Chapter 7 #3
She shrugged. “Sure, see whatever you like at the museum. I’ll arrange tickets beforehand. How’s the day after the show?”
“How many days do we have?” Reno perked up, a dangerous idea forming in the back of his mind.
“Three. But the first day will be settling in before you play, then you leave on the third day in the evening, so you have one full free day.” Kandi said as she tore chunks of her bagel to dip into the cream cheese after coming up empty-handed on her search for plastic cutlery.
“Do you want to go to the museum with Arnaud?”
Reno tapped his toes against the floor, thinking. “No. I’ll make my own plans.”
Arnaud arched an eyebrow at him and Reno could spot the exact moment he decided not to ask in front of Kandi.
“Okay, ask the other boys for me, would you? I’ll get tickets. Thank you for the bagel.” She stood from the chair and took the rest of the bagel and cream cheese with her. “Twenty minutes until we leave, pack up.”
“Yes, Kandi,” they both said and she sent them a fond look before leaving the room.
“What are you planning?” Arnaud rounded on him immediately and Reno gave him a blank, innocent stare.
“Nothing, my love.” Reno smirked and went back to drinking his coffee. Arnaud gave him a disapproving once-over before starting to pack.
Reno finished his food in silence until it was time to go, then he grabbed his bag and did a scan of the motel room to make sure they weren’t forgetting anything. Outside the door, Arnaud and Sebastian were arguing.
“Please don’t make me,” Arnaud was whining, and Reno always thought that was hilarious. Sebastian wasn’t doing a great job at hiding his amusement either at getting their front man to complain. “I butcher it every time.”
Jaewon joined them with his bag on his shoulder. “It’s true, your Spanish is sinful, and I mean that in a bad way. You should be crucified for it.”
“Like yours is any better!” Arnaud pointed a finger at Jaewon who blinked at him in surprise.
“Tu deseas7,” he said and Sebastian started cackling.
“You’re both awful," Sebastian said through his laughter. “You can manage a few lines, though!” The corners of his honey brown eyes creased when he smiled and Reno took a second to appreciate how well he was aging. “I have the lyrics done already. If we practice together, you can do it.”
“The faith you have in me,” Arnaud spat out sarcastically and Jaewon broke down laughing. “Don’t you start, I swear if you make me sing in Korean next, I’ll—
“I’d never. I’d rather die than hear you fumble that. Reno’s the only one who gets to try.” Jaewon was still laughing as he pushed Arnaud out of the way to head down to the bus.
Arnaud glared at Reno like it was his fault.
“What?” Reno asked, slurping the end of his drink, fishing around for whipped cream. “It’s not that much different from Japanese.”
“Yes, it is,” Jaewon called out from the stairwell. “You’re just smarter than Arnaud.”
“He’s gonna make you do a rap-line in it one day.” Arnaud sneered, ignoring Jaewon’s insult. “We’ll see how helpful Japanese is then.”
“Boys! Come on!” Kandi was at the bus door, waving at them. “You can fight on the way!”
“She knows us too well,” Sebastian said, shouldering his duffel bag and pushing Reno and Arnaud towards the stairs.
On the bus, Reno took over the armchair, draping his legs over the side. The ride to Pittsburgh was only about three hours and he was grateful he wouldn’t be trapped in the bus all day. Maybe they would have time to do some sightseeing.
Luka
Handsome huh
good morning
good morning! We are on the road finally. Everyone is bickering this morning it is funny
its funny?
It is playful. Making Arnaud whine is a good time
uh huh… what are you doing to make him whine, reno
nothing like that lmao get your mind out of the gutter
you started this.
I have an idea
is it about whining?
Maybe, but it has nothing to do with Arnaud.
Ok, what's your idea?
Come to new york
Go on a date with me.
Reno felt his heart fluttering in his chest. It was a big ask. He knew that. But he had to take the risk or he’d regret it.
Luka
I can't afford that lol
You don't have to pay anything
I
I mean… when?
Next friday, sat and sun is when I will be in NYC. we play friday night, so maybe a saturday morning flight could work? I could have you home by sunday night.
thats a lot of travel for only one day
I'd be happy to pay for the hotel for the week and get you a later date back if you want a vacation.
I have to fly back to London on sunday night, though
Oh, um
Let me think about this real quick. Like, I want to say yes but 1. its pretty last minute and 2. should i really fly to another state to go on a date with a man i've only slept with once?
I'd hope so, but theres no pressure.
I'll give you an answer tonight
Okay :)
Reno clicked his phone off and decided to distract himself.
He pulled his acoustic guitar onto his lap and tried to recall the song he had worked on with Angel last night.
Soon, it flowed out of him, and he softly picked the melody out with his eyes closed.
While his fingers might have been moving through one song onto the next, his mind stayed firmly planted in all the things he wanted to do with Luka if he got to see him again.
1 Thanks
2 How fun,
3 Bye/later
4 Okay, it is death for you today
5 Mornings. The worst.
6 I know.
7 You wish,