Let's Pretend It's Love

I had 99 problems and Harry Styles was certainly one.

It’s like I couldn’t shake him off. Every time I purposely tried to avoid him, to keep my distance, Penny always had to come up with some brilliant idea or activity to get us together. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I didn’t like Harry, it’s just that I didn’t want to spend an excessive amount of time with him. I had never really been in an actual committed relationship so I strongly valued my personal space and alone time. But since Harry and I were supposed to be a couple it wouldn’t be uncommon for us to spend a lot of time together. I didn’t understand how couples acted like they had to do everything together. I for one enjoyed being able to eat a whole tub of ice cream by myself or having the freedom to take up both sides of the bed. Penny and Liam were the type of couple who had to spend every waking moment together and they obviously expected Harry and I to be the same way. If only they knew.

I still had yet to fill Penny’s request of talking to Harry about joining the bridal party. It had been nearly a week and I was purposely stalling because I honestly didn’t want Harry to be apart of the wedding. I mean, Liam barely even know’s him. Who let’s a perfect stranger be apart of their wedding? Only Liam I reckon.

It was Thursday afternoon and the cab ride back to my flat couldn’t be longer. It wasn’t that hard of a day at work but as always, I was anxious to get home and do nothing. With a contented sign I leaned my head back on the cab’s black seats when my phone began violently vibrating in my pocket. I sighed. If I was truly evil I’d put my phone on airplane mode to keep people from bothering me. I retrieved my phone out of my pocket and groaned when I looked at the caller I.D. Penny.

“Hey.” I spoke into the receiver.

“Hey Presley! Is Harry around you?” Penny chirped in her usual happy tone. I rolled my eyes. I already knew what she wanted. Penny had been up my bum about asking Harry to join the bridal party all week, I’d just been ignoring her request. I’d just gotten off work and was barely home yet. The last thing I wanted to hear about was Harry.

“Nice to hear from you too, Penny. And no, Harry is not with me right now. I just got off work.” I replied.

“You haven’t talked to him yet, have you??” Penny interrogated. I rolled my eyes. This girl is absolutely relentless. If she’s acting this bossy now she’ll be a total Bridezilla when the wedding gets here.

“I will talk to him tonight, okay? Calm your pants.” I replied with a groan.

“Okay. I’ll be calling tomorrow to check on that. Talk to you later Pres!” Penny answered returning back to her usual cheery mood.

“Kay, bye.” I replied curtly quickly hanging up the phone.

I trapped my bottom lip in between my teeth realizing what I’d just done. To shut Penny up I’d told her I’d talk to Harry tonight. If I don’t actually talk to him and keep putting it off, Penny might become suspicious and my cover could be blown. I sighed. I guess I really have to do this.

Hey! What are you doing tonight?

I feverishly typed after locating Harry’s number in my contacts. I stared at the screen and silently cursed myself. Did that sound too flirty?!?! I shouldn’t have said that! It totally sounds flirty!

A minuet or two later a text bubble appeared on the screen.

Hello! Nothing. Why?
Hx

Hmm, how do I make this not sound flirty?

Wanna come over and chill? As in hang out in a completely platonic way?

Ehh. That sounded too awkward and formal. Nice going, Presley.

Haha. Sure. Need me to pick up anything while I’m out?
Hx

I grinned. Might as well get something in return for my troubles.

I would love you forever if you brought by some ice cream. Raspberry Ripple?
….

Anything to win your love. Be over in a few.
Hx

I can’t believe I just did that. Hopefully I can get this over with smoothly.

****

Shortly after getting home I showered and tidied up a bit around my flat. I still couldn’t believe I’d actually invited Harry over. I never really had visitors. It was just Ollie and I 99.9% of the time. I wanted the place to look presentable but I didn’t want Harry to think I’d gone to any extra lengths for him. That would justify my comfy grey sweatpants and old t-shirt. I needed and outfit that screamed: “This is not a date. We’re just hanging out.” That’s exactly the kind of message I wanted to send.

It seemed as if I’d arranged the sofa throw pillows a thousand times when a knock finally came on my door. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been running around the flat like a chicken who’s head had been cut off for the past 30 to 45 minuets. I’d never exactly had a boy in my flat when I was sober and the lights were on. Should I get some food? Should I have something baking? Should I brew cuppa? I felt Ollie curl around my ankles as I approached the door whilst taking a deep breath.

“Special delivery.”

Harry leaned against the door frame, his arms held behind his back with that crooked, dimpled smile of his. I smirked.

“If you brought just yourself you can turn right back around, sir I’m expecting ice cream.” I replied sassily folding my arms across my chest.

His shoulders slumped in an exaggerated manner. “My presence isn’t enough? I’m offended.” Harry replied jokingly before revealing the brown paper bag from behind his back. I laughed softly. “

Your presence isn’t as good as ice cream. Nothing is a good as ice cream. Just kidding. Come in.”

I chuckled opening the door wide enough for him to walk through. He grinned handing over the bag to me which I gladly took before heading into the kitchen. I could hear Harry’s trusty boots following behind me.

“Welcome to my humble abode. Feel free to make yourself at home.” I announced casually sitting the bag on the kitchen’s small counter eager to explore it’s contents.

“Cozy little place you’ve got here. If you had a couple of scented candles burning it’d be perfect.”

My eyebrow rose. “You like scented candles?” I asked whilst retrieving the cartons of ice cream from the bag. “

Yeah. They make an unfamiliar place feel like home. Not to mention they’re very relaxing.” Harry replied running a hand through his wild curls.

It seemed that every time we were around each other I found out something new about Harry and I admit some of it was interesting. He seemed to have several layers to him, many different sides.

“Wow, I never pictured you as the scented candles and bubble bath type. Kind of cute.” I replied as I grabbed a couple of spoons from the kitchen drawer and handing Harry the carton of Pistachio flavored ice cream which I assumed he’d picked up for himself.

He grinned shyly “So what do you have planned for us tonight?” Harry asked falling into step with me as I made my way back into the lounge. I plopped down on the sofa.

“One word: Netflix.” I replied before diving my spoon into the wonderful creamy goodness known as ice cream. I moaned at the taste of perfection. From the corner of my eye I could see Harry smirking as he took a seat next to me.

“What?”

His smirk only grew wider. “We haven’t even started the movies yet and you’re already moaning.” Harry replied coyly. I could feel a blush creeping across my cheeks and I fought hard to fight it.

“Oh shut up, Styles. And before I forget, take off your boots. I don’t want those damned things ruining my carpet. I’m too poor to replace it.”

“Yes, mum.” He replied following my instructions the smirk never leaving his face.

Just as I’d suspected Harry had very large feet. The black socks he was wearing didn’t do them any justice. I’d always wondered what they looked like outside of his boots. It’s a wonder he didn’t trip over his own feet sometimes. I chuckled.

“You could sail the seas with those feet of yours. They look like boats.”

Harry playfully narrowed his green eyes at me and crossed his feet as some kind of defense mechanism. “I’ll have you know that big feet are a very good thing. Especially when you’re a a guy.” He replied popping the lid off his carton of ice cream, a dimple denting his left cheek as a result of the mischievous grin on his face. I instantly caught his drift and my eyes widened. Cheeky bastard.

“So what are we watching?” I asked quickly changing the subject and slightly uncomfortable with his innuendo.

Harry shrugged. “What do you like to watch?”

I grinned. “I like documentaries like True Murder Mysteries. Those are always the best!” I exclaimed. Harry shot my a perplexed look.

“Don’t you think those get boring after a while? I know! We should watch a Disney movie!” He exclaimed, his eyes lighting up like a small child’s. I couldn’t help but crack a smile.

“At least my murder mysteries aren’t predictable like your goody-goody Disney movies.” I retorted before sinking my spoon further into my ice cream. Harry’s eyes widened and he truly looked offended.

“What is wrong with you? Don’t you ever watch a Disney movie and have a good cry?” He asked pointing his spoon at me accusingly.

I sighed. “When I was a kid, yeah. I was traumatized by the death of Bambi’s mum.”

Harry smiled sympathetically. “We could always watch Frozen if you want.” He replied, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I groaned “Oh, God no! Let It Go is the anthem of my nightmares.”

“I reckon I can try to find something more depressing for you.”

I scoffed. “I am not a depressed person. I just like realism, as all.” I retorted. His green eyes met mine.

“Well, sometimes people just want a taste of happiness, ya know? Even if it’s just pretend.”

After much arguing and debate Harry and I finally agreed on watching Tarzan. We were silent for the most part aside from short commentary from either me or Harry and purring from Ollie who’d decided to join us out of jealousy. While I admit that the movie was a good choice everything else was all wrong. This felt strange, like a date. Harry seemed to inch closer with every emotional or remotely romantic scene between Tarzan and Jane and the comforting smell of his cologne and view of his tattooed chest wasn’t helping either. I needed to focus on what Penny needed me to accomplish. My main purpose for inviting Harry over here.

“Harry.” I whispered nudging his shoulder as I watched Jane getting ready to board the ship with her father.

“Shh! It’s getting to the good part!” Harry exclaimed never tearing his eyes from the screen. I rolled my eyes.

“How many times have you seen this? I need to ask you something before I forget.”

He sighed before turning to face me. “I’m all ears.” Harry announced. I scratched behind Ollie’s ears before taking a deep breath.

“Liam is short a groomsmen so Penny was wondering if you’d like to be apart of the wedding party. She’s been bugging me about it all week.” I announced. Harry looked at me and that little crease formed between his eyebrows like whenever he was in deep thought. He placed a finger on his chin. He’s taking so long. Please say no. Please say no. Pleeeaase say no.

“I’ll do it.”

I could seriously feel my stomach drop. “Are you sure you want to? You don’t have to you know.” I replied feverishly trying to convince him to change his mind.

“I mean it. I’ve been in weddings before. There was my Mum’s and not too long ago my sister’s.” Harry replied running a hand through his wild hair.

I sighed. “I just don’t want you to feel obligated to anything. I mean, you don’t even know Liam like that. And don’t even get me started on the bridal party. They’re so annoying. Especially that obnoxious girl Charlotte. God I hate her! I-” He smiled, placing a finger over my lips. I tensed a bit at his touch.

“Relax Presley. I think I can handle myself, yeah?” Harry replied. He is not cracking! Why couldn’t he just say no?!?

“Well, I hope you know this means we’re going to be spending a lot of time together. As a couple ” I replied using air quotations on the word couple.

Harry shrugged. “It just means we’ve got to kick up our chemistry up a notch. Tell me, which one do you prefer: love, honey, babe or benevolent cupcake?”

I couldn’t help but chortle. “Any variation of the first three is fine.” I replied.

“Buuugger. I was really hoping you’d chose benevolent cupcake.” Harry pouted.

“There’s no way in hell you’re calling me that, Styles.” I retorted although I couldn’t help but crack a smile.

We went back to our comfortable silence as we watched the movie come to an end. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t gutted about Harry agreeing to be a groomsmen in a wedding for two people he didn’t even know and a girl he wasn’t even dating. It just made no sense at all.

Once the movie was over, I forced Harry to watch one of my True Murder Mysteries. Although he begrudgingly agreed , Harry seemed genuinely interested once the episode started. I for one couldn’t concentrate though. My mind was swirling with confusion and agitation . But it all seemed to go away when I suddenly got an idea.

“Hey, Harry.”

“Hmm?” He murmured whilst stroking Ollie, who’d sneakily crawled into his lap. Olliie seemed to have taken a liking to him. I have to admit that Harry looked quite cute, tendrils of wild hair falling around his face and a fat cat on his lap.

I curled my feet up under me. “ I’ve been thinking. Since we’ll be seeing quite a lot of each other and bringing this false relationship to another level, I was thinking that maybe it’s be best if we made this an open relationship.” I declared assertively. Harry turned his attention from the screen to face me.

“What exactly do you mean by that?”

“Well, I mean, we’re not really in a relationship so I don’t feel like we should be obligated to hang out with each other all the time. We shouldn’t have to be tied down to one another if were not genuinely a couple. If one of us wants to see someone else, we should.” I explained. It was a genius plan. If Harry started seeing someone else I’d only have to hang around him when it involved something to do with Penny’s wedding. I’d finally be able to avoid him to a certain extent and that’s all I wanted. Plus in the event I wanted to play my cards at romance, I wouldn’t have to have Harry holding me back.

Harry’s eyebrows pinched together and I couldn’t quite read the expression on his face. “Wow. I’ve never been in that type of relationship before.” He replied running a hand through his hair.

“C'mon,Harry! You’re single..and fairly attractive. You shouldn’t have trouble getting a date. I’m pretty sure there’s lots of birds who want a piece of you. I already know one of them. ” I replied nudging his shoulder. My mind instantly turned to Jess and her undying love for Harry.

His green eyes widened. “Who?”

I grinned. “Jessa is absolutely mad about you. She’d kill me if she knew I told but it’s so obvious. You should ask her out.” I replied.

Harry sighed. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. I don’t like to get between friends. Trust me I’ve been in that situation before. Believe me when I tell you it never turns out good. ” He replied. What? Is Harry Styles saying no in his own little way?

“Pleease. I really wanna play match maker here. Just one date. Jess is gorgeous, it’s not like it’s a hard thing to do. If you don’t like her you never have to do it again. Just promise me you’ll at least make an effort to ask her out.”

He sighed. “Fine. I’ll ask.” Harry replied.

I couldn’t hide the wide grin on face. “I owe you my life, Harry.”

His eyebrows rose playfully.

“You sure you want to trust me with that?” He asked with a grin, his dimples denting his cheeks.

I trapped my bottom lip between my teeth.

“On second thought, I take that back. Maybe a few pints should do you good, yeah?” I laughed before I reached over and patted his knee.

We went back to our silence watching one of many more murder mysteries unfold. Harry could be fun to be around but maybe it’d be best for the both of us to keep our distance sometimes. Just for the sake of sanity. Too much of one person or thing can never be good.