I waited for what felt like hours for Ava to finally make her way out of our house. She and James talked at the door for probably another thirty minutes until I heard the door slam and James run up the stairs into his bedroom. And that’s when I could interrogate. Rushing out of my own bedroom, I knocked in a hurried manner, hearing him only reply with, “I’m naked.”

“Hurry up and put some clothes on!” I yelled from the other side.

“Why?”

“Because I need to talk to you,” I replied, waiting for him to give me the signal to enter.

“About?”

“What do you think?”

“Nope. Go away. I’ll stay naked, thank you.”

“James! Stop being a butt.”

“I don’t get why you’re so interested.”

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe it’s because I’m your sister and you haven’t had a girlfriend since you were fifteen. This is a big deal.”

“She’s not my girlfriend.”

“But you want her to be!” The door swung open, James wearing his sweatpants, clutching the handle and the doorframe, barricading my way to enter his room. He looked stressed about this, something I didn’t quite understand.

“Can we not have this discussion?” He almost pleaded, sounding tired.

“Why not? I’m not going to go running to Ava telling her everything you will tell me.”

“That’s because I’m not telling you anything.” He remained in the doorframe. 

“Please James? Just tell me what’s up with you and Ava,” I said in my best little sister voice, the one where you get anything and everything you want. He sighed and moved from the doorframe towards his bed as I took that as my opportunity to come in. I plopped down on his desk chair and waited for him to begin.

“So I like her, big deal. She’s cute and funny and sweet, not to mention foreign, so I mean, it was bound to happen.” I couldn’t stop myself. I smiled like it was Christmas and I had just gotten everything I’d wanted.

“What’s the problem then?”

“Celebrities dating each other is brutal. You have everyone watching you always. You have the crazed shippers, you have the haters, you have the somewhat normal people, and then there’s the paparazzi and people always asking in interviews and Cam, you don’t understand what that pressure does to relationships.” I mulled over his words. Having millions of people watch your every move dating someone would be hard. You could be simply talking to someone else and then the tabloids would be saying you cheated! 

“Yeah, I guess not,” I said once I realized what he was saying was true.

“Trust me, I want to date Ava. I really like Ava. I’m pretty sure she even likes me back. However, it would be really difficult. Not to mention once we’re done shooting, just suppose we would still be dating, I go back to LA and she goes to Ireland and now we have a transatlantic relationship between two people working full-time in the movie industry.” James ran his fingers through his hair, stopping to grab the back of his neck as he stretched it. I remained silent, thinking over his words.

“I think... I think you should try anyway,” I said after awhile. He looked back up at me and offered a small corner smile. One that wasn’t exactly happy. It was more of an oh-you-sweet-and-innocent-thing-you type smile.

“So what, just ask her out? See how it goes? Just think ‘screw what everyone thinks’?”

“Yeah,” I replied shortly.

“Cammie, it’s not going to be that easy.”

“I know, but don’t you think it’s worth it anyway?” James was about to retort when he bit back his words and considered what I said.

“When did you become a relationship expert?” I took that as him accepting that I was right and I smiled victoriously.

“Since I’ve had none of my own and I’ve had to help Becs with all of hers. But now that that’s out of the way,” I leaned forward, planting my elbows on my knees. “How long have you liked Ava?”

“Not long since after we got here. But before you think that that was really fast, you should know we’ve met before.”

“When?”

“Plenty of times. Movie premiers, charity dinners, a bunch of other random stuff.”

“Why have you never talked about her before?”

“Because then we were just acquaintances. Just a few random conversations, but she was always a really sweet, cute girl. It’s just that hanging out with her a lot these past few weeks, I’ve started to really, really like her.”

“And everyone says I’m the romantic.”

“‘Cause you are. Don’t even try denying that.”

“Oh, I’m not. I’m just saying that nobody has ever thought you were brought up on all those classic Disney movies with me.” James shrugged.

“A guy’s got to learn how to be a gentleman from somewhere.” I clutched my heart and turned my lips down in an ‘aww’ fashion.

“My big brother is turning into a gentlemen. This is adorable.”

“Yeah, yeah I’m living your favorite fairytale. Now, you happy?”

“Very,” I said, my grin overtaking my face.

“Good, now my turn for questions.”

“Oh gosh no.” I muttered before James continued.

“You and Carson or you and Liam? Which one is it?”

“Neither.”

“Seriously?” He looked completely shocked.

“Yes.”

“But you like one of them don’t you? At least a little? Ava hinted that you liked someone when she was leaving.”

“I’m going to kill her,” I mumbled.

“Hey! That’s my almost girlfriend you’re talking about.” I smiled again at that thought.

“Fine, I’ll only injure. But let’s just clear this up. I don’t like anyone. Okay? Nobody.”

“But it seems like -”

“James,” I cut him off. “I don’t like anyone. I may be a bit interested, but I don’t quite like him yet.”

“Who is it?” His eyes bulged out as he realized what I was saying. “I have to make sure he doesn’t act like a jerk.”

“Thanks for the thought, but I’m still getting to know him.”

“Just tell me if it’s Carson or Liam or some other guy that I know so I have an easier chance of killing them if they do something wrong.”

“I’m not going to tell you who it is, because you might do something stupid like blurt the whole thing out.”

“I am not like that!”

I shrugged. “You never know.”

“So who is he?” I shook my head quickly.

“Not telling you, bye.” I got up and started walking out of his room.

“It is Carson or Liam though right?”

“Not saying!” I called as I made my way out and headed for the stairs.

“It totally is! That’s why you aren’t denying it! Which one?”

“Nope!” I could hear James following me out now, just a few steps behind me.

“Fine, you know what, I’ll figure it out myself. You’re coming to set with me on Wednesday.”

“Ugh, why?”

“Come on, you know you love the set. Everyone’s really nice. And besides, Finch is missing you.”

“Why would Finch miss me?”

“I don’t know, she just keeps telling me to bring you by again.” I thought over what could happen on Wednesday if I did go.

“Alright, fine, I’ll come. On one condition.”

“Oh gosh, what?” James didn’t look too thrilled.

“You have to ask Ava out then. I don’t have to be right next to you while you do it, but I want to be in the surrounding area.”

“Deal.” I was surprised at how quickly he agreed and shook my hand. “Then I can see how you interact with the guys.”

“No! I’m not going, deal’s off.”

“You’re coming. Or else I’ll make you pee your pants or throw you in the tub.” I glared at him, knowing he would do that if I backed out. I rolled my eyes and huffed.

“Fine. I’ll go. You suck.”

“Perfect-o. Anyway, time to do some line studying. And don’t you have AP stuff to do?” I narrowed my eyes at him again.

“I’ll study when I feel like it. Yeesh. Just because my exams are in three weeks, doesn’t mean I’m majorly procrastinating.”

“Whatever,” James said, ruffling my hair as I smacked his hands away. “Call me when dinner is ready.” I waved him off as he headed back into his room and I retreated to mine, suddenly in a weird position of what was to happen on Wednesday. Firstly, James was going to ask out Ava which I was excited for. I liked Ava and I liked the fact that James really liked Ava. It was perfect. But then... I was ridiculously nervous for the boys. Ok, I didn’t like Carson. I wasn’t even interested. Yes, he was attractive and funny and could be sweet, but the amount of intrigue I had in Liam was overwhelming. The amount of curiosity I had about Liam outweighed my curiosity for Carson. And that was that.

“Camille! It’s so good to see you again!” Finch said brightly as I walked into the Zone Wednesday morning.

“Morning Lisa,” I replied, making a bee line for the coffee. Curse James and his early morning work schedule.

“Haven’t seen you in awhile, what have you been up to?” She was making casual conversation, I knew that, but again, it was morning and conversation couldn’t happen unless I had at least a full cup of coffee. Where was Mom to do the talking when I needed her?

“Just school really. But I’ve had a lot of homework so I thought it would be a good idea to stay home when I don’t have school.”

“Makes sense, but in any case, today they’re filming some big action scene. I’ll walk you over if you want to watch on the sidelines,” she offered.

“I’d love to.”

“Great, you might want to grab a muffin or fruit, because you have a rough time getting around set.”

“Hey!” I feigned offense, surprised Finch was poking fun at my loss of orientation skills.

“Just saying.” Finch shrugged as she grabbed her mug and nodded her head in the direction of the door. Quickly snatching a blueberry muffin and an apple off the table and grasping my coffee in the other hand, I followed Finch across set until I spotted all the cameras, tents, and workers.

“Morning Cam.” I looked in front of me to see Bonnie, headset on and clipboard in hand.

“Bonnie!”

“Follow me, I’ll show you where you’ll be.” Finch waved me off as I followed Bonnie to another tucked away corner where I had a perfect view of the set. 

“Will you be alright here?” Bonnie asked as she showed me my seat, this time having a little table next to the chair and a small, open gazebo covering overhead.

“This is perfect,” I told her.

“You’ve got food?” I showed her my filled hands. “Good, if you need anything, holler at someone and tell them to get an intern. See you around lunch.” I nodded in agreement as Bonnie went back to barking orders at people, ordering cast members to get on set and set workers to finish up. I settled in my little nook, placing my food on the table and then deciding I could work on my art homework for the week, I pulled out my sketchbook and oil pastels. I always loved oil pastels. The way they blended together so perfectly and how they felt in my hand as I traced it along the paper. I get it, some people thought they were an easy art tool because of how easy blending colors came, but I enjoyed them too much to care.

My hair drooped in front of my face and I hastily brushed it behind my ear, but by the twentieth time, I almost growled in frustration as I put my oil pastel between my teeth as I whipped my hair in a ponytail, not leaving a strand out. 

“I’ve never seen someone put their hair up so angrily before.” I snapped up to the voice and saw Liam standing just outside of the gazebo. My eyes widened slightly and I tried not to look so surprised or happy when I saw him.

“Ee-umm,” I said. Well. Tried saying, considering the oil pastel was still in my mouth.

“G’morning. I didn’t know you were coming today.” He made his way into the gazebo, settling down in one of the other chairs in the area.

“Kind of a last minute thing. Just a deal with the broski.” 

“What?” Liam asked, confused.

“Broski? Like bro... but... not?”

“No, no, I got that, but I mean, what’s the deal with your brother?”

“Oh. No, I can’t tell you that,” I replied, folding my sketchbook down so he couldn’t see the beginnings of my drawing.

“And what are you working on today?” He grabbed my sketchbook before I could put it out of his reach.

“Seriously Liam?” He merely smirked as he flipped to the page where I had my sketch of the day, barely started. His eyebrows furrowed as he tried to make out what I had originally started to draw, but it was hardly recognizable. 

“Is this...” he squinted at it again. “Is this Batman?” I gaped at him. How could he have possibly guessed that fast?

“How did you get it that fast? It’s mostly just black and grey, you can’t even tell yet.”

“I can see the pointy ears. It’s not totally incomplete.”

“Alright, you’re done. Give it back.” I grabbed my sketchbook before he could say another word as I stashed it.

“By the way, my sisters love your octopus.”

“You showed them?” I squeaked incredulously.

“Of course I showed them! They want your talent. Well. I’m pretty sure Zoe was the most vocal on that topic, but still.” He shrugged.

“I shouldn’t feel so awkward about this but, oh my gosh, you are showing people my work.” I buried my face in my hands, trying to hide the blush I could feel creeping its way up to my cheeks.

“I don’t understand why you are so strange about it.”

“You want to know why?” I asked him and he nodded immediately. “Because my artwork is very personal. It’s showing a piece of your soul and that’s scary, because if one person says it’s not good, then you feel like they’re saying that you aren’t good. That you aren’t good enough.” Liam’s face was trained on my own and I found myself instantly embarrassed at how revealing that statement was. 

“But you just drew Batman?” Liam questioned and next thing I knew we were both laughing.

“Yes, Batman reveals a deep, personal part of my soul. I’d rather not talk about it,” I said, melodramatically.

“I understand, you had a rich family that was murdered and left you a giant estate and business and James is actually your Alfred and at night you go out and kill villains.”

“Capture villains. I’m not a killer.”

“What would that make me? Can I be Catwoman?”

“Why Catwoman? Thinking about becoming a literal crazy cat lady in your future?”

“No, because she’s fit,” Liam replied. Typical male.

“Then I don’t think the role is very fitting for you, sorry.” I patted his arm in mock sympathy.

“Ouch! Low blow!” He clutched his heart in fake hurt. 

“Someone’s gotta kill that ego of yours,” I told him. “I just so happen to be good at the job.”

“Most people just agree with me. I was ranked ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ in Teen Vogue.” I didn’t doubt it for a second. I had after all done a fair amount of stalking of Liam Hawthorne in my years.

“Has anyone seen Liam?” Both of our heads looked over to where the voice came from, spotting James weaving through all the cameras and crew, head spinning around, looking for Liam.

“Mate, I’m over here.” Liam stuck his hand in the air until James spotted him and then spotted me with him and then James’ eyes shot up and then narrowed and then he smiled knowingly and all I could think of in that moment was, Dang it.

“Liam, we got to get on our marks. They start filming in ten,” James said, jabbing his thumb in the general direction of where they needed to be.

“Alright, I’m going. See you later, Cam.” He sauntered off, grabbing his props off a table near the edge of the set, and made his way to where the others were standing. James watched until he was far enough away and then he turned back to me, arms crossed, and a knowing grin playing across his face.

“What?” I asked tiredly. 

“So it is Liam?”

“That’s ridiculous, James,” I tried to tell him, shaking my head.

“But I don’t think it’s Carson, so it has to be Liam.”

“James -”

“Just tell me I’m right. I’ll live with the satisfaction of being right and you admitting, but I’m not going to go tell Liam that you have a crush on him.”

“Because I don’t have a crush on him.”

“Oh right, you, how did you word it? You’re interested in him.” I glared at him, trying to make him go away. “Just tell me I’m right and I’ll go do my job and then I’ll ask out Ava later.”

“Fine. I’m interested in Liam. I do not have a crush. I don’t even know if anything will come out of this. I am merely -”

“Wanting to birth his six children?”

“James!”

“What? You’ve only been obsessed with him since you’ve first heard of him. Be lucky I haven’t told him that.”

“Go do your job,” I ordered him away and he smiled triumphantly as he made his way towards the set. Well that didn’t quite go as planned.

---------------------------------

Gahhh #Camiliam being adorable. I just love them. Don't you love them? I am also in love with Ava and James. But what are your thoughts on James' reasoning to not ask Ava out? Makes sense?

I just got back from camp and it was so much fun and just so great :) Lots of friends, food, and fellowship and I didn't want to come home quite yet. *shrug* Whateva.

Follow me on Twitter @KateWells7

Remember to vote / comment / share / fan! 

HAVE A LOVELY DAY YOU WONDERFUL PEOPLE!

-Katie