-Ava's Pov-
"So what's with the hats?" I ask, not being able to take a second longer of riding in Harry's car in silence.
"I like em." He shrugs, his eyes focused on the road.
"You're always wearing them these days." I note, looking over at the hat that's perched on top of his long curls.
I would normally never like a hat like that, but as always, Harry makes it work. And looks incredibly hot while doing so.
"How do you know I'm always wearing a hat these days?" He glances over at me with a smirk and an eyebrow raised.
"Cause I do." I reply, suddenly feeling like a fool for saying anything.
"Hmmm. Good answer." He chuckles at me.
I look out the window, trying to hide my flushed cheeks. Great job Ava.
"So where's this burger at I'm supposed to be buying you?" I ask, trying to change the subject.
"I decided I wanted something else." He says as he pulls over to the side of the road.
"Why are we at a park?" I question, taking a look around.
"Get out and I'll show you." Harry smiles at me before opening his door and stepping out.
I follow his actions and walk around the front of the car to where he's standing.
"Come on." He directs as he heads across the park.
I walk next to him as I try to figure out where we're headed. Suddenly a red truck comes into view, several picnic tables set out in front of it.
"A taco truck?" I ask.
"Yes, best tacos in L.A. Their sauce is wicked, just wait." He smiles at me.
"Don't know if I can afford this." I chuckle.
"Oh come on love, splurge once in awhile. You live in such a run down shack... you should be able to treat yourself to a proper taco or two." He laughs.
"Very funny!" I laugh.
Harry grins at me, his dimples in full display as he grabs my hand, holding it. He takes about three steps before he realizes what he's doing.
"Shit sorry." He blushes, dropping my hand quickly and shoving his into his pockets. "Old habit."
I nod and look down at my feet. I still feel the tingles in my hand from his touch, and I can't help but wonder if he has the same feeling. I shake my head at the thought. Of course he doesn't Ava! Get ahold of yourself!!
We make it to the truck without another word between us and are greeted with warm smiles from the older couple running it.
"Harry! Back so soon?" The man asks, his accent thick.
"Of course Felipe. No one serves better tamales then you and Maria." He smiles at the older man who eagerly shakes his hand.
"And who is this?" Maria asks, wiping her hands on her apron.
"This is Ava." Harry glances at me with a grin.
"Ava.. Oh she's so beautiful Harry!" Maria exclaims, giving me a genuine smile.
"Thank you." I blush, "Lovely to meet you both."
"What would you like?" Felipe asks.
I look over the back of the truck at the menu, contemplating my choice.
"I'll have... A bottle of water, a fish taco, two tamales, and... the black beans and rice. Oh! And the chipotle burrito." I order, getting a little to excited about the food.
"Ah, this one likes to eat!" Felipe laughs. "Good choice Harry!"
"You should see her at dinner. Woman steals food off everyone's plates." Harry laughs.
"Do not!" I smack his arm, "I ask first."
Harry orders his fish tacos and we take a seat at one of the tables while we wait for it to be ready.
I take a look at the small pond in the distance, watching several ducks swim across the surface.
"Knock knock."
I look across the table, finding a goofy smile on Harry's face.
"Oh this better be good Styles."
His grin only gets bigger, "Knock knock."
"Who's there?" I raise an eyebrow at him.
"Nana."
"Nana who?"
"Nana your business!" He laughs.
I hold a straight face, making him pout before I bust out laughing. "Harry, that's horrible!"
"Nah that ones going in the book for sure!" He smiles.
"Really terrible." I shake my head at him as I chuckle.
Maria arrives with our food, the delicious smell making my stomach grumble even more so.
"So wonderful to see two young people so in love." She beams at us as she sets the food down.
My eyes snap towards Harry, who is looking back at me with a worried face.
"You have yourself a good man here Ava." She smiles at me and I'm at a loss for words.
"Thanks Maria." Harry smiles as he takes the drinks from her.
She takes one more look at us before she walks away, leaving us with not only the food but also a good amount of tension.
"Sorry." Harry mumbles as he rips a bag open.
"No problem." I respond, quickly trying to get food into my mouth so I have a good excuse to not talk.
We eat in silence for awhile, concentrating on our food and not the awkwardness between us.
"Sooooo how's your charity work going?"
"Good, it's... good."
"The benefit ball is coming up soon yeah?"
"Yeah, next Saturday."
"I'll be there."
I glance up to find him staring at me, trying to gauge my reaction.
"Cool." I state, mentally slapping myself the second the words are out of my mouth.
Harry chuckles, gathering up his trash and putting it back into the paper bag as his phone rings.
"Sorry... am gonna have to take this." He says, getting up from the table.
I look over at him as he walks over to a tree, leaning one arm on it as he talks away.
God he's cute. He stole one of Finn's white tee shirts and it's just a little snug, Finn not having the broad shoulders Harry does. He tied a bandana around his neck, ready to be used as soon as he pulls the hat off his head. Top it off with his normal black skinnies and a pair of brown Ray Bans and it's easy to see why so many girls fawn over him. Me being one of them.
He looks over at me with a big grin, giving me butterflies in my stomach. This is ridiculous. Stop it Ava!
It's just Harry.
Your FRIEND Harry, I remind myself.
I gather up our trash and get up to throw it in the garbage can. After telling Felipe and Maria how delicious everything was I decide to walk down to the pond while Harry is still on the phone.
I take a seat under a large tree in the grass, spreading my legs out in front of me. I sit our drinks to the side of me before laying back and staring at the blue sky.
It's not long before Harry joins me, taking his hat off and laying down next to me in the grass.
"Funny."
"Hmmm?" I ask, glancing over at him as he looks up at the sky.
"I like to come here whenever I just want to clear my head. It's very people free, which is nice. This is where I always end up sitting... here under this tree."
"It's a good spot."
"Agreed." He smiles over at me. "I really missed this.. just being with you. It's nice.. being just Harry again."
"Me too. But you're always just Harry." I chuckle.
"To you."
I try to think of what to say, something other than just blurting out I love you, but nothing comes to mind.
"Have you been okay? Like no ones tried to hurt you right?"
I look over into Harry's eyes, which are full of concern and worry, and I know exactly who he's referring to. Scott.
"No, he's left me alone. They've all pretty much left me alone."
I see his body visibly relax as he puts his hands behind his head.
"You would of called me right? If something would of happened? I would of come."
"I know you would of." I pick at the grass next to me.
I'm surprised by Harry suddenly leaning over me. My breath catches in my throat as he looks down at me before reaching over and grabbing his drink on the other side of me.
I thank God he can't read my thoughts as he takes a long drink. I thought he was going to kiss me. I actually thought he was going to kiss me. Am I insane?
"I should probably get back." I say, hoping he doesn't notice the disappointment laced in my tone.
"Right." He nods, getting up and dusting off his jeans.
He offers me his hand, pulling me up with ease.
"We'll do this again right?" He asks as we walk back to his car.
"As long as there's no bad knock knock jokes involved." I chuckle.
"Well good thing I never have any bad ones then." He smiles at me.
"Whatever you say Styles." I shake my head at him, feeling something I've tried to erase from my heart for over a year now.
Love.
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