All for the Mirrorball

Chapter 19 - He Wouldn't

When they got to the bar, Ilona couldn't decide if the pitying looks were because of her scores or because she made it painfully obvious she had feelings for a man who didn't feel the same. Her mind kept going back to the gravelly way he'd said her name, sending chills up her spine every time.

The bar hummed with laughter and conversation, the cast and crew unwinding after an emotional night. Ilona stuck close to Olivia and Jenn at first, her smile strained but passable as she sipped her drink. She could feel Alan's gaze on her from across the room, and it only made her grip her glass tighter.

Later, Ilona perched on a barstool, swirling the remnants of her drink absentmindedly as Olivia chatted animatedly beside her. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air, but she felt a million miles away. She caught a glimpse of Alan across the room, leaning against the bar, his gaze flicking to her more than once. She looked away quickly, pretending she didn't notice.

A moment later, he appeared beside her, setting a fresh drink down in front of her. "Figured you could use a refill," he said lightly, his tone casual, but his eyes lingered on hers.

Ilona glanced at the drink and then at him, raising an eyebrow. "Trying to butter me up now?" she asked, her voice teasing but strained.

"Maybe," he replied with a small smirk. "Is it working?"

She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "I guess I'll let you know."

Alan leaned against the bar, studying her as she took a sip. "You okay?" he asked, his voice dropping just enough to make her chest tighten.

"I'm fine, Alan," she said quickly - too quickly.

His lips curved into a knowing smile, but he didn't push further. "Alright," he said, stepping back. "But I'm around if you need me."

"Thanks," she murmured, watching him retreat to the other side of the bar.

Olivia leaned in, her voice low. "You know, he's been staring at you like that all night."

"Liv, don't start," Ilona said, her tone a mix of exasperation and something softer. She threw back another sip of her drink, trying to ignore the way her pulse quickened at the thought of his eyes on her.

--

As the evening stretched on, Alan couldn't take it anymore. The walls Ilona had carefully put up all night felt like they were closing in on him. He spotted her leaning against the bar, staring at her drink like it held the answers to everything.

Alan crossed the room and touched her elbow gently. "Hey," he said softly, "can we talk for a second?"

Ilona glanced at him, her expression unreadable. She wanted to refuse, but something about the look in his eyes stopped her. She set her drink down and followed him to a quieter corner of the bar, away from the larger group.

Jenna noticed immediately, her eyes darting between the two of them. "You see that?" she said, nudging Val.

Val smirked, raising his beer. "They're gonna implode or something. You can feel it."

She grinned. "I'm so glad we told the sitter it would be a late night!"

In the corner, Alan turned to face Ilona, his voice low but steady. "Lo, what's going on? You've been pulling away from me all night. All week, really."

Ilona crossed her arms, defensive. "I'm not pulling away. I'm just... tired, Alan. Tonight was a lot."

"I know it was," he said, his eyes searching hers. "But it's more than that. What's going on in your head?"