Chapter 11

                                    

                                          

Harley shut his eyes. Whatever it was that he was about to say, he didn't. At least not with the new guest around.
Rory didn't have the time to react before an arm was placed around her shoulder. The hint of cologne filled her nostrils. She looked to her side to see a young man peering over her. "Are you going to introduce me?"
Harley rolled his eyes and walked over to place the empty mugs in the sink. 
"Typical," mumbled the guy. "I'm Sam, what's your name?"
He spoke with a rather cheerful voice. She couldn't believe he was associated with someone like Harley. From the corner of her eyes, she could see dark brown hair.
"Rory." 
"I like that name," Sam smiled. "I'm an old friend of Harley's." 
Rory perked up. "He told me he didn't have any friends."
That made Sam chuckle. 
"He tends to say that to avoid meeting new people. You see he can be a bit bashful, don't let the cold face fool you," he whispered into her ear. 
"Whatever the hell it is that you're telling her, don't." Harley glared. By that point, he was washing the dishes. 
Funny enough, that only seemed to encourage Sam. "You're so scary when you threaten me. It gets my adrenaline pumping."
"Idiot," mumbled Harley. 
A phone rang. Rory knew her phone was silent so it couldn't have been her. Harley on the other hand wiped his hands on a towel and pointed at Sam. 
"Don't say anything stupid." He grabbed his phone off the counter and walked to the back.
Sam only winked back. His brown eyes glistened with mischief.
Rory was amazed. They were total opposites of each other, yet they were friends? 
"I'm glad to see Harley has made a new friend," Sam turned to her with a wholehearted smile. "I know it can be tough for him." 
"I wouldn't say I am his friend. I helped him out once. We go to the same school and we're neighbors. I live right across the hall. That's pretty much it." 
Sam nodded. "Well, I've known Harley since we were kids. And if there's one thing I know about him is that he wouldn't even have you in his space if he hated you. He doesn't just warm up to anyone. He likes to push people away once he feels like they're getting close. He had a rough childhood so he's always had an instinct to reject people who try to be a part of his life. I guess it is a defense mechanism."
Rory listened to him quietly. She took in all his words. It did make sense. How every time she felt comfortable, he'd turn rude. 
"Don't give up on him."
Rory darted her head towards him. Sam smiled at him. He had a soft smile. One that encouraged her. It was no wonder Harley had him around. He had a warm feeling about him.
"I mean," Rory smiled back. "I'll try not to." 
That made Sam laugh. 
Harley had just returned from the phone call and glowered at them. 
Sam, quickly noticing this, smirked to himself. "I can't wait to learn more about you, Rory!" He placed a hand on her shoulder.
Rory felt the blush creep to her cheeks. "Oh," she stammered. "Yeah, thanks." 
"Rory," Harley called out to her. Rory couldn't help but notice the slight demand in his tone. "Sam and I have plans."
"I should go then—"
"Why," asked Sam. "I like having her around. She can stay if she wants."
 Harley knew this was Sam's way of getting under his skin. He glared at him. He walked over to Rory, himself. Without any thought, he instinctively placed a hand on her upper back and began to escort her out. "Rory is tired and all you'll do is corrupt her." 
Rory not having much say in the situation found herself outside in the hallway. When she turned back she saw the mischievous smile plastered on Sam's face and the annoyed one on Harley's.
"Stay out of trouble," he grumbled at her before he shut the door.
At least that time he didn't slam it.