Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

21 -

Ellie woke up slowly, savoring a well-deserved sleep-in. The night had been restful after the dinner last night, and she felt more relaxed than at the beginning of the tour. This morning, she'd planned a video call with her friends from Portland, Joan and Aubrey, and she was especially excited to see Livai, her dog, who she missed terribly.

Comfortably settled on her bed, she picked up her phone and started the call. Within seconds, the smiling faces of Joan and Aubrey appeared on screen, followed by a close-up of Livai, his nose pressed against the camera.

Joan: "Yo Ellie, how's the star doing?"

Ellie: "Hey guys, I'm good, and you? I miss you all so much, Livai too..."

Aubrey: "We can tell. Look at him, he's looking for you through the screen!"

Livai laid his ears back and sniffed the screen, making Ellie smile. She started talking to him as if she were right next to him.

Ellie: "Hi, my love, does mommy miss you?"

Joan: "Don't worry, we're taking good care of him, even if he's a little weirdo!"

Ellie: "You must get along with him well."

Joan: "You got funnier on your trip or what?"

Aubrey: "Okay, stop, tell us everything! How's it going? Are you getting along with everyone?"

Ellie: "Everyone's amazing. I kinda made a bestie with the photographer, Kate, she's so cool. And Billie..."

Ellie smiled. At that moment, her phone vibrated a little, and she noticed an message from Billie.

Ellie: "Speaking of which..."

Aubrey: "What? Billie's messaging you? Are you two like BFFs now?"

Ellie: "BFFs is a big word, she just sent a message asking what time we're doing lunch today."

Joan: "You're having lunch with Billie Eilish? Wedding soon maybe?"

Ellie: "Joan, don't even start. But seriously, we get along so well, she's honestly so cool. You guys would totally hit it off with her."

Aubrey: "I bet."

After sharing a few more stories, especially about the Vogue party, Ellie said goodbye and checked Billie's message.

Billie: "What time are we meeting for lunch?"

Ellie: "12:30, is that good?"

Billie: "Perfect! See you soon ;)"

Ellie smiled at the reply and sent Kate a message to let her know the meeting time. Then she got ready quickly, took a shower, and met up with Kate in her room.

Kate: "Hey! All good? Ready for a solid meal with the O'Connells?"

Ellie: "Yep, I'm starving, feels like I haven't eaten in days."

Kate: "Don't even get me started."

They headed to the hotel restaurant where Billie and Finneas were already waiting for them. Sitting at a table by the window, they were joking around, looking relaxed.

Billie: "Hey girls!"

Ellie: "Hey! How's it going?"

Finneas: "Pretty good, we're just looking forward to finally eating something other than sad sandwiches."

Billie: "Yeah, gas station vegan options aren't exactly top-notch."

They joked around a bit before getting up to grab food from the buffet. The restaurant had a wide selection, but Billie seemed torn between several dishes.

Billie: "Argh, I wanna try everything, but I don't know what I can actually eat."

Ellie: "Don't worry, we'll figure it out, want me to help?"

Billie: "You're sweet, but don't bother, I'll just ask the server."

She asked a server who confirmed what she could eat. Ellie joined her at the sushi stand a moment later.

Billie: "Avocado sushi will be my first victim."

Ellie: "Make that two, I also spotted an amazing ice cream machine, if I have room after this."

Billie: "Yeah, I saw it too, and according to the server they have vegan ice cream, I'm getting myself a huge one."

Ellie: "Now? You haven't even started your sushi yet!"

Billie: "There's no right order for food, let me make you one, you won't regret it."

Ellie: "I'll wait and see."

Billie whipped up two huge ice cream sundaes with a generous dose of peanut butter and whipped cream. Ellie looked at her, amused by her lightheartedness. She looked like a kid.

Billie: "Here you go, madam!" said Billie, handing her the overflowing bowl with a playful grin.

Ellie: "Thanks, it's beautiful, I'm honestly moved."

They joined Kate and Finneas at the table, and the conversation quickly turned to the upcoming concert.

Ellie: "You ready for Baltimore?"

Finneas: "Yeah, we've got a few more rehearsals, but it should be fine. We always try to bring something new to each show."

Billie: "I'm so pumped, Baltimore always has this special energy, it's one of my favorite places to perform."

Ellie: "You say that about every city, don't you?"

Billie: "Okay, I do say that a lot, but you'll see for yourself, the vibe is insane."

Ellie: "I have another question."

Billie: "Tell me"

Ellie: "You seem to spend a lot of time with your fans, doesn't it tire you out?"

Billie shook her head with a smile: "Honestly, I love it. Even if I'm tired, it's worth it. I can't help but want to give them a special moment."

Kate: "That's really sweet, not a lot of artists take that time."

Billie: "Yeah, but you know, I always think that if I were in their shoes, I'd love it if an artist took a few seconds for me too."

Finneas: "Billie would've probably killed for Justin Bieber to do that for her back in the day."

Billie: "Hey, don't spill my secrets, man."

The conversation kept flowing, light and warm, full of jokes and stories. Finneas shared touring tales, Billie laughed at every joke from her brother, and Ellie and Kate felt totally comfortable, like they were with old friends.

Finneas: "That was fun, should we do this again soon?"

Ellie: "I'd love to."

They parted ways after a warm round of goodbyes, thrilled by the enjoyable meal and looking forward to the concert in two days.