Awkward Beat [H.S]

Chapter 33

In which the closed book throws Fitz for a loop

Chapter 33

I was happy to have shifts at the Hub Cub to keep me busy instead of being stranded with my torturous thoughts. At the same time, it was all the more excruciating to be around Macy and not be able to confide in her. I kept my head down in the production line and resolved to mind my own business. Even my retorts to Thomas and his endless amount of sass were weak and uninspired.

When the sandwich joint calmed down near the end of the evening, I received a visitor. Niall didn't bother stopping at the cash register and instead made a beeline to me at the sandwich counter, adjusting his snapback along the way.

"What are you doing here?" I asked as I wiped down my prep table.

"Your shift's almost over, right?" he returned. I nodded. "I'm picking you up. We're going to the Hub Pub."

With a breath of laughter, I immediately shook my head. "Oh, no. The last time I went with you to the Hub Pub, I made a mess of my whole life and was hungover until today."

Thomas looked up from his station. From the corner of my eye, I saw him purse his lips in disapproval.

"Just like last time, you're free to exercise some self-restraint," Niall said with a roll of his eyes. "Anyway, you said I was in charge now, right? So get your things and we're going." He glanced through the glass at the counter in interest before adding, "Since I'm here, I'll take a free sandwich, too."

I got a couple of pieces of bread and set to work, sighing to myself. "Niall, I really don't think I'm up for the Hub tonight."

Before he could respond, Thomas butted in with, "She'll only go if Harry Styles is there."

I froze, turning around to shoot him a glare.

Thomas ignored me, adding, "She was practically swooning the other day when he came in. Way to this girl's heart? Harry Styles."

Niall was taken aback by Thomas' interference, but he relaxed within seconds, asking me, "This your coworker?"

Groaning, I nodded.

"I love this guy!" he exclaimed, a huge grin breaking out across his face. "Finally, someone on my level!"

"Christ almighty," I whispered under my breath, refusing to introduce the two. It didn't matter – Niall was anything but shy and reached over the counter to introduce himself with a handshake.

"What faculty are you in, man?" he asked. Before Thomas could reply, Niall continued, "Ever consider film?"

My goal was to make the sandwich as fast as humanly possible and to speed out of there before those two could forge an unbreakable bond, but I had to pause, if only for a moment, to pinch the bridge of my nose and remind myself to keep my cool.

Something I'd picked up from Harry.

*

After Niall assured me time and time again that Harry wouldn't be present at the Hub Pub, one can imagine my discontent and inner panic when I spotted him by the back of his soft, curly head the second I arrived.

I froze on the spot, waiting for Niall to realize I wasn't following him. When he turned around, I was glowering.

"Niall!" I hissed as he walked back to fetch me. "I specifically said I wasn't up to facing Harry yet, and you promised me he wouldn't be here!"