I'll Set The Pace

Cameras. Lights. Social Anxiety? (4)

Jennifer's POV

"Crap." I muttered, as I smelled a burning odor coming from the kitchen. I had burned my last two waffles. Again. I pulled them from the toaster and awkwardly attempted to scrape off the burned areas and failed miserably. Groaning frustratedly, I threw them across the room in the trash can. There goes my breakfast...

It was finally the morning of the premiere I was attending with the one and only Lee Pace. I was a nervous wreck and it wasn't even five minutes past six in the morning. Within the first half hour of my morning I had managed to burn my last two waffles, spill coffee on my favorite t-shirt, and chip the mug my mum had given me for Christmas the year before.

"And the winner of the most awkward, clumsy person ever award goes to... Me." I muttered under my breath, pulling off my t-shirt and throwing across the hall into my bedroom. I fell onto my couch, now only wearing a sports bra and sweatpants, and grabbed my worn copy of Jane Eyre.

Only about two pages into the book from where I left off, my phone tweeted, signaling an incoming text. I rolled over and pulled it off the side table.

"Rise and shine. I'm grabbing coffee at my usual spot in five. Join me?"

Even though it was a simple text message, the fact that I was dressed in such a little amount of clothing made me suddenly feel awkward. Even though I knew I'd probably end up messing something up, I decided to meet him anyways to get my mind off of my problems. Also the fact that I had spilled the last of my coffee on myself, compelled me to accept his offer.

"I'll meet you there :)"

I tossed my book back in its place on the side table and went to change.

~~~~~~~~~~

A few minutes later, I was inside the coffee shop where I had first met my employer. Where the tall, broad shouldered gentleman had introduced himself as the one and only Lee Grinner Pace.

A figure sitting my the corner window quickly caught my eye as I glanced around the shop, which was mostly empty. I headed over and slid into the seat across from him. "Good morning."

Lee looked up from the newspaper that laid in front of him. "Good morning!" He greeted warmly. "I'm surprised you're up so early." He added, chuckling softly.

I scoffed half-heartedly. "I don't sleep in that late." I crossed my arms and leaned on the table, my mouth pressed in a thin line. "Truth is, I just couldn't sleep. Too much on my mind, I guess."

"Is something wrong?" Lee asked quickly, his brow furrowing in worry.

"Oh, no, I'm fine. I'm just- nervous." I answered reluctantly, biting my lip. The pain from my lip was all that was holding my tears back from overflowing onto my cheeks.

"Oh." Lee replied, clasping his hands together on the table. He gazed aimlessly as if in deep thought for a moment, seeming genuinely concerned. "If it's about the premiere, then you'll be fine. You're an amazing woman. You'll blow everyone away. Just be yourself and have a good time. You deserve it." He reassured, squeezing my hand gently.

I nodded, not daring to let go of my lip for fear the tears would flow freely in front of my employer. Oh, but he was so much more than my employer. So much more, but I refused to let myself believe that I had fallen for a man I could not have. A man who could not ever possibly love me back, the way I loved him.

"I ordered you some coffee. I figured you'd have ordered what you usually get, so I went ahead. I hope you don't mind." Lee added, seeing the waitress heading towards our table.

I groaned inwardly. " 'Perfect men don't exist.' Yeah. ... Right."

"I- I'm surprised that you noticed that and remembered." I half stuttered, as the mug was set down in front of me. The thought that he had taken the time to notice such little things and take note of them, stunned me. No one ever took time out of their day to pay attention to anything I did or even notice my presence most days.

"It's kind of hard to forget." Lee teased, noticing my shocked expression. "Two sugars, two cream, and you prefer a medium roast rather than dark. Am I right?"

"Spot on." I said, laughing softly. "You better be careful how you tell a girl that you notice such small details. You'll be mistaken for a creep stalker one day."

Lee raised his eyebrow, "A creep stalker, huh? Is that the impression I give?"

"No, but you could be." I teased, pointing to his scraggly beard, which he had failed to shave for the party tonight. "You're all tall and intimidating like."

Lee tossed his head back slightly as a hearty chuckle escaped his lips. I couldn't help, but smile at the way his laugh lit up the room. Maybe tonight wouldn't be as nerve-racking as I imagined.

~~~~~~~~~~~

If there's anything I find peace in most, it's the silence. Silence has a way of making me feel safe and secure, but at times it's the most awkward and terrifying thing. Now it wasn't comfort or awkwardness that it brought, but a gnawing feeling in my stomach as though my nerves were shredding me from the inside out. Cameras. Lights. Social anxiety...

I felt Lee's hand reach over and clasp mine. I smiled at the touch of his large, warm hands against mine. "Ready?" Lee asked, as the car pulled to stop.

I nodded with a smile and allowed him to escort me from the back. I straightened my shoulders as we stepped out completely into the crowd. With him at your side, not even the camera flashes and paparazzi could stop you from having a good time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PLEASE tell me your thoughts on this new chapter! It's much appreciated and it helps me to write better. Also, I'm sorry about the delay in updating. I've been terrible at it lately. Anywho, I hope you all enjoy! ~ Em