Secrets in The Shadow

Chapter 2 Azlyn

"Please, Azlyn. You know I don't like going to these things alone!"
Tanner has been trying for the last ten minutes to get me to go to an event with him. He finished filming and the crew is throwing a post-production party for the cast or something. I don't know. I just know that I don't want to go.
"You know I don't like going to these things at all."
To be fair, I have only been to one of these previously, but it still sucked. You stand around talking to people that think they're better than you while drinking alcohol that tastes like battery acid, wearing something that you hate because it squeezes you so tight you can't breathe.
Welcome to Hollywood.
"I know, but you're dislike for my parties is the same dislike I have for your parties and yet I still go to those. C'mon. Do this for me and this will be the last one you have to go to for this movie."
Lies. There are at least two more events he has to attend. "You mean last event I'll have to attend for this movie this week? I know you have a few more to go to."
"Okay, well yeah. But after those, you're free." Until the next movie.
"Fine, but you're going to the next art opening I have." That'll show him.
"Deal." Well that backfired.
I grimace at the thought of having to make small talk with his snotty co-workers. I should clarify that not all of them are bad. His co-star, Berklee, is usually pretty nice to me. She never makes me feel uncomfortable like the others do.
I guess I should get ready. I am going to wear a comfortable dress and fuck anyone that  has a problem with it. Wait, "is there a dress code for this thing?"
"No, just look adorable like you always do." He flashes that sweet smile that he uses to get what he wants.
Honestly, I can see why he's famous. He is one of the sweetest and smartest people I know, has more talent than any ten celebrities I actually know of, has a great work ethic, and is willing to do just about anything. And did I mention that hes drop dead gorgeous and drives a motorcycle? If the sharp jawline and golden brown eyes don't get you, the Ducati motorcycle will.
Tanner and I have been best friends for as long as I can remember. Our dads went to college together and got married to best friends, so it was destined for us to be best friends as well. I'm pretty sure our mothers have planned our wedding at least three times, but its never been like that.
We tried the dating thing to make our parents happy, but it just didn't feel right for either of us. Tanner was my first kiss and the first boy that held my hand. It was first grade though so I tease him that it doesn't even really count. We were basically inseparable, so we went through a lot of firsts together. Our first birthdays, first day of school, first heartbreak, first time learning to drive, and first time having sex. Even though that last one wasn't with each other, that one belongs to a guy named Luke from our high school, Tanner still counts it because he slept with a girl named Harper the same night.
We graduated high school together, went to the same college, and even moved to the same apartment complex here in Los Angeles. He made it big and waited three years for me to save up enough money to buy my own place. He hated that we weren't next to each other in the apartments so he made sure that the houses we bought were right next door to each other.
Three hours after my unfortunate agreement to waste a perfectly good evening, I am seated in the passenger seat of Tanner's car headed to the venue. They're having this party on a rooftop of a hotel downtown so it combines two of my favorite things: movie parties and L.A. traffic.
"Couldn't we have at least taken a helicopter and dropped in to make a cool entrance? I mean, you would think the producers would spring for something like that."
Tee pushes his glasses up closer to his eyes and I swear I can see him roll his eyes, "no, Azzy, they couldn't. They spent all of their money making sure the movies good. Also, we're both afraid of heights, so it wouldn't have mattered anyways." I mean, he had me on that one.
"But yet this party is on a rooftop," I dramatically sign, hoping he'll change his mind and let me go home. I would much rather be in some sweat pants than this cocktail dress and heels anyways. 
"Don't look down." He shrugs. I can tell he's over my bullshit already, and we haven't even gotten there. Oh well.
We finally make it to the hotel and a member of the valet opens my door and holds his hand out for me to take. "And they say chivalry is dead." Tanner laughs and shakes his head, "Its literally his job to help you out of the car, Azlyn."
"You just couldn't let me feel special for one moment, could you?"
"Of course not." Tanner brings out the violent tendencies in me.
I take the mans arm and he helps me out, making sure I am covered so none of the fans outside of the hotel can see anything that may slip out. I thank him and move to the side so he can close the door. Tanner comes around the car with the biggest smile on his face. He tries to say something but I couldn't make it out over the shrill sound of teenage girls screaming his name. There weren't many people in front of the hotel, but it was enough to give me anxiety. Tee handled it like a pro though, all smiles and laughs while he talks to and takes photos with some of the girls.
There are a few people here that want photos with me, which is weird, but I oblige to be polite. I'm not famous by any means, but I guess being best friends with someone who is famous gets you some attention. I'm almost at one million followers on Instagram, which I don't mind because it gives me more exposure for my art.
Tee makes his way through the crowd and I follow suit so we can get inside and up to the roof. I want to get this party over with as fast as I can. He promised we would only be here for a few hours, so I plan on holding him to that. I don't want to have to rub elbows with these people for any loner than I need to.
It doesn't take the elevator long to get us to our destination, and as soon as we step out it feels like we've been transported to a completely different place. There are black and gold decorations everywhere, pub tables with long tablecloths and huge centerpieces, and tables of food on the far left side. The bar is decorated with black and gold streamers behind the bartender, who appears to be dressed in all black. The servers walking around are wearing black pants with a gold jacket, even though it is almost 95 degrees outside. The best part of this whole thing is the view. From where we are, we can see a 360 degree view of downtown L.A. and at night, it is absolutely breathtaking.
"Wow, look at this view. Its almost enough to get me to forgive them for not getting the helicopter." I smirk knowing Tanner is annoyed. It brings me joy to get under his skin sometimes. Its something I talk to my therapist about.
Tanner drags me around the rooftop for about an hour and a half while he chats with his co-workers and I stand there holding a glass of champagne. I don't really drink but I needed something to take the edge off. This party is incredibly boring. We haven't run into Berklee yet, but I have seen her making her own rounds so I'm sure we will cross paths at some point.
I'm standing at the bar waiting to return my empty glass when I notice that Tee has found Berklee and the man she came with. He told me once that he was her bodyguard, Bradley, or something. Poor guy looks like he would rather be anywhere than here, and I wonder for just a second if my own face wears the same expression.
I watch the guys expression change from one of boredom to disdain when Tee approaches them. I know Tee is being his usual charming self, shaking the mans hand and kissing Berklee on the cheek before they start speaking. Its refreshing to see that someone may not care for Tanner, but it also annoys me. I'm the only one allowed to be annoyed by his presence.
I decide to walk over and insert myself in this interaction to let this man know that I seen his reaction to Tanner and that I don't like it. I'm almost there when Jolly Green Grump and I make eye contact, which only annoys me further. He doesn't look at me with the same expression he did Tanner, but I don't care enough to analyze his expression now.
I reach Tanner and put my hand on his forearm to get his attention, "hey Tee, I'm gonna run to the bathroom real quick, I'll be back." As I was walking away I noticed Jolly Green Grump lean over and whisper in Berklee's ear and whatever he said, she rolled her eyes at and slapped at his chest. I don't know what he said, but I know it pissed me off, so I walked to the bathroom a little faster than I would have ten seconds ago.
After doing what I needed to do, washing my hands and making sure my dress was in place, I walked back out to join Tanner, Berklee and Jolly Giant Dumbass. I hadn't been standing there for more than a few seconds when he stuck his hand out for me to shake, "hi, my name's Broden. I'm Berklee's bodyguard." Well I guess I was close with Bradley.
I take his hand and smile as politely as I can when I'm annoyed, "hey, I'm Azlyn. I'm Tanner's best friend. Its nice to meet you." I lied, it was not nice to meet him, but I know Tee would be pissed if I said that instead.
Broden holds my hand for a few seconds too long and its weird. 
"So are you also an actress?" I laugh thinking that he was joking, but decide to answer anyways.
"No, I'm an independent artist. I actually have a gallery near here." I point in the direction that I'm pretty sure my gallery is, and he looks that way as if he will actually be able to see it from where he is standing.
Bless his heart.
"How about you, have you always been a bodyguard?" Judging from his build, I would say he was a professional tree before this. His arms are huge. Not that I was looking.
"No, I enlisted into the Navy when I turned 18, and when I retired Berklee decided to hire me as her bodyguard!" Never would have guessed Navy.
"Oh, well thank you for your service. Did you two meet then, or have you known each other for a while?" I don't really care, but again, Tanner would be pissed if I was rude.
"No we have been friends forever, she's like my little sister. It was actually her idea for me to be her bodyguard." He smiles and I can tell how genuine his love and pride is for her. "How about you and Tanner, how do you two know each other?"
"We grew up together in Colorado. We were practically inseparable. We even went to the same college, but while he wanted to be an actor, my passion has always been art. Then when he got the opportunity to move out here for his career, I decided to follow."
"We're still inseparable, so I guess not much has changed." Tanner adds, making me chuckle. I guess not.
I notice that people are starting to leave, which gives me hope. I'll soon be in my sweats watching my shows trying to forget this whole night.
Jolly Green must notice that people are leaving as well because he taps on Berklee's arm and nods towards the elevator. I guess he wants to leave as much as I do. Don't blame him for that one.
"Well it was nice to meet you, and I look forward to meeting again." I really hope we don't see each other again.
I smile politely, "its my pleasure. I usually hate coming to these events but I had a good time tonight. Good night, Broden. Berklee." I wrap my arm around Tanner's and start turning him around so we can leave.
"Good night Azlyn." I hear Broden say.