Chapter 10
That Sunday, Amy was in her tiny apartment getting ready for the party. She decided on a black dress with a thick strap and high at the neck. It ended at the bottom of her knees and her shoes were a good three inches high. She wore a silver necklace with a diamond shape pendant on her neck. Her bangs were swooped to the right side over her ears and her hair was tied back. She stood there debating if she should put on her glasses or not.Amy decided to put them on at the last minute when she heard a car honking. Philip had promised to come pick her up. She rushed down the stairs and waved to the security guard before leaving the building. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Philip leaning on his little convertible, his hand in his pocket. He looked like a perfect spokesperson for a car ad. She slowly walked over to him because it was clear he was too comfortable “Don’t we look nice.” She commented.
He looked up with a sideways grin “I know. You don’t look so bad yourself.” Philip looked at her up and down with a satisfied grin “Why black? And your glasses, do you have to wear them?”
Amy smiled “How do you expect me to see?”
“I guess. Come on, I don’t want to be late.” He opened the car door and let her in. They drove to the studio and parked in the back where the line of cars from the cast and crew were. Philip jumped out of the open top and came around on her side as he opened it carefully. “Miss Chan.” He bowed with an arm on his back and one arm on the door. “Shall we?” he spoke like an aristocrat with manners.
“Thank you, kind sir.” She played along with his role and linked an arm around his elbow pointing at her. They walked into the party looking casually at everyone. All eyes turned towards the door at the main star and his assistant. She quickly pulled her arm away when she saw the eyes looking at them.
“If you do that, they’ll think something’s up.” Philip whispered as he took her hand and linked it through his. They walked slowly towards the group that was forming at the drink table.
Amy pulled her arm away again “If you do that, they’ll definitely think something’s up. I can walk on my own.” She didn’t mean to sound curt but it came out that way. “I’ll be over there.” She pointed to the balcony. The studio was actually a party room, located on the second floor of the station. It was built for parties, it seemed. The balcony was large and already filled with people, the night air was warmer than usual. She leaned against the metal bar sighing at the moon.
“Hi there.” A gentle voice said to her on the left.
Amy turned over to be face to face with a beautiful woman in a very slinky red sequined dressed. It was strapless and long, there was a slit on the side leg that traveled up to her thigh. She couldn’t help but stare at the woman “Oh, I’m sorry.” Amy shook herself back from the daze “Hi. I’m Amy.” She brought out a hand.
The mysterious woman smiled gently “I’m Joanne.” (Sonjia Kwok – guest star) She looked at Amy up and down “Nice dress.” There was a touch of sarcasm that Amy did not hear.
“Thanks.” She looked down at her plain dress. “So, who are you here with?”
“The director.” She smiled “You’re here with Phil?”
“Phil?” Amy wrinkled her eyebrows together “Oh, you mean Philip.” She giggled and shook her head “No, he’s just my boss.”
The girl dropped her mouth and giggled with her head thrown backwards “Oh, you’re his assistant! I thought you were his date. I should have known.” She raised an eyebrow before looking at Amy up and down again. “Phil has better taste than that, all this time I thought you were someone important.” Joanne was not exactly the nicest girl in the world and poor Amy had no clue who she was.
Amy wrinkled her forehead “If you’re being sarcastic, you can save it. I don’t care what you think.” She already didn’t have a good impression of this girl.
“Excuse me?” the girl asked with her careful manicured hand on her neck “What did you just say?”
“For a beautiful girl like yourself, it’s sad to know you’re going deaf.” She had no problem in putting people in their places. They might have been able to put her down at the beginning, but she knew the biz well enough to know what she can get away with. Joanne gaped at her in shock, obviously speechless. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have to mingle.” She turned and found Johnny looking at her with a smile. “What?”
He shook his head and looked over at the flustered Joanne “Nothing. Philip was looking for you.”
Amy turned Joanne long enough to let the girl clear her throat “Excuse me, my party awaits.” She turned to Johnny who held out a hand and escorted her inside.
When they were out of earshot, he chuckled to himself “I can’t believe you just talked to her like. Do you have any idea who she is?”
“No, and I don’t really care. She was rude so I had to return the favor.” Amy replied.
Suddenly she was halted when Johnny stopped and turned to her “She is supposedly dating the director, a very powerful woman with beauty to prove it. She’s been around with so many men that the rumors and tabloids no longer find her interesting. She’s trying to cause fire around this place. Everyone knows to keep out of her way, you will have to if you don’t want any bad headlines about you tomorrow morning.”
“You make her sound like some powerful mob girl.” Amy believed only what she knew. “She was harmless.”
Johnny shrugged as he continue to lead her over to Philip “That’s what you think. Just stay out of her way, but you don’t have to be afraid of her.” Amy nodded before putting on her professional smile when she saw Philip talking to the director.
“Amy! We were just talking about you.” The elder man smiled at her “Philip is telling me what a great assistant you are. I hear a lot of doors opening for your future.”
She smiled and nodded “He’s being too kind.”
“Isn’t she humble?” Philip said proudly. His smile faded when he turned to cough.
Amy was instantly concerned “You okay? I’ll get you a glass of water.”
He stopped her with his hand “No, you’re not working right now. I can get my own water.”
“Oh Philip, before you leave. Let me introduce to you.” The director said before Philip had a chance to leave. Amy and he turned to see Joanne walking over, her sultry legs peeked through the slit. Amy looked up at Philip who’s eyes were glued on the beautiful lady. “This is Joanne Chung.” The director placed an arm around her waist. “Have you met Philip?”
The girl ignored Amy completely and turned to lock eyes with Philip as she smiled “Phil, long time no see. You look good. Got some new help I see?” she only glanced down at Amy and then returned to Philip’s face “Personally, I liked that last girl…what was her name?”
“Liz.” Amy said flatly. She was suddenly feeling very suffocated with Joanne around “I can’t breath here. I’m gonna get some air.” She was speaking directly to Philip.
“Okay.” Philip said without looking at her. “You look good.” He said to Joanne, it was the last thing Amy heard from him. She felt uncomfortable inside, not knowing why. She sat herself outside the balcony where rows of chairs were placed.
“Amy.” Johnny called for her but she didn’t turn. He walked out onto the balcony and bent down on his knees to get her attention. “What are you doing out here?”
She sighed “Nothing. I’m not having fun. Can I go home?”
He laughed “I’m not your dad, you don’t have to ask for my permission.” He frowned as he took a seat next to her “Who picked on you? Why do you look so upset?” he smoothed her long mane behind her. “I’ll beat up that person.”
Amy snickered “I don’t know why she bothers me so much. I don’t belong here. This is high class, money making people. I’m just a little person. I don’t deserve to be here.”
“Wooh, where is this coming from?” Johnny put up a hand for her to stop.
She sighed and shook her head “Nothing. I’m just not in my best mood.”
He smiled at her warmly “Hey, it’s okay. I’ll get you a drink. It always makes me feel better.”
She wrinkled her nose in disagreement “I don’t drink.”
“Come on, loosen up. It won’t make you uptight.” He pointed out.
Amy laughed “Gee, thanks. Now, I’m uptight.”
“You know what I mean.” Johnny laughed as he got up and ran inside to order her a drink. He came back in minutes with an orange colored drink in one hand and a champagne glass in the other. “Which one do you want?” he asked.
She didn’t have to think as she grabbed the orange drink, she smelled it and there was not a scent of alcohol inside. “Thanks, Johnny.”
He shrugged “Anytime.” He raised his glass “To a boring night.”
“I’ll drink to that.” They clinked glasses and she took a sip while he finished the whole cup. “It’s not water, Johnny. Don’t drink so fast, you’ll get drunk.”
“That’s the point, I’m not having the best day.” She tilted her head curiously as he continued “I just got in a fight with a friend of mine.”
“Guy or girl?” she asked casually.
He sighed “Guy. He’s one of my best friends. Can you believe we fought over a girl? I mean how ridiculous is that.”
Amy turned away and took a sip from her drink “Yeah, ridiculous.” She secretly hoped that Philip’s words were not true. “Does your friend like the same girl you do?” she didn’t mean to be nosy but was trying to prove Philip’s theory wrong.
“No! He doesn’t like the girl that I hang around with. Hey, she’s a good friend and she’ll always be a friend. I found it so childish for him to be upset over that.” Johnny was obviously bothered by it when he spoke with so much feeling. “I need another drink.” He muttered and got up to get himself another drink.
Amy sat there by herself feeling strange, maybe Philip was right. Although Johnny did not say it was her, she guessed it was. She groaned and buried her face into her hands “Why me.”
Johnny came back and caught her words “What’s wrong?” he asked. He took another gulp of his champagne, which was in a taller glass this time.
“Nothing.” She shook her head and stood up “Let’s go back inside. I guess there’s no use in moping out here.” She took his arm and led him back in. Amy looked up and saw that Johnny’s face was getting redder “Are you buzzed? How many drinks did you have?” she asked worriedly.
He giggled “Hmm…five…I think.” He was feeling tipsy after that last drink. The two decided to sit in the back room where there were couches for people to relax. Johnny looked towards the front of the room where a karaoke system was set up “Let’s go sing!” he pointed.
Amy frowned “You promised, Johnny.”
“Oh, right…no singing.” He chuckled.
Chapter 11
Fifteen minutes later, Johnny was still drunk but someone got a hold of the microphone “Hi everyone, I hope you’re all having fun.” Philip’s familiar voice spoke into the device “We’re going to begin the night with some dancing. Everyone’s going to have to sing a song by the end of the night. That means you too Amy!” he called into the microphone and looked around for her but could not spot her anywhere.“She’s right here!!” Johnny bellowed through the crowd while pointing a finger to Amy.
She slumped into her seat and covered her face with her hand “Stop it!” she hissed.
“Yeah, I see you Amy.” Philip spoke menacingly “I’ll start off a song.” He pressed a button and the music to the theme song came on as everyone began clapping. The minute he began singing, everyone quieted down as they listened to him sing. A few couples came out to dance.
Despite the drunken stage Johnny was in, Amy was mesmerized by Philip’s voice. He sang the song with much passion that she almost forgot where she was. She turned over to Johnny who was still drinking away. She eventually pulled the glass cup out of his hand although he was almost done with it “Stop drinking.” She scolded lightly.
“I’m thirsty.” He whined.
Amy sighed “Here, drink mine.” She handed him her orange juice.
Johnny wrinkled his nose “Fine.” He was about to drink but suddenly turned towards the stage where someone was starting to sing “What the hell is that?!” he groaned and got up “You stink!! I can sing better, hell, Amy can sing way better!!!” he yelled uncontrollably making Amy so embarrassed because she was next to him.
“Johnny, sit down!” she practically yanked him down to the couch. “Be quiet!” she covered his mouth but he was giggling too hard, finding everything she did amusing.
“What’s wrong with him?” Philip asked as he came up to them.
“Drunk, what does it look like?” Amy snapped. He looked at her hurtfully as she relaxed her tone “Sorry. I didn’t mean to be…” he smiled and shook his head, understanding. “Should we take him home?”
Philip shook his head “No, let him sober up first. I don’t want to scare his roommate.”
Amy nodded “Too bad we can’t tape up his mouth.”
He laughed as he looked over at Johnny who was still laughing “I know what you mean.”
“You can go mingle.” Amy nodded “I can watch him.”
“No, I’ll stay here with you. You look bored. Not having fun?” he had seen her walk out to the balcony at least two times already.
She shook her head lightly “No. It’s just not my thing. I don’t like parties.”
“But you came for me?” he asked with a surprise tone. “Aww, isn’t that sweet.”
“Hey, you gotta be nice to the one that pays you.” She joked.
Philip smiled thoughtfully at her “Thanks for coming. Hey, you’re going to sing aren’t you?” he pointed out. She shook her head “Just because you’re my assistant doesn’t get you off the hook. Everyone is singing and that includes you too.”
“I’d rather jump off the balcony.” She groaned.
“You don’t have to sing alone, if you’re shy. Pick someone to sing with.” He said lightly. “Maybe that drunken sailor next to you.” He nodded at Johnny who was rocking his head back and forth like he was dancing.
“I’d jump of the balcony and climb back up and jump off again.” Amy concluded making Philip burst out laughing. The two stopped talking when they heard that the director decided to do a duet with Joanne. While she sang, Philip seemed to be into her voice as he turned his full attention to her “She’s not bad.” Amy pointed out.
“Not at all. You think she’ll sound good with me?” Philip asked nonchalantly.
“I don’t know.” She said shortly.
After the song was over, an applause broke out from the crowd. The director’s voice spoke up “Who’s next?”
“Amy!” Mary blurted out from the dance floor.
Amy groaned as she hid herself behind Philip “Don’t make me sing, please.” She begged.
He twitched as she pushed him in front of her “It’s not that bad.”
Suddenly, everyone began chanting her name. She was cornered and no where to run except sing. She was near tears before Johnny suddenly jumped up “She’s right here!” he pointed at her. He brought out a hand and bowed “Would you like to sing a duet?”
Philip covered his apparent smile but Amy was too embarrassed to even move. “Johnny!” she hissed him back down towards the couch but he wouldn’t budge.
“Come on, it’ll be fun. We’ll show them how it’s done!” he didn’t wait for her to move as he grabbed her by the hand and yanked her up. He pulled her all the way up the tiny stage. “What song do you want to sing?” he asked brightly, his face was red from the alcohol.
Amy was getting nervous seeing the smiling faces looking at her. She scanned through the crowd and found Joanne looking at her with a smirk. She looked over at Johnny “Any song you chose is fine.” She mumbled. He handed her the microphone as she took it with reluctance. “God, help us both.” She let out a sigh as the music began to play.
The male got to sing first as the colors appeared on the small screen in front of them for easy access. Johnny bounced his head to the beat as he let out a bellow of words, singing at the top of his lungs, missing every note. Amy frowned as she stared at him strangely with the microphone gripping in her hand. The crowd began to giggle and chuckle watching Johnny sing with so much gestures. He was so into the music that he was singing off key, maybe he was doing it because he was drunk. Amy wasn’t sure but soon she found herself shaking her head and laughing along with the crowd. Maybe it was his way of covering up?
After his verse was done, it was her turn as she pulled up the microphone to her mouth and before she began to sing Johnny looked up at the crowd and blew out a loud “Shhhh!!” into the microphone causing a burst of laughter ringing through the crowd.
Amy couldn’t help but blow up with laughter at his action. She laughed through her verse and kept saying “I can’t do this…” she shook her head. When she looked up to find Philip walking out of the balcony with Joanne on his arms. Her smile quickly faded as she turned to Johnny looking distress. She had to shake the image from her head and nodded to Johnny as they began the chorus. She let her voice go as she began to sing, but it was hard to hear her voice from Johnny’s loud obnoxious voice.
He was looking at her adoringly when she began to sing, suddenly he let his voice fade out and the whole place finally heard her sweet voice singing. She was gripping on the microphone so tight that her hands began to turn white. Johnny continued to smile as he stared at her with his head nodding. They both eventually finished the whole song with everyone mesmerized by her hidden voice. Johnny seemed proud after they were done singing. “Wasn’t that great?” he spoke into the microphone.
Mary started a new chant “Encore! Encore!” and they began to clap hysterically for Amy to sing again.
Amy looked around with a stern face “No.” she spoke into the microphone and walked off the stage.
Mary ran up to her friend and hugged her “I can’t believe you sing so well. Why have you been hiding this from us? Does Philip know?”
“He should know now. Everyone heard it.” One of the camera guys standing around commented.
“No, I don’t think so, he was outside with Joanne the whole time.” Another guy pointed out.
Amy knew it that’s why she was able to let go and just sing. She shrugged her shoulders “It’s okay. Maybe he would disagree with you.” She said to Mary. Amy wanted to leave, but since she hitched a ride with Philip, she couldn’t leave just yet. She didn’t want to hang around for another minute as she walked over towards the balcony. She saw Joanne holding onto Philip’s hand while he continuously pushed it away. He backed away and she would step closer to him. Amy didn’t know what to do but clear her throat.
“Can we have a little privacy?” Joanne snapped rudely.
Amy narrowed her eyes at the girl “Sure, I was just going to tell Philip that I’m leaving.” Her eyes landed on Philip, who was looking distraught.
“Already?” he asked surprisingly “I’ll give you a ride.” He was glad someone came to his rescue. He didn’t expect Joanne to throw herself on him when she told him she needed to talk to him. Philip turned to Joanne looking apologetically “Sorry, but I gave her a ride here, I couldn’t expect her to take the cab. I’ll be back.” He said hurriedly and took Amy by the arm and led her out of the area.
“Not having fun with Miss Joanne?” Amy teased, knowing that he was uncomfortable.
“Can you tell?” he sighed “We use to date.”
She looked up strangely “Really?”
He nodded “A long time ago, but I guess she’s still hung over me.” Philip sighed lightly “No one can resist the Cheung charm.”
Amy laughed “Oh, spare me the details.” She looked around for Johnny and found him dancing wildly on the dance floor. “Should we take him now?”
“No, I kinda want to see what he’ll do next. He’s putting on a show, we can’t leave now.” Philip pointed to Johnny who looked like he was trying to do a handstand, of course unsuccessfully.
Amy shook her head sadly “Poor guy, he’s gonna hear about it tomorrow morning.”
“I think it’ll take him a day to recover from the alcohol and another day to recover the fingers pointing and laughing at him.” Philip sighed as he walked towards the floor. Amy followed close behind as she watched him tap on Johnny’s shoulder “Come on, let’s go home.” He said to Johnny and a few people booed and hissed at the distraction.
“My fans need me.” Johnny said brightly and conducted for everyone to back him up. They clapped and yelled for Johnny. He turned to Philip “You’re not the only one with fans.” He said it in a smug tone that hinted to Philip his friend was envious of him.
Amy decided to step in noticing the tension arising “Hey Johnny. Come on, we’ll take you home. I’ll get you some hot tea to clear up your mind.” She reached for his hand but he yanked it back.
“No, Amy! Stop being nice to me.” He cried with frustration “Do you know how hard it is for me not to express my true feelings? To see you everyday and knowing that I can never tell you the truth.” He turned to Philip “And you, Mr. Bigshot, I can have every woman I want. You’ve got the best one next to you and you’ll never know it, you know why? Because you are so damn busy with building your stardom that you can’t even stop to look and see what a great girl you have as an assistant!” Philip sighed as he wrapped an arm around Johnny’s shoulder but he pushed him roughly away. The crowd began to quiet down as they watched the argument between two good friends going out of control “I’m not done!” Johnny pointed to Amy “You have no idea don’t you? She’s got the most beautiful voice, did you hear it? No, because you’re outside trying to rekindle that relationship with Joanne, that same relationship I recall you telling me that it was over and you never loved her.”
All eyes moved over to Joanne, who was near tears as she listened “Thanks, Philip.” She looked hurt as she raced towards the exit with the director following her. He didn’t turn back where Philip stood staring at them apologetically.
“That’s enough, Johnny.” Philip’s voice was telling everyone he was in no mood to mess around.
This time Johnny pushed Philip away so roughly that he fell to the floor. Amy was quick to be by his side as she helped him up “See, just look at that. She’s by your side every second of the way. But do you appreciate her? No. Why do you always get all the luck?”
Amy was tired of the drama as she cut in and pushed at Johnny “Stop it! You’re making everyone uncomfortable. If you were sober enough to understand, you’ll see that he does appreciate me. He’s a great boss and he does not like me nor does he have to because YOU think I’m a great girl. Johnny, listen to yourself. You’re drunk.” Her voice was more gentle this time as he reached for him “Come on, let’s go home. You’ve had enough fun for one night.” Surprisingly, Johnny let her take him into her arms as she led him out of the room with Philip on her other side.
Chapter 12
When Amy, Philip and Johnny reached the parking lot, which was even more crowded then the party since a great amount of people followed them outside. Maybe they were expecting a brawl to happen between the guys? Amy just wanted to get out of that place, their car pulled up and she helped Johnny into the backseat where he lied down in his drunken mess. Amy got in the passenger seat looking upset, she slammed the door roughly and Philip turned to her “Easy there tiger. The car didn’t do anything to you.” He was teasing her, trying to make the situation lighter.Amy turned to him with look he has never seen before, it was a mix of annoyed and anger. She didn’t respond until he drove out of the parking lot away from the wondering eyes of the crowd “Don’t talk to me.” She said quietly.
Philip glanced at her as he pulled his eyes from the street “What?” he wasn’t sure why she would be upset.
“Both of you.” She said through gritted teeth as she turned to Johnny in the back seat “You can wake up now. We’re on the streets, there’s no audience, the show’s over.” She said flatly.
Johnny opened his eyes and sat up, he too looked distressed “How did you know?”
Philip arched his neck to look at his friend “You’re not drunk? What the hell is going on?” he sounded upset. “How did you know he wasn’t drunk?”
“Yeah.” Johnny wondered.
Amy let out a loud sigh as she turned to the two of them “You..” she pointed to Philip “wanted to get back at him for being nosy and for telling me that you had a crush on me but it was clear that you weren’t. So you threw out a story about him…” she pointed to Johnny “being gay.” Philip’s eyes were glued to the street unable to look at her because he knew it was true. Amy turned to Johnny “If you were drunk, you wouldn’t have noticed that Philip had gone outside with Joanne to the balcony while you were performing. I didn’t want to blow your cover because that would have easily caused more attention. It’s bad enough tomorrow’s headline will say ‘Big star fighting with good friend and music producer over a girl’. Come on guys, this is so high school, why can’t you guys just let it go.”
There was a moment of silence until Philip broke it “Did you really mean everything you said?” he asked Johnny.
“No…well, yeah…some part.” He looked towards the rear view mirror where Philip rose his eyebrows “The part about you not appreciating Amy. But not about the part where I liked her…” he said quickly turning to Amy with an apologetic look “I’m sorry Amy, I didn’t mean to bring you in on it. It was just feelings that I’ve been holding inside since I met you. Someone need to tell him that his ego is getting bigger.” He grunted.
Philip laughed, suddenly feeling pity for himself “My ego is as big as I make it seem. I would have thought you’d be the first to understand me. Yes, I admit that I don’t treat Amy as well as I should be…but I do appreciate everything she does for me. I tell her each time I feel like it.”
Amy nodded at Johnny “You shouldn’t assume things.”
“You’re the one to talk. You believed that I was gay…” Johnny frowned unhappily.
“At first I didn’t, but why would it matter if you were? The only thing that I was bothered with was the fact that if there was a slight chance that you like me, I would be hurting someone else’s feeling. Who knew it was all a scam this whole time.” She narrowed her eyes at Philip. “I should quit right now.”
Philip turned to her in horror like it was the worse news he’s ever heard “No! Amy, don’t you dare leave me like this. I need your help. Please, I’m sorry…I apologize for everything. It’s all my fault, but don’t leave this job. You want a raise? How about I help with the deposit on your new apartment, anything…” he sounded so desperate that it tugged at Amy’s heart.
She sighed as the wind blew her bangs from side to side, she rubbed her forehead “It’s not about the money, Philip. It never was. I enjoy my job, I really do. I don’t think I have ever worked any place where I don’t mind waking up in the morning to. But I feel like I’ve been played, like this is all a joke.”
“I’m sorry.” He whispered sadly.
Johnny felt bad as he spoke up for his friend “Hey Amy, this wasn’t about you. It never was, we just pulled you into our joke fest. I’m sorry for embarrassing you.”
Amy turned to him angrily “You promised.” Her eyes dug at him with guilt.
“I know, I’m sorry. I knew the only way you would even think of singing is if someone put you on the spot. I wanted stupid..” he pointed to Philip “to hear you sing but he still hasn’t.” he was most upset at that. “You have got to hear her sing.” Johnny insisted.
“I am not in the mood.” Amy turned to the front and leaned her whole body towards the window.
“Is she that good?” Philip asked.
Amy snickered “Better than Joanne.”
“Well, that shouldn’t be hard. Oh, this I’ve got to hear!” Philip exclaimed excitedly as he turned on the radio and one of Kelly Chan’s song was on. “Sing along, you know this song don’t you?”
“In your dreams, Mr. Cheung.” She snorted.
Johnny looked at Philip who shrugged helplessly “If you don’t sing, I’m gonna sing.” He opened his mouth and began singing horribly along with the song. Soon Kelly’s song was drowned out by his toned deaf voice.
Amy covered her ears but didn’t turn to them. She looked around and found a few people staring at them, probably wondering why that guy was howling away like a wolf. When she couldn’t stand it anymore, she leaned over her chair and covered Johnny’s mouth “You’re waking up the dead with that voice.”
He laughed while pushing his head back to break away from her hand “It’s either you or me.”
Philip smiled “Come on.” He pushed gently as he reached over and rubbed her affectionately on the neck. “Just a few lines?”
“Stop the car.” She said shortly. She turned her head at her apartment that he just passed “You just passed it.” She nodded to her home.
“Whoops.” Philip pressed roughly on the brakes and pulled the car back to let her off. “You’re free this time, but I want to hear it tomorrow.” He pointed a finger at her. She plastered a fake smile on her face and opened the car door. “Hey.” He called to her as she turned to face him “You’re not quitting are you?”
Amy shook her head and Philip broke out into a huge grin, his dimple deeper than she’s ever seen it “But I will after you’re done with your album and finding your girl project.”
“You’re kidding right?” he asked with a smaller smile, hoping that she would not her head. Amy shook it again and Philip frowned “What can I do to make you change your mind?”
Amy truly did not want to quit, but she wanted to teach the boys a great lesson “Give Johnny a French kiss.” She said casually.
Johnny widened his eyes in disgust “Oh no! No way, that’s sick. I’m not gay…didn’t you hear??” he looked at Amy with begging eyes.
Philip was willing to do anything, so now all he had to do was convince Johnny “Come on, stupid. It’s all your fault in the first place. Why did you have to go and meddle in my business. Come on, it’s just a peck, it’ll be over sooner than you can remember what happened tonight.”
Amy pointed to the guys unexpectedly when Philip had talked Johnny into doing the kiss “Eh, I didn’t say a peck. I said a FRENCH kiss…I want to see tongue!” she said as she crossed her arms.
Johnny sat back in his seat with a thump “No. Not even for you, Philip.”
Philip frowned “You owe me one!” he said slyly. Johnny knew that his friend had done a huge favor for him “Remember last week?? You said to me, I owe you one big time.” Amy looked from one guy to the other, what were they talking about? What favor? She was with them the whole time last week, how could she have missed that?
“Oh man! This is not just a big favor, it’s gigantic…colossus!” Johnny exaggerated his arms.
“Do you want me to make another call?” Philip threatened.
“No!” Johnny cried fearfully but he looked defeated as he looked around and there was not a soul in sight “Fine!”
Philip sat up happily “Just close your eyes and imagine I’m that girl.” He said as he flipped his head back and sucked in his cheeks “I look just like her…” he pouted his lips seductively and closed his eyes. “Come on, baby.” He puckered up and waited for Johnny to do the honors.
Johnny looked at Amy, who had a hand covering her mouth to keep from laughing as she nodded to him, urging him to go on and she wasn’t about to let them off. “This is for you Liz…” he closed his eyes and was about to pushed his lips on Philip but his prayers were answered when Amy stopped the two as she pushed her hand between their ready lips.
“Wait!” the guys opened their eyes but their lips were still attached to her hand “Did you just say Liz?” Johnny nodded with wide eyes. Amy smile grew bigger “So she’s coming back?” she remembered how much she liked the girl, it would be better with her here. “And you helped?” she pointed to Philip and he too nodded. Amy laughed as she pushed their faces apart “Guys, you were just saved by Liz. Remember to thank her when you see her.”
“What?” Philip asked with surprised.
Johnny pushed his friend on the chest “Man, shut up. She just let us off, I do NOT want to kiss you!”
Philip rolled his eyes “I was asking what Liz had to do with it, stupid!” he pushed at Johnny back.
Amy laughed as she shrugged lightly “I like Liz, she was one of the nicer people to me when I first stepped in as Philip’s assistant. I always remember to repay a favor when I get one. Since you two are an item.” She smiled at Johnny “I couldn’t do this to her.”
Johnny stood up on the car and let out a happy cry “I love you Liz!!” he clapped his hands happily as he sat down on his seat look like a giddy little girl.
Amy turned to Philip “I guess if any straight guy is willing to kiss another straight guy for me, deserves a second chance.” Philip smiled as he opened his mouth to say something but she quickly covered it “Under three conditions.”
“Sure, anything.” He said after she pulled her hand away.
“One, you cannot under any circumstances make me sing. I will do it if I feel like it.” She eyed him carefully as he nodded reluctantly and she continued “Two, I know tomorrow will be a big mess with the reporters considering your movie is opening next weekend. I want to explain on your and my behalf.”
Philip smiled “Isn’t that your job?”
“Yes, to fix your mistakes.” Amy nodded firmly and Johnny muffled a laugh and Philip threw him an evil glare “Three, I do not want to hear anymore talk about you liking me or me liking you. This is strictly platonic, got it?”
Philip sighed “Sorry Amy, I can’t do that. Because I’m so deeply in love with you.” He closed his eyes earnestly as he said it causing Johnny to make gagging noises. Amy crossed her arms sternly knowing that he was teasing her again. She turned her heels and was about to go when he reached over his car and pulled her arm back “Okay, okay I’m sorry, I just had to get it out of my system. Consider everything you just asked for done.” He nodded firmly. “Anything else?”
Amy looked at Johnny and smiled slyly “No!” he cried out and covered his lips.
“Calm down, lover boy. I’m not going to make you two kiss. I want you to promise me one thing.” She asked and he nodded with his hands still over his mouth “Be good to Liz, she’s a sweet girl.”
Johnny let out a sigh of relief “Is that all? Consider that done too.” He glanced at his watch “Hey, it’s almost two in the morning, I have to wait for her call.” He patted Philip on the shoulder and jumped in the passenger seat.
“Alright!” Philip groaned. He turned to Amy with a warm smile, the same one she remembered when she first came in for an interview “I’ll see you tomorrow. I expect the press will be waiting outside the TVB station.” Amy nodded with a sigh. She had to prepare a speech the next morning.
“Drive safely.” She called out as Johnny turned his head and blew her a big kiss. She smiled when Philip adjusted his rear view mirror so he can see her even after they were a block away. She returned to her apartment and changed into her pajamas as she worked on the speech the next day.
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