Palas

46. "I'll come with you."

"How was your flight?" I ask James as we settle down in the van.

"Good," he answers and gives me a faint smile.

I sigh when I start the engine, looking in my rearview mirror to see his four friends.

The nicest is Ricky who sometimes even dares to make a joke to me. He also likes Sage which might also be a reason why he's warmed up to me. Tom is a quiet one, speaks to no one really. Why he's their friend is a mystery. I guess they bully him when I'm not around. Nick is a true cocky dick. Always thinks he's the best at everything. I will never forgot the time I beat him at darts at the local pub. Since then he hasn't even talked to me. And then there's Joe, Nick's second hand. Says whatever Nick wants to say but won't because of his pride. Real baby's, but still my boyfriend's mates so I smile to them in the mirror and exit the parking lot.

"Real cool van," Joe says and I bite my lip in preparation for what comes next. I know that after every compliment comes a bitchy comment. "Is it your boyfriend's?"

So I guess James told them. They're his friends so he has every right to do so, but what surprises me is that James doesn't react to it. He just simply stares ahead, ignoring his friends hurtful remark and waiting for my response.

"It's my boss's really, but my roommate gets to use it," I explain not feeling the need to fuel their hate towards me any further.

This does surprise James and he looks to me, really looks to me since the first time I left England and he waved me goodbye from Heathrow. His blue eyes sparkle and he's as handsome as ever with a baseball cap on his bald head. He's insecure about it, but I think he rocks the look. He has been growing a little beard which makes him look even prettier and I want to kiss his pink lips so badly. But I have to restrain myself and not push things with him. But then my eyes fall on his large hands and I can't hide it.

My cheeks turn a flaming red as I look back to the road and drown out the noises from the back. Never have I ever felt this way. Is this what it feels like to be horny? If so then I rather get it over with.

I shift in my seat, uncomfortable under James's gaze. The ride to their hotel is slightly different. The back of it is at the road towards my flat. So instead of going left, I follow the main street a bit further than usual to find the biggest hotel of Palas. It is called Palas Hotel for a reason.

It isn't hard to miss. The large building is white but every balcony has a different color. I didn't notice that when I went around the back to steal food with Niall one night.

"Looks really good," James says as he interrupts my thought. He squeezes my hand for a tiny moment and I can't help but freeze up. "Thanks for bringing us."

"Yeah, sure."

"Maybe we can go to diner later?" He wonders, but my appetize is gone as soon as he asks.

"They got a great buffet here though. I once stool food," I tell him and they guys in the back all gasp for air as if it they hear that girls have vaginas for the first time. I know they're mocking me.

"I can eat there tomorrow. They guys don't mind if we go on a little date. I think we deserved it right?" Joe doesn't seem to think so as he fakes to puke and gets out of the van to grab the luggage from the back.

"Okay," I answer him.

"Good, let me first put my things in the room and stuff and then we'll go okay?"

"Okay," I repeat and get out of the van with him to walk in to the lobby of the hotel.

Literally everything shines and reflects light and for a moment I am blinded by the white large desk wear Elena greets us.