8. Hayden
HAYDEN
Iswear, if Nese touched me with a feather, I’d be on the floor. Did Río really say he wants to sleep? Whatever, I’m not fighting him on this one.
Leaving the band to grab my purse, I overhear Luke telling them to be in the lobby tomorrow by one because Nese is taking them shopping.
Nese and I talked about this outing during the concert.
Even though she picked up nice things in Italy, the stylist in her wants to add new items from Barcelona.
With a quick wave to a woman who I’m quickly thinking of as a good friend, I adjust my camera strap and rejoin Río.
I’m almost afraid to ask if he’s changed his mind. When I approach him, he’s telling Tris to have fun tonight. Guess we’ll both get some quality sleep tonight. For the first time since Rome. My body needs it.
“Luke got us a car,” the talented drummer says.
“Thanks.” I nearly double check that he wants to end the night, but decide against it. Not looking a gift horse in the mouth.
We say our goodbyes—Luke gives me a thumbs-up while Jenna hugs me—and soon we’re whisked through the streets of Barcelona. We cross the ornate lobby, my fingers twitching to capture it with my camera proper, but I manage to go directly to the elevator with Río. So far, so good.
In the suite, Río collapses on the sofa. Damn. I only need to get him into his room and I’ll be golden. He picks up the remote and the TV comes to life. “I’m going to watch something, then I’ll go to bed. You don’t have to wait up.”
Both his tone and relaxed posture give me pause. If this were anyone else, I’d say “See you in the morning,” and celebrate my good fortune. But this is Río. How can I trust he won’t slip out and cause a major uprising?
“Nah.” I flounce onto the other end of the sofa. “I’m up for some television.”
He shrugs his naked shoulder, the muscles bulging. Well, he did just have a three-hour workout behind the drums. He puts on a comedy featuring Will Ferrell, and tosses the remote on the sofa. Within ten minutes, he is snoring.
Huh. Guess he really was tired.
I want to sleep in my bed, which seemed very comfortable last night even though I was on high alert.
However, I’m still suspicious Río won’t wake up and roam through Barcelona.
After sharing a photo of the sleeping drummer with my bestie in LA, I readjust myself and pull a throw blanket over my body.
The sofa it is.
The next morning, my cellphone alarm goes off at nine o’clock and my eyelids flutter open. I shove the blanket off myself; aware I’m still wearing the outfit from last night. Because I slept in the living room with Río.
Río!
I bolt upright, and almost collapse when I see the drummer sleeping like a child. He looks innocent. Nothing at all like the mischievous rabble-rouser I’ve gotten to know.
Leaving him sleeping on the sofa, I go into my room and take a shower.
Since Río’s going clothes shopping with Nese this afternoon, I put on a fun dress I picked up at a thrift store in North Carolina.
I step into pair of sensible shoes that will be good on the cobblestones.
A warm cardigan to stave off the slight chill is added.
When I return to the living room area, Río’s gone. Panic mode sets in for a split-second, before I hear his shower running. I collapse onto the sofa and my thumping heart slows down. He’s still here. My job is still going strong. I’m still in the running to win Bennett’s bet.
Standing, I fold the throw blanket and try to FaceTime my sister but get the automated “this person is unavailable” message, so I go to the wet bar and make coffee.
Remembering he had room service for “breakfast” yesterday, I order us a couple of Spanish omelets, a side of chorizo—since he seemed to enjoy it before their concert—and juice. Plus, more churros.
When Río re-enters the main living area of the suite, his hair is wet. Thankfully, he’s wearing a shirt today and a pair of light blue jeans that fit him like a glove. Not that I notice such things.
Shaking my head, I offer him a cup of coffee and sip mine. The doorbell rings, and Río answers it, then directs the steward to set up in the dining room again. When we’re alone, I remark, “I’m surprised you want to eat in the dining room. I had you pegged for a by the television type of guy.”
“Hey.” He takes issue with my statement. “I have manners.”
“That you do.” I dunk my churro into the hot chocolate and take a bite, licking the yummy goodness off my fingers.
Río watches me. Without warning, he stands and sticks his hand into my churros. Swiping it into the chocolate, he makes a big show out of enjoying it.
I scowl at him. “I didn’t ask if you wanted one.”
“You did yesterday. By the way you were sucking it off, I figured this was the least offensive option.”
“Oh.” My mind scrambles to catch up with his potty mouth.
The rest of the meal goes by in silence.
When we’re done, I jump to my feet and clear the table. “I’ll be ready to go to the lobby and meet up with everyone in five.” I rush into the bathroom and stare at my reflection. Color still lingers on my cheeks. Damn man. He said that about the churros in order to get a rise out of me.
It doesn’t matter. My job is simply to make sure Río doesn’t get into trouble.
Returning into the suite, Río waits for me by the door. He did something to his hair, as it’s now more styled. He’s hot. He knows it.
The door opens. “After you.”
“Thanks.” He can be sweet and sexy all he wants. I have a job to do. Money to earn.
Together, we make our way down to the lobby with ten minutes to spare. Since I brought my camera thinking I could get some good shots for socials, I might as well take advantage. Río sits in one of the chairs, and I capture several photos of the impressive entranceway.
“What’cha doing?”
I turn toward Nese. “I love photography. I’ve been taking lots of pictures of this great lobby.” Turning the camera, I show her previews.
She flips through several. “Wow. You’re good at this.”
“Thanks.”
My true passion lies with photography, which was my major in college.
If my parents hadn’t died, I would still be pursuing a career in it.
But life moves in mysterious ways. I was able to transfer a lot of my experience into marketing.
This job opened up and I was lucky to land it.
At least I can still indulge in my “hobby” from time to time.
“So, are you excited for today’s outing?”
“For me, it’s work,” she replies. “Herding all of UC can be a challenge, but I’m down for that. I have a list of shops we should hit. And by list, I mean one store. The boys can’t take it any longer.”
I smile. Nese is a good egg. She probably could shop for the band without any of them present, yet this outing makes sense. Plus, it’s a smart way to keep them together and out of trouble for the afternoon.
We return to the lobby where everyone has gathered. Luke checks his watch. “Alright. You were only half an hour late.”
Río exclaims, “Which means we’re early!”
Without missing a beat, Luke adds, “Nese has one place for us to check out, then you’ll be on your own until soundcheck tonight. So, the sooner you get this over with, the sooner you can enjoy free time.”
Río’s the first to his feet. “All right! I’m ready! How about you, Coop?”
Coop takes his sunglasses from the front of his shirt. “Let’s see what Nese can find for us this time.”
We walk out and follow Nese through several windy streets, pass some more than amazing architectural facades, until she stops outside a storefront. She claps her hands. “Listen up. Go in and take a look around. I’ll stop by each of you to finalize your purchases.” Everyone files by her.
Bennett and Jenna head one way, while the other four men lumber in the opposite direction. Even though I’d love to spend more time with Jenna, I need to stay attached to Río. He picks up a few pairs of jeans, a nice belt, and some boots.
I approach him. “How about a few more shirts?”
“I guess I should,” he grumbles. “I do appreciate not causing a stir.” He pulls out a soft green. “What do you think?”
My index finger runs over my lips. “I like the material, but I think you’d do better with more jewel colors. How about royal blue?”
“You know, Nese said the same thing to me.” He returns the shirt and holds up a purple one. “What about this?”
I smile. “Oh! I like it.”
“Great. I’ll take it and the blue one.” He puts two shirts over his arm. “Okay. I’m done. This is killing me.”
“You’ve been here for like ten minutes.” I could never imagine such a short shopping spree. I spent two hours with my sister looking for a singular dress recently.
“Which is nine too long. Come over here with me.” He walks toward an oversized chair and sits down, letting his new clothes drape over his body.
He looks adorable. Without thought, I pick up my camera and take several shots. I bet fans would love to see this side of the band. “Stay here.” I approach 007, Coop, and Tris and snap photos of them shopping. When I walk over to Bennett, Jenna’s holding up a green sweater against his torso.
She smiles at me. “Oh, Hayden. Perfect. What do you think?”
“Looks great. Matches his eyes.” I’m not a stylist, but even a blind person could see that. Bennett can be many things, but hard on the eyes he is not.
“Fine,” he grumbles. “Are you done?”
When Jenna nods, he takes his new clothes and lumbers toward the rest of the band. Jenna and I exchange glances, trying not to laugh. I lean closer. “Guess all the guys feel the same way.”
“All but Tristan,” she replies, and we both look at the most fashionable member of UC. She continues, “Nese makes the rest of them go shopping every so often, I think, as a way to teach them to take better care of their clothes.” She waves at Nese, across the store.
Since I have Jenna almost to myself, I ask, “Everything good back in Aroostook? No more spiders, I presume?” I refer to the graffiti she had to deal with a couple of months ago.
“All done, thanks to Bennett and your great PR team. I really appreciate your helping with the bumper stickers. They were a big help.”
“If I remember correctly, you played a major role in creating them. It was a team effort.” I nod toward her other half. “I’m happy everything worked out for you guys.”
She gives me a hug. “It was a long road, but we’re here now. I feel so blessed.”
Nese motions for Jenna to help her as she works with Bennett, so I join Río. “What did Nese say?”
“She liked it all. Appreciate the help. Sometimes these things can drag on for hours, and I don’t really give a shit, you know?”
By “hours,” my guess is thirty minutes, but I keep my thought to myself. “Happy to be of service.”
Nese waves me over. “Excuse me, I’ll be right back.” I cross the room. “What’s up? Looks like everyone has their new clothes well in hand.”
“They do. But I found one more thing.” She holds up a gold and white dress with a scarf-edge bottom and a halter top. “This will look amazing on you.”
“Oh Nese. This is beautiful!” I allow my fingers to skim over the soft material, picturing the gorgeous dress on my body. I flip the price tag and reality sets in. If only. I shake my head. “I don’t have any place to wear such a thing.”
“Of course you do. You’re at a UC concert almost every night. Followed by a different club.” She shakes the hanger.
I long to cradle the dress against my body but resist the temptation. What will make my tenacious friend back off? “I have plenty of clothes.”
“Girl! No one has enough clothes.” Her gaze darts over to the shoe section, then her face brightens. “OMG. These heels would look fab with it. Here.” She shoves the dress at my chest and scampers toward the shoes.
For one second, I move to a full-length mirror and allow the dress to lie against my body.
I adore the hemline as much as the halter.
This dress isn’t meant for work, though, which is what going to concerts and clubs is for me.
Besides, no way do I have the money to pay for it. I blink several times, then sigh.
Nese returns to my side carrying pretty gold shoes that do, in fact, match the dress. “You have to try these on! Prove I’m the best stylist around.”
What harm can come of trying this on? “I’m not buying this outfit,” I protest. As she pushes me toward the dressing rooms, I notice the band surrounding the registers. “I better not. Looks like the band is checking out.”
One pierced eyebrow rises. “From what I see, we have another fifteen minutes before they’re done.” She shoves me into the stall. “Just hurry!”
Inside the private room, I hang up the dress and take a long breath. If only I didn’t have financial responsibilities and could purchase such a frivolous item. I shake my head. I love my sister—she’s worth it.
Nese calls from the waiting area. “Hurry up!”
I stop woolgathering, strip, and slip the dress over my head. I zip it up most of the way, then complete the look with the shoes. Which are about two sizes too big. Leaving them on the floor, I open the door. “The shoes don’t fit.”
She waves. “I’ll find another pair. The dress is divine. Turn around.”
I allow myself to indulge in the experience. Which is free. I face away from her.
“Stop!” Nese rushes forward and finishes zipping it up. “There. Perfect. It was made for you. Now spin.”
I follow her instructions, wishing I could make her happy and add it to my wardrobe. Guess my dress will have to be someone else’s. Noise over at the registers catches my attention. “Let me take it off. UC’s finishing up.” I offer her my back, which she unzips.
In the dressing room, I change into my own, tired clothes. I purchased most of my entire wardrobe from local thrift stores before the tour took me away from my work-from-home clothing of leggings and oversized t-shirts. This singular dress costs two times more than everything in my luggage.
“I’ll let them know we have one more thing.”
“I wish. I told you before I can’t buy this, Nese.” Might as well be honest. “It’s too expensive.” I return the dress to its hanger and give it one last, longing look. Maybe in another life. On impulse, I grab my camera and click. I’ll put it on my vision board. Someday.
In the waiting area, the band assembles around Nese.
Time to return to being Río’s babysitter.
I pause. He’s been pretty easygoing actually.
Aside from the first night when he went out to a club, he hasn’t tried to pull anything.
Is he changing his ways … or is he overdue?
This notion propels me out of the dressing room fast.
The drummer’s never quiet for long.