing.

"I'm curious . . ." Michael hesitated. When Harry looked at him with a guarded expression, he gestured to his face. "I apologize if I'm about to cross a line, but what happened?"

Harry looked away again. "Nothing." He didn't think about his answer; it came automatically.

"Harry," Michael said quietly, "you don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to, but know that I'm here for you. You can trust me."

Trust. Everything seemed to boil down to trust. It was neither something Harry gave nor received easily. The concept was foreign to him. Most of his life, Harry operated with his guard up. Bella was the first person he had opened up to in a long time. With a shaky breath, he turned and met Michael's gaze. "I don't think Bella's father likes me very much."

"He did that," Michael stated. If he had an opinion on the matter, he didn't let it show. Michael, ever a perceptive man, could tell Harry was working through something in his head. He waited patiently, sure that Harry would let him in sooner or later.

"He's a State Patrol officer," Harry said abruptly. He raised his hand and gently touched his face. It was still puffy and slightly sore. "There's going to be an investigation. I have to meet with an officer when I leave here and answer questions. I don't know what to do."

"How so?"

"He's Bella's father!" Harry sighed and dropped his hand. "I know I should tell them what actually happened, but I don't want this to hurt her. I'm sorry. This probably isn't making any sense to you. I just . . . I don't want to go into detail. I'd rather just pretend it didn't happen and move on."

"I understand," said Michael. He wanted to help, and if Harry didn't want to give him the finer details, he could work with that. "You can tell me whatever you're comfortable talking about."