Unwanted (Harry Styles Love Story)

Awkward.

Two Years Later...

"And the World Writers Association award for Best Debut Novel goes to...."  

My book had already won three awards, best fandom, most loveable protagonist and most hard hitting message. I couldn't believe it! Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined this kind of reception for my first book! I was overwhelmed and almost didn't hear it when the presenter read out my book and my name.  

I stumbled to my feet, hardly believing my ears, as people slapped me on the back and shook my hand in congratulations.  

The girl handed me the award and I kissed her on both cheeks. That's what you're meant to do right?  

I'd just finished my speech and was about to say one last thank you when I saw him.  

Harry Styles.  

He was sitting a few rows back with the rest of the boys. It took me a few seconds to snap out of my surprise, stammer a last 'thank you!' and walk backstage with the presenter. It took me even longer to process why he was here. Of course, I'd forgotten, they'd had a book published earlier in the year and it was nominated for an award under the biography/autobiography category.  

Oh well...it doesn't matter that they're here. I was just shocked because I haven't seen Harry since that night two years ago...  

I instantly felt stupid that I still cared, that it still hurt to see his face. I felt pathetic and unwanted, exactly how he'd made me feel that night. Don't think about it Clare! Besides it's not like I'll have to speak to them...  

*********** 

I was making my way, slowly but surely, towards the bar at the after party, my progress was slow because everyone kept congratulating me...which was lovely but I really needed a drink so I could stop wallowing and pretend as if seeing Harry hadn't bothered me in the slightest, and that I wasn't still pining after him...because I wasn't!!  

Chris (my rather handsome agent and best friend) came to my rescue. He appeared by my side, handed me a drink and told what's her name (can't for the life of me remember what her name is...that could have been awkward had we been talking for longer!) that he needed to borrow me for a moment if that was okay.  

She mercifully agreed and we had managed to escape the throng and were now standing in the far corner of the party. I was gulping down my drink like it had gone out of fashion. How do I stay single?  

"Judging by the way you are inhaling that drink I am guessing you saw..." Chris started to say before I cut him off. 

"Yes of course I saw him!" I whisper shouted back. "Was that not made completely obvious by the way I spat out the last thank you of my speech like a dying hyena? Oh god it was awful wasn't it!" I said, clutching my face in shame. 

Chris opened his mouth to reply when someone nudged me causing me to spill a little of my drink on the floor. Precious alcohol wasted! 

"Oh...I am so sorry..." the voice trailed off. 

SHIT, SHIT, SHIT!!! I knew that voice.  

I quickly removed my hand from my face.  

"Oh... Clare! I ummm... sorry about your drink." Harry said awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. 

"Oh hi Harry, no don't worry about it, I managed not to spill any on myself so all good!" shut up Clare...Just shut up! I quickly glanced down at my dress just to make sure I actually hadn't spilled any on myself. Nope, all clear! 

"Well done tonight by the way." Harry said flashing me a smirk.  

"Thanks." I said with a smile. Chris coughed.  

"Oh sorry...I'm being quite rude, Chris this is Harry, Harry this is Chris." I said gesturing between the two.  

Something changed in Harry's eyes, I couldn't quite tell what, or why. Nonetheless he reached out and shook Chris' hand. "Nice to meet you." He said flatly, giving the impression that it wasn't very nice at all. Chris echoed his sentiments.  

"Your book is really amazing." He said turning back to face me, "well done. You deserve it." He seemed sincere.  

"I....thank you." I replied taken aback. He paused; I think he was hoping I would tell him how brilliant his music is. But there was no way I was going to let him know I frequently bop around my living room belting out the lyrics, and besides, tonight is my night!  

"Anyway, I'll leave you to it. Make sure you catch up with the other guys..." he hesitated, "They miss you..." and with that said he walked away.  

Turning to Chris I ordered "do not speak a word! We will discuss this tomorrow, I don't want to look like we are talking about him!" I inhaled the rest of my drink and plastered a huge fake smile on my face, laughing at something Chris hadn't said.