Hidden Talent

Chapter 13

He turned over and ruffled his eyebrows while his mirrored sunglasses flickered against the sun “That we are dating.”

Amy laughed “I know that, silly! I mean anything that would offend anyone?”

Philip thought hard as he shook his head “It would be more difficult if I had a manager, but I don’t. I mean you’re practically personal manager and assistant in one. It’s all in you.”

“Good.” She nodded as they pulled up to the station where the crowd was easily seen from blocks away “Oh dear God…” she muttered.

“Sit back and don’t look at anyone.” He warned as he pushed on his button for the hard top to cover their heads, he knew the fans would easily jump inside. Philip drove leisurely into the gates with about ten security guards getting control of the crowd and pushing them aside so Philip can drive through.

Amy could not block out the cries and questions as a few people got loose and began banging on their windows. She felt the urge to turn over but Philip took a hold of her hand making her turn to him. He shook his head and she looked down at her hands to keep herself from wanting to look up. They pulled up in the back parking lot and got out of the car. One of the studio’s managers came out to greet them. “Philip, glad you made it. Come on, everyone’s waiting in the press conference room.”

Philip nodded “We’ll be right there. I want a word with my assistant first.” The man nodded as he gave them privacy. Amy turned to him with questioning eyes “I have to warn you because you are involved in this, it will be tough. Liz or any of my other assistants have never been put in this kind of situation. They’ve covered my butts and made excuses for me, but this is different. We had a hundred pairs of eyes watching us last night. They’re will be about 100 different stories about what happened. You don’t have to do this.”

She smiled “I know. But I want to. Like you said, I was involved. Just jump in to save me when you think I might need help.”

“I don’t think you’ll need help.” Philip said proudly “You’ve grown stronger since that first day on the job. Do you remember?”

Amy nodded recalling the situation loud and clear “Yeah, I was so nervous. But no one’s gonna pick on me again. Or you for that matter.” She said with much confidence.

“Just from what you just said, I can put my whole career in your hands.” He laughed when she widened her eyes. He took her hand and linked it through his own arm “Come on. And don’t pull away.” He pointed at her with his free hand.

She nodded “Yes, sir. But why do we have to look like a couple?” she was curious to know why he was always so affectionate.

“Because that’s my personality. I’m known for my westernized chivalry, I’m always a gentleman to every girl that is by my side, despite of who she is. If we walk next to each other looking like strangers, the rumors will be flying.” He threw his hands up with emphasis.

“I see.” Amy finally understood. No wonder people stared more when she pulled away from him during the party. It was a little detail but when she thought about it made sense. Even before she got to know Philip on a personal level instead of just ‘movie star’, she noticed that every magazine pictures showed him with different girls on his arm. But they all looked platonic from the way they stood next to him. She began to learn how to separate the difference between couple and friends with Philip.

They walked into the room with flashes blinding them. Amy blinked to keep her eyes from blinding from the bright flashes. She did not back away or hid from the reporters that threw questions her way. Philip led the way to the front of the room where there were seats laid out for them. He pulled a seat next to the middle chair for Amy, she smiled shortly thanking him silently and he sat down next to her. “Please, one question at a time.” The manager that greeted them earlier said into the microphone. “You may start.” He nodded to Philip who then turned to Amy with a smile.

She let out a short sigh and leaned into the microphone “I’m sure all of you have the same questions. I want to do this as orderly as possible. I’ll start from the front row, yes?” she pointed to a gentleman dressed in a casual top and jeans.

“I heard from a very good source that you two are dating and John Wong was also interested in you, that’s how that fight started.” He had his recorder ready as it pointed to Amy.

She smiled at the young guy “First of all, your source is not that good. Philip and I are not dating. Johnny and I are just good friends as well, as a matter of fact he is dating Liz Lam, who was Philip’s old personal assistant. Secondly, there was no fight.” Amy did not elaborate further as she pointed to another girl in the front row. “Yes, miss.”

The girl stood up from her seat “What was the fight…I mean quarrel about?”

“It was all a misunderstanding. Just a joke between two friends, nothing to be concerned about.” Amy insisted “Johnny and Philip goes far back as friends as well as acquaintances. It was simply a joke that had got out of hand. Whatever you heard is not true.” She said firmly. Turning to the second row, she chose another reporter. “You there in the yellow t-shirt.”

“Thanks.” The guy smiled politely “This is pertaining to the party last night, Miss Joanne Chung was there correct?” Amy nodded without speaking up “Only a few people know this but my sources told me that Mr. Cheung use to date Miss Chung?”

“Your sources are more reliable than that gentleman in the front row.” Amy joked and everyone laughed comfortably. She didn’t notice the impressed look that Philip was giving her. “What is your point?”

“There is also a rumor that you and Miss Chung had quite an argument and she had left in tears from some horrible stuff you said to her, is that true?” he spoke into the recorder and then faced it towards her.

Amy laughed with her head shaking as she sighed “Where are you getting your stories? But I guess that’s the entertainment business world for you, everything is exaggerated and much bigger than it should be. Miss Chung and I did not have an argument. We simply did not get off on the right foot. And no, I did not make her cry, she simply left due to some truth that was said during the frenzy between Philip and Johnny.” She turned to Philip and found him smiling at her. She carried herself so well, the girl he was looking at was no longer the shy and quiet girl he met only four months ago.

“So you admit you hate Miss Chung.” The guy was twisting her words and Philip turned to him with a glare in his eyes.

Amy turned over and saw Philip looking upset and she quickly answered “Before I answer your question. Let me ask you. Look at the person next to you. Do you hate him?”

“Why should I?” the guy asked. “I don’t even know him.”

“Exactly, my point.” She smiled and Philip relaxed in his seat “I’ve never met Miss Chung before, how could I hate her? Our personalities did not click but no, I do not HATE her.” Amy pointed to a girl on the third row “Yes?”

“Do you think there is a chance for love between you and Philip?” her question was interesting as it caused a stir throughout the crowd.

“That I cannot answer you because I don’t think Philip wants to get involved with his assistant. But as for a chance?” she turned to him for help and he responded.

Philip gave the girl a quick wink “There’s always a chance for everything. But Amy is just a good friend right now. Maybe if you asked in a month or two, the answer will be different.”

Amy smiled understandingly. She knew he had to say it to keep his star quality more interesting to people if they knew that there was a chance for rumors. She turned to the crowd “Trust me, if we were an item, you all would be the first to know. I don’t believe in hiding true feelings.” She pointed to a person raising their hand in the back row “Yes, sir?”

“Is it true that Mr. Cheung’s new album will be out in a month? And is there any collaborating with another artist? He has yet to do a duet as of today.”

“Yes, it is due to release next month, we are not firm on the date. Collaborating? Yes, but he has not found the right partner. We will hold auditions in a week to find a good voice to compliment Philip’s warm tones.” Amy nodded as she spoke.

“Why doesn’t he invite a current singer like Kelly Chan or Sammi Cheng?” the man continued with the question.

Amy paused as she thought of how to answer the question “Because Mr. Cheung would like to help a hidden talent with her first step to stardom. Whether it be her 15 minutes of fame or not, he hopes that the undiscovered talent in Hong Kong be known to the public.”

“What does Mr. Cheung have to say?” everyone nodded in unison waiting for him to comment.

Philip leaned forward “I have to give Amy all the credit, it was her idea to hold this audition. We will post this up on the bulletin board in the front of the station and I want to encourage any girl that thinks she has a talent in singing to come and audition. She will get to collaborate the featured song with me and she will star in the music video with me too.”

“I expect that you will have a big crowd next week.” One of the reporters commented.

“I sure hope so.” Philip laughed as he nodded. “Well, our time is limited and I have more work to do. Thank you for coming and for all your questions. I hope to see you all this Sunday at the premiere of my movie.” It was their cue to exit; with the help of the security guards, everyone was escorted out in a mannerly fashion.

Amy turned to him with a grin “How was I?” she asked excitedly.

“You were awful and not to mention nervous.” He shook his head in disappointment.

She tilted her head “Is that why you kept looking at me like a proud father?”

“Amy, you were great! Don’t listen to him.” Liz’s familiar voice interrupted their conversation.

Amy turned to her friend and let out a little squeal as the girls hugged like they were long lost sisters. “When did you come back?!” she asked with surprise.

“You can thank Philip. He flew me in this morning to surprise Johnny. He doesn’t know I’m here.” She whispered.

“Sneaky.” Amy wagged her finger at Philip who was grinning like a monkey.

He sighed “I know. You probably wonder what a gorgeous guy like myself can be so sly.”

“No, I was wondering what an egotistical guy like yourself can have the brains to think of something so sweet to do for your friend.” She quipped it twice as fast as his answer.

Liz stood aside clapping her hands happily “She’s learning!” she gave Philip a quick nudge “Sooner or later, you’re going to have to call her master of quips.”

“Either that or fire her.” Philip snickered. “Ready to surprise someone?” he asked Liz, who nodded eagerly. She linked her arms with his while he turned to Amy and reached for her hand. He pulled her closer as the two girls walked together in linked arms with the big super star.

They crept up into the studio and found Johnny working diligently on the songs. He had his hand covering his left side face to keep the distraction away. Philip opened the door “Hey.” He greeted Johnny. His friend did not look up as he grumbled a ‘hi’. Philip turned to the girls and waved to them to come inside.

“Where’s Amy?” Johnny asked without looking up “I need a muse.”

“Sure.” Philip replied as he waved for Liz to come over. He whispered something in her ear and she smiled as she placed her hand over Johnny’s eyes.

“Very funny, Amy.” Johnny said “Like I don’t know it’s you.”

“How would you know it’s NOT me?” Amy spoke up behind Liz.

Johnny put up his hand and covered Liz’s hand “Because Philip’s hand is big and rough, yours is soft and small.” He felt a ring on one of the fingers “I didn’t know you wore a ring, Amy?”

“I don’t wear jewelry.” Amy said a matter of factly.

Johnny broke away from Liz’s hand as he looked up, his face obviously shocked “Liz??”

She giggled hysterically “You’re so cute!” she pinched his cheek roughly before hugging him tightly.

Amy nodded “Oh, is that where he gets that cheek pinching thing from.” She finally understood.

Johnny smiled as he looked at the other two standing there “Thanks Philip.”

“Anytime.” He smiled happily at his friend, glad to know he did something great for another person.

“Let’s leave them alone.” Amy whispered and Philip nodded in agreement “We’ll be right back.” Amy said but it seemed the newly reunited couple were already lost in their own little world.

Chapter 14

She shook her head “I want to see sunlight once in a while.” He smiled understandingly. Philip would give her a jacket if he had one. Amy sat down on the bench and Philip took a seat next to her. It was a good thing her hair was done up in a bun, if not her hair would be flapping against her face. “That was really nice what you did for Johnny.”

Philip shrugged like it was no big deal “I do nice things for friends.”

“You haven’t done anything nice for me.” She joked. She looked up and wrinkled her nose when a gust of wind blew roughly across her face. She felt her eye stinging in pain when something flew in there “Ow…” she rubbed it instinctively.

“Something in your eye?” he asked with concern. When she nodded, he pulled her hand away “Don’t rub it.” He took off her glasses to blow out the dust in her eye. “Sit still.” He warned as he opened her left eye widely and blew into it.

She pulled away and began to blink uncontrollably “I think you got some spit in there.” She chuckled.

“I did?” he asked with a grin.

Amy shook her head “No. But I’m okay now.” She blinked a couple of times showing him that she was indeed alright. She smiled happily “Thanks.” Suddenly, he looked oddly at her “What is it? Is there dirt on my face?” she began to wipe her cheek and forehead.

“You look so different without your glasses.” He commented.

She took the frames, which was sitting on the bench between them and quickly put them on “Really?”

He nodded “Much better.” Philip wondered why she never got contacts. “Do you really need them?”

Amy laughed “Of course. I can’t see far.” She lied. She turned away with a look of guilt, she knew the lie was building up each time she made an excuse for herself.

“You should try contact lenses.” He suggested.

“I tried it, it just made my eyes itch.” She closed her eyes at another lie. “Let’s go back inside.” She got up so quickly that she tripped over her own foot.

Luckily Philip was there to catch her. His quick reflexes came into effect as he reached for her hand and pulled her up. Their faces were inches apart, Amy pulled away when she felt a sudden heat traveling up to her face. She was blushing and her heart began to beat faster. He smiled down at her. He saw a figure at the corner of his eyes as he snapped his head up and found a guy with a camera around his neck. “Hey, what are you doing?” he pointed to the guy and quickened his pace when the guy began to run away. Philip was quick to grab him by the shoulder and spun him around “What are you doing here?” he asked angrily gripping onto his shoulder “I could get you arrested for trespassing.”

“Go ahead, call the police.” He tempted Philip in a mocking tone “I won’t go to jail for trespassing but you, Mr. Cheung have just lied to the entire media this morning. And that girl…” he pointed to Amy “She’s going to be on the headlines for her own lies too. My photos will prove it.”

Philip was disgusted with the way he handled his job. He pushed the guy to the ground “Give me the film.” He brought out his hand.

The guy scooted backwards as he shook his head “No. I’ll lose my job. Anyways, this is the best scoop I’ve had since I started being a reporter.”

“I don’t care!” Philip roared angrily “Give me the film or I will use force.” He threatened.

Amy quickly intervened “Philip. Calm down.” She coaxed gently. She bent down to be level with the reporter “Can we have that film please? It is not what you think. He was just helping me because I had dust in my eyes and I was clumsy enough to trip over my own foot. You saw the whole thing, so why would you put a lie in the papers?” she tried to reason with him.

“No. I told you, I will lose my job.” The guy continued to shake his head.

Philip was frustrated by now “Amy, don’t waste your breath on him. He’s got no conscience, he’s a reporter.” He bent down and quickly pulled the camera around the guy’s neck and over his head. The guy tried to reach for his camera but Philip was quick as he snapped his hand away and looked at the device as he opened the film cartridge and pulled it out. He placed the film in his pocket “I’ll keep this. But you can have this back.” He pushed the camera back at the reporter.

Amy didn’t want it to turn out that way, but she didn’t know how else to help the guy. The last thing Philip needed was more trash thrown at him a week prior to his movie premiere. She knew how it felt to be jobless “Hey, how about this? You give me your business card and I’ll speak to your manager about keeping your job?” she offered.

The guy was helpless as he looked at her earnestly “I…” he pointed to Philip’s pocket “I guess I have no choice.” He pulled out a card and handed it to Amy.

She glanced at it “Starz Magazine.” Amy looked up at the guy “You work for one of the top magazines in the industry?” the guy nodded “Then you should know that was very unprofessional to sneak around like that. I would expect that from the paparazzi but not your company.” She gave him a guilt trip.

He lowered his head in shame “It doesn’t matter now, I’m going to lose my job.” He turned quietly and left the station.

Amy turned to Philip with a grim smile “We just made someone jobless.”

“Well, he shouldn’t have done what he did.” He said fairly “That’s just being plain sneaky and he threatened us.”

Amy smiled “Because he was desperate.” She put out her hand “Give me the film.”

“What are you going to do with it?” he asked amusingly.

“None of your business.” She reached in his pocket and pulled it out. “You’ll thank me later.”

He frowned curiously “What are you going to do with it?”

Amy smiled mysteriously “Patience, my little grasshopper.”

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

The premiere night was bustling with well dressed ladies and gentlemen from managers of the TV station to movie stars that came to support their fellow actor friends. Philip was all smiles when he saw the group that came out of respect for himself as well as his co-workers. The reporters were respectable as they asked the regular questions prior to the movie being showed. “Was there any special sparks with you and Miss Athena Chu?”

Philip expected that question as he threw his head back and laughed “I was hoping this question won’t come so soon.” He smiled at his co-star, who stood next to him while the cameras flashed away. “There were sparks…but it was only between the characters we portrayed. Athena and I are just friends but I have to add that she’s a great actress that I’ve had the pleasure of working with twice.”

Everyone smiled at his great response and one guy raised his hand and Philip quickly acknowledged him “Have you read that article in Starz Magazine about you and your assistant? It was released this morning.”

At the sound of the magazine name, his face fell “I suppose it’s all trash?”

“Actually, it wasn’t.” the guy replied, his face confused “Everyone that I knew said it was wonderfully written. The reporter commended on your professionalism and praised Amy on how she handled the situation when he was caught sneaking photographs without your consent.”

Philip smiled slowly knowing that Amy had something to do with it. He looked around for her and wondered why he didn’t notice she wasn’t there yet. “Speaking of Amy, has anyone seen her?” he asked the crowd. There were bustling of sound and whispers. He looked around and spotted Johnny and Liz around the corner. He waved them over, Johnny pushed his way through the crowd “It’s not like Amy to be so late.” Philip was concerned.

“I know what you mean. I thought you picked her up?” Johnny didn’t recall Amy asking for a ride so he assumed she was going with Philip.

“No, she said she was going to run a little late today because she had some special errands to run.” He shrugged but couldn’t shake the worried expression off his face.

“She’ll be here.” Liz comforted her old boss.

He nodded “I hope so.” As Liz said it, Philip quickly spotted Amy walking across the theatre hall. She was wearing a sky blue dress with a dark blue shawl across her bare shoulders. The silk dress ended right below the knee and she had on sky blue shoes to match her dress. Her hair was pulled back into a French twist and pinned down by tiny flowered sparkling blue clips. She still wore the glasses which didn’t match her outfit at all. Other than that, she looked amazing in Philip’s eyes. “There she is.” He smiled happily that his ‘left arm’ was there. He rushed over to her and realized she was completely out of breath.

“I’m so sorry…” she breathed.

He shook his head “Its okay, I was just getting worried. What was so important?”

He didn’t notice that she was holding a rolled up magazine until she brought it up to him. “Turn to page 26, article one.” Amy said with a grin. He opened the cover and saw ‘Starz Magazine’ on the front. His smile was growing with each word he read. “Looks like you just gain another 100,000 fans.” She joked.

Philip laughed “I already know. One of the reporters just told me. What did you do, Amy?”

She twirled her petite body back and forth with a coy expression “Nothing.” She saw the crowd looking at them “Come on, I think the show is going to start soon.” She automatically linked her arms through his and walked towards the ready crowd. Everyone entered the theatre ready to watch the new movie that had good reviews before there was any talk of a premiere.

After the movie was done, everyone headed out for a shorter press conference. The reporters seemed to be satisfied and saying only good things about the movie. Philip was proud as can be at the outcome. They all headed towards the five star Hilton hotel down the street for an after party. The place was jammed pack and music was blaring away while most people seemed to be having a good time. Amy hung around Johnny and Liz most of the time and they were happy to keep her company.

“Take that off!” Johnny scolded pointing to her glasses “You don’t even need them. It clashes with your dress.”

Amy looked around and saw that Philip was busy talking to other people so she turned to Johnny “Leave me alone.” She clenched her teeth with a look that could burn through walls.

Liz looked from one person to the other, wondering what was wrong “Am I missing something?” she asked while leaning on Johnny’s arm. Her boyfriend whispered something in her ear and she turned to Amy “You have perfect vision?”

She rolled her eyes “You are so nosy!” she scolded Johnny, who stuck his tongue out playfully. “I don’t need them, but I don’t want to appear like a liar in front of Philip. I’ll tell him one day.” She promised.

Liz was grinning slyly “Can I see?”

Amy widened her eyes “No.” she shook her head vehemently. “He’s here.” She nodded towards Philip, who glanced over at her and nodded his head with a smile. He was so charming at times that it made her smile. It seemed she forgot for a few seconds that she was standing with two other people.

“Ahem!” Johnny cleared his throat rudely. “If you want to make googlie eyes with each other, why don’t you hang around him?” he wrapped an arm around Liz’s shoulder and stuck his nose in the air “We don’t want to be anyone’s replacement.” He said haughtily.

Amy laughed as she hit him hard on the stomach, making him curl back in pain “Shut up.”

He turned to Liz “See, how she abuses me?” Johnny was whining.

Liz duplicated Amy’s strike as she aimed for his belly button “Shut up, honey.” The girls laughed while Johnny pouted exaggeratingly.

They were quickly joined by Philip who walked over to join the laughing hyenas “What’s so funny?” he asked with a wide grin.

Johnny pushed his girlfriend into Amy, making them stumble backwards laughing hysterically “Oh Philip, save me from these awful girls.” He leaned on Philip’s chest delicately making the girls roar with laughter again.

Philip leaned away from Johnny with a look of pure strangeness “You’re drooling on my tux.” He pushed Johnny away playfully “You guys didn’t answer me why you were laughing?” The three exchanged knowing glances but none replied, Liz only smiled secretly while Johnny looked away pretending to be interested in the ceiling.

Amy was afraid if she was around those two any longer, they would spill the beans. She smiled at Philip “I’ll tell you later. Let’s go dance.” Before he could respond, she pulled him away with Johnny and Liz staring after them with teasing grins.

Chapter 15

“Oh no, you’re not getting away that easy.” Philip laughed as he reached for her hand and pulled her back “We’re going to dance.” He said firmly. He reached around her waist and placed it firmly at the small of her back. “It’s not hard.” He said casually and took her hand to place it on his shoulder. Holding her other hand firmly he began to sway with her along with the music. Amy wasn’t kidding about not knowing how to dance so she stood there while he practically danced by himself. “If you don’t move, people will think I’m strange cause I’m dancing with a stick person.” He kidded.

Amy looked around and surely there were people staring. She took tiny steps and swayed against the music. When she realized she was off beat, she pulled back from him “I told you I can’t dance.”

Philip frowned as he tilted his head “You were doing fine.” He brought out his hands to her “Come on, follow my lead.” He coaxed gently.

“Fine, but if I step on your feet…” she warned as she reached for his hand.

He nodded and wrapped his arm around her again. This time, he held her hand to his chest to keep her from moving away. But by doing that, they were no more than 1 inch apart making Amy extremely uncomfortable. She looked over his shoulder most of the time while they danced, afraid that if she looked up they would accidentally touch. “Thanks.” Philip said it out of the blue.

Amy snapped her head up forgetting that she told herself not to. Her cheek brushed his chin and she instinctively moved away “Sorry…” he shook his head and she smiled “Thanks for what?”

“I don’t know what you did but that article was very generous. Are you going to tell me your secret?” he had to lean into her ear because the music was blaring away.

“I developed the film and kept the negatives and photos of us in the garden. I gave him the other photos so he had something to report back to his boss. He was very grateful.” Amy nodded with a grin.

Philip shook his head “He should be! I could have sued him for that.”

“I know you would have. But that would have put you in a bad place with the press.” She said logically.

He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the cheek “Thank you.” He smiled when he realized she was blushing. “You are the best!”

Amy couldn’t hide the obvious smile on her face as she looked away shyly. She didn’t expect the kiss and it came too sudden for her to hide from it. She didn’t realize that Liz and Johnny were dancing on the floor next to them until Johnny leaned in and announced “You can stop dancing now the music’s over.” Amy looked up and surely everyone was clapping their hands except for Philip and herself, who was lost in their own little world. Johnny raised his eyebrows teasingly at Amy as she pulled away from Philip.

“My feet is killing me. I’m gonna go sit down.” Amy said to Philip and he nodded in response. Instead of sitting down, she went straight to the bar and ordered a drink “Orange juice please.” She said to the bartender.

“Are you sure you can handle that?” Johnny’s voice spoke up from behind, startling her. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder “Aren’t we a little jumpy.” He teased.

Amy didn’t answer as she gave him a dirty look, she took her drink and thanked the guy. Ignoring Johnny completely as she headed towards the patio. He followed her close behind “Don’t you have to tend to Liz’s needs or something?” she snapped.

He smiled amusingly at her, never fazed by her annoyed behavior “She’s dancing with Philip. Anyways, I wanted to talk to you myself.”

“If you’re going to make fun of that kiss, you can save it. I am in no mood, okay?” she drank her orange juice. They sat there in silence for a while until she could not hold it in any longer “What?” she turned to him with an exasperated look.

“You said to save it….so I am…” he was being silly and she knew it.

“Just spill it will you?” she was impatient as can be.

Johnny laughed “I think he likes you.” He said with a grin so big that Amy had to smile.

“Do you remember what you promised?” she shook her head with a sigh.

“This time, I’m dead serious. I’ll put it on my own life.” The tone in his voice was serious and his eyes bulged out as it stared at her earnestly.

Amy laughed “You’re life isn’t worth much. Anyways, I recall a certain someone saying that before too…”

He looked around eventhough there was no one around and then leaned in and whispered to Amy “I’ll put it on Liz’s life. And you know I’m serious if I can say that.”

Amy’s smile faded “Okay, now you’re scaring me. Look, I believe what I see. And I see Philip treating me like an employee and he is a boss to me. Yes, I agree that our relationship is more than work related, but it doesn’t go any further than friendship.” She insisted.

Johnny sighed “Someone’s in denial.” He sang.

“Someone’s gonna get a good beating if he doesn’t shut up.” She sang back with a smile plastered on her face. Amy suddenly stood up unexpectedly.

“Where are you going?” Johnny was up right beside her.

“To ask Philip if he likes me. I’ll prove you wrong, boy.” She insisted, wagging her finger at him. “Maybe then, you’ll stop hounding me like a dog.”

Johnny threw his head back with a laugh “This, I’ve got to see.” He practically pushed her back inside. They found Philip and Liz talking at one of the ready tables. He was excited when they joined them at the table. “Amy has something to ask you!” he announced happily.

Amy wrinkled her forehead “Nosy butt. I’m not going to ask him right now.”

“Ask me what?” Philip leaned back on his chair and crossed his arm amusingly.

“Ask him!” Johnny pushed.

“No.” Amy shook her head.

“Why not?” Philip’s curiosity grew by the second.

She shook her head “Nothing.”

“Aww come on, you chicken!” Johnny spoke louder than when he was supposedly drunk that one night.

Amy turned to Liz “Control your man, please.”

Liz laughed as she wrapped an arm around Johnny’s shoulder “What is it?”

Amy noticed Johnny opening his mouth and she quickly pointed to his face “Don’t you dare say it!! If you even breathed the words, I’ll tell Liz about that one night…” her eyes widened threateningly.

Johnny pouted “Aww! Why did you have to remind me. Fine, if you don’t want to do it in front of us, you do it outside.” He stood up and took Amy on one hand and Philip on the other. He practically dragged them to the patio “And stay out here until it’s done.” He closed the large glass door behind them and stood guard with his back to them.

Philip was grinning as he watch his friend scare off a couple that wanted to go outside “What’s he so excited about? And what is it that you wanted to ask but can’t in front of people? I know you are shy, but I don’t recall you having any problems giving me snappy comebacks.”

Amy turned and glanced at Johnny and then Liz who was now joining him in chasing away anyone that comes near the glass doors. “I’m embarrassed to ask.”

“What is more embarrassing than that one night?” he crossed his arms.

She closed her eyes “Trust me, it’s more embarrassing. Can you not look at me when I ask you this?”

Philip was curious but he did as she told, he turned his whole body sideways “Go ahead.”

“Johnny swears on his life and Liz’s life that you like me.” She waved her arms nervously “I know we’ve gone through this…but I feel like he’s so confident about his assumptions and…well, I don’t know…I’m just very confused.”

“You should be. Johnny has that power to make anyone confused. But hey, let me ask you something, do you like me?” he was still standing sideways from her. “Before you answer, is it okay if I face you? That guy over there is smiling cause he thinks I’m talking to him.”

Amy looked over towards his direction and she laughed when she too saw a guy holding a drink and smiling flirtatiously at Philip. “Yeah, I’m sorry.”

He let out a sigh of relief “Thank you.” He shrugged his shoulders “So?”

She looked at him blankly forgetting what their subject was. Then she shook her head and smiled “Right…that thing. Do I like you? You know I’ve pondered that question since the first day I met you.”

“You liked me all the way back then??” he asked with surprise.

“No…no!” Amy shook her head vehemently “I don’t deny that there was an attraction, but to like someone is to know them a great deal. At least it is for me. Do I like you? Yes, of course…but only as a friend. I finally came down to that conclusion.”

“Okay, then I like you as a friend too.” He nodded and then stretched his arms out tiredlessly “I’m glad that’s over with. Let’s go back.”

“Wait, wait a minute.” It was her turn to stop him “What do you mean ‘okay, then I like you as a friend too?’ That doesn’t make any sense.”

Philip laughed “Isn’t that the answer you wanted to hear?”

“Well, yeah….but…no…is that the truth?” she couldn’t be more confused than she was standing out there.

“What do you want the truth to be?” he asked.

“Stop that! It’s not right to answer a question with another question. Don’t play mind games, Philip.” she felt the heat rising to her face.

He crossed his arms again “I’m not playing, Amy. People want to hear what they want to hear. It’s the truth. Do you think that it would make you feel good if I said yes, I have fallen for you…and fallen hard?” she pinched her lips together unsure of how to respond “Or would you rather hear that I only see you as a friend or a sister even. Would that make you feel good?”

Amy scratched the top of her head in confusion, her logical mind was saying one thing but her heart was saying another “I don’t know…” she frowned at herself. “I just want to know the truth.”

Philip stepped closer to her as he placed his hand on both of her shoulders “If the truth will make us both uncomfortable, maybe we shouldn’t discuss this anymore? As long as we both get along and we work well together, does it matter if you like me or I like you? What makes a team is compatibility not romantic feelings. One thing I learned about this business is never to take your heart seriously. There will be so much confusion and stories that everyone makes up, its hard for me to even distinguish what is make believe and what is real. All I know is that I trust myself and only myself.”

Amy let the words sink in and it made so much sense to her finally. It really didn’t matter what their feelings were. Maybe it was mutual? Maybe he didn’t want to hurt her feelings from fear that she would quit? Whatever his reasons, she knew it was no longer important “You’re right.” She agreed. “It shouldn’t matter. I love my job and I wouldn’t want to do anything to jeopardize it.”

Philip smiled as he pulled her in for a big hug “Thanks for understanding.”

She laughed and returned the hug “Thank YOU for not embarrassing me.”

Suddenly the glass doors opened and they could see Johnny grinning at them like a monkey “So, is it agreed? You two are an item?” Amy and Philip broke apart as they shook their heads at him. Both knew what they spoke about was no one’s business. They seemed to read each other’s thoughts at the same time they walked by Johnny without saying a word. “Is that a yes?” he asked impatiently.

Liz patted him on the shoulder “I think that means mind your own business, honey.”

“Oh crap!” he pounded his fist on his left palm “They’re going to keep us in suspense.” Suddenly his face brightened “Maybe they’ll announce it tomorrow? Or maybe, they’ll announce it tonight?”

Liz sighed “You’re obsessed with them, you know that?”

“No.” he pointed a finger at her “Not obsessed, just curious.” He corrected in a serious tone.

“Curious is the first step to obsession.” She shook her head and walked away.

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