Framed Connection

Chapter 22: Little Star of Mines

Marcel, knowing what he saw that day, is suspicious of Lucas. He has a hunch that he's hiding something; he noticed that Lucas avoids talking about that day and keeps changing the subject. Marcel contemplated going into more detail about who he saw; he believes that Lucas would probably think he lost it. He doesn't believe that seeing her was a stress induced hallucination. What supports this fact; Lucas who'd randomly advocated for him to take a journalist interview had stopped just as randomly as if it never happened.

He also no longer complains about getting incessant calls and emails from said journalist as well. Marcel has a feeling they linked somehow but he's not sure what that link is. "Wait, could it be?" Marcel feels anxious with this sudden thought; Marcel sees Lucas suddenly walk through the doors. "Don't mind me, just coming to make sure you didn't get sucked into your painting... and maybe keep you company." Lucas says.

Marcel gives him an inquisitive look "What?" Lucas questions not sure why he's looking at him strangely. Marcel walks a little closer to him and starts circling him. "What is it? You're creeping me out with whatever you're doing." Lucas says feeling a bit uncomfortable with what's happening. Wondering if it's an art thing or he's trying to gauge him with something. Then a thought crossed his mind "Did, he find out?"

Lucas' confusion now turned to anxiety, "Lucas, can I borrow your phone for a moment?" Lucas sees an ominous smile stretch across Marcel's face not reaching his eyes. It's a look he'd come to recognize after being in a few relationships; A look that says I know what you're hiding. Any other day he'd hand over his phone no problem; Marcel had seen it all at this point through his phone. However, "what do you need it for?" Lucas questions, reluctant to hand it over.

"I just need to search something up real quick." Marcel says, but Lucas isn't fooled one bit knowing better to trust those words. Having done this rodeo one too many times. "He definitely knows, how did he find out?" Lucas frets coming up with an excuse " Why use mines when you have yours over there?" Lucas questions knowing that he can't argue with logic.

"I just need to search something up real quick." Marcel says, but Lucas isn't fooled one bit knowing better to trust those words. Having done this rodeo one too many times. "He definitely knows, how did he find out?" Lucas frets coming up with an excuse " Why use mines when you have yours over there?" Lucas questions knowing that he can't argue with logic.

"You have a valid point." Marcel says, making Lucas inwardly breathe a brief sigh of relief. "Go now that we got that sorted why don't we-" Before he could finish Marcel interrupts. "My phone's dead so let me use yours." Lucas knows that he's bluffing.

Lucas bites the bullet at best he might really be searching something up and trying to sike him out. Marcel looks at the phone then back at him, "unlock it." Marcel says, Lucas palm sweats trying to unlock the phone, still a little nervous as to what he might find. Sure, it wouldn't be the worst he's seen on his phone if he actually went into his messages.

Lucas hands over the phone to him watching as his Ivory spotted fingers go straight for the messages. "So, weren't you talking about me having an interview?" Lucas felt his throat goes dry as soon as he mentioned that.

"Ok look I can explain" Lucas says ready to defend his reasoning

"Oh, save your explanations for later" Marcel says "You did something behind my back didn't you Lucas?"

 Lucas is unable to look him in the eyes, nervous for how he'll react. " What did you say your fiance's name was again?" Marcel asks, making Lucas a little confused. "Why is that important right now?" Lucas questions, not knowing where this situation was heading.

 "Just answer the question." Marcel says rather calmly, a little too calm for Lucas' liking. "Celine, her name is Celine"

Marcel asks again "Are you telling the truth Lucas?"