c h a p t e r | 06
BANANA TALK
'You would think that until you watch her eat a banana.'
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"SO, WHAT YOU'RE SAYING IS THAT HE WASN'T EVEN THERE WHEN THEY CALLED HIS NAME?" Indy inquired as they got one step closer to the counter.

Parker let out a groan, "How many times do I have to listen to this?" He shook his head as Tessa and Indy had been at it all morning, and all weekend for that matter.

"He was barely there for half an hour before he vanished into thin air. Poof, and he was gone," Tessa responded getting irritated once again from just thinking about it.

"Poof?" Parker commented with a raised brow, but got ignored.

"And he didn't just leave with that Jessica girl you said he got chummy with during the runway?" Indy questioned, intent on getting to the bottom of it and learn all details as if she was there herself, which was one of the reasons why the conversation had progressed for this long.

"Oh who cares? If it wasn't that girl it was someone else. Isn't that what you always say, Marshmallow? I mean after you saw him all ruffled up after coming back from the restroom, is it really that hard to believe he left the After Party with some girl?" Parker nudged Tessa in the side and pushed her forward as they held up the line.

"All I'm saying is that he left me freaking hanging standing there like a fool! Everyone kept asking me where he went!" Tessa flung her hands, clenching her hands slightly as if the air was Hale and she was slowly choking him to death.

"Well, it's not like he is your responsibility. He's a grown man. He can take care of himself," Parker said and once again nudged Tessa forward as she was too distracted to notice the line moving.

"Parker is right, though I wouldn't mind following him around like a puppy," Indy said with a thoughtful smile, and Parker sighed, grabbing her arm to pull her forward too.

"But you hate dogs," Tessa protested and quirked an eyebrow at her only to get interrupted as her phone blew up, penetrating the chatter in the cafe and she feverishly roamed after it in her purse.

"Felix is not a dog. I love dogs. Felix is the devil incarnate," Indy stuck out her chin with a pout, but Tessa had not time to hear Indy complaining for the hundred and seventeenth time about Mrs. Livingstone's dog as she still could not find the sleek but annoying device that whined out in the air.

"Tessa, it's your turn," Parker spoke up, looking apologetically at the waiting barista.

"Just a sec, I have—. Jeez I swear, I wanna throw that pho—"

"She'll have a tall, non-fat latte, extra foam with a Caramel Drizzle," Parker informed as Tessa kept battling with the blasting phone.

"Arh, got it!" She exclaimed just as it stopped ringing and her face fell as a result.

"Oh and marshmallows!" Parker added with a grin.

"No marshmallows!" Tessa argued and looked at the barista, "What he said, but seriously no marshmallows. Oh, and can I get a blueberry muffin too?" She asked and roamed after her wallet.

Parker tilting his head backwards with disbelief, placed his hands on her shoulders and pushed her to the side, "You might complain about Hale being late, but seriously you're the reason why coffee deprived people get even more annoyed by waiting unnecessarily," he said to his best friend before turning his attention back to the poor barista.

"Add that to a Grande Caramel Macchiato with a shot of hazelnut and a Grande White Chocolate Mocha," he said already with his credit card out.

"I can pay for myself, you know," Tessa scowled at him.

"Yeah, but I don't have 'til tomorrow," he replied and stuffed his wallet back in his back pocket.

"Thanks, Park, and how sweet it is that you remember our coffee orders," Indy interrupted their bickering before it had the chance to unfold and steered Tessa away from the counter.

"Oh, so I'm gonna carry them for you too, huh?" Parker called after them and Indy just gave him a thumbs up as they moved towards the tables.

Tessa having received a voicemail after not getting the phone in time, put it to her ear to hear it, groaning as John's message told her of additional appearances arranged for Hale.

"I have to get back to the shoot. I have to talk to Rita about borrowing some of the pieces," Tessa said and let her head fall onto the table with a heavy sigh.

"Don't worry. We'll come with," Indy patted her carelessly on the back.

"You just want an excuse to see Hale," Tessa remarked and blew at the hair which now shielded her view.

"True. It's the MQ shoot, right?" Indy asked, her voice slightly hopeful and Tessa turned her head, shoving her hair out of her face to look at her.

"Stop lying like that," Indy pushed her, "Who knows when they last wiped a cloth over it," she added, before getting back to the topic at hand.

"You can't deny that MQ make the hottest spreads. You even buy their magazine every month," she asserted and Tessa shrugged, making a mental note about cancelling the next magazine delivery as she had no need to see Hale on it as she felt she saw too much of him already.

"Oh, you think they'll have him go shirtless like that Channing shoot?" Indy let out a dreamy sigh and Tessa shook her head, letting it rest in her hands.

"Please tell me he is," she pushed her in the side to get her attention.

"Does it really matter?" Tessa turned to look at her slightly annoyed. "You think he looks perfect in everything. I bet I could even stuff him in a dress and you would swoon," she commented and Indy's eyes sparkled with humor.

"I bet he would rock it, yeah. Literally his dark olive complexion really gives off a certain exotic aura which just overshadows everything. I mean Parker got that whole American look to him, but—"

"You do know I'm Canadian, right?" He interjected with a raised brow as he came over to them with their orders and Tessa grabbed the bag with the muffin out of his grasp.

"Whatever," Indy replied and took her coffee, taking a sip of it only to grimace. "Tell me again why we keep coming here? They wrote the wrong coffee on the cup again," she uttered and handed it back to Parker to shift.

"They're lucky I'm not allergic to nuts," she added as an afterthought.

"You certainly aren't," Parker muttered under his breath a little too loudly and Indy scowled at him as he took a sip.

"What you're implying?" She asked, crossing her arms, knowing fully well what he said and the intonation behind it.

"Nothing. He meant nothing," Tessa said and pushed Parker so she could get up. "I have to get to the shoot. You coming?" She looked back at Indy who gave Parker another look before getting up herself to follow them out.

Tessa nibbled at the muffin trying her best to block out Parker and Indy while they shot snarky remarks at each other, only to come up short.

"Guys. Guys! Stop it, okay? I don't need to know who did who? Obviously, you both have a track record over a mile long," she sighed and threw another piece of muffin into her mouth.

"Don't be such a prude, Tessa," Indy retorted.

"You would think that until you watch her eat a banana," Parker spoke up before Tessa had a chance to defend herself and her eyes grew large.

"My god, Parker!" She instantly turned and punched him on the arm, "What is wrong with you?!" She yelled at him and Indy could barely contain the grin that popped up on her lips.

"What she— Ow! She called you a prude. I was merely — Ow! Trying to defend you!" He tried speaking as Tessa continuously hit him while he was unable to protect himself as he was carrying both his and Tessa's cups, "Ow! Stop, Marshmallow!"

"Stop calling me marshmallow!" She punched him one final time on the arm, before she threw the rest of her muffin away.

"Sometimes I think there's something you're not telling me about your relationship," Indy mused out loud and they both turned to look at her.

"Just saying," she shrugged, the smile still not fading from her lips as she skipped ahead. The other two turned to look at each other before they simultaneously took a step to the side to widen the distance between them.

"This is so your fault. Have you no filter?" Tessa muttered under her breath, scowling at her friend.

"Have you ever tried eating a banana differently?" Parker shot back and Tessa motioned to punch him again however Parker quickly ran forward to catch up to Indy.

"Idiot," she cursed, but nevertheless hurried after them as fast as her much shorter legs could carry her.

"Wow, this looks way more serious than I imagined," Indy commented as they entered the set and people were muttering silently in the room without any form of music as atmospheric background. As a result the place seem way too cold and serious with the plain black backdrop. If it wasn't for the many heated spotlights you could cut a slice of ice from the tone in the room.

"Tessa!" A young woman greeted in merriment under her breath to keep the volume at a minimum while hurrying over to the trio, and pulled Tessa in for quick hug.

"The photographer is in a mood. Something about someone messing around with his taillight. I'm pretty sure though it is just a short-circuit," she informed with a slight smile that reached her almond shaped eyes.

"I see. It's good to see you Rita, I actually came hoping to talk to you—"

"Quiet on set! And where is he? Hey, you!" A middle aged thin man with a sour expression on his face stared around the room until his eyes fell on a nervous assistant and pointed at him, "Why aren't my model here? I told you to fetch him 5 minutes ago!" He barked.

"N-no you didn—"

"Do as I say. NOW. Or I'll have you fired faster than your mother can wipe your ass!" He hounded and the terrified assistant sprinted out the door, leaving the group to quickly disperse.

"Damn, it's Guande," Parker let out a low whistle, feeling remorse for Hale having to work with him today.

"Like I said, not the breeziest mood he's in today," Rita said and linked arms with Tessa and pulled her over to the monitors and away from view of the photographer.

"Dude, that guy scares me," Indy whispered and tugged at Parker who nodded in agreement.

"Clearly, and I'm sorry Hale is causing problems. Kinda a habit of his," she tried apologizing of Hale's tardiness but Rita waved her off.

"He's not. Guande literally just entered 2 minutes ago, cut off the music and yeah. But seriously nothing to fear. Hale has been nothing but charming," she shrugged it off with a girlish giggle, her eyes blazing by the thought of the discussed model and Tessa knew she had been drinking his Kool-aid too.

"You! You there, tall guy! You're blocking the light," Gaunde suddenly blurted and Parker jumped in the air by being called out, while ironically staying as close to the wall as possible.

"Tessa, I'm out of here. I'll just see ya later, okay?" He whispered to Tessa with a gulp, while eyeing Gaunde fearfully, afraid he might yell at him for also talking too loudly and made a beeline for the exit.

"Yeah, I um... Yeah, I'm just gonna follow Parker to the car. I don't think he remembers where he parked it," Indy stuttered nervously, before speed walking after Parker. Not even the fact that Hale appeared in the doorway seemed to slow her down as she was too fixated on getting the hell out of there.

"So, you wanted to talk to me? Anything, darling. You're still sure you don't want to reconsider coming to—" Rita started as Tessa sucked in her bottom lip, looking wistfully after her friends.

"No, Rita, really. No thank you. I was actually hoping that I could borrow a few of the pieces you brought for the shoot today? Hale has some appearances and it would really be great promotion for your upcoming line," Tessa smoothly shook the topic involving her off and got straight to the point.

"Sure, totally. In fact he can keep it if he wants. Well except, I have to ask Rikki if she still needs the jacket for alternation and if she solved the trouble with our fabricant concerning the belt buckle..." She rambled on counting various items off her fingers.

"Rita," Tessa shook her shoulder lightly with a grin and Rita pulled herself out of her blabber, her cheeks red as her stress levels had skyrocketed.

"Sorry, it's been quite a stressing few weeks, but we're getting there. I'll have you know about the pieces by the end of the shoot, okay?" She promised as Tessa's eyes strayed, now realizing that Hale had not entered alone. She was not aware that the shoot was a co-up.

"Places everyone!" Gaunde yelled out and instantly everyone scrambled to their right positions. "No music! I can't work with that pop crap people blast nowadays," he snapped as the assistant went to turn on the stereo only to have it cut off right away with a screeching noise.

"Hale, if you please," Gaunde motioned to the back drop and the place made for him to stand while looking at his camera to set it, not seeing Hale raise his hand, signaling 2 seconds before he bent down on his haunches and Tessa furrowed her brows and bit her bottom lip as he turned his attention to a boy around 7 to 9 years old with deep brown eyes and chocolate colored hair just like Hale himself.

"Go sit by the chairs over there, okay? It'll take a while, but I—." Tessa's brows shot up in befuddlement by the interaction between them.

"Hale, we're burning daylight here!" The photographer called impatiently cutting them off while still not looking up from his camera. Tessa, not liking the man before, looked at him even more irritatedly by the absurd statement considered they had isolated the windows with blackout curtains.

"But you promised!" The boy pouted disappointedly, causing Hale to frown too while running his hands through his hair briefly looking away. This obviously was not a co-up, but what a boy was doing around Hale seemed even more incomprehensible.

"I know, I know. Just. Go play on your iPad, okay? I'll be as quick as possible," he tried assuring him and got up again, placing a hand on the boy's head to steer him in the direction of an unoccupied chair, before hurrying to his mark in front of the spotlights. Gaunde instantly started on the test shots before Hale had the chance to even turn his head.

"I need readjustments to the second lighting. It's hitting too high. Makes him look too yellowy," he ushered and again the assistant scrambled to accommodate him.

"What made you think of the red jeans for the Rivas?" Rita commented, looking impressed as she took in the first outfit Tessa had pulled together earlier in the morning as Hale hadn't bothered to show up, which was why she had written a note telling him to dress himself and met up with Parker and Indy in the first place.

"I just thought it would give a certain pop," Tessa shrugged, taking in Hale's outfit too. Seeing it on him actually made it that much better. The trademarked Rivas shirt with a faint sprawled pattern went great with the intensity of the red which was even further contrasted with Hale's tan, while the blazer jacket highlighted the strong athletic structure of his shoulders.

"Lose the jacket," Guande instructed and both Tessa and Rita turned their attention to the screen, seeing that even though Gaunde was sparse with his guidance and needs for Hale, he seemed to nail every shot perfectly.

As much as Tessa despised Hale's attitude she could not disagree with him getting the job done. The camera really did love him.

"I paired the Rik jacket with the dark jeans and the burgundy long-sleeved. I know you might think it's odd but the burnt orange in the Rik seemed to go so well with it," she whispered back thinking of the next outfit and Rita squeezed her arm.

"Tessa, if there's anyone I can fully rely on optimizing our works properly, it would be you. I mean when you insisted on the Rivas those years ago I thought you were insane, but now it's one of our most known pieces," she praised but quickly shut her mouth as Gaunde shushed the set.

"It was different and deserved the attention," Tessa returned and nudged Rita in the side.

Rita and her sister Rikki had just started up their business looking for their way in on the market when Tessa came across them and they had developed a very professional business relationship that had benefitted everyone.

"So, I heard rumors about you working on a woman's line..." Tessa started with a knowing grin and Rita jumped lightly on the spot her hands hiding her mouth with excitement.

"Oh yes, yes, you should come by the store soon! The dress Rikki just finished drawing out is to die for. We expect it to get straight off the production desk next week!" She muffled her scream and Tessa smiled in return.

"If Rikki is any bit as dedicated to that line as she is this one, I don't even have to see it to know it's in a league of it's—"

A high-pitched play tune rung out in the room, echoing into the muted silence, and everyone snapped their heads in the direction of the singing iPad.

"Whose kid is this?!" Gaunde roared angrily, letting the camera fall around his neck as his hands found their way to his hips, his neck beginning to redden.

"I'm I... I'm so—. I," Hale started and hurried over to the boy. "Get it turned off," he urged under his breath.

"I'm trying but—" the boy wailed, "It's not responding!"

Hale quickly grabbed the iPad from his grasp and flipped down the silent switch, cutting off the overly cheery sound.

Tessa scratching the back of her head, her forehead wrinkling together in confusion as she watched the two fidget with the iPad.

"No, no no no!" Seriously I can't work with this. Someone get this kid out of here!" Gaunde bitched and Hale looked over his shoulder gritting his teeth in discomfort, a slight look of helplessness rolling onto his features which Tessa had trouble believing could even appear on his face.

"I'm so sorry, I just... It's my fault. I just had to take care of a few things and time totally ran away from me." Tessa surprised herself as she walked over to them.

"What kind of show are we running here? Momma Daycare?" Gaunde scoffed and Tessa glared back at him however a shadow interfered.

"What are you doing?" Hale leaned down to her, shielding their conversation from the impatient photographer.

"Beats me, but apparently, whatever this is, isn't working out so hot for ya, and I'll be damned if you botch this shoot. So you go deal with that guy," Tessa pointed over her shoulder and Hale shot a fleeting look at Gaunde, cringing. "And I'll take this one out for ice cream," Tessa whispered and bent down to the boy.

"Hi, I'm Tessa, Hale's stylist. What do you say we go for ice cream and escape the Grumpy Cat?" she asked with a smile, before scrunching up her nose, looking back at Gaunde. The boy shyly followed her line of sight before looking up at Hale, who nodded reluctantly at first before it got more confident.

"Ye-yeah, then when I'm done we can go get that game I promised, okay?" He bargained and the boy slowly nodded.

"Just call me when you're done, okay?" Tessa said, while placing a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder walking towards the door and briefly looked over at Rita who held up her phone while pointing to her head, before looking back at Hale who pulled at the collar of his shirt in discomfort.

"Okay, break time is over. Places!" Gaunde blasted and clapped his hands, obviously feeling his fuse get even shorter and Hale nodded to them with a forceful smile before going back to his place.

There was something about the uneasiness seeping through Hale's features, that played with Tessa's head, but as she looked at the sad boy beside her it was not the right time to dwell on it.

"So, what's your name?" Tessa asked as they finally let the studio behind them. The boy kept looking down at his feet clutching the iPad.

"Noah... Tessa, right?" He asked looking up at her just long enough for him to see her nodding. Noah's shoulder slumped slightly and an even sadder pout filled up his features which softened Tessa even more. "Did I get him in trouble?" He asked, his voice barely audible.

"Nah, don't worry about it," Tessa reassured him and ruffled his silky smooth hair, "It's not like you pushed over a spotlight or something. Trust me, that's worse," she added and he turned to look up at her with curiosity this time.

"You did that?"

"Yup, weren't pretty. It accidentally knocked down the model and we had to postpone the shoot until they got examined whether she broke her nose or not," Tessa answered, thinking back at the incident. Another embarrassing moment which Parker loved to bring up every now and again.

Why was she friends with him again?

"Hale once knocked over a plant into the neighbor's pool," Noah peeped up, his mood brightened at once and Tessa laughed as Noah started blabbering cheerily.

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A/N: yeah, for once I don't really have anything to say. I've seen the reads and whatnot drop but I hope they'll pick up again soon.

To those of you reading this. Thank you so much for your time. I love each and every one of you and the comments are literally the best! So funny even Parker is speechless. ;)

Don't forget to vote, comment and share !

Toodles noodles !