Chapter 13

The Lies Between Us

13 – A Bad Idea

When Tait told her about Rian's request, Lisie was kind enough to oblige. She didn't expect she'd have a good impression on Jim Cross' girlfriend but it is what it is. When they got there, Tait explained to the couple that she has other appointments so she won't be long. Rian took it well saying it wouldn't be the last time seeing each other.

Lisie could tell that Tait was uneasy asking her to come with him because of the attitude she'd shown earlier. If he thinks he could get away by flirting with her and making her fond of him like more than a costar would then he thought wrong.

The moment that offcam kiss happened, she's beginning to put a wall between them. Though it's hard, it's the only way for her to come out of this movie production without a heartbreak.

"I'm really a fan of your style. I make it a point to watch your catwalks when I'm around the city." Rian smiled excitedly, the kind that was contagious.

"Oh, If you don't mind I'm doing a makeup line inspired by you. If you'd like, my agent will contact your agent for legal talks. I hope it's okay."

Lisie would love to but couldn't stay long because she's already informed Ross that they'll be seeing each other tonight. She saw Tait already giving her the apologetic look. She's smiling at him to tell him it's okay.

"That's totally fine. And I have a catwalk in two days inn Sydney." She bit her lip, shy about making new friends through her work.

"Oh my, is it Celine?" Rian's smiling wider. She looks hopefully at her boyfriend. "Babe, can you book me a ticket?"

"Yeah, don't worry about the ticket." Lisie stifle a grin. She felt Tait's hand twitch on her side going around her waist but when she looked at him, his hands went to her elbow instead. She almost chuckled at his sudden reaction because it doesn't really suit him. She was starting to think he's getting used to touch her every time they were alone.

"Give me your email, I'll send an e-ticket."

Her response to Rian made the younger girl squeal. Jim only giggled at his girlfriend's cuteness.

"Rian, please keep the fangirling to a minimum." Tait rolled his eyes. "Lisie, is this okay?" He asks politely.

"Mhhhm. I have at least five vip tickets so." Maybe she shouldn't have said that in front of the two low-key shippers.

"Bro, maybe you should come see." It was Jim who suggested it. The smug look on his face was teasing. Tait found her eyes and she instantly looked away.

Lisie didn't know how to respond to that. It was rude to pull out her phone in the middle of a conversation but that's what she did.

"Dude, shut up." Tait whispered.

"She has five tickets." Jim shrugged.

"If I'm going to that show, I won't need a ticket." He boasted quite arrogantly.

"Ignore these two Lisie. I'm sorry you have to witness how low they act. It really isn't everyday they're around a new person." Rian spoke sarcastically.

Lisie let out a chuckle, "okay, that's funny."

"Thanks for seeing us."

"It's no big deal. I would really love to chat more but..." She showed her phone that has Ross' number calling her on the screen. "I have to go."

Tait's hand was on the small of her back the other was waving bye to the couple. While walking to the lamp post where Lis will be waiting for Ross, Tait asked something...

"Tell me, what should I do so you'd forgive me?" He said leaning his back against the solid post.

Lisie almost rolled her eyes. She thought he'd forgot but here he is redeeming himself as her onscreen lover. If she didn't see the amusement in his eyes, she would've thought that the question was meant for the actions he did a while ago.

"That's easy." She turned to him thankful that she knows the script by heart and stepped closer. "Stay away from me," She challenged. "Let's get divorced."

"Wrong answer." He said his line effortlessly. His next action made Lisie gasp in surprise.

"H-hey, I thought we were just running lines, why are you grabbing my waist?" She panicked while he ignores her and his other hand was caressing her neck.

"You're so beautiful." His eyes were looking at her languidly like he was being hypnotized.

"Let go of me T-Tait – I mean Abe!" She pushed his chest away, his eyes still on her face. She was starting to get scared of her own heart beating too fast when he dropped his head on the crook of her shoulder.

She felt him held her tighter as he chuckled. His thin stubble tickling her neck. "Oh alright." He pulled away then ruffled her hair like she's 10 years his junior. "Remember that feeling whenever Abe gets too honest. Sometimes I feel like you're being too cold playing Vaia."

He tilted his head to see her reaction then he continued when he sees that she's waiting.

"No offense, no one can play Vaia as great as you but I think..." He scratches his head in hesitation.

"I think what?" She crossed her arms.

He sighed. "Sometimes I think you forget that she's still in love with him."

Lisie pursed her lips. She found herself looking back at the times she acted alongside him. But was he right? Did she only focus on her character's strong personality that she forgot her real feelings about the only man she's ever loved.

She was stuck in her own head when a sleek white BMW parked in front of them stopping her thoughts.

"Think about it, 'kay?" Tait pinched her chin and waved a hand at Ross when she put down her windows. "Hey Rockstar," He greeted Ross then faced Lisie, "See you, Lily."

Lisie went inside her best friend's car still troubled by Tait's words. When she turned to Ross, her best friend's mouth was hanging open.

"Wow, that man can turn a lesbian straight!" Ross complimented Tait's handsome face.

Lisie bit her lip. When she remained silent in a span of five minutes, Ross intervened.

"Are you alright, Lis?"

She nodded. "Just tired."

The dinner was fun as usual. It was like she and Ross never stopped being friends and all they talked about was travel plans and fashion week. Boys weren't even mentioned because they were both sensitive about the topic. At times like these she can't help but be thankful she has a friend like Ross. It does make up for all the things that happened between them.

The dinner was really great. It was that great that Lisie almost forgot what Tait had told her earlier.

"I shouldn't have put on the TV," she scoffed but watched Tait's movie nevertheless after taking a bath in her hotel suite. It was one of the first movie he starred in when he was a child.

"Don't you yell at me, I'm a prince!" A five year-old Tait Kingston yelled at the charming thief who was played by actor Adam Sandler in his acclaimed movie, Royal Babysitter.

"Oh you're a prince? Well I'm a businessman!"

Seeing the kid he was before, Lisie wasn't surprised how Tait turned out to be. Physically saying, he's take care of himself quite nicely. He wasn't like the other child actors who gave in to the side effects of fame. At least, that's what she thinks. She doesn't really know the guy that well to say that but, so far, she thinks he's okay.

As long as he doesn't cross the line that is.

That line you put between you and your coworker so you know whether or not you're still treating each other as coworkers. That line that's commonly known as the boundary.

"Sometimes I think you forget that she's still in love with him."

Lisie shook her head assessing her own skills. Seems to her that she's been underestimating Vaia's own feelings for Abe. While it's true that Vaia grew up to be as distant and cold as the winter snow, it was only Abe who taught her what real love is. It might have been tough for the guy to thaw that stone cold heart but he was patient enough to give her room for the warmth to seep in.

The door swung open, revealing her gorgeous bodyguard who brought her a bottle of champagne.

"Here's your Merlot. Sparkling, as preferred." Saint nodded then smirked when he saw what's on the TV. "You might want to search for fanvideos, there's a lot of documentaries made by the K Knights if you want to get to know him better."

"The K Knights?" Lisie's perfect brow raised.

"Yeah, that's what his fans call themselves. Night boss!" Saint waved and exited her room.

Sure enough, Lisie found herself searching for those videos in social media. One documentary caught her eye that has more than 10 million views and engagements. After clicking play, fancams of Tait Kingston from his red carpet movie premieres were stitched to a montage. The intro was captivating and it left her interested enough to keep watching the video that was 15 minutes long.

"Do you know Tait Kingston?" An interviewer asked a random teenager. Then it was cut to short clips of Tait in his most handsome and bad-ass videos that broke the internet.

"Are you kidding me? Tait Vincent Kingston, The wonder boy and reigning King of Star Avenue? He's the only Tait Kingston I know!" The teenager squealed.

Then more videos of other celebrities talking about him was played next.

"Such a hunk." An actress sighed when asked if she'd get a chance to choose her next costar and she explained why it was Tait.

"I think he's the sexiest guy in my contacts." One of his beautiful costar in a previous movie commented.

"It's his eyes and those lips. Mmm." A pop singer commented at one awards show.

"He's always been fond of danger," It was his ex who was speaking. "We both love taking risks." She then put both her arms around his neck, kissing his lips even on camera. The two were being interviewed because Tait was part of NASCAR's celebrity racing competition. 

His ex continues to hug him as Tait gives a comment about racing and his favorite cars.

Lisie cringed and thought Tait didn't want to be in the spot like that. She even paused the video and zoomed in on his face.

"He clearly doesn't like pda." She commented out loud. Then she remembers how he always initiate touching and holding her first. She shrugged it off like it wasn't a big deal thinking maybe he's not a fan of public kisses in the first place.

The video continues.

"It's my man's 21st birthday!" A business man who Lisie recognized was with Tait in the next video. They were in an exclusive club partying and it was a low quality video but she could tell that Tait was a bit drunk in it. "Man, what can I say. You're it. Best party ever!"

The video zoomed in on Tait's hand carrying a stick of rolled paper. Then comments of angry fans were splattered across the video.

~Is he stoned here? ~He was totally high in that video. ~Cancel the King! ~He's no far from those Disney kids. ~Kingston overrated. ~In Selena's snap, he was there too and he's even making out with his girl. ~Damn this dude parties too much. ~Bet he's going to end up drunk and fat soon. ~

"What can you say about the alleged drug scandal?" A paparazzi was blocking Jeremy Cross from getting to his car.

"Leave the fucking guy alone." It was low but Jeremy's anger was clearly noted in his voice. Then clips of false accusations were played next showing how dark the years were for Tait Kingston.

Lisie shifted in her position hugging her knees for support.

"It was here, I saw him trying to rape his girlfriend."

"He was never serious with me. He only keeps me for sex."

"Working with him was a nightmare. What can you expect from child stars."

"23 year old Academy Award Winner, Tait Kingston was charged with DUI after a row with the police."

"Yana Lane refused to comment on her boyfriend's scandal after recent sightings of the actress in Maldives with another mystery man."

Then the saddest part of the video was when he said...

"I love her so much. She gives a little color in my dull life. I don't think there'll be a girl like her. She's my firecracker." Tait's comments about his girlfriend after his win in the Oscars.

The video fade to black, then slowly it clicks like a timer transitioning to the next clip which was Tait in his teenage years.

"I'm sure me and Jim will keep each other's contacts for a while." Tait flashed a toothy smile while Jeremy was trying not to laugh.

"I think he's in love with me." The teenage Jeremy Cross commented back.

"Are you guys like your characters in the movie? Or you're far from that in real life?" The interviewer asked.

"We hang out a lot too." Tait turned to Jim.

"Yeah, and talk about girls."

"Psh, Jim shut up."

"Can you tell me about that? Does he have a type?"

"Oh sure, Tait likes girls with hypnotic eyes." Jim said gesturing his hands doing the spirit fingers.

"No, I do not!"

Lisie giggles. This interview wasn't new to her for she's watched this a few times after seeing the movie in theaters. In fact, her crushing on him started around this time. She thought Tait was the purest thing she saw in Star Avenue because of his reactions in this interview. Sure he has that look of a heartbreaker in the movie, but after this interview, she thought he was a bit different from the narcissistic character he portrayed as.

"Can you give us something we can take away from your latest film?" Another interviewer asked. Now it's a different video. It was the movie where he earned a lot of praises. It was the one who changed his career for him.

Compared to the previous interview, Tait looked more mature and serious in this one.

"Oh, it's keeping the most important people close to you. Never losing sight of your true self when there's so much going on." Tait said firmly like he's truly grasping the belief. "I think a lot of people can relate to it, more so with the youth."

"So what's next for Tait Kingston?"

"I don't know. Maybe a long vacation is nice." He laughed.

"There are rumors that you're dating Yana Lane, can you confirm that?"

"Mm, we're cool. We get each other."

There were more videos showing how great Tait Kingston is beyond his bad boy image. It's as if the video was trying to convince fans that the guy they built up to be a superstar was never the monster the media shows him to be.

Although the video didn't really talk about who the real Tait is, it did serve it's purpose because it introduced Tait in both his good and bad sides.

Unfortunately, Lisie never really slept well that night.

The next day was hectic. It was five in the afternoon but Lisie went to the location sleep deprived and groggy. Even Fiona couldn't keep her awake in hair and make-up. It was Soo who saved her from transforming to a zombie that day when she said,

"You're doing a really steamy scene today," Her manager smirked looking at her from the mirror. Soo decided it was a perfect day to visit her best friend.

"What?" Lisie grabbed the script her eyes bulging out when she saw what scene they're doing today. It was enough to get her awake. She completely forgot what today is.

"You're all set queen," Fiona smiled then left them alone in her room. She was wearing a very feminine lilac dress from Giambattista Valli Haute Couture collection. The length was trimmed shorter down her knees making her innocent and sexy at the same time.

"You're okay doing this right?" Soo double checked a little worried. Her friend was playing with her blonde hair knowing the best way to comfort her.

Lisie took a deep breath. "I can manage." She spoke sounding like she's convincing herself.

"I'll be here until you're done." Soo smiled.

"Sure you're not going to the set?"

"I'm not watching you get your freak on and actually enjoy it."

Lisie made a face slamming the door upon exit.

A floor assistant came to her when she reached the set. The studio from Star Avenue was huge and although the production can recreate the exteriors of Perth's forest where Abe Anerky's hideout was, it feels more real if they're in the exact place where it happened in the book.

She saw Tait in his Abe Anerky character, all set in his equally expensive costume – a white dress shirt and a black corduroy breeches. His hair was dramatically tousled which made him ten times hotter than the sun.

When she locked eyes with him, he playfully winked at her. Of course, her heart did a somersault.

Director called the two of them to give them a brief idea of what his vision is for this scene.

"Okay so kids, what we're going to do today is one of the key scenes of the movie. I don't always encourage actors to not make mistakes because it's natural but for this one I'll make an exception." He said sternly like a mentor to his apprentice.

"Since it's a very intimate scene, I think it will be better if we minimize our mistakes. You guys went out last night, right?"

Lisie looked at Tait and saw him nod.

"Okay, that's good. So try to get connected in this scene. Tay, you're the guy, take the lead." He demanded strictly.

"Do you guys need time to prepare, or we're ready to roll?"

Tait looked at Lisie if she's good to go.

"Let's get it," She answered flatly going over to the assistant to review her script. She felt Tait follow her closely.

"Are you sure, we can rehearse?" He said that like having sex with someone on screen needs rehearsing.

"Let's just surprise ourselves."

"That's the thing, I hate surprises," He rubbed his nose annoyingly. Lisie smirked noting that it was the first time she saw him really get annoyed.

"What's the problem anyway? It's not like you haven't done this all your life."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" He was smiling but there was an edge to his voice.

"You're an actor." She looked at him like he's missing the obvious part.

"Tch." He walked out shaking his head. Lisie watched him reach for a water bottle from his bodyguard.

Lisie almost called him to apologize but decided not to. She was actually really nervous and she needed him upset because that's what Abe feels in this scene. He was trying to get her to submit to him because Vaia was trying to get out of their engagement. So to get things done, Abe went to extreme measures to try and change her mind.

Lisie found Saint coming to her carrying the bottle of champagne from last night. She quickly excused herself from the crew and dragged Saint in one of the tents.

"This is a bad idea." He said disappointed.

"I've got no choice." Lisie groaned chugging the bottle til the last drop.

To Be Continued...

a/n

Get your freaky playlist ready.