O'CONNELL'S LOVER

Twelve

Lima pov

I can't help but feel excited as Billie agrees to get ice cream before the photoshoot. I'm a simp for sweets, and the thought of a creamy, vanilla cone makes my mouth water. As we drive to the ice cream shop, I hum along to the songs on the radio, my mood noticeably brighter.

When we pull up to the ice cream shop, I practically hop out of the car, eager to go inside and get my hands on some ice cream. Billie laughs as she follows me in, shaking her head at my eagerness.

As we walk into the ice cream shop, I head straight for the display case, my eyes scanning the flavors. Suddenly, I feel Billie's arms wrap around me, pulling me close to her side.

"Where do you think you're going?" she says, her voice mock-stern. "You're not leaving me behind."

I laugh and try to wiggle out of her grip, but she only tightens her hold on me, keeping me snuggled up against her.

"You're so clingy," I grumble, half-playful, half-annoyed. "I'm just getting ice cream, not running away."

Billie just chuckles and rests her chin on my shoulder. "I know, but I can't help it. You're just too cute to let go of."

I roll my eyes, but I can't help the flutter in my chest at her words. Her clinginess can be annoying at times, but it's also sweet in a strange way. As we stand in line, she continues to cling to me, her arms wrapped possessively around my waist.

As we stand in line, waiting to order our ice cream, I suddenly notice a commotion outside the shop windows. I peer through the glass and see a group of fans, holding up phones and cameras, clearly waiting for someone.

"Uh oh," I mutter to myself, realizing what's happening. I nudge Billie, trying to warn her. "Looks like there are some fans waiting outside."

Billie follows my gaze and sees the fans outside. She groans and lets go of me, a look of annoyance on her face. "Just what I needed right now," she mutters.

We finally reach the front of the line and place our orders, choosing two cones. The cashier hands us our ice cream cones, and we start to head towards the exit. I can see the fans outside, their expressions excited and expectant.

As we push open the door, the fans spot us and immediately start shouting and waving their phones. I brace myself for the barrage of questions and requests, while Billie simply nods and waves at them, used to the attention.

I, the social butterfly, immediately turn on my charm and start talking with the fans. I strike a few poses, laughing and giggling as i sign autographs and take selfies with the fans.

Billie stands beside me, watching with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. She sips on her ice cream, rolling her eyes at my antics, but also secretly finding them adorable

After saying goodbye to the fans and signing some more autographs, we finally get in the car and pull back onto the road. I'm a bit dazed from the fan encounter, my adrenaline still pumping.

Billie looks at me with a smirk, clearly amused by my interaction with the fans. "You were in your element, weren't you?" she teases.

I stick my tongue out at her, covered with annoyance. "Shut up," I mutter, though the corners of my lips twitch with a smile. "I was just being nice to the fans."

"Yeah, you were. You were practically glowing with all that attention." She takes another lick of her ice cream, clearly enjoying my flustered face.

Finally, we pull into the parking lot of the photo shoot location. I take a deep breath and try to shake off my lingering adrenaline from the fan encounter.

We grab our things and head towards the building, where we see the photographer and his crew waiting for us. The photographer, a tall, lean man with a perpetually bored expression, waves us over.

"There you are," he says, his voice cool and detached. "You're cutting it close, you know. We've already started setting up."

"Sorry, traffic was a beast," Billie replies, her tone unapologetic. The photographer just grunts and motions for us to follow him into the building.

As we follow the photographer, I can't help but feel a pang of annoyance at his attitude. He's acting like we're some unruly children late for class. I can't help but shoot him a scathing glare behind his back.bitch

I hear Billie chuckle beside me, noticing my irritation. "Don't let him get to you," she mutters under her breath. "He's always like that, don't take it personally."

"He's being a Poosay," I grumble, still glaring at the photographer's back. "Can't he at least pretend to be pleasant?"

"If he pretends to be pleasant, the world will collapse," Billie retorts, expressionless. "Just ignore him and focus on the shoot."

I roll my eyes but know she's right. The photographer leads us into a large room, where a few other models are already getting ready. The set is a bright, modern space, with a high ceiling and huge windows that let in streams of natural light.

Author pov

Lima sighs and looks around the studio, taking in the other models and the set. There's a sense of controlled chaos as the photographer and his crew set up the lights and cameras, making last-minute adjustments to the props and backdrops.

The makeup artists come to check on them, touching up their makeup and making sure they look camera-ready. Billie watch as they doll up lima, accentuating her features and making her look even more stunning than usual.

Billie sits back in her chair, her eyes closed, letting the makeup artists work their magic. She looks completely unfazed by the whole process, used to the attention and pampering.

Lima on the other hand, feel a twinge of lack as she watch the makeup artists turn her into even more of a goddess.

The makeup artists finish up, and Billie opens her eyes, looking at herself in the mirror. She runs a hand through her hair and gives a satisfied nod, clearly pleased with her reflection.

The wardrobe team approaches them, holding up outfits for the shoot. The designer has chosen a series of elegant, sophisticated looks, with matching items for Billie and Lima. Billie watch as they help Lima into her outfit, a sleek dress that hugs her curves.