2

          “What’s so funny?” I demand throwing a dish towel at him which he catches effortlessly, he raises two fingers up and I take it to mean that he wants me to give him two minutes which I do.

         “Time up.” I said looking at my watch and he nods before clearing his throat “What was your question again..” he asks trailing off with a brow raised and I know that he’s asking for my name.

          “Hadley.” I answer his unasked question and he nods handing me back the dish towel and as our hands touch I feel electric sparks and I quickly drop mine. “Alright Hadley, what was your question?” he asks and I frown “I asked what was funny?” I ask and he takes a drag out of his cigarette.

        “The way you realised who I was. Like a lightbulb suddenly flicked on in your head. It was comical.” He says chuckling and I snort “Glad to know that I could provide comic relief.” I say sarcastically and he grins.

           “You know that your face is loosing it’s elasticity right?” I ask wrinkling my nose and he frowns, “I don’t understand? Do I have wrinkles? Am I looking old?” he asks running a hand through his face and I chuckle.

          “No. You don’t look old. You smoking reduces your face's elasticity.” I explain and he looks at his cigarette before making a face and taking another drag. “This is a herbal cigarette so it’s probably not the same like the non herbal ones.” He says and I nod “Ookayy.” I quip and he chuckles.

          “You’re quite different from the rest.” He says and I raise a brow “Who are the rest?” I ask and he shrugs, “ Humans.” He states in a matter of fact tone and I grin, “Who said I was a human?” I ask and he grins “If you’re not, then you’re definitely a fairy or a genie.” He says and I laugh.

         “How’d you manage to reach the genie theory?” I ask and he shrugs, picking up a spring roll from the tray and biting into it, “Because only a genie can whip up something as fantastic as this within such short notice.” He says and I feel the warm glow of pride spreading through my body.

        “I’ve got to head back soon, do you mind waiting for me?” he asks and I frown “Waiting for you?” I repeat like a dumb person and he gives me a real smile this time not the half assed ones he’s been wearing.

         “Yes waiting for me, you’ll be leaving soon won’t you? And I’m guessing that you’ve already organised a ride to get you home.” He says and I shake my head.

       “No I won’t. I’ve been asked to stay till you guys wrap up and no I haven’t organised a ride home.” I explain and he grins.

   “So you’ll wait?” he asks and I shrug “Don’t really have a choice.” I say and he nods “Great, see you when we finish up.” He says getting up and stamping out his still lit herbal cigarette and  walking off as the director calls for them to resume.

         Halfway there, he turns around and flashes me another smile.

      That was so easy Hadley…now he’ll look at you like one of those fangirls that loose all morality when they meet people like him..I scold myself. Thinking quickly, I decide to tell him; that’s if he even remembers me again, that I’ve made arrangements for a ride home before I hightail it out of here.

Satisfied with my plan I pick up my book and once again loose myself in the fantasy world of fiction.

         Hours pass and once again there’s a shadow standing in front of me but this time I know who it belongs to and I’m quite shocked that he remembered me.

          “Hadley are you ready now?” he asks and I swallow at the tone his voice takes and I shake my head, “I just need to keep this cart and my supplies in there.” I say pointing to a room “Then grab my coat.” I say and he nods.

         “Go and get your coat, I’ll take these there.” He says and I shake my head “I can do it, you don’t have to.” I protest but he shakes his head “I know you can but I want to do it, so go and get your coat.” He says in a firm voice before he begins to effortlessly push the cart.

         Accepting defeat, I leave him and move to the closet where I keep my coat and I grab it quickly before heading back out where I meet him locking the room.

       “All set?” he asks and I nod, “Yeah, my ride will be here soon.” I lie through my teeth. “Thought you didn’t organise one?” he asks “I didn’t but apparently my best friend and partner Cameron did.” I say slinging my purse over my shoulder and he says nothing for some time.

       “C’mon then I’ll wait with you till it comes.” He says and I shake my head frantically “There’s absolutely no need to do that, you can start going now.” I state and he frowns.

    “I’ll be doing no such thing. I’ll wait till your ride comes.” He states firmly and I loose it “You don’t have too!” I snap and he stops walking to glance at me. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me just now, probably the stress.” I explain quickly covering my face with my hands.

         “Hey..” he starts, gently easing my hands off my face, “I understand, everyone is stressed and what you do isn’t exactly easy.” He says giving me a smile and I nod my head.

        “Plus..” he continues speaking and I glance at him, “You probably don’t have a ride.” He says using air quotes when he says the word “ride”  and I remain quiet.

“I’m right aren’t I?” he questions and I chew on my bottom lip.

        “C’mon let’s go.” He says grabbing my hand and I let him pull me all the way to the parking lot stopping in front of a black Camaro.

        “Go on, get in.” He nudges me when I remain unmoving even though he had unlocked the door. Still standing like a statue while I try to assemble my thoughts, he scrambles them further when he growls “Hadley I won’t repeat myself again. Get in.”