KISS ME

CHAPTER 2 - COLLABORATION

Camila was excited to see Shawn at the studio, and she dressed up a lot more than she usually did for one of these sessions. She hadn't seen him since the kiss in the elevator, but he had sent her a text that night, obviously getting her phone number from James, saying "thanks for everything". She was pretty sure it was more about the kiss than the screen test, or at least she hoped so. Since then they had exchanged a few texts relating to musical ideas but nothing more personal. She had been disappointed, but he had set the tone and she didn't want to ruin a good working relationship. They had put the past to rest with that kiss, and now they could get on with things.

He was already there when she arrived, and looked like he had been there a while. He was deep in conversation at the piano with one of the writers and they didn't look up when she first came in. Everyone else was excited to see her, telling her hi, giving her hugs. Eventually, Shawn and the other guy realised she had arrived. Shawn stayed at the piano, smiling, as she finished her greetings and then waved to her. Waved to her. OK. She smiled and waved back. He turned and continued what he was working on. She was a bit confused. What did you want Camila, you wanted him to fall all over himself trying to hug and kiss you? She tried not to be annoyed, she could see he was deep into whatever he was writing.

The day did not get any better. She had a great idea she had first floated when Nick was on board regarding a song for when Ella and the Prince meet for the first time, but Shawn had arrived first and had his own idea and everyone was really into it. She tried to incorporate her own idea, but it didn't work, and even though she had to admit his idea was better, and her ideas for other songs were accepted and worked on by everyone, including Shawn, she couldn't get over the feeling he had usurped her role as the lead songwriter on this thing. It was evening when they finished for the day, there was still a lot of work to be done, but they had made a good start. She picked up her stuff and tried to make it out before she had to speak to Shawn again. Shawn, however, had other ideas.

***

Shawn knew she was pissed about the song. He hadn't known she already had an idea for that song, and it was good, but he knew his was better, and he wasn't going to give her what she wanted just because he was hot for her. Musical integrity was a serious thing to him. In the end, a lot of her ideas were used, and he thought they were pretty incredible. She was insanely talented, and he felt like a peasant in her royal presence. Nevertheless, he could feel her animosity bubbling away all day and towards the end of the day, when she had ignored him once again when he made a suggestion, he started to get pissed right back at her. Everyone started to head home, and there were only a few of them left including he and Camila, and one of them was there to finish up. All three of them rode the elevator down together and they hugged him goodbye and that left him with Camila.

He smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow then," he said, not moving. She started to walk away, not saying anything. Not even goodbye or see you later.

"Hey," he called. She turned around, hand on her hip, glaring at him.

"What?"

"Come on Camila, don't be a baby," he said, frowning.

Her mouth fell open. "I'm sorry? Don't be a baby? I'm not the one who snuck in here early to steal my song!"

He gave a loud sigh. He knew she was annoyed, but seriously....!

"I didn't steal your song, Camila. I didn't even know you had one! And I was told to be here at eight, I got here at seven-thirty because I like to be early. You were late. If anyone is to blame it's you, for not being here on time, and for just assuming your song would be the best option."

"Are you fucking kidding me? I....I....."

"Tell me Camila, which song idea was better, yours or the one we went with?"