Secrets / Black & White / Playing for Keeps

Harry knew it had been the right thing to do.

Even so, it had killed him to walk away from her. He had looked over his shoulder to see a scared girl gazing back at him, as if she were ready to bolt at any moment.

He had given her a reassuring smile, before walking out that door and into a world-wide tour that was to take him away for months. He called all the time and even visited Lara whenever he could get away for a couple of days. Even though it was hard to get through the extra travel, on top of the usual travelling he was doing, it was worth it to see the changes Lara was going through and how much she had improved.

He remembered one of the first moments he realised they both needed help. They had spent the whole night doing coke, and had then fallen into bed together. He had fucked her hard. Lovemaking did not figure in their relationship anymore. Everything was done to the extreme and he recalled how he’d noticed the tears streaming down her face.

The next morning he had rolled over to look at her, and he could still remember the wave of surprise that washed over him. He peered at her only to see a girl who was now a shadow of former self.

He remembered how pale she had looked, a look of sadness on her face, even while she slept.

And it was then that it had finally hit him; what the fuck had happened to the sweet girl he had met all that time ago? And how could he stand by and watch her destroy herself?

Harry was relieved when Lara finally realised she needed help and he had helped book her into one of the top in-patient rehab programs in London. But that was all he could do. A day later he was on a plane to South America and it was now up to Lara to do the rest on her own.

And she had. The downside was having to quit her café job and defer her studies till next year. But the upside was that it gave her the time to focus on herself and her recovery.

And now was the moment of truth.

The world-wide tour had ended a couple of days ago, and now here he stood, tired but determined to push through and see her. He had literally landed in London only an hour ago before he was on his way home, where Lara promised she would be waiting.

On the car ride to his apartment, Harry could not help but think of Louis.

In a year of highs and lows, Louis had finally come through for him. The heart to heart he had with Lara may have not been the catalyst to her getting the help she needed, but at least he had tried to help instead of being part of the problem.

Harry had only just found out that Louis had recently been in touch with Lara and had offered her the job of redecorating his apartment.

“That’ll look good on her resume, don’t you think?” Louis had asked.

He explained he had wanted Lara to have a sense of purpose, now that the program had ended. Harry choked down the feeling of envy that threatened to build up, kicking himself for not having thought of the idea himself. He knew Lou Teasdale had a lot of contacts, maybe he should have asked her for advice and found Lara some work. But he knew Lara well, and he knew she would hate the idea that she was being given a hand out. The fact that Harry was paying her way now, was still a sticking point.

When Harry had asked what Lara’s reaction was, Louis had chuckled.

“She didn’t want to do it… she thought I was just handing her the job because I felt sorry for her. But I set her straight on that one. I told her that she’s going to have to work hard for her money. It’s not going to be an easy ride for her. I’m not gonna be easy to please.”

Harry took a deep breath before knocking on the door, to hear the sound of light footsteps approaching. The door opened to reveal Lara who stepped forward to throw her arms around his neck.

“So good to be home.” Harry murmured as his lips grazed the side of her neck. “So good to be with you.”

All of his concerns and worries melted away and he could almost feel Lara smile as he held her close. His fingers intertwined with hers as they talked, and he found he could not keep his hands off her. He asked about rehab and how she felt now that the program had ended.

Harry watched as she spoke and marvelled at how healthy and clear eyed she looked. She explained that she knew she had to avoid temptations and how she would continue to see the doctor every week. Harry nodded and tenderly kissed her hands.

“I’ve been in touch with my parents.” Lara said hesitantly.

“Yeah?”

“They’re coming to see me next month.”

Harry noted the nervous but hopeful look on her face and gave her a heart-warming smile.

“That’s great Lara.” He said and then made a face in an attempt to lighten the mood. “Does this mean I have to meet ‘the parents’?”

Lara giggled.

“Yes.” She said. “Tell them about your charity work in Africa. They’ll love you for it.”

They both laughed, their foreheads touching as Harry reached to clutch her hands.

“Have I told you how much I missed you?” He whispered.

“Have I told you how much I missed you?” Lara whispered back.

Their lips met and they shared a lingering kiss before Harry pulled away.

“Do you think you can get away for the next week?” He asked.

“Well… I’d have to speak to the doctor… but yeah. Oh and I’m starting on Louis’ apartment next week.” Lara gestured to a pile of clippings on the table. “I was just looking at some stuff that I bet will look great.”

Harry followed her gaze to see a photo of an intricate looking urn. He stifled a laugh, wondering what Louis would think about Lara’s decorating choices. He knew Louis would not be shy to express his opinion.

“Well, I’ll let Louis know he’ll have to wait because we’re going to New York.”

Lara’s eyes widened at the words and she looked momentarily shocked.

“New York?” She repeated.

“Uh huh. I figured you deserved a little reward… and I deserved a little alone time with you.”

Lara threw her arms around him.

“I’ve always wanted to go back.” She murmured, referring to her long ago dream of living there.

“I know.” Harry replied. He smiled at her before reaching up to touch the delicate heart necklace he had given her all that time ago. “It’s just gonna be you and me. No publicity, no photos… just you and me.”

He leaned forward to kiss her again and found himself unable to hold back, as she lay down on the couch and he climbed on top of her.

So much of his life had been black and white, from his career to the way he handled his fame. In the two and a half years he had known Lara, it had become clear that she was his grey. She was the blurry side of his life that he kept hidden from everyone. But that was now part of the past.

He knew they were both ready to move forward as a couple together.

And after all they had been through, he was certain, they would start to see some colour.

The End.

Notes

Thank you to all the people who have favourited/rated/reviewed. I have loved reading all the feedback, so feel free to leave a comment.

In a weird way, it's kind of sad to finally end this story. I'll miss writing it!

If anyone is interested, I have another ongoing story on this site called 'The Wrong Woman', so feel free to check it out.