Warning: There will be some text conversations from now on in the story, so i hope you like it.
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Back in the room, Harry looked at me curiously. "So, you’re a... cook and a songwriter?"
I smirked. "Not exactly. Am I a cook? That’s a definite yes. But a songwriter? I don’t know."
"Wait... so who wrote the songs then?" Harry asked, leaning in with curiosity.
"Apparently, it’s me," I replied. "But I wouldn’t call them ‘songs’—it was all Ash’s doing, honestly."
"Who’s Ash-ley? Huh?" he said, clearly puzzled.
"Yeah... exactly," I said, chuckling at his confusion.
From the other room, Ash shouted, "Who killed who?!"
"Come out of your hiding place, you little rat!" I called back, my voice teasing.
"Yes, ma’am." She strutted in, joining us in the living room.
Harry watched our banter, clearly amused, propping his chin on his knuckles. I couldn’t help but notice how cute he looked like that.
Pointing between Ash and me, he asked, "You two live together?"
"Yeah, four years and counting," I said with a smirk.
"We are best friends!" Ash chimed in quickly.
It took me a second to catch her tone. "Ohhh... yeah, we’re just besties, you know."
"Oh, I see," Harry said with a slight smile. "Well, I really like your songs. They’re real songs, and I never imagined they had any other intentions behind them."
"I figured it out all on my own," Ash said, puffing up proudly.
"Told him that already," I added, rolling my eyes. "She even sent them out without giving me a heads-up!"
"What? No way! And?" Harry leaned in, clearly hoping for a juicy story.
"Umm... and nothing," I said, shrugging.
"What do you mean, nothing?" he asked, looking disappointed.
"Simple. Nothing happened," I repeated. "I got mad, obviously... for like five minutes, right, Ash?"
"Yeah, almost seven, but... yeah," Ash confirmed, smirking.
Harry shook his head in disbelief. "Bullshit! I can’t believe it."
"Oh, believe it," Ash said, disappearing into the kitchen, probably to grab drinks.
I leaned closer to Harry, lowering my voice. "She’s my only friend. I can’t stay mad at her for too long."
He smiled, looking like he understood. "I totally get that."
Ash reappeared with a plate of fruit. "I thought about wine but decided we should stay sober while working."
"Yeah, me too," Harry nodded.
"Liv’s usually the chef, but since she’s occupied, this is the best I could do." Ash handed me the plate with a grin.
Taking the plate, I teased, "Four years, and I couldn’t even teach her how to boil an egg!" I winked at Harry. "Oh, we have our new branch opening soon Just had the grand opening... here in London. We’ll be expecting you, of course."
"Congratulations!" he said, smiling warmly. "Ah, I mean... if I get an invitation, I’ll show up for sure. Bigger plans here, I see?"
"Yeah, it was all planned out. We were just waiting for the right time," I said, ignoring Ash’s smirk.
"You better be a good cook, though, because I’m a tough food critic!" Harry teased.
Ash gasped dramatically. "Oh boy, you really shouldn’t have said that!"
I raised an eyebrow, smirking. "We’ll see."
---
The clock ticked past 3:30 AM. Ash had passed out, leaving Harry and me to work in a cosy corner with a panoramic view of London's nightlights. We continued refining lyrics, and I couldn’t help but notice how invested he seemed—more than I was. The atmosphere between us was electrifying.
"So, Harry," I began softly, resting my chin on my knuckles, "if I may ask... what happened with Anne?"
He paused, his gaze lingering on me like he was seeing something new. "It’s... she had a fever, I think. But she’s better now, thanks for asking."
"I’m glad to hear that," I said, offering a small smile.
After another half-hour of brainstorming, we settled on two songs to focus on.
"These two are set for starters," Harry said, closing his notebook. "We should meet again this week to finalize everything. And, oh... you’ll need to be there for the recording sessions, too. You knew that, right?"
"I didn’t, actually," I admitted. "But yeah... I’ll be around. Just here for the restaurant’s first phase."
I explained how the “first phase” was the crucial period when I work full-time to ensure the restaurant gained a reputation for quality food while also making sure the team was comfortable with the kitchen flow.
"Sounds great," Harry said, checking his phone. "I should probably head out. Sorry for keeping you up all night." He stood, placing a hand on my shoulder.
A shiver ran through me from his touch, but I kept my composure. His hand was large, with long, graceful fingers.
"It’s okay," I said with a smile. "I’m not a great sleeper anyway."
We walked to the door together.
"So... if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to stay in touch directly instead of going through the office. It’d be easier that way. Can I get your number?" He asked, looking hopeful.
"Yeah... sure," I said, and we exchanged numbers before he left.
---
After Harry was gone, I took a long bubble bath, hoping to soothe my aching muscles. Changing into my pyjamas, I tried to catch an hour of sleep before the morning chaos.
---
A few hours later, I woke to Ash smacking me with a pillow.
"Liv, wake up! Do you know what just happened?!" she shouted.
Barely awake, I mumbled, "What? Is Mom okay? Is there a crisis at the restaurant? The apartment?"
"Calm down, it’s something good," Ash said, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Well?" I asked, blinking groggily at her.
Holding up a small square box and a large card, she smirked mischievously. "Look what you’ve got, little devil!"
"What is that?" I asked, still trying to wake up.
She read from the card dramatically: Olivia (wouldn't say Liv without permission, even after last night, though)
It was a great night for me after Anne’s crisis, so thank you. I really enjoyed your company. Just got the invitation for the opening—I’d love to be there. Got you some French chocolate in case you miss it already. Had I said I loved your company yet? Because I feel like I need to say it again :) See you tonight at your place.
H.
Ash grinned. "Awww, at YOUR place! So, last night and all that, huh?"
"Did you send out the invitations already?" I asked, trying to deflect.
"Don’t change the topic!" she said, narrowing her eyes.
"What topic?" I asked, feigning innocence.
"Last night!" she exclaimed.
"Are you crazy? YOU WERE THERE!" I shot back with a smirk.
Ash rolled her eyes. "Yeah, until I passed out! What about after?"
"Nothing happened, Ash. And besides, he has a girlfriend," I said, shaking my head.
"Then why so romantic?" she teased.
"Maybe he’s just... British?" I suggested with a grin.
"I don’t buy that," Ash replied sceptically.
Ignoring her, I changed the subject. "So, the invitations?"
"Yeah, I sent them out this morning," she said proudly.
"This morning? What time is it, exactly?"
"It’s 6:30," she grinned.
"Whoa... what? And you just left me sleeping all day?" I asked, still half in disbelief.
Ash shrugged. "You were just too tired to get up. When did you even sleep last night?"
"10 in the morning," I groaned. God, my voice is so raspy when I wake up—too heavy to handle. Ugh, I sound like a man.
Ash giggled. "I thought so... so, girlfriend?"
Sighing, I gave in. "Okay, fine. Let me take a shower, and I’ll confess all about last night’s details."
Once I got out of the shower and settled in front of the vanity Ash waved her hands frantically, urging me to spill the gossip.
“Okay...” I said while brushing my hair in front of the big mirror after my shower. “After you passed out, we talked... about the songs, obviously,” I teased, dragging it out.
“Liv Waters, you better spill it immediately, or I’ll get the news straight from the source!” Ash threatened, and I could tell she meant it.
“Oh, don’t you dare! I was just teasing. Honestly, nothing much happened. We just talked... about random stuff. Then he got a call from Kendall... I think? I don’t really remember names, you know how bad I am with them. And, of course, I made a nosy entrance. So, it went like:
I asked, ‘Oh, is there something wrong?’ He said, ‘No, it’s just... girlfriend drama.’ I asked, ‘How so?’ He told me all about it. ‘Oh, it’s just her mother’s birthday, and I didn’t show up, so she’s pissed, and blah blah blah.’”
“Aww... sassy boyfriend type, then,” Ash said, doing a playful claw gesture.
“I don’t think so. I think he’s just... not into pretending. I don’t know,” I replied.
“Is someone getting all understanding here?” Ash smirked.
I tossed the brush at her. “First off, I always am! And second, you’re being so annoying.”
---
After I finished getting ready, Ash looked at me and asked, “Where’re you going? It’s almost 10 p.m.”
“To the restaurant,” I replied. “I think I haven’t given it the focus it deserves lately since I’ve been busy doing... well, nothing!” I admitted, feeling a twinge of guilt because deep down, I knew I was right.
So, I headed to the restaurant and started getting things ready for the opening, which, inconveniently, was just a few hours away.
By 4 a.m., I was exhausted. I called Ash to let her know I wouldn’t make it back to the hotel. I’d just crash at the restaurant and begged her to bring me some clothes and my makeup bag.
I’m not a big fan of the whole makeup thing, but I was sure I’d wake up with puffy eye bags and dry skin... so, it’s always been for emergencies.
I spent the whole night in the restaurant—no sleep, no surprise. I finally managed to grab a quick nap around 7 a.m. Thankfully, the restaurant's theme isn’t focused on early bird breakfasts; we don’t start serving until about 10 a.m., so I was safe.
---
I woke up to Ash practically kicking my liver out of my body!
“You’re such a jerk, Ash!” I snapped, still half-asleep.
“Are you serious, Liv? You left the gas on!” Ash said, glaring at me.
“Wait, what?! Oh my god, really? That would make for a crazy story though,” I replied, oddly excited.
“There’s something seriously wrong with you,” Ash shot me a disbelieving look, her face a mix of annoyance and genuine confusion.
Laughing uncontrollably, I said, “I was kidding! Your face was priceless.”
“Shut up, you idiot,” Ash grumbled.
Yawning, I replied, “I'm a cute idiot, though.”
She rolled her eyes and pulled me to my feet. “Let’s get to work. But first, we need to fix that mess,” Ash said, gesturing at my face.
“I bet,” I muttered.
---
A notification buzzed from my phone. I sat back down to check it, and it was from an unknown number:
Unknown: hey :)
Unknown: actually .. goof morninh
Unknown: i hope that made it clear that i just woke uo
Unknown: see ? :(
Unknown: oh it's Harry btw
Me: oh.. hey :)
Me: umm .. why so early?
Mr.Styles: right ? That is the first thing i'm gonna ask too .. work!
Mr.Styles: i'm not .. umm.. u know .. interrupting anything ?
Mr.Styles: .. oh god ..did i wake you up ?
Mr.Styles: pls say nooo !
Me: chill out Mr.Styles .. it's okay i was up already ..jesus ! 😂
Mr.Styles: Mr.Styles ?! Is that how you're putting me on your phone ?!!
Me: yea ?
Mr.Styles: shocked
Mr.Styles: actually heartbroken :(
Mr.Styles: after all we've been through
Mr.Styles: srsly ?
Me: wehh.. what ?
Me: been through what exactly ?!!
Me: Are you even aware who you're texting ?
Me: Is that actually Harry ?
Me: Well, i'm pretty sure it's not
Me: Happy block!
Mr.styles: What !! Wait!
Mr.Styles: I was .. umm .. just kidding
Mr.Styles: Sorry .. it was a silly one ..
Mr.Styles: just woke up ..
Mr.styles: it's really me.. it's Harry
Mr.Styles: Olivia ?...
Me: hahaha 3:)
Me: I got you ? Right!
Me: R u still here ?
Me: Yea i know, i'm awesome
Me: Dead alrdy ? :')
Me: It was just a starter !
Me: Well u can't mess with meh
Me: It's not gud 4 ur own health
Me: u cud try tho :)
Mr.Styles: ..... was washin up
Mr.Styles: While questioning the whole situation i got myself into
Mr.Styles: You got me yeah
Mr.Styles: But it's not the end
Mr.Styles: I'll come back
Mr.Styles: STRONGER !
Me: uuuuh.. so scared
Mr.Styles: We should talk about Mr.Styles/Olivia thing tho !!!
Me: suggestions ?
Mr.Styles: well the narcissist in me thought u'd be savin' it as
Mr.Styles: *HARRY STYLES OMGGGG😍😍😍😍*
kinda thing ..
Mr.Styles: but since you're not a big fan
Mr.Styles: and i'm not a narcissist..
Me: oh you wish !
Mr.Styles: okay so ?
Me: i'll think about it, not the *harryfreakinstyles* thing but yea .. i'll think .. about it
Me: Anyway got to get bk to work
Me: U know
Me: Workin on the heavenly gud food u're gonna eat 2n8
Mr.Styles: so sure !
Mr.Styles: Tempted tho..
Mr.Styles: Okay then see ya tonight :)
Me: ok then
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When I finally looked up from my phone, Ash was sitting there, arms crossed, glaring at me like she was plotting my murder.
“Finally! What was that all about? That’s the longest I’ve seen you on your phone all week,” Ash said.
“It’s... umm... Harry,” I replied sheepishly.
“Seriously? Harry Styles?? Are you sure you didn’t leave out any details from that night? Because I’m starting to get suspicious,” Ash said, narrowing her eyes.
“I’m sure. Positive,” I insisted.
“So what was that about?” Ash pressed.
“Ugh, you’re so nosy! It was just us joking around, that’s all,” I explained.
“Hold up! How did he even get your number?” Ash asked, clearly not letting this go.
“I told you, we exchanged numbers that night,” I replied, pausing to think. “Didn’t I?”
“You didn’t, liar. So... keeping in touch with the Styles cupcake, huh?” Ash tried to sound playful but couldn’t hide her curiosity.
“Did you really just call him a cupcake?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“oh for fuck's sake .. have you seen his face !" Ash said, rolling her eyes.
Thinking hard for a strong comeback but failing, I muttered, “Okay, you’ve got a point.”
“He seems to like you i see .. you too for him ..” Ash mumbled the last part, but I caught it.
“Bullshit! It’s not like that,” I said quickly, feeling flustered.
“Isn’t it? How so?” Ash mimicked my body language, mocking me.
“It’s just... I woke up in a good mood, and I guess he did too. That’s it. Don’t read too much into it,” I said, frustrated.
“Whatever... let’s get ready. The crew’s about to arrive. Now get your ass off the floor!” Ash said, shaking her head.
---
The day went pretty smoothly. It was almost 8 p.m., and Harry hadn’t shown up yet—not that I cared... at least not then.
But around 9 p.m., he walked in, heading straight to the table number on his invitation. He was dressed in a black suit, a white dress shirt, and velvet black boots, looking as stylish as ever.
I have this bad habit of sneaking out from the kitchen to check on guests, making sure no one notices. I’m pretty good at it.
He called for me, and Ash relayed the message, so I obliged—he’s a guest, after all, right?
“Nice to meet you, chef. Congrats on the opening. The place has its charm. I’d like you to choose my dinner and dessert, please,” Harry said, being so formal, way different from our text exchange earlier. Not a single joke in sight. It was weird, but whatever.
“Thank you for the kind words, Mr. Styles,” I emphasized the title. “I’ll make sure to pick the best for you.” I nodded, and he nodded back before I turned on my heel to head back to the kitchen.
“What was that?” Ash asked, looking stunned.
“I have no idea. This is getting too weird!” I replied.
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Confused ?!! Yeah, me too😂
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Hey guys .. is #HarLiv
*Yeah i made that one up 😂*
going well already ?..
Cute Harry ?!! Thought so Haha
Knowing that Harry already has a gf ! Tsk tsk tsk
Vote and comment, please
Luv yall 👋🍒
R.