Red String 2 {h.s}

Chapter 8

She looks at him, trying to read him. She sees he is being honest but there's that dichotomy he is struggling with again. Like a part of him enjoys being single as much as a part of him loves having a partner. That he wants to both operate on his own schedule as well as have someone to share his life with. He watches her as the realization crosses her face, although he doesn't know what the realization is . The string is taut, as she pulls away to protect herself and he pulls to bring her in to reassure her. Neither of them know this, one of them feels like there is too much space between them and one feels like not enough. He moves closer to her and she pulls the blanket up, like somehow it'll protect her from him.

"Tell me what you're thinking. Please. I can see it all over your face," he begs, his voice caught in his throat.

Amy gathers her thoughts. She doesn't know if she wants to start this discussion with him after everything they've been through. She thinks maybe it's just the looming loss of freedom that made him act like this tonight. That he is processing his soon to be husband title. She trusts him implicitly, believing he would never betray her again. But she thinks he needs to understand that communication is key to being a good partner. Amy sucks up her pride and instead of implying that he wants to remain single, she decides to take a less confrontational approach. One that's more accurate to Harry's feelings.

"I think we probably should discuss what we both need in our life in order to be happy. If you need more time socializing then we need to make time for you to be able to do that. If you're used to a more loose schedule then tell me and I'll understand. But what I need from you is for you to keep your word. If you say you're going to be here with me at eight then you need to do that. And if you're going to be late, have the courtesy to let me know."

"You're right. That wasn't fair to you. I'm sorry."

He looks up at her and she is already staring at him. The blanket has dropped now as if she has lowered her shield. He can't help admiring again how mature she is and it's pushing him to be as mature as her. To be as good a partner for her as she is to him. He tries to be honest in his next words and ask for help, which isn't something that comes easy to him.

"I've become used to living on my own schedule for so long that I'm going to have to adjust to being a part of a package. I might need reminders and a little bit of grace from you as I learn."

"As long as you don't take advantage of this grace," she huffs out. She takes a breath before continuing, calmer now. "I want this partnership to be something we both feel good in. I want to choose you everyday not because of some obligation but because you're who I want to spend my life with."

Harry starts to speak but Amy interrupts him and continues talking.

"I think we should spend tomorrow apart."

Harry is taken aback by her words and a bit hurt by them. Maybe she isn't being as mature as he previously thought.

"Are you trying to punish me?"

"No, I don't work like that, Harry. I would never do that to you. We are going to be with each other constantly for the next few weeks and again in the new year with promotion and the tour. I think some time apart when we can is good for both of us."

Harry sighs and puts his head in his hands. He knows she is probably right but he just got her back and he doesn't want to lose anymore time with her. He also knows that having a partner who understands his need for socialization is essential for him to be a happy person. He has a lot of friends all over the world and he likes to maintain contact with all of them. Being a good friend is important to him.

"Okay, but Thursday you're mine. All day. I'm not sharing you for a second."

"Okay," she says smiling at him. He takes this as a good sign and leans in closer, tentatively holding his arms out until she leans into him and then he hugs her tightly. Tight enough that Amy notices the extra squeeze. She doesn't mention it, knowing he is still working through some things himself.