But, that's all in the past. I approach her and knock on the table. She looks up at me with a professional smile.
Ashton: I hope you weren't waiting long.
Claire: Not at all, I just came a while ago myself.
I sit down in front of her and remove my cap; I'll keep my shades on, just in case. I can't compare her present to her past because, this woman sitting in front of me is not the Claire I knew 8 years ago. We exchange greetings.
Claire: And as for the interview, we conducted a survey to know what your fans wanted to know the most about you. I'll be asking you the most popular questions.
Ashton: Okay.
I don't know what I'm getting nervous for; is it because of the interview or the interviewer? I mentally sigh. Claire looks at me and smiles. Hey, that's her genuine smile.
Claire: There's no need to be nervous.
Ashton:...!
How did she come to know? As an actor, faking expressions is something I do the best. She couldn't have known it unless... I look down at my hand and notice that I've been fiddling with my shirt's button. Only someone who knows me well knows that I do this when I'm nervous; I mean I didn't realize it myself until Leah pointed it out. That means that she's only pretending not to know me; that's a relief! I give her a confident smile.
Ashton: And how do you know I'm nervous?
Claire:...!!
That expression on her face is all I need to prove myself right.
Claire: W-Well, I sensed it. Anyway, can we proceed with the interview?
Changing topics, huh? Not that I mind. A waitress approaches our table.
Waitress: Are you ready to order?
Claire: Um, yes. I'll have a cappuccino.
Waitress: And you, sir?
Ashton: I'll have... a cup of black coffee.
Waitress: Okay, so one cappuccino and one black coffee. Anything else?
I turn to look at Claire and find that she turned my way too. Although she's trying to hide it, her face clearly says that she wants something and knowing her...
Ashton: We'll take a blueberry muffin as well.
Claire:..!
Her cheeks turn a faint shade of pink, trying to suppress a smile. This reminds me of our first date; that time when the waiter asked us if we wanted anything, she eagerly said 'Blueberry Muffin!' and turned bright red. I smile thinking of the warm memory. The waitress writes down our order and leaves.
Claire: Ahem, so first question! Are you.. single?
Ashton: Hmm, maybe I am, maybe I'm not.
Claire: I can't write that in the article! Then, do you have someone you like?
'Yes, you' is what I'd like to say but, let's keep this professional.
Ashton: Yes.
Claire writes it down in her notebook, expressionless.
Claire: Why did you decide to become an actor?
Ashton: It was a hobby at first but then, a certain someone (you) told me that I should take it seriously. So, I decided to become one for them (you).
Her eyes widen for a split second before she goes back to her professional expression.
Claire: Next, do you have a..... What the?!
Her eyes widen as big as saucers.
Ashton: What's wrong?
Claire: I don't know how I overlooked this but, do you have... a kinky fetish..?
She timidly asks me.
Ashton:....
Why would anyone want to know that?! A-Anyhow, I don't think I do.
Ashton: Hmm, I don't think so.
Claire: If you have a girl you really like, how would you treat her?
Ashton: Isn't it obvious? I would treat her nicely.
Claire: So you're not into sadistic behavior?
Ashton: Nope. Although I won't go to an extreme extent, don't most women like to be treated like princesses? What do you think?
Claire's face becomes unreadable. Treating a person as a princess would make me go crazy and it's not like I'll do it anyway but, why is she so quiet?
Ashton:...?
The waitress puts our beverages and food on the table and leaves. Claire takes her cup and puts her palm on the hot steam coming from the coffee. Hey, you're gonna burn yourself.
Claire: I feel that it's okay to want or dream something.
She says, still looking at her cup.
Claire: Little girls always dream about their fairytales; hoping to meet their 'Prince' one day. But, when it actually comes down to it, in reality, they don't even get as close as to even marrying the ''Prince's" horse.
Ashton: That's one unique way to look at it.
But I'm more concerned about your hand! I keep looking at her hand and back at her again.
Claire: Is it? I think that's the truth.
Her palm starts turning red but, she doesn't show any pain on her face.
Ashton: Stop it!
I yank her hand away from the cup and towards me. I can't watch her hurt herself for no reason! She looks at me surprised, her face centimeters apart from mine. She's so close; I pulled her too hard! I loosen my grip on her hand and put some distance between us.
Claire:...
Ashton: You're going to burn your hand like that.
Still holding her hand, I take out a wet tissue from my bag and wrap it around her palm.
Ashton: This should prevent burns.
Claire: You don't have to do that.
She says in a stern voice and withdraws her hand.
Claire: It'll be alright.
Ashton:... If you say so.
I smile trying not to show my heart's pain on my face. I shouldn't have been so impulsive; she's someone else's woman anyway. I ball my fists tightly throughout the rest of the interview.
Claire: Okay, that's all for today. When should we keep the next session?
Next session? I'll be busy tomorrow because of moving into my new house.
Ashton: Hmm, maybe you can come to the studio day after tomorrow. Your business card has your number, right? I'll text you the location.
Claire: Okay.
We both leave the cafe looking indifferent; only my heart feels heavy....