I glance at the clock on my computer screen for what seems like the millionth time today.
How is it only 3:34pm? I squeeze my eyes shut in frustration at the painfully boring day I've had researching trash bag brands in France and Germany for an American client.
When I hear my phone vibrate I audibly sigh in relief of the welcomed distraction.
*Hey Bestie! What are you doing?*
I smile at the screen. Harry.
*Hey! I'm planning my alibi for when I burn down my office* I reply
*That bad huh?*
*I've spent the whole day looking at trash bags.* My eyes involuntarily roll at the thought of it
*Wow, sounds rubbish.. see what I did there? *
I burst out laughing *Yeah, it's such a WASTE of my time.* I add realising I'm grinning like an idiot at my phone
*Your research is probably garbage anyway.* He texts back in record time
I try to stifle my giggling with my hand and get a weird look from my coworker walking past my desk.
*LOL. I'm all out!*, I admit defeat and secretly loving the banter
*YES! Harry 1, Olivia 0.*
*What are you doing?* I ask, trying to procrastinate as long as I can
*I was just packing to leave for London tomorrow when I realised I barely even know my best friend!*
*:) What do you want to know?*
*Well, just the fundamentals, pizza or chinese food? city or countryside? Dogs or cats?*
I laugh quietly and shake my head at how surreal it is to have Harry Styles asking me if I like dogs.
I answer quickly *Pizza, City, Dogs. You?*
----
As I walk through my apartment door I take off my heels and my phone vibrates in my hand as it has done every few minutes for the past 3 hours.
*Definitely a microwave!* Harry writes
I barely got any more work done this afternoon after Harry started messaging me. I was having way too much fun asking and answering questions as serious as: What are you parents like? And as dumb as: Would you rather be chased by zombies or lions?
*Just got home, I can't believe we've been texting for so long.* I admit openly
*I know, don't you have to go and do house-wifey things like make dinner?*
I laugh knowing full well he is joking.
*HA! he wishes, I'm a terrible cook and Dan's working late anyway so I'll probably just have cereal, I can't be bothered doing anything else.*
*LOL, I happen to be an amazing cook I'll have to teach you one day.* He offers
*Deal.* I write back and I get in the shower replaying the bizarre 48 hours I've had in my head.
Dressed in black sweatpants and my comfiest grey tank top, I have just taken a seat on the couch with my cereal bowl in hand when there's a knock at the door.
When I open it, Harry is standing there holding a pizza box and a bottle of wine, wearing his tight black jeans and a vintage white Rolling Stones t-shirt. He looks absurdly handsome without even trying.
"What are you doing here!?" I squeal, genuinely excited to see the man who over the last 3 hours has asked me things about myself I hadn't even thought about.
"Well, no offence but cereal for dinner sounded seriously shit and I thought why not have pizza with my new bestie before I leave!" He grins cheekily from ear to ear and delight in his eyes.
I laugh at his enthusiasm and gesture for him to come inside.
"I didn't want to ruin the surprise so waited like 10 minutes before someone opened the main door for me," He grins, clearly proud of himself.
I grab two plates and wine glasses from the kitchen and we sit cross legged on the white rug either side of my rectangular wooden coffee table. I shoot Dan a quick text to let him know we have company and he disappointingly confirms what he already told me, he won't be home until around 11.
"So," Harry says holding a slice of pizza up to his mouth, "tell me about your first kiss." He raises his eyebrows up and down comically as I laugh and begin to tell him about the pimply boy who kissed me behind my fathers garden shed when we were 13.
We had been so engrossed in each others life story that I don't even realise the time when I hear the keys unlocking the front door. Dan walks into the lounge greeting Harry with a warm smile and hand shake and bending down to swiftly kiss the top of my head as he swings his suit jacket in one finger over his shoulder.
"Hey honey! Do you want me to get you a glass of wine?" I say looking up at him from the floor.
"No, no, you guys enjoy, I'm going to grab a shower, it's been a long day." Dan says smiling sweetly at me as he disappears into our bedroom.
"I should go, it's getting late and I have an early flight tomorrow" Harry stands stretching his arms over his head and I catch a glimpse of the fern tattoos inked into his lower stomach.
"Thanks for the pizza and wine!" I say trying be polite and look anywhere but the flash of skin.
"Thanks for the company" He says smiling slightly, no amusement in his voice. "I'll text you tomorrow" he adds as we walk towards the front door and he bends over to engulf me in a warm hug.
"So glad I met you, Liv" He whispers as he leaves pulling the door behind him.