The next day-
I first have to go for a photoshoot for Laura's Closet and then to the realtor I applied for a house to, before my interview with Claire. Kinda nice seeing a loose schedule like this, until a few days ago I had to run from one place to another to maintain my schedule.
Leah: *yawn*
Ashton: Sleepy?
Leah: Yeah, I had some matters to attend to yesterday.
Yesterday? I was rehearsing my script for Blood and Lust since I got selected for the role in my room. Why did she have to go out? Meh, I'm thinking too much into this. We walk into the studio and see the staff arranging equipment for the shoot.
Staff: Good morning, Mr. Beckett!
The staff members greet me and I do the same.
Staff: The stylist is here, you can get your make up done.
Ashton: Okay.
The last time I heard that, I met that b-
Troy: Well if this isn't Beckett again!
Ugh, this irritating man! Don't tell me he's my stylist again. He runs his hand through his blonde hair. I give him a fake smile.
Ashton: 'Morning!
Troy: Go get changed real quick, I can't stand looking at that pigeon's nest on your head.
He smirks. I clench my fist and respond to him in a casual tone.
Ashton: Does it really look like a bird's nest? I saw this hairstyle on one of the models you were grooming. It's a perfect replica, isn't it?
Take that you bastard! Dare to say it again? He clicks his tongue.
Troy: Tch, maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Anyway, let's not waste any more time.
I turn my back to him and head to the greenroom. I smile to myself remembering the expression on his face. That made me feel a lot better actually. I change into the outfit assigned to me and look at myself in the mirror. Huh, not bad. Just as I'm thinking this, someone knocks on the door.
Troy: 'You done?
Ashton: Yeah, come on in.
He opens the door and steps inside. He starts working on my hair. He's pretty professional for someone so sharp- tongued. Speaking of which... should I ask him if he's Claire's fiance? Of course, I can't be too direct. Okay, here goes nothing.
Ashton: Say Anderson, are you single?
He looks at me bewildered.
Troy: Sorry, but I don't swing that way.
Swing what way? Wait a second, does he think I'm...?!
Ashton: That's not what I meant! I was just asking because I was curious. Y'know if someone like you who isn't very easy with words has someone who's interested in them.
Troy: Hmm, you could say I have someone.
Ashton: Are you thinking of marrying her?
He narrows his eyes.
Troy: Why do you ask?
Ashton: Well, I'm... jealous.
Troy: Jealous?
Ashton: Yeah, since I don't have anyone I'm serious about.
Troy smiles.
Troy: You'll find someone sooner or later. It doesn't always have to be about interest. There are ways in which you can gain from one another without feeling anything.
Is he trying to cheer me up? Maybe he IS a good guy inside after all. But, all that stuff he said about no feelings relationships doesn't sit well with me. What makes him consider that? Is that the kind of relationship he has with Claire? If that's true, what does Claire have to give him? Wait, could he be her sugar daddy?! Noticing how much Claire's changed from her attitude to her clothing, they're all quite expensive; Claire being from a normal family can't afford them especially with a job like that! Back then, she only got into the same Ivy league highschool as me because she earned a scholarship! So, could it be that Claire's been selling her body for money all these years?! The pure and innocent girl I knew never had the lust for money. My chest aches. I plaster a smile on my face.
Ashton: I guess you're right.
Troy: You know, you're not like how I thought you were.
Ashton: What?
Troy: Heh, when I saw you yesterday, I pinned you down as a brat and butt- kisser. But, you seem more sensible than that.
Ashton: I don't know if you're complimenting me or not.
He smiles and pokes my forehead.
Troy: You can take that as a compliment. And as far as that woman goes, I'm not really interested in marrying her.
Ashton: Huh?
Troy: Y'know, it's always fun to keep a pet around.
He gives me a sarcastic laugh before leaving the room.
Ashton:...
He... he's just toying with her. Toying with the woman I... If that's that, then the ring she was wearing is nothing more than a collar that he's put on her. Why are you putting up with this, Claire? And with a man who thinks of you that way? What happened to the you I knew? I leave the room as well, my heart heavy.