Picture Perfect

Chapter Six: Tabloids, News Casts and Brothers

Francis Payne
My manager glowered at the paper positioned on the coffee table in front of him.
He strode about the widespread chamber, pondering the possible solutions to the problem which was me. The newspaper contained a picture of me and Sabrina; fortunately it was taken at our backs so her identity wouldn't be revealed. I know she might be a grump toward me but I don't want her being bashed by the fans and to be stalked by the media.

"Was this girl the reason you were thrilled to come back in a hurry to New York?" Terrence interrogated ferociously.

"No! I wanted to come back to my apartment and rest!" I spat back, crossing my arms in defense.

"This is the problem with you Francis. You wonder off and rumors arise. Can't you just stay in your apartment?"

I felt my blood boil. Terrence Montgomery owned the most infamous music label over the world. When a new artist is accepted, he would make them well known in the snap of his finger. Everyone dreaming to be a star wanted to gain his recognition, yet it would be really nice if they knew the true person he was.

"Look, we can't have those journalists follow you around. I'm done arguing. Just change, we're meeting the director of the new movie starring you and Olivia, but he has another proposition so hurry up, I'll send you the details."
Slamming the door and zooming to my apartment room, I tossed the best formal outfit I could think of. Wish me luck.

**

Sabrina Daniels
The sky turned a dark gray and the raindrops started to drizzle over New York City, leaving me no choice but to stay in the building. I wore my favorite coat and a pair of black sweatpants due to the cold.

I was seated on my couch gawking at the small TV screen that had a bright glare reflecting back at me. I flipped to different channels until I noticed something about the news. The reporter has just stopped speaking and then a photo appeared of me and Francis at the mall taken exactly yesterday. I was turned around while he held my back. The footer read, 'Francis' new Love life?'

I grimaced at the sight. I hope no one noticed it was me. Great I'm overthinking again as usual. I switched the TV off and proceeded to the kitchen where I made some hot cocoa to cool me down.

**

My phone rang, making me get up from my nap that gloomy day. I watched the screen as it let out music, obviously someone was calling.

"Hello?" I said groggily.

"Oh did I wake you?" The recognizable accent sounded through my ears. I directly jumped up by the echo.

"Sebastian?" I inquired astonished.

He laughed at the other end of the line. "Hey I just got to New York to meet you dummy. Why don't we get dinner at the new restaurant?"

"Sure!"

After dropping the call, I rushed and dug through my untidy dresser and pulled out a blue dress since that was all I could think of wearing in formal and quickly sprayed some perfume before taking a cab to the Luxurious restaurant, namely "Patricia's Palace". The name itself truly is quite luxurious. In history class, our professor actually discussed about the name 'Patricia'. It's from Greek history- basically it came from the group 'Patricians' who were rich and famous. So this restaurant was probably too formal and pretty expensive but Sebastian's got it covered.

I entered ten minutes and I saw the familiar blond boy waiting for me. Sebastian gestured me to sit down across from him but not after giving me a brotherly hug. And that's when I detected that someone was observing us.
Squinting around, my eyes landed on him. His face turned blank and I could tell he was angry. Maybe he was still vicious since I left him without saying thank you for the camera. I needed to talk to him but how could I, when all the paparazzi was there waiting for him to make a move?
I swiftly turned to Sebastian and excused myself as I went to the restroom. The sinks were porcelain white and there was a wall fountain by the last bathroom stall. I quickly put on makeup, hoping it would disguise me, but who am I kidding? I'll still look the same!

Exiting with the click of a door, I ran in to someone. "I am so sorry I..."

Looking up, the same pair of brown eyes gazed at mine. "Sabrina. We meet again," Francis said.

"Francis look, I know you're mad I ditched you and I'm so-"

"Just keep it quiet for a moment. You know the press is here and they'll reveal your identity." He hushed me before whispering again. "By the way who's your boyfriend?"

I gave him a weird look. "Sebastian's my older brother."