Black & White (Colorful Sequel | H.S)|✔️

53

Everything happens in a blur. Before I know it, I'm packing up whatever little items I have with me and sitting in a private car with Harry.

He's taking me to Florida in his jet. According to him, this "news leak" is major. He says he's no longer giving me a choice and I have to tell my mom this weekend.

Ugh. I don't even see what the big deal is! It's not like anyone knows it's me in the photos.

"Stop giving me that look," Harry says, narrowing his eyes at me.

"What look?" I innocently ask.

"The one where you look like you want to kill me."

"I do," I reply flatly, dropping my clueless pretense. The last thing I want to do is go back home, especially right now. I'm not even mentally prepared for this. I always thought I'd plan months in advance for when the time came. I'd write down a whole apology speech for ghosting my own mother and whoever else I may accidentally encounter.

"El," he sighs, scooting closer and putting an arm around my shoulder. "Look, it's like a five-minute conversation. It'll be okay."

"Yeah, but it's going to be a whole Thanksgiving dinner!" I turn to him with eyes wide with realization. "What if she hates me? I've been an awful daughter! Everything would be so awkward."

"She could never hate you."

I groan because he has no idea. His mom loves him! He could murder fifty people and she'd still be all over him.

I miss Anne. It's been a long, long time since we've spoken.

I still send her flowers every Mother's Day–anonymous, of course. We've known each other for a short time but she's a sweet lady. I figured she'd assume the gift is from one of her children and be happy. I get the gratification and they'd get the credit. It's a win-win!

"And if she does," Harry continues, "then we'll just leave."

Right. I keep forgetting he has certain privileges that I'd never have. For example, hopping on a plane or booking a hotel room super last minute. If he wasn't here, my wallet wouldn't even dare open.

If he wasn't here, I wouldn't be in this mess.

"Fine," I grumble because it's clear I don't have a choice either way.

"She'll love you," he says before he presses his lips to my temple.

"I think you're getting your hopes up. She probably won't even be there. She'll work, just like she does every year. Lily and I used to eat turkey sandwiches. Sandwiches!"

"Then you'll luck out."

He really has the answers for everything, doesn't he? "Don't you have family to visit?" I grumble as I stubbornly cross my arms.

His eyes crinkle and he tilts his head, gauging to see whether I'm being serious. When I remain completely stoic, he heaves a sigh and drops his head into his hands. "Love, it's an American holiday."

"Right," I drawl, feeling stupid. "Sorry, I may or may not have lost brain cells trying to make arguments today. Or maybe it's all that hair spray Medusa used on me when she used to help me get ready."

"It's fine, I like you without brain cells."

"Gee, thanks," I sarcastically reply before dropping my head on to his shoulder. "I'm sleepy."

I don't even have time to take a short nap. Everything from here on out happens in a whirlwind. We pull into a private airport. Someone takes our bags from the back. The two of us are led throughout twisting corridors until we're on a runway. A familiar jet is docked out front and center in all its glory. A smile appears on my face as Harry grabs me by the elbow and leads me up the stairs.