Celebrity

Lingering Feelings

Ava's POV
    I hold out the door for him. Thomas looks at me closely. He stares at me, before he makes his way out the door. I follow behind him, and shut the door behind me.
    I can't believe the accusations his made against me. Bribery isn't something I would not even if he asked. So who would do something like that?
    Thomas suddenly stops, and turns to me. "I'm sorry for suggesting, that you bribed the dean." I can't tell whether his lying or telling the truth. His apology is way too sudden.
    "I just want to be back in your world." Thomas continues
    "What happened to space?" I ask.
    "Yeah about that -- I kind of missed being around you." I struggle to contain the blush, but I can't help it. There's just something in those words that make me feel -- I don't know.
    Thank God where I took him, is quite dark there's no way he can see it. "Does that mean, you want to be my fake assistant again?" He let's out a chuckle "if that's how you want to put -- then yes."
    We walk all the way back to the main hall, side by side. Something I thought wouldn't happen. I thought we would stay distant, but he's resolved the issue. Even though he has another problem with the bribe thing. Which I think he should let it go, and appreciate that his still here without consequence.
    I see Christopher still on stage talking to the directors for this album launch party. Things have been a bit awkward between us, since our whole date thing. I get up the steps, and onto the stage. We need to get direction on what songs to perform, and when we need perform them.
    I notice, Thomas hasn't got on stage with me. I turn my head to see him still by the steps. I walk back to him "let's go to the directors over there." I tell him. He shakes his head.
    "I have to leave."
    "Why?-- is it because of the bribe thing?"
    "Yeah, I have to find out who did it." I sigh "fine, but can you be back by tonight?"
    "Sure." That's all the confirmation I need. I had to let him go, he didn't seem like he was going to drop it. I also didn't want to cause a fuss between us again. I just got him back on my side.
    I watch as he disappears into the crowd. I walk towards the director and Christopher. The director gives us instructions on how the night will proceed.
    It will start with smaller artists opening the party. Then it will be followed by Christopher, who was a late addition by Bruce. He wanted to show, that my loving boyfriend supports me. Then it will closed off by me, who will perform some of the songs off the album.
    After the director leaves, it's just me and Christopher alone. The tension feels so thick, that I can cut it with a knife. "Was that Thomas, I saw you with?"
    "Yeah, it was him," I reply.
    "I haven't seen him in a while."
    "I gave him some time off."
    "Well -- it's great to have him back." The tone in his voice, when he says that. It sounds like a bit of sarcasm. Is he jealous of Thomas. That can't be, it would mean that he has feelings for me. Boys are so frustrating.
     "I have to go, I need some caffeine in me." I tell him. He nods, and I leave. I have to leave round back, because my fans would be all over me. Sometimes they really don't know what personal space means. I get into my car, and head over to the coffee shop.
    When I head into the coffee shop, I have to wear sunglasses. It's not like the usual days, where I could walk out without any disguise. My face is on practically every billboard, do I got to keep a low profile.
    I sit by what feels like my designated table. No one ever sits here, by the window. I get a text from CeCe, telling me she's by City Hall. I tell her to get to the coffee shop. A few minutes later she arrives. She takes the seat across from me.
    "I have some news." I say.  "Then spit it out." She answers rather aggressive. "Me and Thomas reconciled." CeCe doesn't seem all that amused or excited, by what I have just shared. "No this again Ava. What happened to giving Christopher a chance?" I wasn't expecting her to snap at me. "Well it's complicated, he showed up at City Hall today." She shakes her head, and sighs.
   "His just going to hurt you again."
    "His not. And it's not like we're together."
    "But you want to be."
    "What...no, what are you even saying." I wave my hands, as I deny these crazy accusations she's making. How could she make such theories me and him. Would it even work? CeCe has poisoned me with the thought of us together. "There's more I have to tell you." I say in attempt to divert the conversation off the subject of relationships.
    "Remember when I told you about Thomas needing space -- well it was because he cheated on a test, and he got caught." CeCe's jaw drops. She leans closer, "so what's going to happen to him?"
    "That's the thing -- nothing."
    "How come?"
    "Someone paid off the dean." I say. "Any idea who may have done it?" She asks. I shake my head. "It seems like you're not his only admirer." She jokes, whilst I throw her a playful jab on her shoulder. She checks the time on her phone. "Do have some time to kill?" She asks.
    "I only got an hour." I reply.
    "That's enough for me." CeCe grabs my hand, and we run out of shop. My glasses almost came off. "We are going to have some fun, and trust me no alcohol."