Hidden Talent

Chapter 7

“Come on, Amy. Did you forget to eat breakfast? You’re walking like a turtle!” he was a couple of yards ahead of her.

She was jotting down notes that she kept about him. Certain things he liked or disliked and she was going through it at her own pace when his annoyed voice cut through her concentration “I’m coming!” she cried. “He’s not going to start without you!”

“Yeah, but I don’t want to keep him waiting.” He turned and placed his hands on his hips, his face aggravated “Come on, grandma!”

Finally noticing his annoyed expression, she walked quickly to him. They arrived at the studio to find Johnny asleep on his chair. Amy hardly noticed as she was in awe with the recording studio. On her right was a glass wall which was soundproof for the artist to record music. While on her left was a control table with too many buttons that she wouldn’t dare to touch. Her eyes wandered around and landed on the sleeping Johnny “He’s probably exhausted.” She pointed out.

Philip was hovering over him and staring at him like he was some kind of animal. “You think he would wake up if I kissed him?”

Amy cracked up at his unexpected comment “Maybe not. He might think he’s in a dream and he’ll kiss you back.”

“You’re right.” Philip gave up and walked into the soundproof room. He found a folder with music/lyric sheet inside. It was the new songs he helped co-write.

Amy tapped on Johnny’s shoulder to wake him up but to her dismay, he didn’t budge. Suddenly a smile came on her face as she thought of something to wake him up. She pulled her long mane, which was tied in a ponytail, in front of her shoulder. She used the end strands to tickle him on the cheek and neck. It only made him smile like he was having a sweet dream. She looked up at Philip and shrugged helplessly. “That felt good, do it again.” The voice from below her spoke up.

She looked down and Johnny was smiling goofily at her “You don’t know where my hair’s been.” She joked.

He laughed and sat up “When did you guys get here?” he let out a long yawn.

“We’ve been waiting for hours!” Philip called from the room. The intercom was on, he could hear everything they said.

“Whatever. I slept here overnight working on your crap!” Johnny spoke into the intercom. Philip only laughed cause he knew it was true, his friend was a workaholic “Wanna start on the first song?”

“Which one is that?” Amy asked curiously. She took an empty chair behind Johnny and sat down comfortably.

“True Love. That’s the first single. It’s really good, listen to the lyrics.” Johnny said proudly.

“Did you write it?” Amy asked.

“NO! I did.” Philip took the complete credit.

Johnny rolled his eyes “I helped, but according to the big star over there, I only did the music.” He turned to Philip “Sing the first verse and we’ll start from there.” Philip nodded and Johnny gave him the okay sign as he pushed some buttons and the music began playing.

Amy felt herself mesmerized by the piano tune playing in the background with a bit of violin which gave it a melancholy mood. Although it fit very well together, she couldn’t help but feel sad. That is until Philip started singing the first few lines. The words couldn’t be more beautiful. It was a short story of two people meeting unexpectedly and falling in love. But as fate would have it, they were separated but could not forget each other. They knew it was true love when they finally met again after 3 years, but it felt like 100 years. She closed her eyes and let Philip’s warm and soothing voice take her away. The beat caught on to her fast as she was able to hum along after he sang it again on the fourth round.

Johnny turned around unexpectedly and Amy stopped humming. He held up a hand to Philip in the room indicating for him to stop “Did you hear that?” he asked Amy.

She shook her head, pretending not to know what he was talking about. She was afraid he would comment on her being noisy. “No, what did you hear?”

He thought it was his imagination so he shook his head and waved to Philip to continue. Philip began singing again, this time the chorus which talked about true love coming from the heart and you may not see it firsthand but you feel it once you see the right person. She smiled at the catchy tune and began humming. This time Johnny did not stop Philip but he turned to her “Are you humming?”

Amy widened her eyes “I’m sorry, is it distracting?”

He turned around to face her with a huge grin “Not if it’s coming from you.” He flirted openly making her shake her head “No, seriously, it sounds good. Can you sing?”

She shook her head “Not like Philip.”

“I didn’t ask that. I asked if YOU can sing.” A thought began to ponder in his head “Maybe this song would be fitting for a male and female vocal?”

This time her face looked scared “Are you crazy? I have no background in singing. I can’t hit a note if my life depended on it. Anyways, I don’t want more attention than I already have.” She whispered and pointed to Philip “It’s tough working for a big star.”

Johnny would not give up “You hit all the notes fine, believe me, I’ve heard some pretty bad singers in my life, but you, that’s not bad, even for humming. Did you know that most singers start off their vocal practices with humming?” Amy shook her head, not wanting to continue the conversation “Trust me, you’re very good.” He pointed out.

“Whatever, that’s your opinion.” Amy said “Don’t you dare tell Philip.” She pointed.

He laughed “So you admit it, you can sing!”

“SHHH!!” she practically covered his mouth with her hand.

They didn’t even noticed that Philip had stopped singing “Hey, what are you two doing in there?” he pulled off his head phones.

Amy glared at Johnny as she let go of his mouth “I’ll kill you.” She threatened.

He knew it was not a laughing matter on her part so he proceeded to keep it a secret for now “Nothing. Go on, Philip. You’re doing great.” Johnny pointed at him to continue.

***********

For the next two weeks, Philip, Johnny and Amy were practically living at the studio. They recorded most of the songs and there were at least 3 more left to work on. During the nights, Philip had to film in Studio 5. He wanted his album to be a success so he would sit down and perfect the three remaining songs during his break.

One night, the set was having problems with the lighting so he took a longer break than anticipated. Amy stood behind watching him jot down words and he would hum the tunes to himself. “I liked that first adlib.” She commented.

Philip turned with his eyebrows raised “You do?” she nodded and he smiled at her as he patted the empty seat next to him “What more secrets do you need to tell me, Miss Chan? Don’t tell me you use to sing.”

She laughed “Yeah, that’s why I became a personal assistant. I can’t sing. I’m just a big critic when it comes to music. I only listen to what I find is great.”

“Really?” he was obviously intrigued. He turned to her, his body facing her “What do you define as ‘great’?”

She tapped her chin lightly “Hmm, I never thought about that. I guess it has to do with the lyrics and music which compliments each other. I absolutely love the sound of the piano playing in the background of the songs. And the guitar gives it a serenade kind of effect.”

He laughed at her descriptive explanation “I thought you never thought about it?” he kidded.

Amy shrugged “So, I lied.”

Philip pointed at her like he just caught her in an act of crime “Ah ha! So you can sing.”

She looked at him strangely “No. I lied about not thinking about what I think makes a great song. I’m tone deaf.” She lied.

“Aw…” he sounded disappointed.

“What’s wrong with that?” she was surprised at his reaction.

He sighed “I just thought ‘True Love’ would be great as a duet. Do you have any suggestions of who I could sing with?”

“Wow, you and Johnny think alike. He said the same thing earlier.” She pointed out “I don’t know who would be a good duet with you. Honestly, I think you have a wonderfully warm voice and a girl would have to have the same tone of voice to match yours. If not, she would definitely stand out too much. It should compliment each other.” She put much feeling into her suggestion.

Philip nodded with his brows furrowed, taking in her words like it was the best advice in the world “So, what do you suppose I should do? I really think that song would fit a duet.”

“Why don’t you do a talent search? I mean hold auditions for the perfect girl. Hey, since you’re doing a new album that’s your own style. You should be able to chose the right girl, the album has no deadline right?”

He shook his head “No, I want this one to be perfect so I could take months on it.”

Amy nodded “Perfect. Take your time then.”

“I’m so lucky.” He sighed happily.

She smiled “That you’re blessed with a beautiful voice?”

Philip laughed “No, but thank you. I was saying how lucky I am to have found you as an assistant. You should be my manager, that lady doesn’t do a thing!”

“Really? Why do you keep her then?” she was curious since she’s never met his talent manager.

“Because she’s my sister.” He laughed “She’s actually very busy, but she gives me advice from time to time.” She nodded without commenting and he guessed what she was thinking “She lives in the U.S. with her family. I only talk to her once a month.” He explained.

Amy nodded “I see.” She looked behind him and saw the director waving for Philip “I think they’re ready to film.” She nodded towards his direction.

Philip turned and gave the man a wave of the hand “Back to work.” He sighed as he handed her the notebook where he was jotting down words. “Hold this for me.”

She nodded and looked down at her hands. The brown leather book seemed to be calling out to her. Amy glanced at Philip to make sure he didn’t see her peeking, when the coast was clear she opened it and read some of the lyrics he was jotting down. Some were unfinished and some were really well written. She was tempted to make a few corrections but knew he would easily recognized her writing.

Chapter 8

“Hi Angie, can you get me Philip’s next month schedule?” she smiled her friendly smile. She got to know the girl better when Philip was busy talking to a friend and Angie happened to pass by.

“Aren’t you a diligent worker? Your boss is not even in the studio and here you are working still. Does he pay you overtime?” she asked teasingly as she searched for his schedule.

“No, but he should. Maybe you can put in a good word for me.” Amy laughed.

Angie looked up and handed the schedule to her “Looks like I don’t have to.” She nodded behind Amy. “Hi Philip.” Her voice sang happily. It brightened her day just to see one of her favorite stars.

“Hi Ang.” He smiled adoringly at her and then tilted his head towards Amy “And you. What are you doing here?”

Amy smiled as she held up the schedule “Just thought I’d save you some time on Monday and pick this up.” She turned to Angie and gave the girl a quick wave “I’ve got to run, I’ll talk to you next week.”

“Bye.” Angie smiled as she turned away to answer the phone.

Philip caught up with her “Where are you going?”

“Lunch with an old co-worker.” She wrinkled her forehead “Why did you come down today?”

“Same reason you did. But you beat me to it.” He laughed and pushed his hand in his pockets.

“Hey, it’s my job.” She glanced at her watch. “Can you give me a ride? I actually-”

He put up a hand to silence her “No need to give me a reason. I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”

“Hey, that would be a good line for ‘Fly Away With Me’.” She pointed out.

Philip smiled crookedly “You read my notes.” He wagged a finger at her “Shame on you.”

Her face blushed brightly “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

“I’m just teasing!” he wondered why she was sensitive about that. “I don’t mind. So you think that would be a good line?”

She nodded “Yeah.”

“Okay, I’ll put it in.” he said brightly. When they reached his BMW, he opened the door for her “After you, my lady.”

Amy laughed “Thank you, kind sir.” He dropped her off in front of the Italian Bistro near her old work. He was about to get out of the car to open the door for her but she quickly stopped him “Wait, I don’t want you to get mobbed. I can open my own door. Thanks again.” She smiled and exited the car. Amy gave him a quick wave as he drove off.

She entered the restaurant and spotted her friend seated at the window seat. Amy walked over and cleared her throat “May I take your order?” she asked politely.

“Not now, I’m waiting for a friend.” Julia didn’t even look up.

“Who, me?” Amy asked causing her friend to turn over. Her face was frustrated but it turned into a big smile when she realized it was her friend. “What are you staring at?”

“There was this guy across the street with a camera. He was hiding behind that alley.” She pointed out “But he’s gone now. I was just being nosy.” She turned over to Amy and frowned “When did you need glasses?”

It was such a habit for Amy to put them on everyday that she forgot she didn’t need them that day. “Oh, it’s for my new job.” She quickly pulled it off making her face lighter. “Ahh, much better.” She sighed.

“So I hear. Working for Philip Cheung aren’t you?” Julia said in a teasing tone “So what’s he really like? Is he a player like the magazines say he is?”

Amy shook her head with a snicker “Don’t believe everything you read. I’m sorry honey, I’m not allowed to talk about him to other people. Even my good friends.” She smiled apologetically.

Julia shrugged carelessly “That’s cool. I understand. I’ll just pick up the next tabloid and read about him in there.”

“Okay, you got me.” Amy laughed. Her friend was so manipulative at times “He’s a great person, funny but spoiled at the same time. Definitely generous. I think he’s just misunderstood in the eyes of the press. They think he’s got an ego bigger than Hong Kong, but the truth is, he’s just a hard worker. He goes by the rules but knows what he can get away with.” She knew she could trust her friend.

“Wow…he sounds like the perfect guy. With money and power too. Do you like him?” she asked carelessly.

Amy frowned “No, of course not. Not in that way at least. I mean he’s my boss, you’re not allowed to like a boss.” She spat out the words with disgust.

“Who says? If the boss looks like Philip Cheung, who cares! If he was Mr. Lu, yeah I would say you shouldn’t like him. But it’s Philip Cheung we’re talking about.” Julia didn’t notice her voice was raising causing a few people to glance in their direction.

Amy looked at the pairs of eyes and then back at Julia. She leaned in and whispered “Not too loud. I don’t want people to start hounding me.”

Julia nodded “Sorry.” The girls had a nice lunch catching up on old times. It had been almost three months since Amy left her old job. It didn’t occur to her how time flew by until she saw her friend.

****************

Sunday came fast for Amy as she woke up bright and early. Almost forgetting that she didn’t have work. She was so use to the routine that her internal alarm came off at 8am. She didn’t know what to do so early in the morning, so she decided to go for a long jog on the beach. She dressed herself in sweats and a tank top. She took a cab to the nearest beach.

She must have been doing it for about an hour until she stopped to rest. She looked around and saw a familiar face sitting underneath an umbrella with a notebook on his lap as he tapped his chin carefully. Amy waved to Johnny to get his attention. He noticed her and gave her a quick smile secretly thinking who the girl was. He didn’t recognize her without her glasses “You come here often?” she asked.

He wrinkled his forehead “Amy?” it was in a question form.

She laughed “Who did you think I was?” she got up and walked over to him.

Johnny continued to stare at her strangely “I didn’t recognize you.”

“Why not?” she wondered “Because I look like a slob?”

“No, because you don’t have your glasses on. Did you get contacts?” he asked, his eyes never leaving her face. He couldn’t get over the fact that she looked so different without her glasses.

She blushed despite her flushed face from all that jogging “Promise you won’t tell Philip?” Johnny nodded with a dazed expression “I don’t really need glasses. A friend of mine once told me that I looked more professional with the glasses. So I wore them to the interview. I think that’s what got me the job, anyways, it’s too late to tell Philip, he would be upset to know that I lied.”

“I’m sure it’s not a big deal to him. He shouldn’t get mad at you for that.” He pointed out.

Amy shrugged “I just don’t want him to know. You promised.”

“Yes, yes momma, I won’t tattletale on you okay?” he smiled with his head tilted “You’re cute without them.”

Amy laughed “Oh please, spare me the ridicule.”

He looked at her with sad eyes “I was serious.”

She nodded “Yeah, yeah…whatever.” She pushed herself from the sand and brushed off her bottom “I’ll see you next week. I want to get another round on the beach before I go home. Stay out of the sun now.” Amy nodded to his giant umbrella that could fit another person under there.

“I have to or I’ll melt.” He quipped. She jogged away waving to him and his gaze continued to follow her even long before she disappeared down the beach.

************

The following week, Philip was due at the recording studio early that morning. Amy was the first to arrive at the studio with Johnny waiting inside. She didn’t find Philip anywhere “He’s not here yet?”

Johnny looked up “Nope. Maybe he’s running late.”

Suddenly her cell phone rang. She reached into her purse and pulled it out “Hello?”

“Hey Amy, tell Johnny that I’ll be running a little late. I have to shoot this scene first. It was a last minute thing.” Philip explained his tardiness.

“Okay. You need me there?” she asked.

“Unless you can hitch a boat out here to Macau. It’s okay, I think I can survive a few hours without you.” He kidded. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

She nodded into her cell phone “Okay. I’ll just hang out with Johnny then.”

“Alright, tell him not to flirt with you.” His tone of voice was serious but Amy knew he was teasing.

“Okay.” She laughed and hung up. Amy turned to Johnny “He’s running late.” She had a smirk on her face.

It was obvious that Philip said something amusing to her “What else did he say?” Johnny asked suspiciously.

“He told you not to flirt with me.” She laughed unable to hold it in.

“Aww, he read me like a book.” He leaned back on his chair “So what now?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged and sat down. “You can continue to work on the music. I’ll just relax.”

Suddenly a grin covered his face “Hey, I know. Since Philip isn’t here. Can you do me a favor?”

She shook her head already knowing what he wanted to say “No, I will not sing.”

“Oh, come on, you party pooper!” he said with a pouted face “Just a couple of lines of that song. I wrote the tune for the female part already.”

“No.” she said flatly.

“Please??” he begged with his hands clasped together.

She sighed “It’s not that great.”

“I don’t care. We’re not recording you or anything. Just sing it for me.” He asked.

“Okay fine.” She sounded grumpy but inside she was nervous. She took the music from his hand. He played the music in the background and the female part started first. She sang a few lines but stopped when she noticed the huge grin on his face. “What are you smiling at?”

He laughed “You’re really good. I can’t believe you’ve been hiding that beautiful voice from us. Philip would be so-”

“You promised!” she pointed out.

Johnny nodded with his hands up in defense mode “I know, I know. I’m just saying he would kill if he knew you had that voice all along.”

“Well, he’ll never know, got that?” she threatened. He nodded and Amy smiled “Good.”

Chapter 9

Amy hummed the song in her head as she read the sheet music “It’s good. Maybe it should be called ‘Under My Wings’.” She was kidding but Johnny seemed to like the idea.

“That’s very catchy. I like that.” He began jotting down notes in his notebook she remember seeing at the beach with him the Sunday before.

“What do you write in that?” she leaned in to take a look but he snapped it close and shielded it with his arms.

Johnny looked at her sternly “No one looks in my book.” He said secretly.

Amy put her hands in defense “Okay, Mr. Weirdo. I won’t look.”

He let his guard down as he nodded “Good.” He opened it again and began writing but Amy was quick as she snapped it away from him. He looked up with a horrified expression “Give it back.”

She took a few steps back with a teasing look on her face “If you have the balls, come and get it.” She waved it at him like a fish to a cat.

“I’m serious, Amy.” His tone of voice was easily detected as annoyed.

But she wouldn’t give up “What’s so important in here that you won’t let me see it?” They were a few feet from each other so he tried to reach for it but her hand snapped back firmly on the book. “If you don’t tell me, I’m going to read it.” She threatened ready to open the book.

He pointed at her angrily “Fine. It has my most intimate detailed thoughts. For songs, for my life…it’s practically my journal.”

Amy smiled “That’s all you had to say. I don’t like to read anyone’s diary.” She tossed it back to him and he caught it with ease. She took her seat and began looking at the music again.

Johnny suddenly felt bad for snapping at her so angrily “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to raise my voice.” Amy crossed her legs but ignored him as she put herself into the music and humming the tune out loud no longer feeling intimidated by Johnny. “Hey, did you hear me?” he waved a hand in front of her face to catch her attention but she only hit it away. “Aww, come on. I was just nervous about you reading it that’s all. I didn’t mean to yell.” She didn’t move but her eyes popped up with a grim expression, she only nodded and turned down to her hands again. “Look, if you don’t say anything, I’m going to…” he wasn’t even sure what he would do.

“What?” she asked curtly “Make me talk?”

“You are now.” He smiled and it only grew wider as she pouted and pretended not to talk to him “Take off your glasses.” He reached a hand over her frames but she snapped her head back.

“No!” she looked around just in case Philip might walk in.

“He’s not here.” Johnny pointed out “They don’t do justice for your eyes.”

Amy smiled at his comment “Thanks, but you know why I can’t take them off.”

“It’s such a shame to hide all those features.” He sighed. His eyes seem to travel around her face as he took in every detail. It made her squeal in her chair uncomfortably. It only made him smile bigger “You’re so cute when you’re nervous!” he reached over unexpectedly and pinched her on the cheek.

She ruffled her eyebrows at him “Don’t do that again.” She said firmly.

“What did I tell you about flirting with Amy?” Philip’s voice spoke up from the doorway.

The two got up as if they were caught in bed “Philip, I didn’t hear you come in.” Amy said nervously even though she had no reason to be.

“Hey man, you’re done filming?” Johnny said more coolly.

Philip stepped into the room with one hand in his pocket “Was I disturbing you two? Did you want to be alone?” his voice was teasing but it made Amy feel more uncomfortable.

“No. Of course not.” Amy said quickly. “Excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom.” She rushed out of the room like a bullet. When she got to the hallway, she stopped to catch her breath. Her heart was beating so fast and she had to psych herself back to reality “Calm down, Amy.”

“It’s not healthy to talk to yourself.” Philip had followed her without her knowing. He leaned into her ear and spoke “Maybe you should see my shrink.”

Amy let out tiny yelp as she covered her mouth “Don’t do that!” she scolded while he laughed at her reaction “What do you want? Water?”

He shook his head “No.” he crossed his arms and walked closer to her “I want to tell you something.”

“What? That you’re the most beautiful man on the planet? Yes, I know.” She rolled her eyes.

Philip laughed “Don’t act like you know me so well. I was going to tell you that nothing can happen between you and Johnny.”

Amy frowned “Where did that come from?” she pointed towards the recording studio “Because of what you saw in there?”

He shook his head “No, I’ve seen a spark between you two lately. Like you suddenly got along really well.” Philip glanced around before whispering to her “He’s gay.”

“Right.” She said unconvinced “Look Philip, if you don’t want us to date, just say it. Don’t-”

Philip quickly cut her off “You think I would lie about something like that?” she rolled her eyes as he continued to convince her of his story “He’s a good friend of mine but I don’t want him to do something he’ll regret. I know his boyfriend, he’s a great guy and I would not want to see them break up. Especially over a girl.”

Amy shook her head “That doesn’t make any sense, why would he flirt with me then?”

“Because he sees something in you that he does not see in other women.” Philip answered casually “Maybe he finds you more masculine.”

She widened her eyes and looked down at herself “Where?” she pointed to her petite figure and girly hands.

“Don’t you know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But I doubt you want to ask him personally. Trust me, Johnny has a way with words and he can manipulate you to believe anything.” Philip spoke like a true professional.

Amy smiled slyly “Just like you are doing right now?” he smiled but shook his head “Look, you may be my boss but it doesn’t mean you can control my life. I don’t think he’s gay and I definitely don’t think that he likes me.” She was firm about her thoughts.

Philip shrugged carelessly “Fine, I can’t make you believe me. But at least I warned you.” He turned to leave and as he walked away he said to her “Get me a water bottle.”

She flared her nose at him and flicked her head towards him with a vengeance “Get me a water bottle.” She mimicked his tone of voice.

“I heard that!” he yelled from around the corner. Amy covered her mouth instinctively and continued on her way.

The remainder of the day was awkward for Johnny and Amy while Philip had fun making them feel uncomfortable. Every so often he would turn to Johnny and throw out a comment “Stop looking at her like that. She doesn’t like it.”

Amy glanced at Johnny who turned away blushing “I can speak for myself, father.” She said sarcastically at Philip who only shrugged in return.

Suddenly Philip snapped his fingers like he just remembered something “Oh, before I forget. Amy can you order me a tux to rent for one day, the last day of this month. And get yourself a nice dress.”

“Sure, what for?” she wondered.

“At the end of every movie, the cast and crew has a get together party to wish the movie good luck. It’s tradition. I like the fancier parties so its going to be formal.” He explained before getting into the soundproof room. “Oh and Johnny you’re coming too.”

“No, I’m not.” Johnny shook his head.

Philip laughed “It wasn’t a question, it was an order.”

“Why should I go too?” Johnny asked reasonably.

“Because you helped co-write the theme song of the movie. You’re part of the cast and crew. I’m expecting you there and you cannot miss it.” He was stern about his requests.

Amy turned to Johnny before he could argue in return “Hey, it’ll be okay. He didn’t say anything about leaving early.” Johnny smiled as he nodded “Sneaky, aren’t I?”

“You read my mind.” He gave her a wink and turned to Philip “Okay, I’m in.”

Philip smiled victoriously “Good!” he gave his friend a thumbs up sign. His eyes twinkled slyly knowing that Johnny was where he wanted him to be, in the palm of his hands.

*************

The final month of filming was tiring for everyone. Their deadline was coming closer and it seemed like they still had more scenes than time would allow. The director was extra aggravated when time was flying by too fast. “Come on everyone, I’d like to finish this scene today not next year. Because clearly, we do not have anymore time.” He turned to Philip “I have never seen you work so slow before. Your dialogue is sounding monotone.”

Amy knew her boss was embarrassed because the director said it loud enough for the whole crew to hear. She walked over to him with a sympathetic look “Don’t listen to him, I thought you did very well in that last scene. I think he’s just asking too much. Maybe someone should pull that stick out of his butt.” She snickered softly.

Philip burst out laughing from her comment, it was not something he expected her to say “Thanks, I needed that.” He patted her on the shoulder.

She smiled in return “Anytime, boss.”

Amy began to walk away and Philip called out for her “Hey, I really appreciate it.” He said it sincerely and she knew he meant it with all his heart.

“It’s my job.” She smiled and walked towards the back of the room and watched the scene being shot. Maybe her comment helped because suddenly the Director was happy with anything that Philip did. They finished quickly and everyone began wrapping up for the night.

Suddenly a loud clap rang through the room “Now everyone, tomorrow is our last day of shooting. The party will be this Sunday at Studio 10. Dress formal and you can bring one guest.” The director announced. The group seemed excited about the party as a few people whistled and clapped their hands.

Amy smiled as she too was looking forward to it. Philip turned in time to see her grinning “Did you get a dress yet?” he took her arm and led her out of the studio. She shook her head “Why not?” he asked a little surprised.

“Because I can’t find one that looks decent. Does it HAVE to be formal?” she whined.

Philip nodded firmly “Yes. It has to be formal. Don’t you dare come in jeans. How embarrassing that would be that my assistant would come in dressed like a slob. People would think I underpay you.”

“You do!” She said incredulously.

He shook his head “So the truth comes out now. You think I don’t pay you enough. Tsk, tsk, tsk you disappoint me, Amy. I thought you weren’t the type that cared about money.”

Amy laughed comfortably “I don’t. I just want to move to a better place. Safer at least, I’m saving money right now. So every little bit helps.” She was kidding about being underpaid but she spoke honestly about her money problem.

“Really? Why didn’t you tell me? I would give you a loan.” Philip sounded hurt.

She nodded understandingly “I know you would, but I don’t want you to help. The reason why I moved out of my parent’s house was because I wanted to survive on my own. I don’t want to rely on anyone.”

He smiled respectfully at her “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. But boy, I feel sorry for your future boyfriend. He won’t be able to pay for your lunch without you screaming independence.”

Amy laughed at the picture he was painting “I don’t have a problem with guys buying lunch for me. But I don’t expect it to happen.”

Philip nodded repetitively “Yeah, yeah, you don’t have to explain to me. I’m just your boss.” They were out of the studio and were about to split up “Need a ride?” she nodded with a smile “Or did you expect that? I mean if you did then I don’t want to be the one to ruin your independent motto…” he stopped when she started laughing.

“Shut up, Philip.” She hit him playfully. They walked towards the structure “I did expect it though.” The two laughed amusingly.

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