Black Ink [Harry Styles]

Chapter 24

Nessa

I sip my peppermint tea and take a moment to stretch my tired neck and back, the result of being hunched over tattooing all afternoon. I am really proud of the sleeve I am working on for a regular client and I can't wait to finish it in her next session.

Its Friday so the shop is open later and I have a client booked this evening, but I have an hour or so before then. I am just deciding what to do with this rare moment of spare time, when I hear Angus shout jovially "Well look who the cat dragged in, if it isn't Harry Styles".

My heart starts to beat wildly, what is Harry doing here? I was trying to keep whatever him and myself are, from my brothers for a little while longer.

He laughs and replies that he is just in the neighbourhood and wanted to say hi.

I watch the Harry Styles effect happen, as customers jaws just about hit the ground as they either realise who he is or are just amazed by how good he looks. He is still wearing what he was at breakfast this morning, ripped bell bottoms, a vintage t-shirt and a brightly coloured cardigan, and even though it is very simple, I can't help but stare in wonder at him. I really need to get a grip.

He kisses Letty on the cheek and then greets my brothers and Ravi with a mixture of friendly high fives and hugs. They chat and laugh, while I watch from the back of the shop leaning against the wall. I love that he gets on so well with my family, the only reason I haven't told them about us, is so that we can have some space to see what this thing we have is.

I watch Harry laughing and talking, but his eyes wander the room, and when he sees me, he smiles and I can see those beautiful dimples. He chats to my family for a few minutes more, before he excuses himself, saying he wants to say hi to me.

He walks towards me and greets me with a friendly kiss on the cheek, but whispers "Hi babe" quietly in my ear.

All I want to do is kiss him properly or at least touch him but I know I can't, not here. I ask "can I get you a cup of tea" and indicate with a small nod of my head that he should follow me into the small kitchen at the back.

Harry joins me and I start making him some tea and ask "What are you doing here Harry? My family are going to figure out something is going on between us".

"I was driving home Ness, and I just wanted to see you. Your family think we are just friends, so don't worry" he replies nonchalantly.

"I suppose" I reply, not convinced as I pass him his tea.

He is smiling though "My mom and sister loved you this morning. I think they may even like you more than they like me"

I laugh, but for some reason them liking me feels important specially since I was so nervous to meet them.

We stand across from each other in the small galley kitchen, both leaning against the cabinets.

As I watch him, all I really want to do is lean over and kiss him, but I am woken from my daydream by him saying "Nessa are you listening to me? You just zoned out".

I feel my cheeks go pink and I hope he doesn't realise I was fantasizing about him.

He tries again "I was just asking if you would like to come with me to a party tomorrow night. My label Columbia Records is throwing it and I have to go. Do you want to join me? I can organise you a car and meet there so you don't have to be seen with me outside, just in case there is any press".

I think about it for a minute, kind of surprised he asked me. But I don't have to go publicly as his date and I do want to see him, so I throw caution to the wind "Um, sure, why not. As long as I can meet you there. What should I wear?".