Foreign

Chapter 35

"The girls can't walk in alone!" Diego protests.

"I'm pretty much a girl too," Brody grins.

"Well Princess, maybe I can escort you," I say. Everyone laughs. Josh isn't too happy about it but he understands my point of view. Greg was right, we're all adults and professionals so last night shouldn't have happened.

"Okay." Brody doesn't sound too excited and his eyes dart to Diego.

"We can't let our star walk in alone," Diego says. "Maybe you should go with Josh, Bel?"

Isabella looks at Brody (who is smiling like an idiot) and turns to Josh.

"How could I refuse?" she smiles. "Arriving at the party with the sexiest man in the room!" Josh starts blushing and we all laugh.

This pre-party was a very good idea. I feel much more relaxed now that I'm surrounded by friends. Brody puts some music on and Josh opens another bottle of champagne. Isabella and I start dancing.

"We should get going guys," Josh says. "The reception started fifteen minutes ago!"

"Queens always arrive fashionably late," Brody says. Josh rolls his eyes.

"Come on Princess, let's go!" I grab his arm and start walking. I'm very grateful that I don't have to walk in alone. My mind is somewhere else when we walk to the reception. If Hero was jealous enough to punch Josh in the face last night, maybe there is hope for us. I'm still pretty hurt and so mad but I also miss him so much. The nightmares are proof of that. I just don't feel whole. But can I get over the fact that he is expecting a baby with someone else? If we get back together then Melany will always be in our lives. I'm wondering if they're always together now because of the baby or because they're dating. I make a pact with myself: if he arrives at the party without Melany at his side, then I'll go talk to him.

Our group walks in together, Brody still holding me. My eyes look for Hero immediately and my heart drops. He's standing at the bar with Greg and an elderly couple I don't know. His hand is on Melany's lower back. He says something and they all start laughing. Melany places her hand on his cheek. It looks so intimate. He looks up and his eyes find mine. I'm too shocked to look away. There is no denying it now: they're definitely dating. I see a hint of desperation before his eyes go hard and he looks away.

"Earth to Charlotte!" Brody waves his hand in front of me.

"Sorry, I was a bit distracted." I look at him and try to smile. His eyes go to the bar and he has an understanding look on his face.

"Ah, I see." He escorts our group away from the bar.

I try really hard to forget what I've just witnessed and I try to concentrate on the conversations. I've been talking to directors, producers, actors. We only have two weeks of filming left before our Christmas break. After the break we've only a couple of weeks left. I need to start making plans for the future, no matter how much it hurts. I always imagined I would make them with Hero. I feel so lost now. Brody and Josh never leave my side.

"Shouldn't you talk to people, Josh?" I ask him after he brings me a new glass of champagne.

"Nope, I've already got some future projects," he says.

"Really?"

"Yeah, just because you European types don't know me, doesn't mean I'm not famous," he teases.

"I really need to Google you," I say. He laughs.

"Speaking of work, can you help me tomorrow? I want to rehearse some lines before I'm expected on set."

"Yeah, sure!"

"Great! They only need Melany and Hero for the first scenes of the day."

"Okay, I'll come to your trailer after my first jobs of the day."

"Deal!" He gives me a high five just as Hero walks by. The man Brody is talking to interrupts him and calls for Hero. Hero joins our group. Melany by his side.

"I was just telling Josh how excited I am about this film! Our two biggest heartthrobs in one film, the girls will go crazy!"

Hero gives the man his most charming smile.

"Thank you, Mr Perlman. I'm very excited to be part of this project!" While Hero, Josh and Mr Perlman talk I try not to stare at Melany or Hero. Josh notices my restlessness and slightly touches my hand with his fingers. Melany sees this and her lips curl into an evil smile.

"And who might this charming young lady be?" Mr Perlman suddenly turns to me. "Is she your girlfriend Josh?"

"Ha, he wishes!" Hero says underneath his breath. Immature baby!

"Excuse me?" Mr Perlman was too focused on me to hear what Hero said.

"I said that she's a production assistant."

"In fact, she's the most promising assistant I have come across in years," Josh says. "She'll make a great producer one day!" Josh gives me a bright smile and I return it.

Mr Perlman is very interested in my future plans and in my young career. Turns out he used to work for a major studio but he's retired now. He finances a lot of films now as a hobby and he has some projects coming up.

"Dinner is served!" a voice from behind us calls.

"Oh, great!" Mr Perlman says. "Now will you all join me for dinner and sit at my table?"

Oh no. No, no no!

"I would love to talk some more to all of you," he continues.

"Of course," Hero says with his charming smile. He escorts Mrs Perlman and Melany to the restaurant. Mr Perlman offers his arm and I take it.