The next day, Perry was nowhere to be found, but he left a small message for Harry telling that he'd be at work until late in the evening. After all, Harry decided it would be easier this way. The less time Perry and Rachel spend together, the better.

They went out for lunch and did a little bit shopping afterwards. In the evening Chloe insisted on going to the beach again.

She was running in circles around them and splashing water when the waves licked her feet.

"Harry, I'm glad that you are happy, but still, haven't you changed your mind? Mom would love to see you as well. Come back home with us. This place doesn't suit you."

He shrugged. What he had here with Perry was important to him, but of course there was something special about his hometown. He'd love to see his mum and other friends again too. Damn.

Harry grinned when a big splash of water landed on his back. He forgot his ongoing conversation with Rachel and ran after Chloe to get his revenge.

After some extra demanding from Chloe, Rachel took her to the McDonald's, so Harry went home alone.

Perry was already here, or at least his car was.

"Perry?"

"Hey." Perry called from his small office located upstairs. Harry climbed the steps.

"Hi."

"Where are they?" Perry asked.

"Stuffing themselves with cheeseburgers I think." Harry grinned.

"Um..Can I borrow your car to take them to the airport tomorrow?"

He got only a long sigh as response at first.

"Okay, but promise to give it back in one piece."

"Sure, thanks." He smiled and stayed in the doorway.

What?" Perry raised his head after few minutes. "What are you doing?"

Harry blinked. "Nothing. I'm just...thinking about what Rachel said.

Perry's brows furrowed and he motioned to Harry to continue, his heart speeding up.

"I mean, I'm happy here, but my family is far away and I don't like it." He paused. "I'm not sure if-- Forget what I said." He added quickly and turned to leave.

"Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"Why did she come here. And don't worry, I won't bitch about her anymore. I guess we just don't like each other and that's it."

Harry thought for a while.

"To visit me? Chloe also wanted to see me--" He paused and Perry stayed silent.

"I think she wanted to check on me."

Perry's frown deepened. But Harry continued. "You know, it's not hard to imagine me being the black sheep of the family. And back in Embrey she could keep an eye on me. But then I moved to NY and that were the worst times. She saved my ass more than once and lend me some money.

You know the rest. Last year, things changed...I met you." Harry smiled faintly. "I guess she's just suspicious."

"What are you going to tell her?"

"I--" They heard shuffling from downstairs.

"Sorry, have to go." Harry turned and left, leaving Perry alone with unpleasant thoughts.

The evening was quiet. Perry was tired and pissed at Rachel from the previous night, so he stayed upstairs and there was no yelling.

After playing another table game with Chloe, Harry joined Rachel in front of the TV. They could hear the clatter of the computer keyboard from the office. Perry was still working.

"I'm really glad you visited."

"Yeah."

"When's your plane taking off?"

"10.45."

"Okay, I'm taking you to the airport. Chloe will love Perry's car." Harry grinned.

"Did you think about what I said?" Rachel asked for the last time.

"Uh-huh."

"And what are you going to do?"

Chloe chose that moment to emerge from the guest room.

"Uncle Harry? Will you tell me a scary story like you always did?" She pleaded.

Harry smiled and nodded.

"Wait for me in the bed, 'kay?"

She winked at him and ran away.

Harry looked at Rachel. "Do you think it's still possible to book the plane tickets?"

~tbc

Thanks for reading!