Harry Styles is at a bit of a crossroads, feeling the weight of fame and just trying to keep it together. Enter Maxine "Max" Clyburn, a fiercely independent, sarcastic, but outwardly reserved redhead who's trying to make a name for herself in her career but can't seem to shake her self-doubt. She's a hopeful musician that took an admin assistant job on Harry's newest tour. They meet in the most unexpected way, and it's like the universe has decided to throw them at each other just when they need it most.
On paper, Harry and Max fit together perfectly. They have crazy chemistry, make each other laugh, and seem to get each other in a way nobody else does. But, of course, nothing is that easy. They're stubborn and terrified of getting hurt, so instead of leaning in, what might have been a smooth and successful relationship becomes a chaotic ride of emotions and attachment.
Hot mess or not, their meeting wasn't for nothing. Harry helps Max realize her potential and gives her the confidence boost she's been looking for to take charge of her career, and Max keeps Harry grounded, reminding him of who he is outside of the spotlight and making sure he doesn't lose himself in all the craziness of being, well, Harry Styles.
It's a wild ride full of playful banter, heated arguments, and those soft, quiet moments where everything just makes sense. But with all their baggage and fears, the real question is: Can they get out of their own way and take a chance on each other, or will they keep letting their stubbornness and fear ruin a good thing?
A/N
Note! This is not a full story. These one-shots are pieces of a greater narrative that I'm working on. I'll keep adding until it's eventually a complete novel. For now, enjoy these scenes because they were the ones I was the most excited to write!
"Look Harry, I don't know what you're getting at here, but I'm really not looking for anything right now, and I am so busy with work, and -"
"You wouldn't happen to be trying to push me away because you're scared of the fact that I'm not scared of you," he states, like it was the most obvious conclusion in the world. Well that shut me up.
"So then, what are you saying?" I ask, very lost at what he is aiming for.
He smiles, seeming very satisfied. "I'll make you a deal. Spend the summer with me. We'll take turns. I'll drag you to all the touristy spots that you avoid and teach you to have fun there. Then, you take me to these 'local spots' and show me how you enjoy this town, when us 'bennys' aren't here."
"What do you get out of it?" I ask him.
"Besides time with a pretty girl? Something real."
☼☼☼
In the summer, the town of Spoon Lake goes from a population of 4,000 to a population of over 750,000. Jaime ran away from home at sixteen to this town finding comfort in its family-like small population during the off season, and being able to camouflage herself in the crowds during the summer. In the summer of 1997, Harry Styles, the son of a wealthy family with a secret love of fine art, came to town. He is immediately infatuated with the fire haired girl who won't seem to give him the time of day. With no interest in a relationship, Jaime makes a deal with Harry who promises to give her the best summer ever. With dark secrets following them both and a magnetic pull they both desperately try to ignore, will someone take his sunshine away?