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Chapter Four
True to his word, Harry called later that evening and asked Louis to describe to him all the details that he had been feeding the pub group about his “boyfriend”. Louis racks his brain for all the details over the past three years. The good news was that his general description of his boyfriend generally matched Harry’s looks, so there was no awkward explanations as to any differences from his description and the real item. Although the vague description of tall with green eyes and brown hair was pleasant enough, it gave Louis nothing at all to work with as far as Harry’s actual looks. There were plenty of men who were tall with brown hair and green eyes that Louis would never date. He just hoped that Harry had more to him than that general description.
After comparing notes about hobbies and the like, Louis worked up the nerve to ask about a photo of Harry, so that he could see his “boyfriend”.
“Oh, yeah, that would be important to see photos of each other. Do you have Instagram?” Harry asks.
“I don’t really do social media, at least not posting anything and certainly not photos of myself. Perhaps you could text me a selfie?” Louis suggests. “Of course, I would do the same.”
“Sure, that works. I will send one straight after I get off the phone with you. So, do you think we should meet up as soon as I get to London? What is your schedule like next week?”
Louis thinks for a moment. “What day were you planning on being here? I have a meeting on Tuesday, but the rest of the week looks pretty clear or nothing that I can’t shuffle around.”
“I was planning on arriving on Thursday morning, but I can get there on Wednesday evening. Can you make your excuses to the pub group? I don’t want to run into Niall until we have a solid plan in place. Can you meet for a late dinner on Wednesday?” Harry answers.
“Yeah, I can do that. When you text me the photo, why don’t you also text where you are staying and I can suggest some place convenient for both of us?”
“Good idea. I will send that straight away. Just give me a call or text if there is anything else you think of, otherwise, we will meet on Wednesday and make plans.” Harry then rings off and leaves Louis to ponder what to send him. He doesn’t really do selfies and doesn’t have any stored in his mobile, so he supposes that he must take one to send. Harry mentioned that he is a florist, albeit a high end one, so he decides to take one out in his pride and joy, his back garden.
Louis wanders out to scout a good location to take a photo for Harry. He decided on a sunny corner in front a colourful bed with a lovely fountain set in it. He had just snapped the photo when his notifications sounded. There was a text from Harry. Curious to see the photo, he opened the text.
Louis was not prepared for the image of the stunning man before him. Harry had already said that he was a bit younger than Louis, but the face before him was even more than he could have dreamt up. Harry was, to put it mildly, absolutely stunning. He immediately started regretting that their relationship was merely a farce intended to put one over on Niall. Louis just hoped that Harry would have the same reaction to his photo. Deciding to throw his fate to the winds, he pressed send and sent his photo to Harry. He looked at the information that Harry had sent about where he was staying and went inside to plan out where they could meet.
By the time that Wednesday rolled around, there had been a few texts back and forth between Harry and Louis. Firstly, setting the place they would meet for dinner, then a few questions and responses from either side. Louis was looking forward to seeing Harry in person, if only to see if he was too good to be true between his looks and the hints at his personality from their conversations. He had picked a restaurant that was suitable for a business dinner and less for a romantic meal, just so there would be fewer distractions in case Harry was as much of a temptation as Louis thought he might be. He arrived at the restaurant about ten minutes ahead of their arranged time, was shown to the table, ordered a drink and kept an eye on the passageway of the restaurant. Shortly, Harry arrived, wearing striped trousers, with a black shirt unbuttoned almost to his navel and a long black jacket. Louis, being a bit more conservative, was wearing a gray jacket over a black button up shirt with ALL the buttons done up, and a pair of black trousers. Nothing nearly as flashy as Harry.
Harry was directed to the table where Louis was waiting and as he strode towards the table, he spied Louis waiting there, and paused in his progress. Louis’ mind scrambled for an explanation for Harry’s action. Maybe he was as struck by Louis’ appearance as Louis was by his. Then Harry was at the table and seating himself with a grin.
“Louis! How very lovely to meet you in person!’ Harry cheerfully greeted Louis. Louis half rose from his chair and extended his hand to Harry.
“Likewise! I hope your trip was smooth, no trouble finding this place?”
“None whatsoever. Never been here, but seems lovely. So, shall we get set making plans to end Niall’s scheming and convince your mates of your relationship with me?” Harry had an almost gleeful look on his face as he responded. He must be looking forward to ending his torment from Niall, Louis supposed. Harry settled himself and drew some papers out of the inside of his jacket.
“I have written down a couple of thoughts that I had, based on our texts and whatnot, wanted to see what you thought” Harry said as he laid the papers on the table.
Louis was looking forward to seeing what Harry had for plans. This was turning out to be much simpler than he had ever imagined.