10 | l'histoire sans fin

"This is amazing," Sally breathed out.

Annie and Sally stood together on the sidewalk. They were in West Hollywood, admiring the building that housed the Ever Theatre. Its exterior was white - crisp and clean against the hue of the darkening blue sky.

Annie looked towards the entrance. There was a fence that blocked the lingering paparazzi from inside, their cameras flashing from a distance. Annie could see people lingering in the foyer.

"I've always wanted to come here," Sally mumbled. "But it's usually booked out for private events like this."

"It's very cool," Annie agreed. "Tatiana forgot to mention the famous theatre the screening was in."

"Yeah, she does that."

Sally held out their tickets, freshly printed as they approached the gate. Two men greeted them and ripped the left hand side off and passed them back.

"Enjoy the screening, ladies."

Annie mumbled her thanks. She clutched onto Sally's arm as they moved past the security and towards the foyers entrance. People mingled outside, talking animatedly. Sally was bouncing with every step.

"This is so exciting," Sally muttered to her. "Can you see Tati anywhere?"

Annie came to a halt. "Just spotted her, by the door."

Sally turned her head. "Oh my god."

Tatiana was chatting to an older man, dressed in a sparkling silver mini-dress, long-tanned legs perched upon matching coloured stilettos. Her peroxide hair was pulled back from her face and slicked back into a high ponytail.

"Holy shit," Sally exclaimed, "she's dressed like it's the premiere."

"She looks stunning," Annie added, shocked.

Tatiana's head twirled, long hair swishing behind her. Her sparkling eyes latched onto Sally and flicked to Annie. She flashed a wide, pearly white smile and bounded over to them, squealing. Annie stood, frozen. The older man Tatiana had been entertaining had followed her every move, eyes glued to her figure.

"You guys came!" Tatiana exclaimed with a squeal. "I'm so happy!" She pulled Sally into a tight hug. "Sal, I want to introduce you to so many contacts."

"I want to see your damn movie first," Sally replied, grinning. "I'm proud of you, Tati."

Tatiana released Sally and grabbed hold of Annie. Reeled in like a fish, Annie was stuck tightly to Tatiana's chest, her golden skin sparkling under the glow of the setting sun.

"Nice to see you again, Annie!"

"You too," Annie said, words slightly muffled. "You look beautiful, Tatiana."

"Oh, you're too sweet!" Tatiana laughed, releasing her.

Annie smiled awkwardly and rubbed her arm. She looked at Sally, who's eyes were wandering through the crowd of people.

"Follow me, I'll show you to your seats!" Tatiana began, waving her hand in the air.

"Who's here tonight?" Sally asked, falling into step with Tatiana. Annie followed, eyes noticing the many looks Tatiana received from the small crowd.

"Well," she began, "the main actors of course. The director too," Tatiana motioned with her head.

Sally craned her neck to look, eyes frenzied. "I don't see him."

"He's inside," Tatiana added. "Then there's the producers. They like to come and look at the film they've funded. Practically everybody is here who made the film. I want to introduce you to George, I think you'd like him."

"Who's George?"

"One of the main actors of course! He plays my lover, but he's so funny and handsome too," Tatiana said, smiling. She wrapped an arm around Sally's shoulders. "You two would get along so well."

Loud shouts appeared and a flurry of motion began to swirl in the distance. The paparazzi outside the event became frantic.

Sally's head whipped around to stare.

"They're so annoying," Tatiana complained. "They caught me out earlier, but I ignored them, as I usually do." Tatiana gave a backhanded wave, but Sally had halted in her movement. Her eyes were wide, eyebrows raised and removed Tatiana's arm to turn around completely.

"Shit, shit, shit!" Sally exclaimed.

The fast click of the shutter speed caught Annie's attention. She had heard that sound before. She looked at Sally, who was rocking on her heels, and followed her gaze.

White flashes greeted her from a distance. Annie paled, her body tensing.

Tom was strolling past the security, politely waving at the hoard of cameras outside. He was dressed in black trousers and a matching coloured shirt, sleeves rolled up to his tanned forearms. Annie felt a blush rise to her cheeks. Hesitantly, she stepped backwards.

"Fucking shit! It's Tom Price!" Sally cried out. "Tatiana, you did not tell me about this!"

Tom swept a hand through his blonde hair, smoothing loose strands behind his ear.

Annie took another step backwards, watching silently as his head turned. Her heart pounded erratically. Tom's eyes locked onto hers from a distance and a small lopsided smile crept onto his handsome face. It was brief, a mere second before he turned away and shook hands with a person standing in front of him. But Annie stood frozen, like she had been punched in the lungs, all breath expelled from her body as Sally clung desperately onto her arm.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Annie sat slumped in the chair. Sally was giggling hysterically beside her, texting furiously.

"The biggest fucking movie star is sitting in the same room as us right now," Sally said, breathing shallow. "I can fucking see him, this is fucking crazy."

Annie slumped further and bowed her head.

"Yeah, it's pretty crazy," she mumbled. Tatiana was seated in the fourth row from the screen, silver dress unmissable. Tom was seated in the second, next to the other producers of the film. Tatiana had divulged them information about his presence. Labelled him as the "nicest guy," and the "main producer or something like that." Sally had squealed, bounding inside.

They had taken their seats, third row from the back, Annie on the aisle, as everyone had filtered through. Tom had walked past, Sally gazing up at him dreamily. Annie had seen the fleeting side glance, noticed the quirked grin directed at her. She had squirmed in her seat, willing herself to not smile. But her lips had upturned, a giddy feeling settling in her stomach. Tom's eyes had softened.

She should have known that he was attending the screening, but Tatiana had never relayed the film's name to Sally. Now, she has a clear view of the back of his head and of his broad shoulders. She could see his handsome profile, the bridge of his nose, the squareness of his jaw as he turned his head to the person next to him. His airy laugh filtered through the low murmur of the crowd, loud and crisp.

As the lights dimmed, Sally bounced back into the chair, sending a vibration through the entire row. She shoved her phone into her purse and clapped to herself.

"Imagine, after this we could meet Tom fucking Price," Sally whispered, "I can't believe this is happening," she grinned. Annie smiled back.

The movie began with the sound of a scratching record player with a close up shot of turquoise coloured waves lapping at a sandy shore.

Annie sat, trying to keep her gaze focused on the screen, but as the movie rolled, they fixated on the back of Tom's head. She wished she could sit beside him. She wondered what he was thinking, why he had chosen this film to produce. The on-screen couple were glamorous, but struck with something dark. Their relationship was turbulent, the husband an alcoholic starved writer, the wife hell-bent on spying on newly wed couple in the room next door through a peephole.

Sally slapped her arm. Annie frowned.

"What?" She whispered.

"Tatiana's bit is coming up," Sally informed. "Warning, she's fully nude."

Annie rolled her eyes. "This movie is already creepy."

"And pornographic."

Tatiana appeared on the screen, through the vision of a peephole, the lens shadowed, as the angle was pointed up from the floor.

Annie heard Sally suck in a breath. Tatiana collapsed onto the bed behind her, her on-screen partner pleasuring her. Annie couldn't help it, but her head turned in the direction of where Tatiana sat in the theatre and looked at her. She was giggling, whispering to the man seated beside her as her love scene flashed before their eyes.

The scene was drawn out, and intense, switching between viewpoints of the peephole and of the married couple who were sitting on the floor, spying on their neighbours. Annie squirmed in her seat, feeling uncomfortable. Her eyes inadvertently stared at the back of Tom's head as Tatiana's moans filled the entire theatre.

"That's one way of making an impression," Sally whispered, biting back a fit of laughter. Annie coughed into her hand, trying to hide her own amusement.

The scene ended with Tatiana's flushed body pressed against her lover, their naked torsos filling the screen.

Sally bounced in her seat as she crossed her legs, grinning. Annie rested her head on her hand, immediately drawn to Tom's figure. She saw him turn his head, shifting in his seat, whispering something to the man behind him. They shared a quiet laugh as Tom scratched the underside of his chin. Just as quickly, his eyes turned further, catching her gaze.

Annie felt her breath quicken and shyly, she smiled. Tom lips quirk upwards into a fleeting grin. Her stomach somersaulted.

"Who the fuck did he just smile at?" Sally exhaled, sitting up straighter in her seat.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The lights flickered on and the theatre was drowned in gold ambient light. There was a growing murmur as the patrons stood up from their seats, mingling in groups, chatting animatedly about the film.

"So," she started, turning to Sally. "What do we do now?"

Sally's fingers were flying rapidly across the screen of her phone, texting. Perplexed, Annie craned her neck.

"Who are you texting?"

"Huh?" Sally looked up. "What?"

Annie smiled. "Who are you texting?" She repeated.

Sally tapped her feet. "Oh, no one. You go ahead, I'll be right behind you."

Blinking, Annie stood up. "Okay..." She mumbled and grabbed her purse. She exited her seat, turning to look in the direction of Tom. She saw him, standing at the front, palms open as he talked to the main actor of the film. A wave of giddiness hit her and she couldn't contain her smile. Annie rushed out of the theatre, searching for the restrooms.

Inside, she stood in front of the large mirror, searching her own eyes. She bit her lip to stop her smiling and tapped her fingers on the bench.

"Fuck it," she mumbled and unzipped her purse. She fumbled with the tube of lipstick and took off its cap. Her fingers swivelled the gold coloured band, a dark red shade appearing. Annie looked at herself and exhaled. Hesitantly, she slowly applied the colour, which contrasted with her pale complexion.

She smiled at herself, adjusting to the colour on her lips.

Exiting the restroom, Annie breathed out a shallow breath. She clutched onto her purse, walking steadily into the foyer. Waiters had appeared, carrying silver trays filled with flutes of sparkling champagne. One stopped and offered a glass. Annie bowed her head, taking the glass eagerly. It was cold against her fingertips, the bubbles still rising to the surface.

She stood at the edge of the room, eyes darting past the many faces. She spots Tatiana first, her dress mimicking a disco ball under the lights. Standing next to her was Sally, smiling eagerly at a handsome man with ash coloured hair. Annie raised her eyebrows. It was George, Tatiana's co-star. He was staring at Sally with a dazzling smile.

Annie brought the champagne to her lips, feeling the cold liquid slide down her throat. It was refreshingly dry and not too sweet. Turning her head, she searched the crowd once more.

She found him the theatre door's entrance with the director, laughing. The smile on his face was radiant. Annie could feel her heart beating inside her chest, watching him. The way his hands moved as he talked, the charm exuding from his words. She noticed he rubbed his hands a lot, seemingly at ease with himself. She was entranced, admiring his cut figure in the shirt that hugged his arms and torso.

A waiter passed the duo. Tom politely excused himself from a glass and turned his head. Annie inhaled a sharp breath. He stared at her, expression soft, from across the foyer. She took another sip, the bubbles settling on her tongue. Tom looked away, sharing quick words the director. They shook hands and he started to walk towards her, grinning.

Annie tried to contain her smile, but she felt a rush of blood bloom across her cheeks. She wondered if her lipstick had smudged and quickly wiped the pad of her finger at the corner of her lips. She looked up. Tom was near, and he smoothed down his hair with his hand, tucking a stray piece behind his ear.

Just as quickly, a flash of red appeared and a woman with curly hair, grabbed hold of his arm. She reeled him in, Tom's eyes widening as he was crushed with her hug.

Annie hid her laughter behind her hand, watching as Tom patted the woman on the back with a startled laugh. The woman pulled back, expressing her acclaims. She kissed Tom on the cheek and grabbed his hands.

Taking another sip, Annie watched the reactions of the people standing nearby. All their eyes were watching the interaction. Side glances and whispers were growing beneath the steady chatter of the overall crowd. An unsettled feeling lowered into Annie's gut and her shoulders slumped.

"Annie!"

She turned on her heels. Sally was rushing towards her, grinning.

"You've got to come meet George! He's amazing," she gushed, tugging on Annie's wrist. "Quick, finish your drink!"

"Sure," Annie said, cheerily. She gulped down the last of her drink, a rush of confidence quickly replacing the unsettled feeling inside.

Sally pulled her gently towards Tatiana and the man called George. He had a square face, dark thick eyebrows, and towered over Tatiana. He was dressed casually, a white shirt half tucked into the waist belt of his pants.

"George, this is my best friend Annie," Sally began, stepping to the side. Annie outstretched her hand.

"Nice to meet you, George," Annie said with a smile.

"Pleasure's all mine, Annie."

"Annie, come stand here! That way you can talk to George better," Tatiana motioned with her hand to where she was standing.

Annie looked to Sally who shrugged her shoulders. Tatiana smiled, voice sweet. They switched spots, Annie shuffling to stand opposite George. He was smiling, his face pleasant, features soft. She looked at Sally. She was gazing up at him with a wonder in her eyes. Annie bit her bottom lip to hide her smile.

"So, what are you doing here, Annie?" George asked, voice clean. Her eyebrows raised at his accent, noting that he was from the south of England. "Are you here to a crack the acting world?"

She laughed. "No, I'm staying with Sally for a while," she answered, polite. "I'm on a postponed trip, to remember my father."

George's eyebrows raised. "Oh, yes, Sally told me about that. That's a wonderful thing."

She nodded. "Thank you."

George stepped sideways, allowing a man to shuffle past through their little group. Annie's eyes drifted. Behind his left shoulder, she saw Tom, still chatting with the woman, faced in her direction, staring at her.

Blood rushed to her cheeks, Annie shyly looking away. She turned back to George, politely listening to his conversation with Sally.

"I think you would be wonderful," he said, tone soft. "Personally, I think you are the perfect fit for the character."

"Really?" Sally exclaimed, exuberant. She clapped her hands. "Oh my goodness, this could be it!"

Tatiana's smile looked strained, an arm placed on Sally's left shoulder. Annie's eyes slid past them and over George's shoulder. Tom was still grinning at her, an eyebrow raised, mouth moving as he talked to the woman.

She looked away, hiding her smile.

"I think you should go for it, Sal." Annie added to the conversation, confident. "It's an amazing opportunity."

"I totally agree," Tatiana added, tone slightly off pitch. "I could drop you there tomorrow."

Sally clapped her hands. "George, you are a lifesaver," she grabbed hold of his right shoulder and brought him into a hug. "I cannot thank you enough."

George laughed. "Maybe there is a way," he added, lowly. Annie saw Sally's cheek tinge a bright red, frazzled.

Annie glanced back again, meekly levelling her gaze with Tom. His expression was light, teasing. He motioned with his head to the drinks table, grinning. Annie blinked, feeling hot under his gaze. She quickly turned to Sally.

"I'm just going to get another drink, it was nice meeting you George," she explained and excused herself. She left the group, heart rattling loud in her ears.

She beelined for the table covered in a white tablecloth and grabbed a glass of champagne from a waiter on the way. Once there, her hand smooth down the fabric. It was soft, providing a distraction from her stomach that flipped. The coolness of the glass provided a relief to her hands, which had become sweaty.

Suddenly, Annie sucked in a sharp breath, feeling cold fingertips brush against the small of her back. It was brief, but it had sent an electric pulse down her spine.

She turned her head, looking upwards. Tom stood beside her, opting for a glass of chilled water.

"Hello, stranger."

"Hi," she mumbled, smiling into her glass.

"Having a good night?" He turned to face her. In the lights, his eyes were coloured a dark cerulean.

"So far, so good," she replied. Her fingers tapped on the glass. "How about you?"

Tom chuckled. "It's better now."

Annie blushed.

"Did you like the film?"

"Hm," Annie sounded. "It was interesting, but the ending was left very open."

"Is that a no?" Tom teased, smiling.

"Truthfully," she began, "I found it creepy... and I didn't understand what compelled the wife to destroy their marriage in that way. "

Tom hummed. "You're insightful, I like that."

Annie smiled and looked over her shoulder. She caught the stares of people who were glancing in their direction, conversations hushed. She tensed, blinking rapidly.

"I bet they're all staring at you," Tom said, low.

Annie brought her gaze back to him. Her palms were sweaty, suddenly aware of the multiple eyes burning into her back.

"No, they're staring at you," she mumbled.

He chuckled and stepped closer, the side of his body pressing against her arm. "Or they're just staring at the two of us."

Annie felt her shoulders relax, a laugh drifting outwards from her mouth.

"You're unbelievable," she said, shaking her head. He wagged his eyebrows. Annie burst out with more laughter.

"I try," Tom replied, making a saluting gesture with his hand.

Annie stifled her laughter behind her hand as a man approached, dressed in a crisp navy blazer. He wore a kind smile.

"Hey, Tom," the man greeted, patting Tom on the shoulder.

"Oh hey, David!" Tom whizzed around, patting the man on the back. "How are you?"

"I'm good," David replied, hesitant. His eyes flitted to Annie. She smiled politely.

"I was wondering if I could steal you away for a bit?"

"Sure, man. Give me one minute," Tom answered, turning back around. His blue eyes were dazzling, his grin wide. He looked at her, face softening. He leant in, resting his hand on the small of her back, fingers spreading wide across the thin fabric of her shirt. Annie's eyes widened. She could feel the heat from his fingers, prickling her skin alight. Her entire face flushed.

He brought his lips to her ear. Annie shivered.

"So how about tomorrow for dinner?" Tom asked, voice gravelly.

"What time?" Annie breathed out.

"Seven?"

She nodded. "You'll pick me up?"

"Of course."

Annie smiled, her breathing uneven.

Tom pressed his lips lightly on her cheek, a brief kiss. "I'll see you tomorrow," he added, standing upright. The sensation of the stubble on his chin sent a vibration down to her legs. All of a sudden, Annie felt light-headed.

Wide-eyed, she looked at him. It felt like there was a hole searing into her cheek. Tom gave her a wave, as he walked away with David. Annie raised her hand and waved back, shakily, watching as he disappeared into another room.

Feeling hot, she lifted her glass of champagne and gulped it down. Her cheeks and ears burned and her skin felt itchy. She could sense the gathering stares and pushed a strand of her hair back behind her ear. She rested her empty glass on the table and looked for the exit of the foyer. Annie turned her head, eyes roaming.

She stopped, frozen in place as her her entire body tensed. A heavy feeling settled in her stomach.

Sally was staring at her, mouth open in shock.

_______________________________________

a/n

Another chapter posted! What do you think of this one? I think Sally's finally worked out something out here... hahaha

Also, I'm thinking of posting another story shortly... I want to change my writing a bit, switch it up and experiment more. I have it in the works already - a story inspired by fight club! It's been fun writing it so far, would you guys read it?

Let me know what you think! :-)