My Best Friend's Brother

Chapter Ten-

To my utter surprise, for the next week, Harry hadn't even really bothered to contact me. Well, I mean, he'd send a text every now and then, but all they consisted of were him bluffing. I ignored them, obviously. They just made me want to win that much more.

Other than those text messages, he hadn't really talked to me at all. I had mixed emotions about this, though. I mean, of course I think of it as relief on my independence, but his efforts were also a mere disappointment. When we had made the decision of taking on this ridiculous bet last weekend, understandably, I was hesitant. But as I contemplated it more and more, I came to the realisation that it could turn out fun for me. If Harry was going to be himself around me - a psychopathic flirt, who is self obsessed - and if he was planning to 'get with me', if you will, then I was going to do my absolute best to drive him crazy. Tease to please was my motto dedicated to Harold Styles.

I can't be too fast to feel pressured about this freedom, though. Because tonight, my parents, Brody and myself would be attending the Styles' household for a dinner - formal, I presume - with family and friends of Gemma, Harry and Anne. I knew that somehow and someway, Harry was going to get me corned in a place where I didn't really want to be and try something that he's going to think will test my patience. But I did have a few tricks up my sleeve, so I wasn't going to plan on letting him get away with his charming smile and dashing appearance. I was going to test HIS patience.

I was feeling excited about tonight, not only because I got to dress nice and show Harry up. But because, throughout this past week, I had completely gotten my shit together, and I was ready to prove him wrong. Though under my relaxed exterior, I also felt that little bit anxious to see him again, but I knew that would vanish when he endeavours his first move. Since that morning, I had been telling myself that I could handle this, and that I could win this bet so Harry would leave me alone. But there was also a small part of me that didn't want him to leave me alone. The consistent consideration was going to be hard on me, but I know that if I even merely enjoyed that kiss we shared, then the attention was going to take a more colossal toll. I guess having him notice me was better than having nothing from him, right? And plus, loads of girls all over the world would love to be in my position right now, and they don't even know the full story as to how I got here. I guess I better make the most of it before it's over and I became victorious against the Mr. Styles himself.

"Mum, are you ready yet?" I called in from her bedroom door, as I stood there, leaning my body weight against the frame. I glanced down at my outfit, examining it as I waited on my mother's response. I was hoping that how I was dressed was going to be appropriate for the occasion. I mean, Anne hadn't even really informed us on what to wear, so I just went with my instincts. I did enjoy dressing up, after all.

"Yeah, yeah. Two minutes, just putting on some lippy," she replied, her words only just comprehendible. I giggled at her short attempts of speaking as I replied. "Alright, well, be quick. They're expecting us there in ten minutes."

Without another word, I saw the lights dim through the bedroom, and my mother's heels could be heard making their way across the white tile from the extended bathroom. Seconds later, she appeared wearing one of her simple and loose-fitting cocktail dresses, that reached just above her knees. She wore that with a pair of black pumps. In other words, she looked gorgeous.

"How do I look?" she grinned at me, spinning as she nudged me out of the doorway, pulling the door closed as she did so. I smiled, scanning her outfit up and down. "Beautiful, mum."

-'-'-'-'-'

"Wow, the house looks amazing," my mum said from the front seat, as the four of us stared at the Styles' home.

There were cute little fairy lights in the trees out the front and it looked as if Anne had replaced all the pot plants that usually sat on the side of the front steps. It really looked gorgeous.