𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐌 | ⁿⁱᶜʰᵒˡᵃˢ ᶜʰᵃᵛᵉᶻ

3 | stalk stalk stalk

The drive home felt longer than usual, and by the time I stepped through my front door, I was exhausted. The meeting replayed in my mind especially Nicholas's irritatingly smug smile. There was no denying his charm, but that cockiness? Too annoying.

Out of curiosity, I pulled out my phone and typed his name into Instagram. Nicholas Alexander Chavez. Just one picture had over a hundred thousand comments—fans obsessing over him, calling him "white boy of the month," "dream guy," and my favorite, "the next big thing."

I rolled my eyes. The way people threw compliments his way, you'd think he was the second coming of Jacob Elordi. I scrolled down further, skimming through comments until I couldn't take it anymore. Setting my phone down, I tried to shake off the strange mix of irritation and... curiosity.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed with an incoming call. Tabyana's name lit up the screen, and I felt a wave of relief. She was the one person I could vent to without holding back. My dearest best friend.

"Taby!" I answered, sinking deeper into the couch.

"How is my favorite girl?" she asked, her voice bubbling with excitement.

"Annoyed,' I sighed, feeling the frustration bubble up again. "I finally met Nicholas.''

Tabyana laughed, clearly entertained. "Oh, no. How did it go? Was he that insufferable?''

"Worse," I replied, unable to suppress a smirk. "He's arrogant, way too comfortable with the attention he gets. The second he opened his mouth, I knew we were in for it."

Taby chuckled, then lowered her voice as if sharing a secret. "So, what's he like? Spill!"

I hesitated, "I don't know, he's annoying. But he's also really good at what he does. He has this confidence that's ugh, I hate to admit it kinda impressive. But he knows it too, which makes it worse."

"So, in other words, he's hot, talented, and knows it," she teased, laughing when I groaned.

"Taby, don't start," I warned, but I couldn't stop the smile tugging at my lips. "Anyway, I'll manage. I've worked with difficult people before. It's just..." I trailed off, trying to find the words. "There's this tension between us. I don't know if it's because he's trying to prove himself or if he's just naturally like that."

Tabyana hummed thoughtfully. "Well, maybe that tension is exactly what the film needs. People love watching enemies fall for each other, and you two already have that 'sparks flying' energy. Just don't let him get under your skin too much."

"Me falling in love? You know I don't have time for that," I admitted, letting out a long breath. "It's just a movie, after all. But something tells me it won't be the easiest one I've ever done."

Taby laughed. "With a guy like that? Who knows maybe you'll end up surprising yourself."

I chuckled, feeling a little lighter.

After we hung up, I set my phone on the table and glanced around my quiet apartment.

I brushed my teeth, changed into my favorite silk pajamas, and dimmed the lights in my bedroom. Sliding into bed, I tried to push the thoughts of him out of my mind, but flashes of our banter in the meeting room crept back. His cocky grin, his quick comebacks, it was as if he had this strange power to pull me into his orbit, even without trying.

With a huff, I turned over and buried my head into my pillow. I would need every ounce of patience to work with someone like him, but a part of me couldn't deny the thrill of the challenge. I closed my eyes, willing myself to let it all go. Tomorrow was another day, and I'd be ready to face it.

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hey guys!! i had to mention my favorite girl taby :) hope you like it so far ^^