Leading Lady

CHAPTER 4

The two parted and Cliff looked down, breathlessly, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have."

"No, don't be," Lucille shook her head, not caring what she was getting herself into. "Truth is, ever since I met you I haven't been able to stop thinking about you. Of kissing you."

"Really?" Cliff smiled and looked at her.

"Yes," Lucille blushed. "I really like you, Cliff. And while I think it's too soon to be talking like this, I can't help but feel what I feel."

"And here I thought I was the crazy one for feeling this way."

"Who knows," Lucille smiled and fixed his collar. "Maybe we're both crazy."

"If this is what being crazy is," Cliff started to laugh, "then I'm completely insane and proud of it."

Lucille laughed and they both kissed again.

"My, he does have a girlfriend," a soft voice said from behind them. The both of them stopped and turned to the costume designer that had sat in for Lucille's audition.

"Stanley, right?" Lucille said to him with a grin.

"That would be I," Stanley nodded. He clasped his hands together and stood tall, looking down at the both of them. "Now I see why William agreed to let you audition at the last minute."

"It's not what it looks like," Cliff laughed.

"I honestly don't care what you two are or aren't," Stanley said with an exaggerated feminine flair before shifting his eyes back to Lucille. "I just wanted to say that you did a marvelous job with your audition."

"I did?" Lucille's grin grew wider. "You really think so, huh?"

"Please don't look so desperate for acceptance and approval dear, it doesn't fit that beautiful look of yours."

Cliff but his lip to keep from laughing, but Lucille shook her head anxiously and put on a serious face.

"You're totally right," she said and couldn't help but grin again. "I can't wait to start."

"I'll see you Monday then," Stanley waved his hand and walked away. "Ta, ta, for now, Darling."

"Ciao!" Lucille called out after him. Cliff then grabbed her hand and turned her to face him.

"He thought you were my girlfriend."

Lucille nodded, wanting it to be true but at the same time struggling with the idea. She felt nervous that by agreeing to date Cliff that it would distract her from what she was working hard to do. All this time Lucille had her mind set that she wouldn't get involved with anyone romantically until she was well aware and confident that she had made it. What would Cliff be able to give her? Sure, he helped her by landing her the audition for the theater company but what else would he be able to serve her for?

Just have fun, she thought, take things step by step.

"Listen Cliff," Lucille caressed his cheek and moved to hold his hands. "The thought of being swept up by an unexpected romance that blossomed in two seconds like right out of a rom-com movie, I think we're moving a little too fast. Let's just take it one day at a time, ok?"

"Sure, that sounds perfectly fine with me," Cliff agreed. "But know that I'm keeping my eye on you."

Lucille laughed and kissed him on the cheek. "I'll see you soon."

Cliff watched Lucille walk towards the lobby's exit with a sparkle of happiness in his eyes. He was sure she would be his girlfriend. All this made him feel a little strange and nervous, for he had never felt this strongly for a girl before. What was it about Lucille that made him feel this way? Why was it that he always felt like smiling from ear to ear and holding her in his arms when he saw her? He hadn't even seen her that much before! Cliff always considered himself a realist of sorts, so the idea of love at first sight was something he was positive only existed within the realms of the silver screen.