You are my super star

Unexpected

Jules's eyes widened as he read the message and saw who it was from.

Tony had a similar reaction, not sure how to react.

Jules took a few deep breaths and brought himself back to reality.Leon sent me this? He wants me to pick him up?

He was speechless and needed some fresh air.

After a few more moments of silence, Jules picked up his coat. "Well, I have something to do," He stammered. "See you later, Tony."

Tony was taken aback. "What's wrong? Where are you going?"

Jules fidgeted nervously in his overcoat. "I ...I'll take him home."

"Are you crazy?" Tony raised his tone again, clenching his fists. He stared at Jules, dumfounded. "He must be insane. What is he after, a midnight date? Granted that he is, he won't ask for trouble by dating with you, his work colleague! Do you understand?"

Jules responded instantly, defending Leon. "He's not like that. He's a gentleman, I've told you."

"Listen to me! We don't even know anything about him or his private life." Tony snapped back, angrily. "Zero Garcia is Golden Times' owner, and it's only for their private get-together. Only the most famous actors and actresses have access. Leon must be there with them. Why would he need you?" Tony continued. ''Don't be stupid. They're probably playing a trick on you, playing you for a fool. Don't be so pathetic.''

Jules pressed his lips together. I'm not a fool.

''I know you're excited, but you need to calm down,'' Tony added. ''Just ignore the message and pretend you didn't see it. Tell him you were sleeping, since it's late anyway. Don't even mention the message to him tomorrow. It's good for everyone."

There was a brief silence between the two. Jules's expression turned into concern. "Maybe he only sent it because he's too drunk."

Tony couldn't help chuckling, "I really think you're naïve. You've been famous for one year and it's really getting to your head. You just spent your one-year savings for this man! You should be happy for what you've achieved instead of falling for this charade. "

Jules went silent, lowering his gaze to his phone. He read the message again and again, analyzing every word.

It had to be a joke, he reasoned. I'm no fool.

But what if he was mistaken? What if the message was real?

Leon is probably really drunk right now, Jules thought. How will he get home if I don't go and pick him up?

Jules remembered an interview where Leon told a reporter how easily confused and disorientated he would get when drunk. Moreover, Jules had seen Leon drunk numerous times and was aware of how crazy he could get.

Jules felt a wave of nauseating worry wash over him. He was worried about Leon.

Jules tried to calm himself down by regulating his breathing. He then picked his key and stepped out through the door, ignoring Tony's angry words.

He wanted to believe that Leon meant what was in the message.

''Don't forget the mask - you might come across some paparazzi.'' Tony warned.

''I won't.'' Jules replied.

Jules was a good driver, but it still took him long to get to the Golden Times nightclub. The digital clock on his dashboard read 1:30 a.m. by the time he arrived.

The doorman started walking towards his car, smiling hospitably. Jules lowered the window.

''I'm here to pick someone up.'' He said, when the doorman got into hearing range.

After the doorman left, Jules took a deep breath, then got his phone out. His eyes scanned the message. It was still hard for him to believe that Leon really sent it.

Jules shut the window, then removed his mask. He then dialed Leon's number.

(627 words)