Lifeline (Marc Guiu)

Chapter 9

Funnily enough, the situation between Fermín and Victoria finally got better after the big dressing room fight between Fermín and Victoria's dad. Seeing her hit rock bottom, her parents finally allowed her to be back with him and Alicia wasn't surprised by how much of a difference that made. She loved hanging out with the two of them, who never made her feel like a third wheel. Plus they kept on telling Alicia how amazing she was because of how much she helped them. It was always nice to hear so many compliments.

The other situation Alicia was in the middle of was going well too. She and Marc had almost found a routine so they could spend time together. And it was always a good time when they managed to be alone. Not just because of the sex, which was good too. But they had both found another person they could talk to about anything. However, it was all kept private.

It was easy to do that because no one saw them together. But sometimes it could get a little trickier.

"I have to go to Castellón for a two-day shoot with Puma. How random", said Marc when he read the text on his phone.

Alicia was also on her phone and looked up at him. "Funny, so do I".

"Really?", Alicia showed him the text and it was similar to the one he received but had some extra notes about her job. "Cool. We'll be there together".

"Marc, no one can know about this".

"Why?"

"Because what if they fire me because they think I'm dating you?", it was a fair worry.

"Well, I won't be kissing you while you're at work but can I just be around you? Talking?"

"I don't know...".

It was as if Alicia realised, all of a sudden, that they were having that odd conversation while she was sitting on Marc's lap. So she stood up and wasn't happy to see his annoyed look.

"So I have to be away from home for two days and can't even talk to the only person there that I know and like?"

"You can talk to me. But if we spend too much time together, people can talk...".

"It's just you that worries about what others think, not me".

"Marc...", she sighed.

"You're overreacting, Ali. Nothing has happened and you're already imagining the worst. The people working there are adults with busy lives. They don't give a shit about what you and I do. And I doubt it'd be weird to see us hanging out when we'll be the youngest out of the whole crew".

"I just don't want to look unprofessional".

"And being with me makes you unprofessional?", he raised his brow and Alicia tried not to roll her eyes.

"Yes. Because while we're there you aren't my friend Marc, you are the star of the whole shoot. The reason we'll be there".

Marc tried not to flinch after being friendzoned...again. "Don't worry then. I'll stay away from you if that makes you happy".

Being away from Marc made her the complete opposite of happy. But Alicia felt like she didn't know how to communicate that to him. It was also funny how easily they could talk to each other about everything...except for their feelings.

"I didn't mean that".

"I get what you mean, Ali. But there's no need to always be on the extremes, you know?"

"Yeah...", she sighed. "So what do we do?"

"Go to work and pretend we don't know each other. That's apparently the plan".

"I don't want that to be the plan if it hurts you, Marc".

"Don't worry. I'm fine".

But he wasn't. Not fully. Because it had been two months since this situation started and Alicia never even suggested that they told people about them being friends. Marc could understand her not wanting to tell them about the "with benefits" part of the deal for obvious reasons. But she didn't seem to want anyone to know they were friends and that hurt. But with everything that had been going on with her best friend Victoria, he kind of understood why she chose to keep their friendship a secret. It didn't mean he had to like it, though.

The drive to Castellón wasn't too long but the brand still sent a car with a driver to take Marc there. God forbid the star of the shoot got tired. But if the make-up artist was exhausted, they weren't as worried. Still, it was a pretty easy trip for Alicia since she traveled there by train and could just spend the whole time on her phone. She had not told Victoria about the trip because she feared Marc mentioning something while at training and Fermín putting two and two together.

"Hi, Alicia. Welcome!", it was Sara, the woman who had directly hired Alicia that welcomed her.

"Hi. Are the rooms ready? I wanted to get changed before we start the shoot".

"Yes but...we've had a bit of an issue".

"Oh?"

"I'm really sorry", said Sara. "But most of the crew is local so they're staying home. And then, someone messed up and there is a room for you. But...you have to share it with Guiu".

Alicia's eyes opened wide. This couldn't be happening... "What? I can't share a room with him".

"There are two beds, Alicia", tried to laugh Sara like it was just a cute funny mistake. "It's not the end of the world".

"But...he's a child".

"Then read him a bedtime story".

"Is there no way I can get a room for me? Just for me?"

"No. Sorry, hun. But it's just one night".

"Ok", said Alicia, because what else could she do? "Can I go to the room now and get ready?"

"Sure, follow me".

The first part of the job for Alicia didn't include Marc, who was getting there a little later because he wasn't needed until they started to do fittings and photos. So Alicia did some work and had dinner with Sara before going to bed. She knew Marc would show up at some point but was surprised to see his suitcase was there when she got to the room. There were no texts telling her he had arrived. So she just put her pyjamas on and got inside the bed. Maybe she would fall asleep before Marc got back to the room.

Marc was told about having to share a room with Alicia and he just shrugged, pretending not to be bothered. But he also ate dinner extra fast. He didn't want to waste any time.

When he got inside the room, he noticed Alicia looking away and he lied down next to her without saying a word. He then moved to face her and put his arm around her waist to move her closer to him. She didn't waste any time either and soon they were already kissing.

"Someone could walk in", said Alicia, breaking the kiss.

"I locked the door".

"We can't do this, Marc".

"This is a hotel, Ali", he reminded her. "There are probably lots of couples here doing it right now so...".

"We're not a couple".

"No, we're better. We know what we want and we get it. No need for any more dramas".

"So romantic", she laughed.

"Do you want me to be romantic or to make you feel good?"

Both?, she thought. "Option b, please".