Taste (H.S. / A.U.)

Chapter 57

DOUBLE UPDATE: Chapter 57-58

ELOISE DUPONT

In a word: exhausted.

After leaving the venue, much later than everyone else Harry had taken us back to the hotel as he promised. I had a very subpar shower in the venue bathroom which was clouded over with too much steam and some highly hideous teal tilework. Once I found myself in some leftover merch that Harry deemed as clean clothes, he pushed us both into a black SUV that awaited to take us back. 

The softness of the hotel bed knew no bounds, because it felt like heaven after the longest day ever. A sweet melody mixed together of highs and lows that all surrounded my feelings, a little more than I expected to have.

I used a solidary finger to push the shades further up the bridge of my nose. The sun was too bright despite the fact it was barely raising in the sky. Sunrises were normally beautiful and welcomed, but not today and not by me.

The way the sun shone across the stretch, the black asphalt felt like it went on for forever. Harry left before I was even awake, having to go and check in on the rest of the band and make sure they made it on time. While walking across the nearly empty and darkened tarmac, I see Mitch in the distance double checking luggage on a cart with Pauli. The two seemed to be the best at planning and organizing things, so it made sense they were going to be out here making sure things were set up before we all took off, Harry just being the backup.

The moment Harry and Ricky both made note that we had flights the next morning from France to Spain, they together conjured up a new plan. They vetoed our tickets, getting refunds while Harry called up his pilot to let them know they are leaving an hour earlier with three extra guests and a pitstop in Barcelona. Despite Harry needing to be in Madrid, it was only a short flight from there to Barcelona and he insisted it would be the best option for everyone.

I bet the sap just wanted a little more time together, but that is fine by me, so I won't say a word about it.

Somehow, this marvelous plan led everyone to a bright and early seven am flight with tired eyes, lots of sweatpants, an abundance of coffee cups in hands, and quietness. Everyone was still waking up, speaking in hushed tones, everyone but Jade. She was walking at least five steps ahead of me, eyeing the private jet that she reminded me three times on the way here of just how much she loved.

Jade's cascade of long, straight black hair matched her skin-tight leggings and cropped hoodie. I don't even want to know how early she woke up to look that good, because personally, I think I woke up four minutes before I had to be out the door, and that was pushing it.

Jade's face came into view, turning enough to yell back at me over the sound of the humming jet engine ahead. "I know, convenient or whatever because we are all going to Spain, but honestly, this is insane! The pop-star boyfriend strikes again Elle. He's continuing to grow on me you know. Honestly, your best boyfriend yet."

I was already shaking my head at her statement. Not like Harry had a lot of competition in that department, but also she knew what she said. The wheels of my luggage bounced along behind me. "Not my boyfriend." I yell to her, reminding her again, just like I did during breakfast yesterday morning. She shrugs, ignoring it while Ricky gives me a thumbs up for standing up for myself.

Thank you Ricky... you are one hundred percent a golden retriever puppy, I love you.

I was just glad that Ricky didn't give his input. I didn't need another round of their loving bromance, it was overwhelming really. All these years we never realized how much Ricky only hung with the girls, but now it was super obvious because he finally had his very own lil' boyfriend.