Let's Pretend It's Love

ey Presley, How do you find Will Smith in the snow?Hx

I rolled my eyes eying the message that appeared on my screen. There was a lull of activity in the shop and with nothing else to do so I figured I’d check my messages. I couldn’t help but feel both tickled and annoyed by Harry’s text.

You look for the fresh prints, Harry. You told that one before.

Damn. Hx

You’re running out of decent ones. Let’s face it, H. Your comedy career ended a long time ago. Aren’t you supposed to be at work?

You’re no fun, Pres. And actually I am at work. Just looking through some prints. Shouldn’t I ask you the same question? Hx.

We’re in the same boat, mate. Nothing’s happening here.

For the vast majority of the week Harry and I had been conversing through text message, most of our conversations consisting of the terrible jokes he was dying to tell or the exchange of sharing the events of each other’s day. My emotions about my new friendship with Harry were still all over the place. It was all so strange. I’d never pictured us being more than mere acquaintances and sharing small talk with one another. Harry was easy to talk to and fairly likeable so it’s not like being friends would be hard. It was just a major adjustment.

Ready for tonight? ;) ;) Hx

Don’t make me change my mind.

Okay, okay. I promise to behave. Hx
Whatever. Bye.

What?? No! Aren’t you still coming? Hx

I’m still thinking about it, Styles.

“Presley! What are you doing?” Jessa shouts snapping me from my unproductive state.

Startled, I looked up from my mobile setting my eyes upon Jess who stood there with a tall boy who looked no older than a Uni fresher. His ginger hair flopped over his eyes and he looked down at his battered converse avoiding eye contact with me.

“Just taking a break.” I replied sheepishly glancing at my phone once more.
Jessa placed a hand on her hip. “That’s Presley, our manager. She’s usually more productive than she is at the moment. Presley, this is Murray. He’s joining the team and you’ll be training him.”

I totally forgot we were getting a new employee. Usually it only took two of us to run the shop on a given day or shift. Jess and I often took turns running everything on our own whenever one of us was gone and it could get rather hectic sometimes. We’d had workers in and out in the past year but they were only temporary.

“Nice to meet you, Murray. Welcome to the dark side.” I greeted with a grin.
The boy’s blue eyes widened and I noticed a trail of freckles dusted across his cheeks. He’s so tense. He won’t last long in customer service if he doesn’t loosen up.

Jessa smiled. “She’s just teasing. We’re nice girls here. We don’t bite.” She assured him placing a hand on his shoulder.

“I promise I’ll teach you everything I know.” I smiled trying to make him more comfortable.

“He starts tomorrow. Don’t worry. You’ll do great.” Jess replied.

“T-thanks. Fancy meeting you two.I’m going to get going.” Murray stuttered.
Ah. He speaks.

“See ya tomorrow!” I shouted. Murray just simply nodded and mumbled something before leaving, the brass bell ringing behind him. Jessa sighed, pulling up a stool and taking a seat next to me behind the counter.

“That kid sure is jumpy.” I observed.

Jessa sighed. “He is but he seems like a nice boy. Maybe he’ll loosen up. In other news, I’m so ready for the weekend."

I nodded in agreement before glancing back down at my phone. Harry had replied during Murray’s introduction.

Don’t be a party pooper! Hx

Relax. I decided I’m still coming.

"Hey, what are you doing tonight? You wanna go grab a prelude to the weekend drink or something?” Jess chirped interrupting my conversation with Harry yet again.

My stomach dropped at her question. I’d already arranged to go over to Harry’s flat later tonight and I couldn’t bring myself to share that information with Jess. It’s not like Harry and I were planing on doing anything shady but I wasn’t sure how she would react to learning about our new friendship. I didn’t want Jessa to think I was replacing her as a friend and knowing about her crush on Harry I didn’t want any bad blood between us.

“Sorry I can’t. Penny’s making me go dress shopping with her. She’s got me so busy with all these wedding plans. I hardly have a moment to myself these days. It’s almost as if I’m getting married!” The lie came out smooth as silk.

It’s official. I’m going to hell.

“She’s stealing you away from me. Bugger, guess we could arrange for Saturday then?"

"Saturday’s great.” I smiled before returning my attention back to my phone.

Great! Can’t wait to see you.Hx
******
“Shit.” I mumbled to myself drawing my coat closed and nearly tripping up the stairs. I roamed the halls of the chilly corridor in search of Harry’s flat.
“I’m in the one with the crooked number 2.” Harry had told me. But that was such vauege information and I was positive there was somebody else who lived on the same floor as him with a crooked number two on their door. Landlord’s never put a lot of effort into fixing things like that. Instead of just following Harry’s instructions I did some talking to the landlord who happily revealed Harry’s exact residence.

402. I eyed the crooked, golden number two, lopsided like Harry’s grin. I sighed deeply rapping my knuckles against the cold door twice. I chewed my lip waiting for a few minuets before the door swung open.

“Hey. You found me.” I was almost afraid that his cheeks would burst if he didn’t stop smiling so hard.

“Yeah. It was a struggle too. Now let me in, it’s bloody freezing.” I retorted my gaze falling to his rosy cheeks, messy hair and bare torso. I wasn’t even going to question what he’d been doing before I turned up at the door.

“Hugs first. C'mere.” Harry beckoned stretching his arms out to me. I couldn’t help but notice his broad shoulders and toned abdomen, the etched along his skin drawing attention to his assets. I’d always gotten sneak peaks whenever his shirts were unbuttoned but now I was getting the full show. It’s not like it wasn’t a nice view and I can’t lie and say Harry wasn’t in shape but something about it made me slightly uncomfortable.

“Not until you get decent. Do you usually answer the door like that? So rude.” I spoke with a shake of my head as I sauntured past him into the flat. It was much warmer inside and I could smell something cooking. I could hear him scoff and the padding of his feet behind me.

“Do you usually just walk into people’s homes? So rude.” He mimicked.

I rolled my eyes whilst shrugging out of my coat. I spotted a coat rack behind the door. A few of Harry’s hats and a pair of keys dangling from the hooks along with a couple of pair of boots scattered beneath. I placed my coat on one of the hooks before soaking in my surroundings. The living room was spacious and tidy, the furniture had warm, earthy tones with a bohemian touch. A small bookshelf that held more miscellaneous items than books and artsy photos of sepia and black and white plastered the walls. I had to admit, I was pretty impressed with the way things looked so put together. His flat just may have put mine to shame.

“Welcome to the House of Styles. Make yourself at home. Mi casa es su casa.” Harry announced behind me.

I turned around to face him a small smile forming on my lips. “Nice place you’ve got here, Styles. Might have to get you to help me decorate someday."

He grinned, dimples denting his cheeks. "I am known for being pretty stylish. We should do it. Look, I’m going to go check on dinner.” He touched my shoulder briefly before padding into the kitchen. I’d never noticed how quiet his steps were when he wasn’t wearing his boots.

While Harry busied himself in the kitchen I took the opportunity to do some snooping around the flat. My eyes caught a glimpse of photos sat on Harry’s bookshelf and coffee table many of which were of him and two women, all three of them bearing strong resemblance. I concluded that the younger looking one was the sister he’d briefly mentioned, the older had to be his mum. There were far more pictures of him and her together than anything. She was beautiful and it was no secret that he adored her. Sometimes I wish I had that type of relationship with my mum but I reckon it’s not meant for everyone.

My attention was soon diverted to a record player tucked away on one of the shelves. I wasted no time rummaging though the records that naturally were not far away. I had to admit, I was pretty impressed with Harry’s musical taste: Pink Floyd, Queen. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at his copy of Sgnt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road , by far the most overrated Beatles albums. My eyes lit up upon seeing a copy of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours. My mum was a fan of the band and would sometimes play their records when Dad wasn’t home. It had always been one of my favorite albums. In fact it was the first album I brought with my own money. I’d say my dad was quite outraged.

I carefully slipped the vinyl from it’s jacket and placed it on the turntable, the happy, sweeping melody of Second Hand News filling my ears. I zoned out, happily humming along. So in my own world that I nearly jumped feeling a hand on the small of my back.

“Don’t sneak up on me like that.” I scolded spinning around to face Harry. The smirk on his face was wide and I’d noticed he’d taken the time to put on a shirt. He gripped what looked like a bottle of wine in his left hand.

“Thought I heard music. I take it you’re a Fleetwood fan?” He asked with a grin making his way over to the sofa.

“Yeah. They’re awesome. Much better than the Beatles in my opinion.” I replied folding my arms across my chest.

“They’re my favorite. I’d totally snogg Stevie Nicks."

I rolled my eyes as I made my way over to the couch and plopping down between the cushions. I noticed a couple of wine glasses and two bowls sitting on the table.

"Gee, thanks for the visual.”

Harry only grinned whilst popping the open the bottle he’d sat on the table.

“Dinner’s served.” He announced proudly sliding the bowl in my direction.

I quirked an eyebrow. “You’re full of surprises, Harry. I never would have figured you the cooking type.” I cupped the warmth in my hand and peered inside spotting stalks of broccoli and cubes of tofu.

“It’s Stir fry,” Harry announced as if reading my mind. “and there’s a lot you don’t know."

His green eyes met mine whilst I reached for a fork.

"I’m sorry?” I asked, perplexed.

“About me. There’s a lot you don’t know.” His gaze seemed to never leave mine , leaving my stomach in weird knots. I tried my hardest to avoid it by watching as the blood red wine streamed into each glass.

“Then tell me. Tell me everything you want me to know."

I forked what seemed like a boatload of broccoli and noodles in my mouth somehow trying to ease the nervousness that was bubbling inside me. I couldn’t help but feel as if everything in this moment was wrong. Harry staring at me that way with his nice green eyes and strong jawline and Stevie Nick’s sultry vocals lulling in the background. I was panicking inside but trying so hard to keep it together on the outside.

"Well, where do you want me to start?” He ran a hand through his hair never breaking the gaze.

I swallowed. “Those pictures on the wall. Are they yours?” I didn’t expect the question to come out.

Harry grinned. “Yeah. Can you tell?”

I shrugged. “Just figured it out I guess. What made you do it? I mean quit Uni and take pictures for a living?”

Good going, Presley. You managed to ask a legitimate question.

He sighed placing his bowl on the table, eyebrows furrowing. I was afraid I’d hit a nerve.

“I guess I just wanted to find myself. I started Uni with intentions of becoming a lawyer. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I was torn between so many things so I just said : ‘Hey, why don’t I just go to law school?’ It seemed to please my mum but I was so unhappy. Those classes were hell.”

I’d seen a lot of different sides of Harry in the past month or two but never had a seen him so serious.

“So law was just too hard?” I concluded

Harry shrugged. “I guess you could say that. I never had brains like Gemma or any amazing talent but I had my creativity somewhere, just didn’t know where it was. I remember skipping class that day and going straight to the dean’s office. Told 'im to take me off the roll; 'I’m done”. I hid away at my best mate’s house for two weeks before telling my family. Nobody knew where I was. Mum was so worried and Gemma nearly kicked my ass.“

He chuckled a bit at the memory and I decided I liked this side of him. Maybe the best of all the sides.

"You didn’t need to please your mum. I know you wanted to but she loves you. I saw your pictures. It’s obvious. She’d love you no matter what.” I assured him. A slow smile grew across his face, dimples permeating his cheeks.

“I was just young and so hell bent on what other people thought about me. I’m older now and I’ve just learned to say 'Fuck it’. I can only be me, yeah?"

He reached for his glass taking a generous sip of wine. It wasn’t a surprising statement coming from the same guy who had hair longer than mine and strutted around London in floral print and tight jeans. It was obvious that Harry was pretty comfortable in his own skin and I could’t help but be slightly envious of that. I wish I could be that way.

"I don’t- I don’t think I’d have you any other way.” My throat felt dry and the words came out strange.

Harry stopped picking through his dinner to look up at me, his eyebrows raised and his lips curling into a small smile.

“What?”

“I-I mean, you’re confident in who you are and I wouldn’t have you any other way. I couldn’t imagine you not being you. Even if you are annoying and mildly arrogant.” I smirked.

His green eyes lit up and he smiled, causing a dimple dimple to dent his left cheek.

“You like me.” He announced happily.

Maybe I did. Maybe I was starting to. Just a bit. Maybe.

“I never said that.” I retorted.

Harry smirked.

“You did. S’ okay to admit it.”

I bit my lip in an attempt stop my ever growing smile.

“Never.”