Softer Side

Chapter twenty

I hum softly as I drive away from Harry's house, feeling slightly satisfied that we were now on slightly more civil terms. We had talked everything over, leaving us happy to chat slightly more about what was going on in our lives when collecting or dropping off Ariella. Harry had her tonight since he was heading to do some promotion things for his album across the country which meant I had her for a couple of weeks. Harry had told me how happy he was with Alice and how he thinks this is what was meant to me. I on the other hand did not want to know. Why would I want to know how 'oh so happy' he was with somebody that was creakily obsessed with him whilst we were together?

He had asked me if I had found anybody, I told him I hadn't because if he knew about Niall, it wouldn't go down well. When Harry had pressed on the subject, telling me I should get back out there and find somebody I panicked and ran back to the car after a quick goodbye and poor excuse. Despite the satisfied feeling, my heart was still pounding at how nervous he had made me about the love situation, telling me what I needed to do.

I take a deep breath, jumping slightly when I hear the familiar sound of my ringtone radiating through my car. I was currently driving through one of the roads in London to head back to my flat. It was a fairly small flat, but it was big enough for me and Ariella since it was only the two of us. Whenever Niall came to stay he slept in with me, so we didn't need anymore bed space. I click the answer button on the screen, feeling my cheeks brighten up.

"Hey darlin'" I hear mumbled happily though the speakers of my car, causing my heart to race at the sound of his raspy accent so early in the morning. His voice became gravely and incredibly attractive when he was half asleep, with the accent he held growing thicker and stronger to compliment the look.

"Hey, how can I help you? Shouldn't you be sleeping?" I say softly, looking at the time on the screen. 8:34 in the morning. I was tired myself but Harry was taking Ariella out for the day so he needed her there early but apparently couldn't come and collect her. Bastard.

He chuckles lightly through the phone before speaking, something he only ever did when he was slightly embarrassed about something. "It's lonely without you here" he mumbles, groaning as he stretched out.

"Aren't you just a little ray of sunshine" I tease as he giggles again. "You've got me tonight anyway, remember Harry has Ari tonight so it's just the two of us, you don't have to sneak over again" I smile softly, turning around a corner near one of my favourite cafes. Niall had snuck over last night while Ariella was asleep, to then go for a couple of beers with some of his friends from home that were visiting London.

"I am indeed" he grumbles, shuffling around in the sheets to get comfortable again. "About tonight babe," he starts as I feel my heart sink. Was he really going to cancel? "Bring some comfies with you, I've got a little surprise" he mutters, his half smile I loved so much was definitely on his face from the way he was talking.

I raise my eyebrows, smirking softly as I nod, remembering he couldn't see me. "Okay, Ni I'm home now, I'll see you later on? I have to get ready and then head out again to work" I sigh as he sighs happily.

"Okay darlin', I love you" he mutters making those butterflies I knew all too well begin to flutter. I smile softly to myself, looking at my hands in my lap.

"I love you too" I say softly, ending the call and climbing out of the car.

~~~~~~~

I stretch with a yawn, climbing into my car as I leave the office after finding out where my next shoot was going to be located and who it would be for. I rub my head, turning on the ignition and plugging in my phone. I send a quick message to Niall telling him 'I'm on my way, see you soon, love you xxxx' before pressing send. I jump out of my skin when I hear a knock on my window, turning to see Becky giggling to herself. "You absolute dick" I mutter as she smirks.