How It's Going To Be [h.s.]

Chapter 79

{Harry's Point of View}

I drove my Mercedes with the windows rolled down. The warm Southern California breeze warmed my skin. I smirked while thinking of my wool peacoats back in London. Escaping from the cold London rain had been my best decision since tour ended. Not only was waking up to sunshine helping me feel better, but my mind felt at ease knowing I couldn't possibly run into Kate.

The GPS in my car told me to turn left. I eased onto the street and began looking for the white Escalade my real estate agent drove. It was parked in front of a gorgeous property. I parked my car and stepped out into the warm evening air.

"Mr. Styles," a woman approached me with a wide smile and friendly eyes, "my name is Harriet Pilgrim."

"Pleased to meet you, Ms. Pilgrim."

"It is my pleasure to show you this fabulous property."

"It looks lovely from the outside," I noted.

"This particular home falls just under your four million dollar price point. The asking price is $3.7 million. That is a great price for a home in this particular neighborhood in Beverly Hills. Shall I show you the inside?"

"Please," I gestured for her to lead the way inside.

"This house is unique because it was a collaboration between a local artist and an architectural firm. The location of this property is ideal; there is prime access to great schools, shopping, and nightlife," Harriet explained. "The house itself is quite modern, which you mentioned was your taste. I'm really excited about this property."

Harriet opened the front door and we stepped into the house. Immediately, I loved it. It was an open floor plan with high ceilings and very modern touches. "It's phenomenal."

"You like it so far?" She sounded hopeful.

"The first impression is good," I nodded.

"Follow me." Harriet led me into the main living area and began pointing out different features. "The ceilings here are twenty feet high. You'll notice the windows go floor-to-ceiling as well. The space is made for fluidity. It's what we refer to as an 'art gallery aesthetic.' You can see the seamlessness of the indoor and outdoor living areas."

"Very nice," I muttered as I looked into the kitchen.

"These are top of the line appliances. The tile floors are heated. The countertops are a stained concrete."

Harriet showed me around the kitchen, dining room, office, and outdoor living space. She pointed out gas fireplaces, custom tile work, and the saltwater swimming pool. She showed me the floating staircase and the whole upper level, which was complete with four bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms.

Eventually, the real estate jargon became too heavy, and I let my mind wander. I began to imagine myself living in the home. I could see myself sitting on the sofa watching television. I could see myself cooking for friends in the outdoor kitchen. I could see the boys lounging around the swimming pool. I could see my clothes hanging in the enormous closet. I could see my car parked in the garage. Everything seemed right about the place.

I had not come to California with the intention of buying a home. I had sold my previous home in Beverly Hills nearly a year before. My plan was to rent a space in Los Angeles for a few months, but the thought of ever returning to London full-time was overwhelming. Simply walking down the street there had nearly given me an anxiety attack. I needed space from my old life with Kate. When I landed in Los Angeles, I called a real estate company and set up appointments to look at properties back in Beverly Hills.