Broken Things

Chapter 17

HPOV:

I woke up tangled in sheets as I slowly opened my eyes. The sun was bright against the clear blue sky and it was nice to see that the clouds had finally cleared away. I was better with the sun.

I closed my eyes again as I felt soft lips on my shoulder. I rolled over and Stevie was buried in the blankets. Her eyes were tired but she gave me a warm smile. I brushed her hair away from her face and kissed her forehead.

"What time do you start today?"

She groaned, "I have to get up and shower soon. I told Ross that I would be there before noon but I really don't want to move."

"Then don't," I said, running my fingers along her bare arm. I watched the bumps rise and she shivered.

"You have to stop doing that. It isn't helping at all," she laughed and started to get up, keeping the sheet wrapped around her.

"No, stay," I whined, pulling on the sheet.

"Harry," she laughed again as she tugged back, "I have to get ready. I can't cancel on him again."

"I don't like sharing," and I pulled harder.

"You're ridiculous, Harry. Besides, you already have me," she winked. My smile grew wide. I liked hearing that, especially from her.

"Although, he is quite the charmer," she said, cunningly. At that, I tugged on the sheet and she fell back onto the bed. Her laugh rang out as I wrapped my arms around her from behind and pulled her back into me.

"Harry, you're not helping at all," she said while I started to kiss the back of her neck.

"I know," I smiled in between kisses.

"Come on now," she turned over to face me. I rolled my eyes and let out a sigh. She giggled and landed a light kiss on the tip of my nose. I loosened my arms and she got up, gathered some clothes, and went into the bathroom.

When I heard the water start, I pulled the cover over my head and let my eyes grow heavy, only to be awoken again by my phone. Reluctantly, I got out from under the covers and pulled out my phone from the pocket of my jeans.

"Paul," I answered.

"Hey Harry, uh I got some news for ya and I'm not quite sure how you're going to take it."

"What do you mean?" I said, slightly distracted as I gathered my clothes that were scattered throughout the room.

"Well, they've put in another show before the one here so we're not staying here as long as we thought," he said quickly.

"What?" I had stopped before I was able to pull my shirt on. I was confused and it was taking a moment to register what he was telling me.

"Another show? But they didn't say anything last night about it," I said, "Why?" 

"I don't know, Harry. A change of scenery might be good for you though," he said but I knew that's what they had told him to say. That's why he was calling me. They always thought that if he were to tell me, then I would take it better. But not this time. 

"What about Stevie?" I turned around to listen. The water was still running and I was pretty sure I could hear her singing.

"She'll be there when you get back. Besides, I think you'll be fine without her for a few weeks." What?

"A few weeks? Paul, where are we going?" A few weeks. Was he serious? 

"We're going west. California."

"California?! Paul, I can't last a fucking day without her. What makes you think I can last a few weeks?" I couldn't believe this was happening. Wait, yes I could. I was distracted and they saw that. They knew I wasn't focusing so they were going to try and take away the stimulant. Of course.