LIGHTHOUSE // a harry styles au

one

You were only four sips of coffee into your day when you were hitting send on an email to one of your sellers explaining that no, they could not simply "hide the pipe leak" that showed up on the inspection report. Exhaling deeply, you brought the mug back up to your mouth, your lips curling into a frown at the lukewarm coffee. You peered out the large window of your home office overlooking the skyline, leaning back in your chair for a moment as you took in the vast view. 

For as many years as you'd been living there, the architecture never got old. You studied abroad for university and never left - falling in love with the city and friends you'd made, the life you created. And once you were established, you even moved your mom out there to be closer, a mere three floors below you.   

From an intern running coffee while still in school, to second in command at one of the best realty companies in London - Lighthouse Real Estate had become a huge part of your life. It allowed you to work for yourself in every sense, and afforded you the luxury of a nice apartment in center city. Your home was your safe haven, and you valued people trusting you enough to help them find their own space.       

Your phone rang from it's spot on your oversized oak desk, pulling your attention from the bustling city below as your boss's name scrolled across the screen. 

"Hey, Renee," you answered as you slid the phone between your ear and shoulder. 

"Hi, are you busy?" 

"No, no," you shook your head as you swiveled your office chair in a circle. "Just let the Jefferies know they couldn't hide the pipe leak. They were shocked." You smiled at the laugh she released on the other line. "What's up?" 

"I have a proposition for you."

"Oh yeah?" you chuckled. "Can't say I'm not intrigued." 

"Rick is having a rough time with one of his clients," she started. "Sounds like the guy's pretty difficult." 

"Oh boy," you laughed. 

"Would you be willing to go to the next showing with them?" She didn't even try to stifle her hopefulness. 

"Yeah," you laughed. "I mean, the Jefferies are difficult in the annoying sense, but they're in the home stretch now. I'll get in touch with Rick." 

"You're the best!"   

You hung up after a riveting discussion of Renee's plans for the weekend, laughing at her depiction of her mother-in-law before making plans to grab drinks after your last showing.  You made it through a few more emails before Rick's came through with the showing details. 

FW: Buyer... Harry Styles

"Harry Styles, huh?" you mused out loud as you tapped the email, quickly clicking the link of the showing. 

The house was impressive. So impressive that you were immediately confused as to why it was so hard for Rick to find him something. His budget must have been extensive. He could have the pick of anything he wanted with that kind of price range. So why was it so difficult?

You curiously typed his name into google, intrigue peaking when you found... nothing. Literally nothing. With a crinkle of your brow, you went back to his portfolio to see if you read his name correctly. It was definitely strange. You couldn't find anything on Harry Styles. He had no online presence whatsoever. With a raise of your eyebrows and a deep breath, you replied to Rick confirming that you would meet them there first thing in the morning.   

If you were anything, it was determined. You were going to help Rick find this mysterious Harry Styles a house.

***