𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐍! | harry styles

𝐗𝐗𝐗𝐕

THE next two weeks passed quickly for Harry. He went to work every day. He attended support meetings on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. With the use of Bella's car, he even managed to get his driver's license. Having a schedule again was a comfort to him. After so many years of being on a strict routine, he had felt lost without anything to do.

Work was going well; Harry couldn't have asked for a better job. He got along with his coworkers. Jonah still acted cold, but Harry quickly learned that it was just his odd persona, not a reflection of Jonah's feelings toward him. Eliza was as sweet as ever. She continued to flirt, but she didn't push him. Although he had no intentions of starting anything with her, he reveled in the new found attention.

Harry was disappointed to have to turn down multiple happy hour invitations. He wanted to go out with his new friends, but his parole orders prevented him from visiting an establishment that served alcohol. He would decline regretfully with a promise of maybe next time. His reasons were always evasive. The only one who knew the truth of his circumstances was Michael, and he hadn't told a soul.

When Harry received his first paycheck, he was ecstatic. His hourly wage wasn't high by any means, but compared to the pocket change he made at the prison, he felt wealthy. The overtime he put in the week prior had almost doubled his check. He knew that if he were responsible with his money, it would be enough to live on. For the first time, he started to believe that maybe things really would be okay.

There was one thing in specific about working that Harry didn't enjoy. Between the time he spent at Barnes' Chamber and at the mandatory support groups, he had hardly spent any time with Bella. Once he was done with the warehouse project, he was going to talk to Michael about having Tuesdays and Thursdays off so he could be with her during the day.

It was Saturday night, and after a full day of work and a hour long group meeting, Harry was finally home. He wasn't surprised to see Matt there; however, the tense atmosphere in the apartment was unexpected.

"What's going on?" he asked. Bella and Matt held each other's gaze, neither backing down from the confrontation.

"Nothing," Bella said through her teeth. "We were just discussing sleeping arrangements. Matt's being stubborn."

"I'm being stubborn?" Matt scoffed.

"Yes, you are. The air mattress is yours. You brought it here, so you're going to sleep on it."

"What kind of friend would I be if I made you sleep on the floor in your own apartment?"

Harry had a feeling Matt was not the stubborn one in this situation. He knew Bella wouldn't back down when her mind was set on something, and like Matt, he also didn't want her sleeping on the floor. "Matt can take the couch," he said. "I'll sleep on the floor."

Bella looked at him and rolled her eyes. "Don't be ridiculous, Harry." They were silent for a few moments. Then Bella came up with an idea. "The air mattress sleeps two. Why don't you guys take it. I'll sleep on the couch."

"No, no way," Matt said. "I'm not sharing a bed with another dude. No offense," he added.

"None taken," Harry said.

"Hey!" Matt's eyes lit up when he looked at Bella again. Harry immediately guessed where his train of thought was headed. "Why don't we share—"

"I'll sleep with you," Harry interrupted. Both Bella and Matt looked at him in surprise. "In the bed, I mean." He pointed to the bedroom, suddenly self-conscious under their scrutinous eyes. "Matt can have the couch."

Bella snapped her mouth shut once she realized it had fallen open. Slowly, she nodded in agreement. "Okay." She turned to Matt. "Is the couch okay?"