Chapter 5

 The Lies Between Us

5 - I Should Step On His Ego

"Love."

The word is simple but the ring of it in my ears felt like percussions on a burial. A death march on a rainy day. A sad chord by the end of a symphony. The last line of a heroic prose.

It sounded like that when he made his confession.

In other circumstances, I would have allowed myself to entertain my feelings for him. If we stayed young and innocent as before, things would've been easier.

But I know he's changed, and things won't simply get back to normal.

Lisie sighed and continued reading her character's thoughts in the script. She already started memorizing some of her lines the moment the script was handed to her a day ago. And just last night, she and Soo had visited a salon to change her hair color.

How can a person like him love when he's done so much of unforgivable things?

But then...would I love him still, even though such act would be careless and stupid?

"Is that Vaia Winters in the flesh?" a high pitched voice broke in.

Lisie's script reading was put into a halt seeing a beautiful woman walking towards her. Soo came seconds later following the woman's approach. The living room suddenly felt too small for three girls with such strong personalities.

Lisie was still speechless. She was deeply getting into her character's thoughts when they came in, she couldn't even smile genuinely because of how serious she was getting into. She just had to force herself to break out character to be polite or else she would've sound rude to them.

"Wow!" was all she can say.

The dainty lady gracefully laughs at her reaction.

"Ruby Jane Kennedy...it's an honor to meet you" Lisie reached for her hand as Jane pleasantly smiled at her.

"Likewise, oh and Jane is okay. We'll be working closely together so I'd prefer you call me that."

"My name's Li-"

"Lisie Moore, yes. I've been waiting for an opportunity to work with you." Lisie gaped at what she said and turned to Soo.

"Jane's going to design the main outfits in this film. She's also your costar's sister." Soo explained.

"Eh? Which costar?" Lisie's thoughts scanned through her costars and tried to recall someone who resembles Jane's features. It's probably Ella Gross?

Jane giggled.

"Tait and I are actually step siblings." Lisie's reaction had amused Jane like she was expecting it. It took a moment before Lisie could recover.

"Oh"

"Yeah, most people in showbiz don't know that. I give it to Tait for being so private with family."

Lisie smiled. "It must be fun working closely with your brother."

Jane rolls her eyes like talking about her brother was a bore. "He's actually annoying and crabby whenever I work on his costumes, anyway, can I just say you look really good with bleached blonde hair? Or is that a wig?"

"It's my real hair. They asked me it was okay to just wear a wig but I wanted to," she answered in a flat tone while nodding at her new acquaintance. Seconds passed by and not a single word was uttered between the three of them.

"I'm sorry, I'm being weird, I'm usually very friendly. It's just..." Lisie waved her hand embarrassed about her sudden attitude change. "It's difficult to get out of Vaia's head."

Jane shook her head. "That's understandable, I consider myself lucky to see you look the part. Not to pressure you or anything but I'm a fan of the books. And I definitely glad you got Vaia's role."

"That really means a lot."

"I'm definitely getting you as my winter line's ambassador." She giggles. "Can I get her, Soo?"

"Why don't we discuss that over some drinks?" Soo suggested happy that her new business partner likes Lisie.

The girls settled to have a drink by the deck overlooking the beach.

"Suzane, your place is amazing."

"Thanks, I bought this lot from a really nice couple from South Wales and when they offered me the property, I just can't say no."

"Yeah, I mean this is just beautiful. Do you also stay here Lis?"

"Sometimes but I don't like it when Soo's not around. I need someone to cook for me."

"You don't really cook do you?"

"I can cook but I prefer Soo's cooking."

The girls continue to have a small talk until the subject about the movie was brought up.

"So, I know we're here to discuss about clothes but I'm honestly more interested about you gearing up for this Lisie."

"Yeah, I'm curious too, I really want to hear Lis answer your questions Jane."

"What? Why am I on the hot seat?"

The girls laugh.

"Oh honey, tell me honestly you're prepared for fame?"

Lisie gave her a stunned look. Lisie never actually thought that she can be more popular than she is now. She thought she's already famous but what Jane was implying was difficult to take in.

Would she really get more famous with this movie? She didn't think it was possible. She didn't sign up for fame. She really underestimated Princetown.

"Damn Soo, you need to train this one. You're not just a model anymore Lis."

"Maybe I'm going to have her go out more."

"Yeah. She should do more interviews and livestreams..."

"Hello, I'm still here?" Lisie can't help but smile at the way the two ladies were acting like parents to her.

Talking with Jane feels like talking to an old friend. She didn't make it difficult to make conversation with her. Soo really has a knack for picking the right business partners.

Jane sighs like she's her latest problem to solve. "We'll work it out Lis, anyway, time's ticking and I really want to know, what do you think of Princetown?"

Lisie bit her lip before answering. She decided to be honest.

"It's nothing I've never heard before." She stifled a laugh when Jane dropped her jaw in disbelief.

Lisie can see why it shocked her. It must hurt for a fan to hear the lead actress of the movie saying the story is generic.

"I've only read the first book and it's really great. I love the boys' adventures."

"I mean there's obviously social issues to portray there, hot assassins and love in the middle of that but the most interesting for me was the characters. The author did a great job with all of them. You can't even hate the antagonist."

"Damn and I thought you of all people would roast this movie...and not with that hair...it's like Emma Watson saying Harry Potter is basic..." Jane fanned her hand which made Soo laugh at her dramatic reactions. She reached for her chilled red tea to calm her nerves.

"I don't think I'll do this if the story is trash don't you think?"

"Please, stop saying trash when we're talking Princetown."

"Did I scare you too much?"

"You're almost as annoying as my brother."

Soo and Lis looked at each other.

After Jane calmed down and the topic was lighter, she decided it's time to leave.

"Thank you for the brunch, I hope we can do this again soon."

"If you need anything, you know where to find us."

"Can I call you even if it's about a girls night out?"

"Sure. I think Lis needs a friend like you."

Jane blushed and smiled at the two girls. They were out by the driveway waiting for Jane's ride when after a few seconds, a black Maybach approached them.

"Thanks. Oh and one more thing Lis, I get that my brother is seriously good looking but it's just his face. Don't get overwhelmed or else, he'll love that and you'll be miserable."

"Are you saying that I should step on his ego?"

"That's the best way to survive in this industry. Be like Vaia...no...be Vaia!"

When Jane's car was far out to be seen, Soo turned to Lis.

"You know she didn't just take the job because her brother is part of the cast right?"

Lis gave her a questioning look.

"Jane Kennedy has been trying to reach us since two years ago..."

"What? Soo! Why are you holding her out?"

"For a better deal...and I also wanted to see how much she wanted to get you. You know what I also think? Being part of this film means hitting two birds with one stone. She gets to design dresses for you and she gets to look out for her brother." Soo explained with a crooked grin.

"Sometimes, I wonder how you plan this so well."

"Of course. I had to prioritize you. You're above all my best friend. I won't let anyone hurt you when I'm going to be away most of the time." She made a face that means I also need to protect my other best friend.

"Ross' tour starting soon?"

Soo nodded sharply.

"I need people to look out for you while I'm gone. You can do this Lis. I believe in you."

------------------

The next day, Lis was preparing her stuff for the screen test that afternoon at West Lake with the producers and director of Princetown. And of course, it will be the first time she'll meet Tait Kingston as a costar.

She looked at her full length mirror one last time and pulled her white layered sleeveless top. She was wearing a low waist jeans and an Adidas Stan Smith. She was happy with her look because she's comfortable with it.

Then she remembers what Jane said to her about fame and what it means to be a part of this franchise. There was a kind of fear that Lisie was not ready to face.

She sighed. Maybe if she pauses once in a while fame will never get to her head because it will certainly won't be so.

When she gets out her place, she met a man maybe around 180cm who was in a crisp black suit. She raised her eyebrow as she distinguished the suit from Christian Dior's Fall 19-20 collection.

"Hi, I'm Lis." The man remained aloof. "Soo told me I'm getting a bodyguard today. Is that you?"

The man took off his Raybans and introduced himself. Lis was taken aback for a moment seeing how gloriously handsome her new bodyguard is.

"Hello Ms. Moore, my name is Saint Jerome Kim. Please call me Saint. Je suis enchantee," her bodyguard said in a heavy French accent as he reached for her hand and kissed it.

Lis made a face and took her hand quickly. "Kim? You're related to Soo?" She noticed the resemblance.

"Oui mademoiselle. I'm just in need of a part time job since I got back from Versailles so Suzane generously gave me this position."

"Unbelievable. She even bothered this guy." She muttered but it reached his ears. "It's great to meet you, Saint."

"Thank you. So...shall we?"

To shake off her nerves on her way to Mr. Mendes' villa, she interviewed Saint who was sitting beside her driver.

"So what made you agree to this, Saint? No offense, but you don't look like the usual bodyguard with massive arms and bulky body type. Do you know any self defense at all?"

Saint let out a funny laugh which made her chuckle. "She thinks I can't fight." He elbowed the driver. "Mademoiselle, didn't you see these shoulders. They're enough to scare your haters away...that is if you have one."

"I have a lot." She retorted quietly. "I don't think you're scary Saint, in fact I'm more afraid you'll take my small number of fans away."

In less than 15 minutes, they reached an exclusive subdivision inside West Lake. Right after passing the third block from the first street, they found a white villa with the tallest palm trees.

She gets off the car after Saint opened it for her and soon enough they were in front of Mr. Mendes' front door.

Lis heaved a deep breath before knocking on the door.

When she got inside, Mr. Mendes' assistant led her to the poolside where she found everyone. She felt a bit intimidated by the number of males present in the house that she turned to look back at Saint who was unbothered by the new environment.

As Lis paced closer to their table her eyes found Tait. He was busy checking something on his phone. His eyes were covered by vintage polarized glasses. Although he was wearing a snapback, she could tell that his hair also changed. Compared to last time, his hair was now permed and longer. She can't help but smile at the thought that they were both preparing for their characters with hair as the first option for a change. Aside from Tait and the director, there were other two producers who sat with them on the table. One of the movies executive producer stood up and met her halfway. "Let's all behave boys now that the lady is here." She heard the director say. "Great to have you here Lisie." The Executive with a floral polo shirt greeted her enthusiastically. "Yeah, I'm excited to be here today. I couldn't even sleep a wink last night." The producer laughed at what she said. She noticed that everyone's eyes were directed on hers while she refused to look at the one who's pressuring her the most. "Oh and who is this lovely fellow?" The Executive asked when he noticed the man behind her. "Oh he's my-" Lisie halted and cut herself off introducing Saint as her bodyguard. "He's my assistant." Saint's jaw dropped and looked questionably at her. She just winked at him. The Exec introduced himself to Saint and to another shorter guy who looks like a bodyguard with his dark sunglasses and black suit while she continued her way to the others. The director warmly welcomed her the same way as the tall executive did. And when it came to Tait, she tried her best to have a straight face especially when his first words to her were... "You were at Irene's party that night, right?" He smirked, teasing her of her candid reaction when he saw her running off early at the party. "I thought I saw you there... then you were like in a hurry...like you're kind of terrified to see me" Tait mentioned like he caught her doing something illegal and he's busting her out in front of the authorities. This guy is already acting like some big shot actor. Oh wait, he already is. If he's going to be an ass to her just because she's new blood then it's probably a common trait for superstars. She's expected to be treated like this but it surprised her that it will come from him first. She mentally cussed him. Lisie flashed her fakest friendliest smile at the boy. She refused to be embarrassed today by this beautiful imbecile she swooned over a few days ago. "Oh I had to get back to someone that night. It was urgent." She retaliated remembering that rich dude who asked her out. She pulled a chair in front of him never breaking eye contact. "It's too bad we didn't get to chat. Were you disappointed?" She asked in a very feminine tone. Lisie's grin stretched when she saw Tait dropping their eye contact first. Whew. Why did she think that being near this guy would be a problem anyway? She clearly needed to see this jerk side of him. Well, at least her problem about liking him was solved. Come to think of it, it's better he act this way. It'll also be a consolation if he keeps the vapid face. Him smiling a lot kind of changes things sometimes... Someone cleared his throat. "You guys actually know each other?" Director asked curiously. "We bumped into each other a few times." Tait shrugged. "Star Avenue isn't exactly a big town." Lis added. "Well, I guess introductions won't be necessary for the two of you. But there's just one thing I hope you would do while we're doing this film..." The director looked at the two of them with respect while the two looked at each other like sworn enemies. "I really hope you two would get along well." Director noted the obvious chemistry between the two like he could tell whenever costars pair up for a movie. But there was unexplained tension as well. Only, he didn't know if it's good tension or bad tension. "Tait, I understand you just got back but Lis is a newcomer. She might need your assistance more than any actors in this film since you two had a lot of scenes together." Tait smirked reaching a glass of wine. "No worries. I'll make sure to take care of my princess when she's with me." Lis stiffened for a second when he winked at her and cleared her throat. She then politely gave him a nod. "And Lis, don't hesitate to do your own thing. Acting for the big screen is different from editorial campaigns but it's still acting. You as an actress, your goal is to bring your character alive." Lis bit her lip in excitement. "I can't wait to do this. I've always wanted to try acting." The men in the table was pleased with her answer. When she turned to Tait, his attention was on his phone again. She ignored him thinking that she'll treat him like a coworker from now on so she won't have a problem dealing with him on a personal level. After their discussions in the long table, the team proceeded inside to have the screen test to check their "chemistry." She and Tait read some lines in the script together being relieved to have acted naturally. It went pretty well with the two secretly complementing each other's talents. They can't fool the others though; Director and his two producers were smiling to each other while they were watching the two actors read their lines perfectly.

The three film experts were so caught up with their chemistry that when all of them toured the villa, they left the two alone at the end of the beach dock.

"Why don't you stay there and we'll get some drinks." Floral executive said smiling too adoringly.

"Hey why don't we get the griller here so we can barbecue?" Tall executive suggested to which Director Mendes agreed too eagerly.

Tait opened his mouth to offer his help but he was cut off when he saw the director and the producers dragging his bodyguard and Lisie's assistant with them.

"Mademoiselle~" Lisie heard Saint calling to her.

"Oh she'll be fine..." Floral Exec assured him.

When the others were completely out of sight, Lisie sighed and slumped her back on the lounger. "If I had known better, they're totally shipping us."

Lisie heard him giggle. She took a glance not wanting to miss his reactions. The guy was already taking a seat beside her. Her eyes were glued to him curious of what he's going to do next. He removed his sunglasses hanging them on his shirt's neckline because the sun was barely visible. Then he reclined the seat lower resting his head on his arms.

Lisie couldn't help but praise his effortless looks.

"Do you suggest we make that happen?" He smirked and met her eyes surprising her.

"You're not my type." She hissed bitterly taking her eyes off him which amused him. "Don't try to flirt, I know what you're doing."

"Oh, you do?"

Lisie was actually disappointed in him. Given the things she heard from people he's worked with before, she really thought he'd be more of a gentleman and not some stuck up haughty celebrity.

"You think I'm just a dumb model who you can trick and play with." When she looked at him it was his turn to look away. "Let me tell you something Mr. Kingston, your moves won't work on me."

She heard him scoff.

"Well, let me tell you something Ms. Moore, we have like four kissing scenes in this film. Two of those are bed scenes. On top of that, 70 percent of the script are all about us. You still think you won't develop feelings for me?"

"Is it only my feelings involve here?"

"You think I'd fall for you? Please. I've been acting for two decades honey," he huffed arrogantly making Lisie cringe in annoyance.

Lisie smirked sitting straight. She turned to face him. "You want to bet on that?"

Tait pushed his back from his seat to meet her gaze. "If I win, which I surely will, you'll have to kiss me on the red carpet premiere." He offered his hand to her like he was offering her to sign with the devil.

Lisie felt a cold sweat hearing his terms.

"What? Chickening out now?"

She snapped out of it and reached his hand.

"Okay, but if I win, you have to give me a cruise ship."

For a moment she thought she saw his face hardened at the condition of her wager.

"Scared?" She shook his hand with a smug face.

"It's a deal."

To Be Continued...

A/N

Now that celine couple had longer interaction im excited to write the next chapters woohoo~

I don't think I can write erotic love scenes though T_T