Birth of a star

Dances with devils

Quick authors note;

Sorry for not posting yesterday, I got really clogged up with family. Here's my extra length apology chapter, enjoy!

Maria?

"Hey Mari! How are you?" Amber said, jaw clenched.

"Ah, you know same,same. Anyways, who's this fine specimen?"

"His name is-"

"Her bodyguard," Bryan cut off.

"Oooh, someone's fancy nowadays huh?  Let's head out A's, get some stuff from 7/11 like the old days?"  Maria said.

"Maybe later Mari, I just got here, so I'd like to talk to some other people before I leave."

"Sure thing A's, but you're the one missing out." Maria walked towards the door as she said the last part.

Once the doors closed behind Maria, Amber let out a large sigh.

"Who was that?"

"Just someone I used to hangout with, we haven't talked in years." Amber flatly answered the question. A scowl painted her face, the characteristic mist would remember her for.

The two made their rounds in the front room. There were waitstaff walking about the room, handing out wine and food. Amber partook in plenty of wine and was plenty tipsy by the time it was starting to wind down.

Bryan on the other hand was everywhere talking to everyone. Laid along a couch he met up with some old buddies who stunt doubled for famous actors. One was talking about his newest movie her was working on.

"I'm telling you man, this'll be a box office hit! The cinematography is insane, you wouldn't believe how many different angles they're taking for everything. Plus, our sound tech is an absolute angel, she hasn't raised her voice once, even when me and Kyle lost our mini mics!"

"She sounds like a really good teammate," Bryan said, he was happy for his friend that they had found a good partner in almost-crimes.

"Yeah, so, what's your newest job in this hell-hole?" He asked Bryan, who's blonde hair was starting to fall into his face slightly.

"Security, I'm-"

"DAMN, HEY HARRY DID YOU HEAR THAT, BRYANS IN SECURITY NOW!" 

"You didn't have to yell Chris"

"Sorry, but who are you working for anyways?"

If you hadn't felt the need to yell I was going to tell you.

"I'm working for Amber Meyer" Bryan stated coolly.

"The short fused chick? Sheesh, sorry about that."

"Y'know, everyone told me that she had the shortest temper. But she's not cruel, or even rude." Bryan was very confused, and Chris could tell.

" maybe you're special, word on the street is her home life wasn't too great until she left for here, maybe she isn't an ass, just defensive"

"You think she's an ass?" Bryan said, unhappy.

"Jeez, what is she? Your girlfriend?"

"No, she is an associate of mine who you will not disrespect, period." He sat back, knowing that'd be the end of that train of thought.

"Speaking of associates did you hear about," the conversation started again.

Meanwhile, Amber was loosening up for the first time in a long time.  Dancing to the music with strangers, smiling like she hadn't in years, suddenly there was a sparkle in every glass. She saw a woman with cat like makeup stroll towards her with the confidence of the cat who ate the canary. Her sun kissed skin was shining in the soft light, between the moon and some candles she was illuminated in the most beautiful of lights.

"I don't believe we've met, I'm Aya, and you?"

"Amber, Amber Meyer, pleasure to meet you." Amber cheerfully said.

"Me and my friend,"she nodded to a person behind her wearing a fitting red suit," couldn't help but wonder if you were a makeup artist, judging by your exemplary makeup."

"Yeah, I used to want to be one, but I wound up in front of the cameras instead." Amber laughed.

"Funny how things change, say, want to come out to the garden with me and Ayden? It's much quieter out there"

"Hell yeah," Amber flashed a wide smile.

It was at this point that Bryan noticed them getting awfully friendly, he decided to keep a closer eye on them. He floated near them, unnoticed, to make sure Amber was safe around these people. He had seen Ayden when they worked together on Moonlit. Ayden did the makeup, knowing more about Celtic culture than anyone else on set, Bryan always had a secret admiration for them. Their skills were never doubted, but with the way they held themselves up no one could doubt them. The top half of their red hair was often pulled back into a half-up bun, with face framing bits sticking out messily.

Aya however, he'd never seen before. He wasn't sure if she was new, or if perhaps fate just hadn't had their paths crossing yet.

"Hello, beautiful," a man said from the right of the door. Before she could barely register him he pulled Ambers hand and kissed it gently with a wink.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" He smirked.

"You're friends convinced me to get away from the party out here. And who might you be?"

"Just call me Jean, and you are the great Amber Meyers if I'm correct" he said, still smirking somehow.

"Yes that is my name," she laughed.

Bryan watched the scene from afar, feeling unsure about this man.

" I haven't seen you before Jean, what do you do for work pray tell?" Amber questioned, breaking the momentary silence.

" I dance at the ballet company in town, perhaps you could come to a show, "he said before leaning into her ear,"or I could sho you some other moves I can do" he whispered.

Amber laughed while Bryan rolled his eyes from the door. He thought he was going to puke at how bad that pickup line was, but with the way Amber was laughing he knew she was falling into this trap of flirtation.

"Could I get your number by chance?"

"Of course, my bo- friend Bryan has my phone, I'll go get it from him." She turned only to bump into him," speak of the devil! Can I have my phone for a second?"

"Of course, here you go," he handed the cellular device over quietly.

After they exchanged numbers Bryan made sure the gravitated back towards the front door. As they were gravitating towards there he and Ayden talked some. They exchanged numbers also, Bryan being happy to have another person to talk to during the week other than Amber.

The pair finally exited the large door and as they were walking past the fountains Bryan noticed Jean and someone disappearing into a car, not the sports car he expected a dancer to own. He made sure they walked a little quicker to the car.

They finally drove home, and once they got he managed to get Amber to go to bed without calling Jean he took a cold shower. The water cascaded over him and he couldn't help but think of how strange the interaction with Jean was. He shook off the water and concern, but he made sure to check the hotel lock before going to sleep.

Passing by Ambers room he heard light snoring and realized just how late it was, they'd be awake again in just five hours, he made the decision to walk back to the kitchen and put start the coffee maker for the morning.