Chapter 6

The Lies Between Us

6 - I'm Glad You're Here

"You think Im just a dumb model who you can trick and play with..." Lisie's words echo through his head when he settled inside his car. Perhaps he should give her more credit for being so clever. She's actually a lot better than he expected. He suddenly wanted to slap himself for acting like a jerk on purpose when he isn't really like that. He just thought it would be better for both of them to start off in the wrong foot since their chemistry was too palpable. Judging from experience if he clicked with a girl on set there's a hefty chance she'll have a crush on him. While it goes both ways, he turns them down just when promotions end and then the girls get bitter throwing rumors here and there that he's slept with them or that he's on drugs and something else. He certainly didn't want Lisie to develop feelings for him like most his costars did. Plus he decided it's not a good idea to lead girls on and dump them like that. That's one of the things he reflected on while he was in Waiheke. It seems like taking advantage of them had led him to his own heartbreak. Because the only girl he allowed himself to like turned out to be... He didn't know karma was walking around in scanty clothes and high heels. Tait shook his head not wanting to be reminded of her. He thought of Lisie instead, curious why she pursued acting. She has talent for it, he's sure of that judging from the screentest earlier. He's just wondering what made her shift her career now and not sooner. "Hey Yul, who's your favorite model?" He asked his driver/neighbor/bodyguard. Yul was the one Nash endorsed to him that one time he found out he's having a bodyguard. At first Tait was averse the idea but after meeting Yul, he liked the guy's personality. "Jacey Sommers" Yul replied with a sigh. "Jacey's an athlete and a guy. I'm talking about female models dude." Tait scoffed pushing his hair back then putting his cap back on. Yul thought about it tilting his head as he scanned some of the popular models today. "I don't think I have a favorite model since they all appear too tall for me." Tait sighed leaning his back on the chair. Then in a low voice he muttered... "What do you think about Lis Moore?" Yul's lips broke into a wide grin hearing his rephrased sentence. "Oh so this is what you wanted to talk about." Tait ignored his friend's knowing remark. "You've seen her in the villa right?" "Yeah, she's more... slim in person." Yul said without any thought. Tait agreed pushing himself off to put his elbows on his knees. "See that's what I thought too. I don't think she's that sexy to be a model. All I see are bones and too little fat..."

Yul thought about Lisie a lot and realized something while his boss was ranting about the things he found unlikely about his costar.

"She's also a bit snobbish I mean if you were there while she was talking to me she acts like I'm not someone she should respect! She's also cocky..." Tait shook his head.

"Hmm...I think she's hot." Yul blurt out after his internal deliberation. "What?" Tait gasped as if he was offended. "Uhuh. Beautiful, even. She's got the kind of face that people won't get tired to look at."

Tait went back to lean on his chair.

"She's also quite graceful...so full of class." Yul continued. "Tch. We just have different tastes in woman." Yul smirked. "What are your preferences then?" "Hmm... I like...someone nice." "Be specific boss." He rolled his eyes. "I like big girls with sexy curves and wavy brown hair." "Hmm..." "Wont you comment on that?" Tait got impatient when Yul didn't add anything. "I've been your neighbor for five years and I've only heard about you on TV but I could tell that you're bluffing."

Tait cleared his throat remembering how proud he was back then he doesn't even make friends with his own neighbors. "I'm not." Tait huffed nudging the driver seat with his foot making Yul entertained with his reactions. "Your ex is slim, has long legs with a doll like face. Lis Moore has the same physical attributes and maybe even better. I'll do the math for you. Your costar is 100 percent your type." "I prefer you better when your not in the mood to talk." "I warned you. And now I'm really curious why you wanted to dislike her when its obvious that you're-" "Tch. Lets stop talking now. I feel tired making conversations with you." "Denial sure is exhausting." Yul shrugged. When Tait and Yul arrived at the penthouse, they were surprised to see Jim and Nash playing Overwatch together. Tait looked at Yul and the latter just shrugged. "Don't look at me, I don't live here." Yul went to his kitchen to get something to drink. "I told you to kill cookierose12 first!" Jim growled in frustration. "It wasn't my job you know. At least I died saving your ass." Nash explained like he was explaining science to a kindergarten. The two guys were disappointed knowing that they lost the game. Tait frowned when he saw a couple of snacks and drinks on the table. Before the two could even make a mess out his living room Tait walked right up in between them. "What's going on? Jim why are you playing with my manager?" Jim suddenly brightened up seeing Tait. He went up to him and pat his shoulder. "Hey mate. Nash told me Jane hired him to be your manager so I hired him as well. Now he's managing both of us." Tait raised an eyebrow at Jim then turned to Nash.

"It's true," Nash confirmed.

"My previous manager wasn't that much fun to be around. That dude makes me feel old." Jim continued. "It's great you guys are getting along well." Tait nods at the two of them. "Just make sure to clean your mess and we're all good."

Jim chuckled. "How was the screentest?" Nash asked "It was okay." Jim grinned. "Did you make any new friends?" He asked hoping Tait will give him tea about his costar.

Tait was fast to catch what his friend was implying.

"My costar was...odd." Tait said not meeting their eyes. Nash and Jim looked at each other. "I need some snooze. Nash if you need anything, Jim can help you with it." "Aight. Just don't forget to check your emails after your nap your highness." Nash called out. Then in a distant voice, Tait can hear Yul saying... "Lisie Moore completely owned your little superstar." Tait ignored them and locked himself up in his room. He went to his walk-in closet to change into comfortable clothes. His day went by so fast compared to the days he had in another country. He smiled finally admitting that he's missed this part of his life. Jane would tease him if he'd say out loud that he's excited for this film to work out. This was the first time he felt at peace after everything that's happened. It's like he's found his redemption through this project. Like what happened to his career in the past was just nothing but a vague memory. And now, he's given a chance to change his fortune. He can't mess this up. The next day he received a message from a friend he made back in New Zealand. Hayes: Hey T, I thought about what you said and made up my mind. See you in Silver Lake ^o^ Tait grins and texted his reply to give his friend his exact address. His penthouse is big enough for 7 people. "Hey, we going to the gym or what?" Jim said rushing to the door, protein shake in his hand. "Coming~" The gym was mostly crowded during afternoons and evenings so when Tait and Jim arrived, Jim was surprised to see more people than usual. "Thought the gym never gets enough people early in the morning. Some things have changed, I guess..." Tait looked at Jim. "I went here last week and people weren't this eager to get fit." Jim shrugged. "You want to visit another place?" "We're already here." He answered pulling his cap's visor in front. It has been long since Tait had a proper exercise. It's not that he's not fit, it's just his body metabolism is great that he doesn't need much training. His body feels alright. All those running and sheep tending paid off. He just needs to build more muscles since Abe Anerky's character requires a lot of action stunts. He needed his best friend's help in getting that kind of body. Besides training with Jim was more difficult than training with a professional fitness coach. His best friend was the best when it comes to achieving body goals. Luckily for them there was an available private area to do their training. They started with simple warm ups and after an hour they both started to work on their upper body strengths. And just as he expected, Jim was a maniac in the gym. Tait almost gave up when the guy wanted another seven minutes of HIIT. Thankfully, Jim's girlfriend called and it distracted his friend from torturing him even more. While Jim was busy talking to Rian, he went out the room to get some refreshments. He kept his cap on to avoid getting recognized. He saw a menu outside showing that the gym was offering a new formula for the protein shake. He wasn't able to make his own drink since he was busy texting Hayes earlier. He gets his drink from the counter and while strolling back to the room, he walked passed by a group of friends. He couldn't help but overhear their conversation. Their backs were facing him and it totally looks like he was a professor hovering naughty students. "Did you get her photocard?"

Tait raised his brow and when he turned to the other side of the facility, he finally understood why there were a lot of men in the gym today. Apparently, the gym was a partner of an energy drink who's ambassadors are supermodels. Today's the official launch of a new flavor that's why they're giving out photocards with the model's signatures. "No, did you?" "I swear if I get Lisie I'll sleep even better at night." Tait's attention was caught by the guy with a yellow shirt. "I wanted to get Sabrina. Her bikini was almost see through." Guy with a manbun. "Nah, Lisie's the best. Her face looks so innocent but her swimsuit... ugh I think I'll lose my mind." "I don't know what you see in her man, but Lisie's so underweight. It's like when you do her on the bed you won't feel a thing" The guy with a fitted muscle tee said. "Ooh, was she even a dude before?" Man bun. "I hate skinny chics!" Muscle tee. Tait was mad. If these guys weren't in his line of sight, he'll think they're girls by the way they were insulting his costar. "Tait Kingston must be so disappointed..." He was about to give them some lecture when someone beat him to it. "You bunch of idiots think someone like Lisie Moore would waste her time paying you attention." All of them turned to the guy who commented – including Tait. Now he could see all their faces and mark them douchebags from now on. "Like anyone of you is better," the guy chuckled sarcastically giving them the side eye. Jacey Sommers casually pass by wrapping a band on his knuckles. "It's Jacey Sommers..." Someone whispered. "Why don't you guys just focus on your own bodies instead?" Jace noticed Tait then looked at the guy with the muscle tee who expressed his distaste of Lisie quite excessively. "Especially you. You most certainly need to lose some weight man...that is if you still want girls to sleep with you. I mean, have you seen your chest in the mirror? Next time...wear a bra." Jace chuckled. The guy got riled up by Jace's words that if it wasn't for Tait, Jace's face would have received a wound. Or not because looking at Jace's reaction he would expect that from the guy and he'll be more than happy to throw a hook back. "Gentlemen please this is a private facility..." Tait got in between the two of them. "If you're fighting better do it outside." Tait saw Jace smirk at him. "I thought you were waiting for that." "This asshole think he's all that! You're just a fuckin athlete but we all know what shitty family you came from!" The guy Jace offended yelled causing some people to notice them. His friend were suddenly pulling him away from Jace. "At least my parents gave me a great body with a handsome face." Jace muttered. "Will you stop provoking the corn head?!" Tait couldn't help but reprimand Jace in a heavy voice. Only it came as an insult to the other guy instead. "Corn head? Who you calling a corn head?"

Jace laughed at the cornhead's reaction.

"Hey, isn't that Tait Kingston?" Someone took notice. Tait pulled down his cap and dragged Jace by the shoulders. When both of them reached the private training room Jim's mouth dropped open.

"Oh my god, Sir Jacey Sommers! Tay, you didn't tell me you know him!" Jim fanboyed.

"I don't. I just saved his ass from gangsters."

Jacey ignored Tait and made a face not sure why Jim was acting like... a fan?

"I'm a big fan" Jim reached for his hand making Jacey blush.

"Likewise, Mr. Cross."

"Just Jim is fine."

Tait scratched his head looking at the time. "Hate to be the third wheel but we have a schedule for costume with Jane today. She'll kill us both if we're late."

Jim turned deaf and invited Jacey for drinks this evening.

"I'll try to come. We have a practice game this afternoon with Tokyo Knights..."

"Really? That's awesome. I watched your last game with Orlando Jaguars. You're winning goal was legendary man!"

"Um, thanks..."

Tait bit his lip in frustration not tolerating Jim's indifference anymore that he unashamedly pulled Jim's arms away from Jacey before their conversation get any longer.

"I'll see you at South Crest later man. At Regal's bar, 10pm!" Jim called out while being dragged out the door.

The meeting with Jane for costume turned out fine. His sister knew his measurements well she even adjusted some parts in case his body grew bigger.

As for Jim, his costumes fit alright but the bottoms were all two inches shorter. It seems that Jane assumed he has shorter legs when in fact Jim's legs are longer than his upper body.

Tait laughed at his best friend's misery while Jim attacked him with leather shoes to which Jane got angry and both of them got sent out her office as soon as her temper got worse.

After their appointment with Jane, both of them had different schedules from there. Jim had to attend a fashion brand's perfume launch while Tait will go with Nash to meet some people who wanted to work with him after Princetown.

Inside the car, Nash talked to him about two more Princetown films and the contract.

"There's two possible things that we can expect here Tait."

"Okay, let's hear it."

"If you continue doing Princetown you can't sign with other production houses for another 3 years which means you can still make other movies but it's only limited to movies produced by the Wayne brothers."

Tait closed his eyes leaning his head on the back of the chair. "What's the other option?"

"If you want out then you're free to choose whatever project you like. They'll just revise the script or kill you in the story. It's that easy." Nash explained.

Tait chuckled, "Like you'll let me choose any movies..."

"Yep. That's why it's ideal to continue Princetown. But it's still your call."

Tait nodded. "I don't think the fans will be happy about Abe Anerky dying in the first film. I'll sign up for the next two."

"Alright. Good call." Nash raised a hand and he shook it.

It was another long day for Tait and even though it was busy he was having fun. He entered the bar which Jim recommended and found his best friend chatting comfortably with Jacey Sommers at one of the far end couches.

He was making his way to them when a hand landed on his shoulder.

"Tait Kingston, is that you?"

Tait turned, his face sour recognizing who greeted him.

"Blake," Tait bitterly said the guy's name. He's someone he thought he could be good friends with. In the past he thought he did a good job getting all his connections. But it didn't end up in his favor. He thought having a lot of friends can make him happy.

"You look good. Yana feeding you some good sex huh?" Blake chuckled.

He ignored him walking away. But Blake was not done with him yet, "I see you're friends with that goody boy Jim again. Let's hang out in my place! There'll be strong booze with somenin extra just like old times, bro."

Tait took a deep breath realizing how big of an asshole he was back then. He even remembered how he bailed on Jim just to attend these kind of house parties just so he can be with Yana.

"Where's Yana?" Blake looked around.

"Blake, can you just...fuck off?" Tait's anxiety was crawling back up to him just like his memories from the past.

"What?" Blake was taken aback not expecting him to get pissed.

Tait shook his head turning away from him but the guy just couldn't get any hint. Blake was pulling a syringe from his pocket to get Tait unconscious when someone caught his hands. The thing infused with depressants fell on the ground.

"Woah mate, the boss said fuck off!" Yul said kicking the syringe towards some tables. They were now attracting people.

Tait turned again and saw Yul shoving Blake's chest a bit forcefully.

"Who the hell are you?"

Yul smirked grabbing Blake's hand for a handshake. Blake fell unconsciously on the floor after that. Someone screamed and Yul flashed her a friendly smile showing her something on his hand.

"Yul Miller, the guy you shouldn't meet." Yul introduced himself looking at the handsome boy on the cold floor. Tait looked worried for a moment until Yul showed him an electric buzzer on his hand.

"This guy is such a wimp. Come on boss, let's meet your friends." He said putting an arm around Tait's shoulders.

"I'm glad you're here, Yul."

"Yeah, you should really be careful who you let in your life." He said shaking his head.

To be continued...

A/N

Question...how old are you guys?