Chasing Empty Spaces

Chapter 8

"So, Louis," Anne sighed, "Harry tells us that you're headed to New York?"

Louis wiped his mouth with a napkin and nodded, "Yes, ma'am." He looked between Anne and Robin, "I have a younger sister who is studying in the city."

"Well done," Robin nodded in approval. "What's she studying?"

"Nursing, sir."

"Smart girl," Anne noted before sipping her wine. Harry took another swig from his goblet and nearly spat it out when his mother carried on to ask, "Are you married?"

All eyes flitted towards Harry as he roughly coughed and swallowed the mouthful of wine. Louis patted the center of his back, but quickly removed his hand.

"Are you alright, dear?" His mother worriedly asked with her lips pursed.

Harry nodded and scratchily bit out, "Peachy."

"Um," Louis stammered, looking between Harry and Anne, "No, I'm not married."

"A right catch like you?" Anne admonished as if it was the most preposterous news.

"Now that I think of it," Robin pointed his fork towards Louis, "The Parsons' have a daughter that we could set you up with." He looked at Harry, a disapproving tilt to his mouth, "This one was all fussy about her, but I've heard she's a lovely girl."

Louis slipped his hands underneath the table, "I appreciate the offer, sir, but I'm alright."

Robin frowned, "Are you already goin' steady?"

"Dad," Harry urged, eyes going wide, "Can we leave interrogations to officers, please?"

"It's alright," Louis carefully said to Harry. He angled himself to face Robin, but foot hooked over Harry's ankle, "I am going steady with someone."

"Good to hear, son," Robin appreciatively said, seeming more at ease by the news.

The rest of the meal was filled with stilted questions of Louis' upbringing and Harry couldn't do anything more than continue to drink. He focused on feeling where Louis was touching him, using it as an anchor as his mother lobbied another question about Louis' "girlfriend" from Savannah. He itched for an excuse to get Louis away from his parents, feeling as if they were tainting him just by being in the same room. It wasn't until the staff cleared the table that Harry had the opportunity.

"I wanted to show Louis around the plantation while he's here, if that's alright."

The sound of his voice seemed to remind his parents that he was still present at the table. Anne looked almost shocked to still see him sat by Louis' side.

"I'd love to see it," Louis quipped. He beautifully grinned at Anne, "Your home is lovely, by the way. Sorry for not having said so earlier."

"Thank you, Louis. No need to apologize," Anne modestly rolled her fingers in the air.

Robin stood from his chair, silently bringing everyone else to their feet as well. He extended a hand towards Louis, "You're welcome anytime, son."

"Thank you, sir," Louis beamed, seemingly genuinely pleased by the news.

Harry didn't bother wasting anymore time before he practically dragged Louis from the room. Louis went easily, huffing out a laugh at Harry's eagerness. He guided them to his bedroom and flung the door open before he practically shoved Louis inside. The moment the door shut, he crowded Louis against the wall.

"Hello to you, too," Louis breathlessly chuckled, his hands snaking into Harry's hair.

Harry didn't bother to respond, choosing to kiss the other man instead. Louis muffled a surprised noise into his mouth. Parting his lips, Harry roughly nipped at Louis' bottom lip. His movements instantly became sloppy, feeling urgency course through his veins as his hands roamed over Louis' front.