“Hey babe, are you ready?” I asked, coming into the living room with a small overnight bag in tow.

“Yeah.” Pete simply replied.

“Are you okay? Do you not want to go?” I sighed, knowing we’ve been on a rocky path for a couple months now.

“I’m fine.” He said, never looking up from his phone.

“No, you’re not. And I’m not getting in the car for an hour long drive with you if you’re going to be pissy.”

“I’m not pissy.” He rolled his eyes, still not removing them from his phone screen.

“Peter.” I said, sitting down next to him on the couch.

“Spencer.” He said, finally looking at me.

“Just be out with it. What’s bothering you?”

“Are you sure you don’t want Harry to go with you instead?” he shot back, now not daring to break eye contact.

“Are we seriously still on this?” I huffed, getting upset.


Pete had been on edge with me ever since I’d gone out for coffee a few times with Harry a couple months back. I hadn’t told him I was going, only saying I was meeting an old friend. He didn’t pressure me into telling him, but the situation took a turn for the worse when he saw the photos of our coffee meetings online. Pete had never been insecure in our relationship until now. I had reassured him a thousand times that it was strictly platonic on my end and I simply went only to hear what Harry had to say the first time. The second and third I joined Harry was because I realized that maybe he wasn’t Voldemort after all.


I had rather enjoyed my first catch up with Harry. He had some things he needed to get off his chest about the breakup and I let him talk. We sat in Jana’s for almost 3 hours just reminiscing and laughing. We had never blurred the lines and we certainly didn’t do anything worth being so upset over. Harry told me about how broken up he had been the first few weeks after I ended everything. He was honest and open, a side of Harry I hadn’t seen since the breakup. He told me about his own breakup with Zara and how relieved he was to be a free man again. I told him about my crazy work schedule leading up to fashion week and briefly caught him up on my family and that was that.


The next few times we met up were no different. Zayn was even there for one of them. Not once did he say he wanted me back, not once did we talk about any sort of future, not once did we mention our previous relationship after the first meeting. It was as harmless as they come. It didn’t mean anything but proving the fact that we had both grown up and matured in ways we weren’t sure we ever would when it came to one another.

With a roll of his eyes Pete began his usual, annoying spiel. “Yeah we’re still on this. He’s better off at your place for thanksgiving than I am and he’s not even American.”

“And why do you keep bringing this up? You know what happened, nothing. You know how I feel about you. Stop doing this.”

“Well you like to go get drinks with him, and Ryanne likes to go get drinks with him when he’s in LA. So why not? He’s just a better fit for your family.” He rolled his eyes again.

“I can’t control what Ryanne does, that’s her own business. She formed a friendship with Harry while we were together and I’m not going to take that away from her because my boyfriend is being selfish. Whatever they do together, whatever they talk about is not my business to be honest. If you wouldn’t be so insecure, we wouldn’t even need to have this discussion once a week. It’s getting exhausting Pete.” I slumped into the chair.

“Your family clearly likes him more.” Pete shrugged.

“Okay, well it’s not a competition and you know that’s not true. My mother adores you. You know that.”

“Your dad certainly doesn’t, and quite frankly I don’t think Ryanne does either.” He added.

“Pete, you know my dad doesn’t like anyone me and Ryanne date. It’s just natural. And as for Ryanne, I know she does like you. We talk, she is my sister after all. And she’s one of the most honest people I know. So stop. Okay? Just fucking stop.”

“It’s not that easy, Spencer.” Pete mumbled.

“The hell it is! I love you, I want to be with you. Where did my confident, fun-loving Pete go? Please, for my sanity, bring that Pete back, that’s the you I fell in love with, not whatever this is.” I said, motioning a finger up and down his body.

“I’m sorry. I just know what a wild and serious past you two share. It does make me a little insecure. He can offer you so much more and I’ll never get this nagging feeling out of my heart that says he would be able to sweep you off your feet at any point.”

“Well let me reassure your heart, that my heart is yours. Always will be, okay?” I said, placing a slight kiss to his cheek.

He relaxed at the touch, nodding his head. “I don’t know how or why I deserve you, but I’m thankful.”

I looked at him, cupping his cheek with my hand. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Spencer. I’m sorry.” He said, closing the gap, placing his lips gently on mine.

“Now, can we please go get this shit show of a Thanksgiving at my parents’ house over with?” I giggled lightly.

“Yes, let’s do it.” His first smile of the morning appearing.


----------------------------------

“Mom, dad?” I shouted as Pete and I entered the mudroom.

“Kitchen!” I heard my mom shout back.

“Remember, I love you.” I smirked at Pete pulling him down for one last, fiery kiss before facing my family.

“Don’t tease.” He stuck his tongue out in a childish manner.

Even being almost 10 years my senior, Pete could be quite goofy sometimes. It’s what kept our relationship on its toes, that and him being a twat. We headed into the kitchen, being hit with the smell of a great feast.

“I can’t believe you’re cooking this all yourself this year mom!” I was proud of her, she usually hired someone to make our holiday meals.

“I know dear, but with free time I’ve had this year, I figured why not?” she smiled, wrapping me in a hug before moving on to Pete. “So happy you both could make it this year.”

She was referring to last year when Pete claimed he had too much work to go home, or come to my parents place. I reluctantly went on my own and Pete stayed in the city and worked in the office.

“I’m glad it all worked out too.” Pete smiled back.

“STOP IT YOU ASS.” I heard the commotion erupt from the archway of the kitchen behind us. I looked over my shoulder to see Ryanne slung over George’s shoulders, pounding on his back to be freed.

“Oh hey guys!” George smiled at us. “I didn’t even hear you come in!”

“Hiya, Georgey!” I smiled over at him. “You remember Pete, right?”

“How could I forget?” George smiled, shaking Pete’s extended hand. “Good to see you!”

“Likewise man. How’ve you been?” Pete asked curiously.

“Oh, just been working on some new tunes and keeping this one in check when I can.” He chuckled as he poked Ryanne in the sides.

“HI EVERYONE CAN SOMEONE REALIZE THAT I AM SUSPENDED IN MID AIR OVER MY STUPID BOYFRIENDS SHOULDER AND DEMAND HE RELEASE ME AT ONCE?”

“Do you guys hear something?” I smirked.

“Oh my god. She will never grow up.” Ry groaned.

“But you love me!” I smiled, ruffling her hair up.

“I hate you.” she huffed as George set her down finally.

“No you don’t.” I laughed as we embraced in a hug.

I hadn’t seen Ryanne in quite some time now. It had probably been over a couple months. I didn’t get to LA very often and she didn’t make it back to NYC either. It was nice finally being all together.

“Can you kids set the table for me?” my mom asked.

“Kids, ha! We’re both in our twenties and she thinks we’re kids!” Ryanne joked.

“You’ll always be our babies.” My dad said, coming up behind the group.

“Gross dad.” I rolled my eyes, heading into the dining room.



-------------------------------


“Wow, this is all so good Cee Cee.” George smiled over the table at my mother.

It was a low key thanksgiving, only being my parents, Pete and I and Ryanne and George. Normally we had all the local family come over and we’d make a huge ordeal out of it all. This year though, my mother only wanted to have us come over. She was nervous about cooking the food herself, and wanted some close knit family time claiming she doesn’t see her kids enough anymore.

“Thanks George, I was a little worried about it. I’ve never really cooked so much food in my life!” she smiled, happy we were enjoying our food.

“So Pete, Spencer tells me you guys are heading out your way for Christmas?” My dad asked, changing the subject.

“Yeah, my family asked if we’d like to come by.” He smiled over at me.

“I’ve never been to Seattle so I’m excited.” I smiled back. “Plus I miss your family, it’s going to be such a great time.”

“Yeah, they always come here to visit because of my working, but we’re finally in a stable enough place at the firm for me to get back home and see everyone.” Pete added.

“From the looks of it, you both need a little vacation away from this place.” My dad noted.

“It’s not going to hurt, that’s for sure.” Pete nodded.

“I’ll miss you guys for Christmas.” My mom pouted. “But I’m so glad you’ll be able to get back home Pete.”

“Me too, it’s been far too long.” He smiled.

I loved watching Pete talk about his family and going home. He would never admit it, but he couldn’t be more excited to be going back, even for a short visit. With the way her worked, he hardly had time to even leave the city. His parents had made many trips down here so it was about time he get back to Seattle. He’d never gone back in the entire time we’ve been together, so this was long overdue. I was even happier when he asked me to join him.

“And George, you’ll be heading back to the UK for the holidays?” my mom asked.

“Yes ma’am. I’ve been in LA so long now, I forget what home even looks like.” He chuckled.

“And do you plan on stealing our Ryanne away?” my dad asked.

“I left the option open to her, she can join me if she’d like. I’d love for her to come and meet the family, we’ve only been together for more than a year now.” He stuck his tongue out at Ryanne.

“I’m still debating. I want to go but I also would like to be home for Christmas. I may go over for New Year’s.” She shrugged.

“You should go Ry, England is a beautiful place.” I smiled.

“Yeah, wouldn’t you know.” she wiggled her eyebrows at me.

“Stop.” My mother sighed at us.

She knew what Ryanne was getting at and quite frankly that’s the last person I needed to be brought up tonight, especially with Pete so on edge.

“Maybe, babe, maybe.” Ryanne smiled over at George.

“A maybe is better than a no.” he returned her smile, but it was lacking something.

I knew Ryanne was nervous to meet his family. I knew she was nervous about the entire relationship honestly. She had told me she never felt this way about any of the other boys she’s dated and was worrying they were taking it too fast. They’d been together just short of a year and half now, similar to me and Pete. But she was younger than we were and didn’t know if she was getting too involved too soon. I tried to ease her mind, but I don’t think anything would help at this point.

We continued to eat, casually carrying on conversation. It was nice to be back home and enjoy each other’s company. We didn’t get to do this all that often anymore.


-----------------------------------------


After we had all finished eating, the table was cleared, and everyone had relaxed for a little while, my dad asked Pete and George if they’d like to join him in tossing a football around. Knowing my dad, he had other intentions of taking the guys outside, probably to talk about their intentions with his daughters. Ryanne, my mom and I were watching them pass the ball around from the kitchen window, sipping our hot coco.

“I think Pete wants to get engaged.” I sighed.

“And is that such a bad thing?” my mom raised an eyebrow.

“No, it’s not but it’s also not what I want right now.” I shrugged.

“And why not?”

“I don’t know mom, my last engagement didn’t work out so well. And Pete has been so insecure lately, I think he only wants to do it to put some form of materialistic claim on me.”

“Why’s he so insecure?” Ryanne questioned.

“Harry.” I simply said.

“Yes, I’ve noticed you’ve been spending some time with him again, what’s going on?” my mother probed.

“Well we asked me to meet for coffee so we could talk, and I realized that maybe he’s not so bad after all.” I sipped my drink.

“Spencer, dear.” My mom said very cautiously.

“What, mom?” I rolled my eyes.

“We love Pete, you know that, right?” I nodded yes. “But you just don’t have the same shine in your eyes around him.”

“Mom, I’m not going to date Harry again. I truly do love Pete, I’m honestly so happy.”

“Spencer, come on!” Ryanne practically shouted.

“No, no. We aren’t doing this. We aren’t going to compare my happiness in relationships to one another. I was a royal mess when I was with Harry. That’s a toxic relationship and you both know it was.” I was growing impatient.

“But you’re in such a better place in your life right now, and from what I can tell he is too.” Ryanne added.

“Yeah, you’re little lunch dates with him when he’s in LA has Pete in a tizzy too.” I rolled my eyes.

“I’d go out to lunch with Pete if he ever came to Los Angeles.” Ryanne shrugged.

“Not the point, child.” I narrowed my eyes at her. “Pete is so worried you guys don’t like him.”

“We love Pete!” my mom cried.

“I know but he’s being a baby about me being seen with Harry and all he cares about are stupid tabloid headlines. I’m getting so tired of it. We fight over Harry more now than we ever have. I don’t know what to do.”

“If it’s the press he’s worried about, do something that proves you and him and going strong.” My mom shrugged.

“What do you propose we do?” I rolled my eyes.

“Why not take a vacation someplace expensive and warm? It’ll show you’re both still committed to one another. Maybe even see if some of your other couple friends want to come, it’ll be good if you go with other couples to show you’re all so happy within your relationships.”

“But all my couple friends are Harry’s friends as well.”

“Yes, but Harry won’t be there.” My mom suggested.

“I don’t know, I could ask around and see if Pete would like that. He’d bitch about taking work off.” I sighed. “I don’t know mom, I’ll suggest it.”

“George is friends with the lads.” Ryanne randomly suggested.

“Oh my god yes, if we go you and George are invited.” I rolled my eyes. “Speaking of, why don’t you want to go meet his family?”

“Because that makes it real.” She looked away from us.

“Isn’t it real already?” I was confused.

“Yes, but I’m just not ready for that. I’m only 20 for Christ sakes.”

“You’re almost 21, you’re almost done with school and you’ve been with him for over a year. I think you need to figure out what you’re doing soon.” I looked at her.

“You don’t get it.” she snapped.

“I don’t get what? I was in a relationship more serious than yours at your age. I was engaged at your age. Don’t tell me I don’t get it.”

“Yeah and see how well it all worked out for you?” she narrowed her eyes at me. “I don’t want that to happen.”

“How dare you!” I shouted, being cut off by my phone ringing in the other room. “You’re lucky.”

I waltzed into the living room, struggling to get my phone out of my bag in time. As I pulled it out, the name across the top froze me in place for a second. Shaking my head, I reluctantly answered.

“Hello?” I said.

“Hi, I know its thanksgiving and you’re probably with your family but I just wanted to call and say I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what?” I was confused.

“Louis’ been keeping me posted with the media and what not, cause you know that’s what he does best, and I see the rumors and the stupid shit they’re saying. And I’m sorry for that. I know it can’t look good for you.”

“You don’t make up the headlines, Harry. It’s not your fault those scumbag magazines have no morals.” I rolled my eyes.

“I shouldn’t have asked you to meet up. I feel horrible.”

“Well don’t, I enjoyed myself every time we’ve gone out and you know that. We both know what our situation is and that’s that.” I shrugged.

“But I’m sure Pete’s unpleased.”

“Oh he’s livid. We fight about it a lot, but I understand where he’s coming from.”

I heard him sigh on the other end, “Look, I fucked up in the past. I wasn’t giving you everything you deserved. I was getting mad over stupid, pointless rumors so I get it. I don’t want another man to lose you like I had too. I’ll stop contacting you, we won’t go out anymore, and then you can be happy within your relationship. I was in his shoes once, always worrying and I’m not going to make him go through that like I did.”

“What if that’s not what I want?” I sassed back.

“That’s what I want.” He mumbled.

“But is it really?” was I really the one fighting for Harry this time, and the better question is, why did I even care? He was right, he was hindering my relationship but it wasn’t something I couldn’t handle.

“No, but I want what’s best for you, and that’s Pete. I’m sorry.”

“Harry…” I was at a loss for words.

“HARRY?!” I heard a deep voice boom from behind me.

“Shit, I have to go.” I said, ending the call abruptly, turning around to see Pete leaving the room. “Pete, stop.”

“Why, tell me why I should? We’re here with your family, enjoying our thanksgiving and you have the audacity to call your ex while I leave for 15 minutes?”

“He called me! And you’d actually be quite happy to hear what we talked about.”

“Oh really now?” he rolled his eyes at me.

“Yes! We talked about cutting off contact because of all the negative press it’s been bringing. This is a good thing for us! I’m done associating with him because he knows what it’s like to be on the other end of it. He’s worried about me like you have and he told me he doesn’t want someone to have to lose me like he did! He’s actually looking out for us and you’re going to throw a tantrum. You’re unbelievable.”

“No Spencer, you’re unbelievable. You should have never started to talk to him in the first place. Then we wouldn’t be in this situation.”

“I’m not arguing about this on Thanksgiving in my parents’ house. You should be happy.”

“Well I’m not.” He said, storming back out the door and towards the street.

I watched him pace in the driveway before heading onto the street and disappearing down it. He needed to clear his head. He was being insane. Sure, maybe rekindling a friendship with Harry after 3 years wasn’t the best idea, but it happened. I don’t see why he wouldn’t be excited for Harry and my contact to cease. I just couldn’t win with him. I pulled my phone back out, typing a quick text before heading back into the kitchen to join my mom.


To Harry: We’re not done talking about this

I sighed, leaning against the counter. My mom placed an arm around my shoulder, obviously hearing the fight. I turned my head to watch the leaves fall off a tree in the backyard. Ryanne had joined my father and George outside, and Pete was god knows where in the neighborhood. I felt the first tear drop my eye, watching as my mom wiped it away. I felt my phone buzz in my pocket, pulling it out to see what it said.

From Harry: For once I’m glad we disagree, call me later

My mom looked up from the screen, obviously having read the message. “Be careful.”

“I never am.” I smirked, clicking my phone off. “I never am.”

Notes

Sorry for the filler but set some things up for the next few chapters.

Sorry for the delay in posting as well. College is hard.

let me know what you guys think!

xx