Tolerate

chapter fifteen

After a night filled with laughter and fun, we all slept in for about an extra hour or two before waking up to prepare for the long drive ahead of us.

"Do you want to come to the show tonight?" Reneè asks as she does her mascara in the hotel mirror.

I smile softly as I sit on the counter, admiring her. "I'd love to go and watch you perform."

Renee looks at me and grins, finishing up her lashes. She walks over and pulls me to the edge of the counter, her hands on my waist. "Did you have fun last night?" I nod and touch her face gently. "I didn't make you uncomfortable did I?"

I shake my head immediately, "No, you could never make me uncomfortable." My voice stays soft and reassuring.

Renee leans into my touch, "Did you fake it?"

I pause for a moment, wondering what she's referring to.. but then I remember. "No.." I whisper.

She looks into my eyes before glancing at my lips. I'm about to speak when she pulls away from me and walks out of the bathroom.

—

"What's your name baby?" Reneè says with a big smile as she sits down on the edge of the stage, talking to one of her fans. "Paige? Everybody say hiiiii Paige."

The crowd immediately repeats after Reneè without a second thought. The girl named Paige that stands in front of Reneè seems starstruck.

"Could you please read what your sign says for me?" Reneè asks and tilts the microphone towards the girl.

"Please wrap your legs around my neck."

The crowd erupts with cheers as Reneè stands back up on the stage. "Well, since you said please." She pretends to tease, making a few of her fans laugh and the others cheer louder.

"Alright alright." She says to quiet down her fans. "I have a special guest here tonight everyone." I watch as she hops off the stage and walks over to the VIP booth where Towa and I are sitting. "She's been my best friend for a very long time."

I grin as I come face to face with Renee who leans against the railing with that twinkle in her eye. "And I'd love for her to introduce the next song for me."

We both share a grin as Towa sits behind me with a knowing smirk. "Introduce yourself first, honey." Reneè tilts the microphone towards me.

"Um, I'm Harper?" I say nervously and the crowd cheers.

Renee giggles, "And do you know what song is next, babe?"

"Too Well! Obviously!" I say with a huge smile that makes Reneè laugh. God she's so pretty.

She kisses my cheek before running back towards the stage and performs one of her most well known songs, even though it's her own personal least favorite of her songs. Secretly, It's in my top five.

After the concert ends, Towa heads back to the hotel with the others not even bothering with the after party. Renee and I went out for a walk in the city. Some people recognize her and ask for photos but it's mostly a very relaxing evening.

We come across a little playground and sit down on the swings, just like we used to do when we were younger.

"I know I say this a lot.. but I really missed you." Reneè says softly as her swing creaks.

I look over at the blonde with a soft sigh, my breath like fog in the cold nights air. "I really missed you too, Reneè."

Our eyes remain on each others for a moment before she abruptly stands up and holds out her hand, I take it and she pulls me up to stand in front of her.

Our breathing syncs due to our close proximity. Her warm hand rests on my cheek and the moment I've been waiting for, for the past month, is finally happening as our lips slowly meet.

My hands curl into fists at my sides, not knowing what to do with them due to my nervousness. Renee pulls away first and looks into my eyes, "Was that okay..?" She whispers incredibly soft.

I nod and pull her back in, my hesitant hands now confidently grasp her waist and tug her closer. Our lips meet once more with urgency instead of fear.

Renee's hands cradle my face gently before she pulls away and smiles softly, "I've been wanting to do that since I first saw you at the lounge..."

I return her smile, "You should've done it much sooner."

She kisses my forehead, "Let's get back to the hotel."

—

When we get back to our hotel, we find Vienna sitting in the lounge of the main sitting area alone on her phone.

"V?" I walk closer and plop down beside her, Reneè stands over by the elevator waiting for it to open. "Why are you down here? It's late."

"Oh good luck sleeping up there. Towa and Layne are sharing a room together and let's just say.. Layne may talk a lot of shit but she's a huge bottom."

My eyebrows raise, "They're fucking?"

"Couldn't you tell?"

I look toward Reneè who shrugs, "Wanna go scope it out?" She asks as the elevator doors open.

"I'll head up too, they'd have to be done by now."

We all load into the small elevator and get out when we reach the 4th floor. It's quiet. Vienna shuffles off into her room and Renee and I go into ours.

I set my wallet and car keys down on the dresser and go to take off my jacket but Reneè grabs my waist and pulls me into her. Her move is shocking at first but quickly, I melt in her kiss.

Her hands help me remove my jacket as our lips dance together. Once my coat is on the floor, my hands cup her face and she pulls me closer.

I pull away and look into her eyes for a moment before I grasp the hem of my tshirt and pull it over my head. Renee lets out a shaky breath as her hands slide up my bare waist. "God you're so beautiful.." She whispers and admires me before her hands tremble and her throat bobs with a gulp. "Harper.."

"Yeah?" I ask softly and softly graze my nose against hers.

Her eyes flicker down to my cleavage then back up to my eyes. "Can I..." Her hands hover over my bra.

I gently grab her wrists and guide them onto my chest. "You don't have to ask."

"I don't want to make you uncomfortable." She answers quietly, still hesitant to touch me.. so I take a step closer so our bodies press against each other. "Are you sure this is okay?"

"I'm sure."