After (Larry Version)

~*Chapter 55*~

Liam Landon stays quiet during most of my explanation of my breakup with Elijah and my question about what to call my relationship with Harry, since I think we're dating but we haven't exactly discussed it with technical terms.
"I know I've already warned you, so I won't do it again. But please just be careful with him. Though I will admit he seems as infatuated with you as someone like him can be," Liam says as we take our seats.
It means a lot to me that despite his dislike of Harry he is doing his best to be understanding and supportive.
As I walk into my third class, my Sociology professor waves me over to his podium. "I just got a call that you should report to the chancellor's office," he tells me.
What? Why? A million fears seize hold of my mind, and then I remember that Harry's father is the chancellor. I relax a little, only to have my nerves take over for different reasons. What could he possibly need? I know college doesn't work the same way as high school, but I feel as if I am getting called down to the principal's office, only the principal happens to be my... boyfriend's?... dad."

I pull my bag onto my shoulder and make my way across campus to the administration building. It's a long walk and takes me over a half hour. I give the secretary at the front desk my name and she quickly picks up the phone. I can't hear anything except Dr.Styles
He is ready for you," she says with a professional smile and points to the wooden door across the hall.
I go over, but before I can knock, the door creaks open and Des greets me with a smile. "Louis, thank you for coming," he says, guiding me inside, then gestures for me to sit down. He takes a seat in the large swivel chair behind an oversize cherrywood desk. I feel much more intimidated by him in this office than I ever did at his home.

"Sorry for calling you out of class. I didn't know how else to reach you and you know reaching Harry can be... difficult."
"It's okay, really. Is something wrong?" I ask nervously.
"No, not at all. I have a few things to discuss with you. Let's start with the internship." He leans forward and puts his hands on the desk. "I'm happy to say that I talked to my friend at Vance, and he would love to meet with you, the sooner the better. If you're free tomorrow, that would be best," he says.
"Really!" I shriek, my excitement bringing me to my feet. Feeling awkward to be standing, I hastily sit back down. "That's so great, thank you so much! You have no idea how much I appreciate it!" I tell him. This is such great news, I can't believe he would do this for me.
"It really is my pleasure, Louis." He raises his eyebrows with interest. "So, shall I tell him you will come tomorrow?"

"I really don't want to miss any classes, but this is worth it and I am ahead anyway. "Yes, that will be great. Thank you again. Wow," I say and he laughs.
"Now for the second thing, and if you say no, that is perfectly fine. It is more of a personal request, or favor, I suppose. Your internship at Vance will not be affected in if you decline," he says and I grow nervous. I nod and he continues. "I am not sure if Harry has told you that Karen and I are to be married next weekend."
"I knew the wedding was coming up. Oh, and congratulations," I tell him. I didn't know it was that close. My thoughts travel to when Harry crashed their home and drank almost an entire bottle of scotch.
He smiles kindly. "Thank you very much. What I was wondering was if there is any way... that you could possibly... convince Harry to come." His eyes leave mine and he stares at the wall. "I know this is overstepping my boundaries here, but I would hate for him not to be there. And honestly, I believe you are the only one who could convince him to show up. I have asked him a few times and he said no immediately." He lets out a frustrated breath.
I have no idea what to say to him. I would love to get Hardin to his father's wedding, but I doubt he'll listen to me. Why does everyone seem to think he will? I remember when Des told me he believes Hardin is in love with me—a thought that's as absurd as it is untrue."

"I will certainly talk to him. I would love if he went," I tell him in all honesty.
"Really? Thank you so much, Louis. I hope you don't feel pressured to say yes, though I look forward hopefully to seeing you both there."
A wedding with Harry? The idea sounds so lovely, but Harry will be hard to convince.
"Karen is very fond of you, and she really enjoyed having you over this weekend. You're welcome anytime."
"I really enjoyed being there. Maybe I can get in touch with her about those baking lessons she offered." I laugh and he chuckles, too. He looks so much like Harry when he smiles that it makes my heart warm."