Forbidden - Pedro Pascal

chapter 4: "why didn't you call?"

I took another gulp of wine as I fixed my silver hoops into place, watching my friends dance around my apartment in the mirror. Enya Umanzor turned with a twirl to check on me.

"Come onn Lily are you done yet?? I wanna get to the party so I can talk to Pedro and Oscar. I'd let them Eiffel Tower me," she smirked, picking up her bag. "Oh and Timothée and-"

Saoirse scrunched up her nose, adding finishing touches to her makeup. "Enya, hello, they're my colleagues," she reminded her, and Enya shrieked with laughter.

"Yeah, mine too," I chime in, blushing a little under my foundation.

Despite being my best friends, I hadn't told even them about me and Pedro that night at the bar. Orion Carloto, who always seemed a little too observant, cocked her head at me slightly.

"Really tho Lil, are you nearly done? We can't be late to your own dads party." Lily Rose Depp prodded me playfully, running her fingers through my dark hair.

"It's not a party guys, it's pre-drinks. To celebrate the film release." I answered, quickly brushing mascara through my lashes. They all looked at me cluelessly.

"It's a UK thing," I shrugged my shoulders. I lined my eyes, hoping to bring out the green in them. "Like you go to someone's house and drink before going out-out?"

"Sorry guys, we Brits are alcoholics," giggled Florence as we headed for the door.

As we pulled up in the Uber, chattering excitedly, it occurred to me this wasn't such a small gathering. Walking up to Dad's door, I could hear at least 50 people inside, and the thud of a bass speaker. Maybe I should have dressed up a little more appropriately; I'd decided to wear a black mesh top and a frilled mini skirt with some fishnets, a chunky silver locket at my throat.

Before I could ring the bell, my dad opened the door, holding out his arms for a hug.

"Hey sweetheart," he kissed me on the head, stepping aside for my friends to come in.

"Wow Dad, you got your townhouse!"

It had tall ceilings and intricate pillars, with dark wooden floors and beautiful french windows, with a balcony and a view of the Eiffel Tower.

"Told you I'd get it," he winked, running a hand through his salt and pepper beard.

We made our rounds, chatting cordially with Dad's friends, the director, the agents of the cast and some distant mutuals. I didn't dare crane my neck and look for Pedro. If he was here, he hadn't come to talk to me, so it would only hurt my feelings.

With a tap on my shoulder, Taron Egerton was by my side, a whiskey in hand.

"Hey Lily, I'd love to work with you for my new film. Pedro was telling me all about how amazing you were for his dancing, and I've got some serious lack of skills in that department," he winked, his eyes hopeful.

I gulped and pushed my feelings down my throat. "Yeah that'd be great," I flashed him a smile back and he nodded, wandering off.

I pulled open the french windows and slipped out onto the balcony. The view was astounding, and I leant over the railings a little to take it in. The Eiffel Tower glowed a warm yellow, and suddenly blurred as I felt tears welling in my eyes. I gulped and wiped them away. Why was I sad anyway?

A whoosh of the doors sliding open behind me made me spin round. My eyes focused and I jumped, my heart plummeting to my stomach.

"Pedro?" I said quietly. He smiled, but his eyes seemed sad. He walked to me with open arms, pulling me into a strong hug.

"Why didn't you call," I mumbled into his shoulder. He hugged tighter.

"Your dad made me promise not to," he said into my hair. I laughed a little ironically, and another tear slid down my cheek. I pulled away to wipe them.

"Hey, pretty girls shouldn't be crying," his voice wavered a little as he brushed the tear with his thumb.

I cracked a grin to make him laugh. He placed a hand on my back and we stood at the balcony.

"Look, you can totally say no to this, it's really last minute, but I was wondering if tonight, you wanted to come to this film premier with me. It's just a little short film I did, and I need a date. It'll be like two hours tops,"

He bit his lip and grinned, his eyes scrunching up, wincing in anticipation of my answer.

The word date echoed in my head.

"I mean I'd love to, but what about my dad-"

Right on cue, dad slipped through the french windows. Subconsciously we took a further step apart. To my surprise, my dad didn't seem angered.

"Well, I actually already asked your dad," Pedro glanced over at him.

I flushed with anger. "Dad, why didn't you tell me? I could've dressed for the event, I can't go like this. Anyway I'm a grown woman, I can do what I want," I glared at him. He sighed.

"I know you can, I'm sorry I'm so protective. Anyway you don't have to go-"

"No, I'm going. What am I going to wear? Seriously, I can't go like this," I plucked at my short skirt.

"If you come upstairs, I have something to show you that could fix that." Pedro beckoned, slipping through the doors inside. A twinge of excitement rose in my stomach, and I followed him.