What Happens in L.A.

Chapter 9: Charm

L

"Communication, it's one of my top skills." Lilly ensured Jayce as he drove the car. The interview was today, and after a lengthy apology from Jayce for the way he acted at Olive Garden, Lilly agreed to go.

"No need to give me a false sense of security. Just let me do most of the talking, but talk some. I don't want to look, I don't know- overbearing?"

"Right. Got it." Lilly said as she looked in the car's mirror.

"You look great." Jayce said glancing over at her. Again, Lilly felt hot, but she didn't feel special. It was like she was embarrassed by the compliment, more than flattered.

"That's so sweet, thank you." Lilly uttered. She hoped that encouraging Jayce would spark more of a change.

Jayce shrugged. "Not really. Just an average thing guys say when they want to get in your pants. But, I don't want to have sex with you. Unlike most guys you'll meet."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Lilly gaped.

"Well I just don't think you'll have much luck with typical guys. You're way too gullible. You're pretty lucky to have me." Jayce stated matter-of-factly.

"To have you in what way?"

"As a fake boyfriend, of course. Boys don't like taken girls as much, you know."

Lilly looked at him. "Who says after this month I don't want to start a real relationship?"

"Why would you want to? What I just told you is the truth. You finding a boy who doesn't want sex is a lost cause. Look at all of your friends. Addilyn, for example. She has two guys, and she's givin' it up to both of them."

"That's not true. Addilyn may have her times with Chase, but she's not having sex with Mason." Lilly said to him. "You're not telling the truth."

"You'll see just how honest I am soon. I'm an honest person. Brutally, of course." Jayce laughed. Lilly did not think it was funny. She tried not to let Jayce see how much she was pouting on the inside, because she knew he'd have something to say. So Lilly tried to sit bone straight again the smooth leather of the car, and gaze out the clear windows. She tried not to think, because thinking was just mental poison. After three years of AP psychology classes, Lilly developed the theory that thinking too much caused most mental illnesses. Finally, two honked horns and a middle finger later, they were at the studio.

"So, how known is this place?" Lilly asked.

"Pretty well known. A step up, since I'm more popular in Canada."

"I've been to Canada once before. I went to an underground railroad museum and a college tour. I remember someone mentioning you, that's how I first found out you were famous." Lilly told him recollecting the encounter.

"You mean Addilyn didn't tell you?" Lilly looked at him. "Yeah, never mind. That was a stupid question. Take my hand." Lilly walked over to him and grabbed his hand, entangling her fingers in his.

"This is how couples hold hands." Lilly said squeezing his hand. Jayce just nodded and looked around. He seemed a bit nervous, which was rare. "What's wrong?"

"I just don't want to look bad." Jayce answered. Lilly thought it was too late for that, but knowing him he could probably clean up everything pretty well. Addilyn and Jayce had one thing in common: charm.

Lilly and Jayce were welcomed by a blithely man who did not look much older than the two of them. He seated the couple side by side, then took a seat across from them.