Pretty Please Don't Pinch Me

52. Goodbyes

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The rest of dinner goes off without a hitch, and I excuse myself to change into some bathers while Harry continues chatting to Brooklyn about some stupid conversation about a random sports game that I zoned out of. I've zoned out of the conversation, yet I feel like I literally need to be pulled away from the situation as I can't stop focusing on Harry as he plays with his cross necklace in his mouth.

I settle upon a cute little red bikini that I haven't yet worn. I particularly love this set, as the top half is a bow. I put my hair into a messy bun on the top on my head, wrap myself in a towel and pass Harry on his way inside.

"Am I right to get changed in your room?" he asks, his board shorts in his hands.

"Uh...yeah? You know where it is," I tell him. "You don't need to ask me you weirdo."

I sit on the end of my mother's deck chair that she is laying out on, holding my knees.

"Ava, you did a great job in finding him - he's a keeper," she gushes.

"Why don't you marry him then?" I joke back to her, to which she acts shocked and we both laugh.

"So does he know?"

"Know what?" I ask, absentmindedly plaiting the fringing of my towel.

"That you're in love with him," she says in such an easygoing manner.

"Mum - I...I never said I was in love with him. I-"

"You didn't have to my love. But a mother always knows. I've never seen you so happy before," she goes on.

"I can't be though..." I try to defend, "It's too soon... We don't know each other enough yet."

"Darling, time has absolutely nothing to do with it. I knew straight away with your father. Love isn't planned, and the bottom line is, is that no one ever falls in love gracefully. Just try to keep your head on straight as you fall deeper, and just hope that Harry is there to catch you."

What a lovely analogy.

"Mum!" I say with watery eyes as I wrap my arms around her neck in an appreciative embrace.

I really needed that, and I didn't even realise it.

"You know we all love him to bits, and we're there for you - always," she reminds me.

"Thanks Mum," and I kiss her on the cheek, leaving a light lipstick mark on her cheek.

"Speaking of the devil," she says loud enough for Harry to hear.

"All good things I hope," he smiles his boyish grin, and holds his hand outstretched for me to come with him.

"Coming?" he asks me.

"Only if you promise not to throw me in," I ask. "I don't want to get my hair wet before we leave."

"Can't make any promises," he says with a straight face, "I'm kidding!" he exclaims after he sees my reaction and I walk ahead of him to the side of the pool with the steps so I can walk into the water.

I squeal as he picks me up slightly so that my feet are off the floor and he sets me back down again.

"It was a joke!" he says, snatching the tightly wound towel from around me.