Chương 20: Why'd I flirt when I can make love to you?

Alice woke up when the warm winter sunlight, stirred her dreams. She sat up lazily, stretched & yawned. Daniel was looking at his little pet 'kitty' with an adorable smile. She narrowed her eyes while he handed her a glass of warm milk.

"Oh! Why do you pamper me so much?",Alice pursed her lips.

"You're born to be pampered", Daniel added with a smile.

"Why're you so cute?", Alice rubbed her nose in his cheek, which made Daniel giggle.

"Okay! Get up soon. Your shooting starts today!"

"Yes!", Her eyes were filled with determination, which made Daniel happy.

,,,

30 minutes later

Alice climbed down the stairs wearing a Blue Georgette dress. He smiled at her & accompanied her to the car.

"All the best", Daniel wished her luck.

"Thanks", she smiled.

---

Film City, Southern Avenue

Alice arrived at the huge studio. She was to appear in the video for a few moments parallel to Catherine. Some parts would be shown where Catherine would be lipsync while in some parts Alice would be shown singing herself.

Director Crook saw her & approached her. Beside him was Catherine, who was currently wearing a school uniform. It looks like she just finished a scene.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Buds", Crook shook his hand with her.

"You too, Mr. Crook!" Alice smiled politely.

"I guess you two know each other", His eyes moved from Alice to Catherine & then back at Alice. Both of them nodded & smiled at each other.

"So? Are you ready, Miss Buds?"

"Yeah", she smiled, "And please call me Alice."

Crook nodded & gestured a man nearby, "Tyler, please take her in & get her ready."

"Yes, sir!", Tyler nodded & waved to Alice, "Miss, this way."

Alice nodded & followed him. Not much away from her, a pair of blue eyes were following her with intent eyes.

,,,

30 minutes later

Alice walked out of the dresser, "I'm ready!"

"Yes, so...", Tyler & his assistant were arranging the makeup tools & were dumbfounded to see her. Tyler & the girl blinked quite a few times before the girl said awkwardly, "Miss, you don't need any makeup. A light touch up would do."

Alice replied with an 'oh' before she sat down. Even this made Tyler gape at her. A smile spread across the girl's face. She let the hair flow freely & placed a floral tiara on her head. Then she lightly touched up the chiseled cheekbones with a light blush, "Miss, we're done!" Alice stood up & nodded at her reflection.

She walked out of the room & Crook smiled at her. Catherine jumped from her seat, "Al, You look great!" The male lead acting opposite Catherine was quite amused. Alas! He couldn't have any scenes with her even if he wants to.

Alice was led to a swing covered with flowers. She then sat down. Soon, the camera placed a close up focus on her face, according to Crook's instructions. Her lips synced a few lines before she put on a helpless smile.

"Cut!", Crook yelled, "Not bad!" He gave her a thumbs up. 👍🏻

Alice smiled, "Thank you!"

Likewise, many scenes were shot. Somewhere with Catherine & some alone. The shots were quick & smooth & took only half of the day. After the shoot, Crook called the actors, which, of course, included Alice.

"Some parts of the video will be shot at Grange City. I hope your schedules are clear. We need to fly tomorrow."

Everyone nodded in unison before they retired to their changing rooms.

,,,

A few minutes later

Alice walked out of her room when she bumped into someone, "Sorry!"

"It's okay!", A guy just her age smiled at her. She remembered that he was the one acting beside Cath. She smiled & made her way out when she heard him call, "Can we talk?"

She turned her head to see Allen approaching her. She halted in her steps when her phone rang.

"Excuse me!"

"No problem. I'm waiting", Allen shrugged. She smiled awkwardly at his straight reply but her face lit up when she saw the ID.

"Hello?"

"Hey!", came his deep, seductive voice.

"Hm? What's up?"

"Nothing. Shall I come to pick you up?"

Alice glanced at the boy beside her before she replied, "Sure. No problem!"

"Come out. I'm already waiting."

"Really? I'm coming, then.'

"Sure."

Allen's brows scrunched up at the voice on the other end of the phone. Who is this? Has he been ripped off his chance, even before he began? When he was lost in thoughts, Allen heard his name being called.

"Allen?"

"Hm?"

"I must take my leave. My Bf is waiting. Bye!", she ran away quickly.

"Hey! Wait!", he shouted. After some thought, he followed behind her.

,,,

Alice walked out of the studio with a smiley face. She saw him leaning against the car, talking in a flirty tone. She narrowed her eyes & raised an eyebrow.

"Huh? Wanna grab ice creams with me?"

---

"How about tonight?"

---

"Eh? Just joking!"

---

"Okay. I'll pick you up on the way tomorrow."

---

"Bye!"

Alice approached from behind & cleared her throat, "Ahem!" Daniel turned his head & saw her looking at him angrily with folded arms. He smiled, "What's up?"

"Whom were you talking to?", she asked in a rough tone.

"Hey! Is my bride jealous?", Daniel leaned in closer & watched her closely.

"Shut up!", she pushed him away; her face red as a tomato.

"Come on. You remember, Nancy?",he laughed

"Hmm...what's with her?", her face softened.

"She's on the phone right now."

"What?", she flared up again.

"Oh come on! She wanted to meet up with me. Moreover, it's normal for us to flirt."

"You never flirt with me", she pouted in a sad way.

"Why'd I flirt when I can make love to you?"

"You...", she blushed.

"Okay, Let's get into the car", Daniel made her sit inside the car.

The car started & moved out of the campus. Allen's eyes darkened when he saw the way they interacted. This man was someone he feared the most. He had never seen him he interact this way. The little hope he had, was gone.