Down at the second floor, Rico had rushed back to the studio and now sat beside Jessi, both with crossed fingers. Amanda stood sulking off to one side, Sofia’s presence still infuriated her a lot. She just couldn’t understand what the deal was between her and Ryan. “Ryan? Are you there?” Sofia called out once more, he hadn’t responded. She sighed and walked away from the door, sticking her hands in the pouch of her apron. She suddenly stopped in her tracks, facing the door. *But what if something had happened?* One hand went to her mouth. *What if he’d done something to himself?* She rushed to the door. This time she banged on the door successively, yelling his name. Her hand flew to the handle but she hesitated a split second, *Would Ryan really harm himself?* Suddenly, the door swung open, startling her. Ryan immediately pulled her in, embracing her tightly. “I thought I lost you." He whispered as she sobbed silently against him, her body rocking as she took breaths to steady he
Sofia walked back to the sitting room, a few steps behind Jessi. She noticed her lowered shoulders as well as the slower stride and hoped it was just fatigue. She hugged her arms around herself, following Jessi sheepishly while wondering if she was in the wrong. Rico scanned both faces as they came in and cleared his throat loudly, interrupting Ryan’s attempt at a joke. “Uhmm, I think I left my bag in the studio,” Jessi said. Her lips hinted at a smile that should’ve existed. She avoided all eye contact and turned to leave. “You can get it while you’re leaving. It’s not…” Rico practically jumped to his feet. “I’m leaving already,” she interjected, cutting him short. “You two are leaving together?” Ryan asked. “No,” she immediately replied. It was cool but silently shocking. They exchanged glances, but the girls avoided looking at each other and Jessi left for the elevator. “Care to explain what just happened?” Rico asked, collapsing in his seat as the elevator doors shu
Ryan pulled up across the road from the apartment and turned off the engine, leaving the key in the ignition."You haven't said a word since we left the cafe. What's up?""I quit," she breathed."You quit the cafe? So that means you're shooting the show?""No," she stressed, sitting up to face him. "It means that I'm ready to give this, to give us, a chance"Ryan exhaled, his habit coming into play."What? I was being too cheesy right?" She asked, flushing scarlet. "Say something," she urged, avoiding his gaze.His right hand caressed her chin, turning her to face him."You weren't being cheesy, I just wanted to capture this moment. I've longed to hear you say those words right from the red carpet," Ryan said, fixing his gaze first on her eyes, slowly, his gaze swept down to those luscious lips, and "coincidentally", she had to moisten them, running her tongue over those pink lips as the sexual tension built up between them.The ensuing silence soon gave way for a weak but sufficient g
"Heard you were back in town." "And you are?" James asked, there was no caller ID. He balanced the files he held in one arm and walked towards his car in the lot. "Behind you." James turned. David Richards stood a few meters away. A hedge of beautiful plants separated them from each other and a gardener worked them with his shears. People milled about going in or coming out of the bank, some were walking by, the traffic was bustling and a few relaxed on benches around. Dave waved him over but James hesitated. He'd just left a bank and shaking hands with Dave Richards of all people would leave him open to a paparazzi/tabloid feast. One that could potentially lead to unnecessary questions and he knew it, especially after the issue with the video. He could already imagine the headlines. However, Dave walked up to him and stretched out an arm for a shake. James exhaled, glancing both ways before taking the outstretched arm. Dave was pressing a crumpled piece of paper into his palm. He
She sang a cheery tune as she went through her morning routine, the sun filtering through a slightly open window in soft golden rays. They had called her back, and she was excited. She just had this positive feeling about it. She was going to get the job. "Jeez, babe," Alicia turned. A sleepy Tanya stood in the hallway, her tousled hair and slightly oversize pajamas giving her a disoriented look. "Tone it down a bit, we know you're so eager to 'work'," Tanya said with air quotes, "But some of us are trying to get some sleep." "What does 'work' mean?" "Pfft," Tanya scoffed, "Come on we both know you're only excited you get to spend time with your low-budget 'Shawn Mendes'." Alicia cleared her throat, returning to the dishes she'd moved to the sink, "First off, you need to stop using air quotes, especially since you're the only one that calls him that. Second, I've not even gotten the job, and third, I'm not... No, that's not the reason I want to work there," she finally complete
“D*mn,” Sofia swore, glancing at her phone. It read 13:30. She was on her third bowl of cereal and had watched the series up to the current episode. Normally by this time, she’d be at work… She sighed. Just then someone knocked. “A moment,” she sang out. She dropped the bowl on the table and got up, wiping her mouth with the back of her palm. “Who’s there?” “It’s me, Tanya.” “Oh,” Sofia replied. She undid the locks and let her in, closing the door behind her. “Thought the house would be empty by now,” she chuckled. “I’m on the late-night shift today so… It’s probably just us, though I was on my way out to get groceries,” Tanya replied, reclining against the sofa she’d chosen. “Oh, ok. Wanna drink something or…?” “Nah, I’m cool. Heard you quit…” Sofia sighed and came to sit by her bowl of cereal. “It finally happened, didn’t it?” “I don’t understand,” she frowned. Tanya chuckled, “Chill though Cinderella. I mean, ever since you met Ryan, I knew your life was never going to
Rico and Sofia sat in the back of the chauffeured SUV. He couldn't find something better so he had her sign on a napkin but not before she laid down her terms. "Rico, before I sign, I need to set out two clauses, just two and I don't really mind anything else," she said, pushing some locks behind her ear. "Ok..." He wondered what she'd say next, already worrying about it affecting their chances. "First, I don't want to shoot reality TV. I really don't like them, I know you planned The Spark like one but please let's make it more like H.O.S. please..." Rico exhaled deeply, *D*mn, people usually began with the one of lesser effect. So if this was first then what next?* "And the second one?" He finally asked. "The second is just like that clause you already give actors. It's just a bit different though." *D*mn* Rico swore within, she was scaring him. Something came to mind but he prayed it was not the case here. "I should be able to get off any project I'm on, with immediate effec
After setting up her phone, Sofia sent a broadcast text to Ryan, Rico, Jessi, Fred, Tanya, Alicia, and the rest of her girlfriends. Surprisingly, Fred was the first to get back to her. "Hey Soph, congrats, heard the news. Someone left something for you though," "For me? Who? What did they leave?" "An envelope. He left his card and said he was from a fashion company. Venus," Fred shrugged, mouthing "it's Sofia," at Alicia, who immediately scurried over. "Fashion company? Venus? I have no idea who..." "Ryan owns Venus," Rico cut in. Sofia glanced at him, "Ryan?" Rico nodded, "Yeah, the fashion company you two were at that day." "Oh," Sofia chuckled. "Hello?" "Oh sorry Fred, I just heard from someone that Ryan owns Venus. Is he there? Was he the one that gave you the envelope Fred?" "No, Ryan wasn't here. it was some guy, Peter Andrews, said he's the CEO at Venus," Alicia chirped in. "Heard the news though, I'm so happy for you," she added. Sofia smiled, "I'm on my way," sh