After chatting with his acquaintances for a few minutes, Kid Z excused himself and walked over to her place. He had a bright smile on his face. They embraced each other with a chaste hug and Kid Z motioned for the bartender to give him a drink.
"Looks like you are very busy," Natasha broke the silence with a normal inquiry.
"As a host, shouldn't I be busy?" Kid Z asked smiling back.
"True," Natasha nodded in response and took a sip of her cocktail.
By then, the bartender had provided Kid Z with a drink and they both took in the silence for a bit. Neither of them was eager to start a conversation, so they were content to enjoy their drinks for a moment.
"Did you come alone?" Kid Z asked finally.
"No, Tony is here with me. But, he went to look for his brothers," Natasha replied. "Neither of us is comfortable with this kind of atmosphere."
"Hmmm, I can understand," Kid Z nodded. "I too prefer the other kind of parties. But, in my position, some things must be done even if I don't like it much."
"That's a shitty way to live," Natasha grimaced. "What's the use of becoming rich if you can't even party like you want."
"It's not that I can't party like I want," Kid Z shook his head. "It is that I have to satisfy some other obligations as well. This kind of party is done to maintain connections and talk about business. If you wander around for a bit, you might find some useful stuff for you."
"Huh," Natasha didn't know what to say in response to that. "I am not sure about it. I don't know how to talk to these people. I rather prefer the other kind of parties."
"But, we can't always do what we want, right? Sometimes, you must get along with the society. It is especially true for someone who wants to be an actress like you," Kid Z said looking at her seriously.
Natasha looked at Kid Z weirdly. She didn't understand why Kid Z was being this helpful to her. She knew what he said was true. And she was indeed grateful that he invited her to this party where she could make connections. But, even for that, there must be equal status to do that.
She was nothing but a newbie in this circle. And she hadn't even acted in any films. So, getting an opportunity at this party was really difficult. Compared to other females who came here through their connections and were soliciting opportunities, she didn't have the right kind of backstage to facilitate her connections.
"I can see what you are thinking," Kid Z smirked. "You don't need to worry about such stuff. The moment I leave here, there will be someone coming to strike up a conversation. They would try to get you so that they can make a good impression on me. After all, I don't talk to many females this long."
Natasha looked at Kid Z curiously. She understood his logic. Since everyone has seen Kid Z talking to her for this long, then they would think that she has some connection to Kid Z. And if she told them that she was his new MV's heroine. There might be someone willing to give her some opportunity to get in the good graces of Kid Z.
But, what confused her was why Kid Z was doing this. Kid Z had no reason to be so nice to her. Did he have some thoughts about her? It wasn't as if she had told him that she was unavailable. She was open for one-night stands. She had told him that clearly.
And it wasn't as if Kid Z was ugly or anything. He was still in the prime of his life with that street charm. So, she wasn't averse to rolling in the sheets with him for some fun. Since she had already made herself clear that she was willing, why was Kid Z helping her out so much?
No matter how much she racked her brain, she couldn't find an answer to her question. Taking a sip of her cocktail, Natasha looked directly at Kid Z and decided to ask directly.
"Why are you helping me this much?" Natasha asked directly.
Kid Z almost choked on his drink hearing her question. Natasha waited patiently for him to regain his bearings before talking further.
"I don't think someone like you wouldn't know how much of a help this is to me," Natasha said swirling her glass and looking at Kid Z. "So, don't act ignorant with me. I am grateful for your help. But, I am confused as to why you would do this. If it is me you want, I have already told you I am not averse to some fun time. You don't need to do this."
Kid Z only smiled widely hearing her speak. Natasha couldn't read anything on his face. It irritated her a bit. As someone who grew up on the streets, Natasha knew that there is no free lunch in the world. She would rather know what she was getting into before jumping in headfirst.
"Don't think too much," Kid Z said shaking his head. "I just like your character. You aren't anxious to climb further using me. It is very hard to find someone who doesn't want to use me these days. Everyone around me has their own agenda. I am used to it by now. But, you bring a freshness to me."
"I am a musician. Everything I create is because of my emotions. So, these new things I experience will soon turn into inspiration for me. I just want to see how far you will go if you get a little helping hand," Kid Z said looking at her directly.
"So, you aren't trying to get into my pants?" Natasha asked in a disbelieving tone.
However, Kid Z smirked evilly, "When did I say that?"
Now, it was Natasha's turn to be confused. She looked at Kid Z with an undecipherable look, while inwardly cursing him.
'If you want to fuck me, say so. Didn't I tell you that I am fine with one-night stand? Why do you need to complicate stuff so much? Is it fine to confuse some street girl like me?'
"But, you…"
"Ah huh, I never said that I wasn't trying to get into your pants. I simply said I am not doing this for that. There is a difference. In short, it doesn't matter what you think. I just want to see how far you go if I can help you a little," Kid Z said humorously and gulped down the rest of his drink.
"Anyways, have fun," Kid Z said smirking at her, and left the area promptly.
Natasha stood there baffled. She didn't know what to say or how to react to what Kid Z said. In the end, did he want to fuck her or not? If you are purely helping her, why do you need to speak such confusing words? Argh!
Natasha cursed Kid Z internally and emptied her drink as well. Looking around, she didn't find even the shadow of Tony or his buddies. It looked like she would be stranded here for some time.
"Get me something strong," Natasha ordered the bartender lamenting her luck.
If she was going to stay here for long, she didn't plan to do that with a sober mind. Compared to mingling with these people in suits and high-end dresses, she would rather stay here and drink.
She could only hope that Tony would come and fetch her soon so that she could move out of this dreary party. She had no intention to put on a fake smile and act as if she was enjoying this.
Just as the bartender provided her with a strong drink, another person slid into the place Kid Z was occupying earlier. Natasha glanced at him and went back to sipping her drink, not intending to initiate any conversation.
"Hi Miss," the man spoke smoothly. "My name is Marvin Grey,"
Natasha eyed the man speculatively. Sure enough, Kid Z's words came true. The moment he left, someone came to talk to her. If she could capitalize on this, she could at least make some connections tonight.
Looking at Marvin Grey, Natasha estimated him to be in his mid-thirties. He was immaculately dressed and had a very amicable air around him. There was a pleasant smile on his face that went well with his temperament.
"Natasha, Natasha Lyons," Natasha introduced herself not to look rude.
"Lyons? Are you French?"
"Half," Natasha said smoothly. "My father was French."
"Oh, ok ok," Marvin Grey smiled amicably. "I knew there was something unique about you the moment I laid my eyes on you. And I was right. You have that indescribable artistic air around you that French people have."
Natasha blinked unable to comprehend what this guy was talking about. What indescribable artistic air? She had never been called artistic in her life. Most of the time it would be swear words that were used to describe her.
Which part of her looked artistic to this guy? Was he drunk already? No, it didn't look like that. In that moment, Natasha understood what Kid Z had said to her about people not being truthful to him.
Even though she had been roaming the streets of New York, Natasha had never come across such an insincere and shameless compliment like this before. Looking at this man's face that looked full of sincerity, Natasha was sure that this man was now blowing smoke out of his ass.
To be so shameless without even changing his smile or batting an eyelash, Natasha was completely floored by this person called Marvin Grey. She had never come across such a character in her life.
"Thank you," Natasha smiled stiffly.
*****
A/N: Check out my other stories and let me know your thoughts...
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