Chemistry

Chapter 2: Stuck

-Up or down? -Sarah asks and her voice intoxicates me.

-Up... -I almost stutter.

-Me too. -She says with a friendly tone as I do my best to smile, walk in and not pass out. I stand by her side, slightly shaky as she reaches for the buttons. -Which one are you going to? -She asks me about the floors.

-Eighteenth.

She presses the button and smiles softly at me before turning her attention to her phone again. Holy fuck, that's Sarah fucking Paulson. She looked at me... She talked to me... Good Lord, she smiled at me! I try extremely hard not to stare, but through the occasional side eye, I'm able to get a look at her. How can she look so beautiful in a plain grey sweatshirt? She's so hot... Not that I see her like that, no... I'm straight, I got a boyfriend and everything. But Sarah really is... My thoughts are interrupted by the elevator stopping abruptly, making me stumble and nearly fall, but Sarah quickly catches me in her arms. Why is my heart racing right now?

-Thanks... -I smile shyly breathing heavily.

-Anytime. -Sarah gives me a charming smile, still holding me.

After a few seconds staring deeply into each other's eyes, she finally helps me stand on my own as she walks towards the panel of the elevator.

-What... What happened? -I stutter, heart still racing.

-I hope it's not what I think it is... -She presses the call button and the doorman picks up instantly. -Mister Jackson?

-Miss Paulson. -He greets her in a friendly voice. -Is there a problem?

-I think there is... You tell me. -She jokes and glances at me. I grin like an idiot.

-Oh, no... -His voice resonates from the speaker.

-Don't "oh, no" me, man. -She whines playfully.

-Sorry, Miss Paulson. It's stuck.

-Sixth time this week... It has got to be some kind of record...

-I'll have the maintenance team right over. Are you alone? -He asks, causing Sarah to look at me.

-No. -She answers with a smirk.

-Alright then. Don't worry, you'll be out soon.

-Thank you, Mister Jackson... -Sarah says with a tired, yet warm voice.

The doorman shuts up and she walks away from the panel, leaning against the back of the elevator.

-I hope you don't mind, I'm gonna sit down for a little. -She says, sitting on the floor.

-Do you think it's going to take long? -I ask, worried.

-It usually does. Have a seat, won't ya? -Sarah smiles and I sit next to her.

-I'm just worried about an audition I need to go to. I can't be late, it's a huge opportunity. -I sigh. -I'm Mona, Mona Young. -I introduce myself, extending my hand.

-Nice meeting you, Mona. -She takes my hand and shakes it gently. -I'm...

-Sarah Paulson... Yeah, I'm kind of a huge fan. -I interrupt, trying to joke to be less nervous.

-Really? Thank you. -Sarah smiles with a little embarrassment. -Well, don't worry about that audition of yours. Whoever you're auditioning to, they'll understand. This building is infamous for its elevators.

-I hope so. I need this part so bad. I hate to sound stupid, but it could be my big break. It's a really small role, but it'll put me on the map, you know? -I open up, for some reason.