-Ava's POV-
I wake up, still feeling worn out from yesterday's work.
My Saturday was spent going over catering options, music, and everything else 'necessary' to have a charity event. Necessary in Margaret's eyes anyway. I exhausted myself fighting her tooth and nail over every small detail. Her wanting it all to upstage last year, me wanting it as simple as possible, so more money could be donated to the actually charity the event is for.
I won on most points, the main one of course being holding the event in my own home. Lord knows it's large enough to accommodate such an event.
All in all, I was able to save about $42,000 that could be given directly to the charity. I know much more will be donated by those who attend, but I'm still proud of the fact I've already been able to make a small difference.
My phone beeps and I roll over, grabbing it off the side table next to my bed.
1 New Text Message
Niall
~Breakfast?
To Niall: Sure. What do you have in mind?
~Blu Jam. Ever been there?
To Niall: Yeah. Their French toast is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G
~Wicked!! I'll meet you there in 45.
To Niall: K
I lock my phone and drag myself to the bathroom, rubbing my eyes to try to wake up completely.
After following my normal morning routine, I throw on a simple casual outfit; frayed jean shorts and a multi colored tank. I tuck my shirt in the front of my shorts and throw on some bangle bracelets and a long necklace.
Jogging down the stairs, I slip in some sandals and grab my bag before heading to the garage.
Twenty minutes later I'm pulling up to the Blu Jam Cafe, one of the most popular breakfast spots in Melrose.
I spot Niall inside and smile at him as he gets up to hug me hello.
"I'm starving!!" He announces as we sit down, my stomach grumbling in agreement.
We quickly order, and I give a little sigh as my cappuccino is set in front of me and I take a small sip. So delicious.
We catch up as we wait for our food, me telling him about what's going on with my work and him filling me in on all the craziness of this years tour.
As we laugh about all the shenanigans the boys have gotten themselves into, I can't help but wish I had been there with them. Being on the road was hard, but the boys made it a blast and I miss it.
The waitress arrives with our food and we both dig in like we haven't eaten for weeks. I'm sure Niall probably already ate today but I skipped dinner last night and this food couldn't taste better.
"So what's up with you and Harry?" Niall asks with a mouth full of food. Typical Niall.
"Nothing really." I shrug, "We are just going to try being friends."
"Okay!" He laughs, making me frown at him.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I question, raising an eyebrow at him.
"Nothing!" He quickly says, looking down at his food like he's guilty of something.
"What are you hiding?"
"What? Me? I'm not hiding anything!" He responds, his eyes widening like they always do when he's lying.
"Has Harry said something?" I ask, narrowing my eyes at him. He always cracks under pressure.
He looks at me nervously then smiles when he looks past me.
"Sorry I'm late." A deep voice says behind me.
Now it's my turn to widen my eyes as Harry takes a seat next to Niall. Well that explains the fruit bowl Niall ordered. I'd thought he'd lost his mind, but it appears he just lost the ability to warn me that Harry was coming.
Not that I should need warning. Why would I? We are just friends.
"Morning." Harry says, causing me to look up at him.
I'm met with his dimpled grin, something I've never been able to resist smiling back at.
"Morning." I respond, suddenly feeling very self conscious about how I look. Just friends Ava!
"Wondered how long it would take you to drag yourself outta bed." Niall remarks.
"I haven't slept well in over a year, I'm completely knackered." Harry replies, his eyes shooting to mine when he realizes what he just said.
I look down at my plate, pushing my food around aimlessly.
"So you still coming to the show and after party tonight Ava?" Niall asks, obviously sensing the tension between Harry and I.
"Wouldn't miss it."
"Ace!" He smiles, "I can't believe the tour is already over."
"So how long do you guys have off?"
"About three months or so. Well, not off off. We have some publicity to do for the new album and next years tour of course."
I nod and glance over at Harry who avoids my gaze, suddenly very intent on eating. I can tell he's upset with himself, probably thinking I'm reading something into what he said. It was awkward but I know he didn't really mean anything by it.
"So do you guys have any big plans for when you're not working?"
"I'm going to go home for a bit. Spend a bit of time with the family." Niall replies.
"I'm going to see my family as well, but I'll be spending most of the time here in LA." Harry speaks up.
My eyes meet his and I know he's searching them for some kind of reaction. I pray my eyes don't betray me before I look back down, pushing my empty plate away from myself.
Niall's phone beeps and he checks it before standing up and dropping some money into the table, "We need to get back Haz."
Harry nods and we stand up, each throwing some bills on top of Niall's before heading towards the door.
"I'm this way." Niall points down the street in the opposite direction of my car.
"Okay, well I'll see you later then." I smile as he gives me a quick hug and jogs down the street.
"I think I'm parked right next to you." Harry says as I turn towards him to say goodbye.
I nod as we begin walking down the street. I make a point to not walk to closely to him, not wanting anyone to get the wrong idea. There's one thing you can always count on when you're out with Harry. You will be photographed and talked about.
No sooner as the thought left my mind when we are suddenly approached by three paps.
"Harry, Ava! Can we get a picture?"
"Are you back together?"
"Just one pic of the happy couple! Please Harry!"
I put my head down and we quicken our pace, but of course they keep up. Two more approach us from the front and I feel Harry's hand press onto the small of my back. Tingles shoot through my body as he steers me towards our vehicles.
It feels like forever before my car finally comes into view. D.amn LA and the lack of parking in this city. If it wasn't for that I would have been in my car and gone before they even showed up.
Once I make it to my car, Harry follows me, opening the door for me to slide in.
"I'm sorry." He frowns at me before closing my door and jogging towards his own car.
The paps follow him so I don't waste any time in pulling out onto the road.
As soon as I pull into my garage my phone beeps.
1 New Text Message
Harry
~I'm sorry. -H
To Harry: Not your fault. Sadly I was expecting it. :(
~Me too. Still sucks tho. I'll see you tonight yeah? -H
To Harry: Yeah. You excited for the final show?
~Yup. I'm glad you're coming. -H
To Harry: Whoa calm down there Styles. It's not like you are performing in front of 300,000 tonight.
~Riiiiight. Thanks for the reminder McCain. Let me rephrase that... YESSSSSSS! I'm glad you're coming. -H
To Harry: Much better. See you tonight. Btw I'm happy I'm coming too. :)
I lock my phone and drop it into my bag, smiling at myself as I do so.
I think this friends thing is going to work just great.
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