Chapter 15 Take her home

"What do you mean there is no trace?"

Aunt Matilda told the authorities hired by the company. It's been weeks of tracing that but until now they still haven't seen anything. I just quietly listened to them while they talked about other things. I'm so out of it, I almost lost that thing in my mind. It's still the talk of the town but not so much like in New York. After all, there are many really important things to focus on besides my life or the lives of others.

"We're still looking for other possibilities, maybe the work is clean or the uploader of that video is not here in the country."

"But what about Ava's statement? She said she knew the man in the video, and that man was in the Visayas? What about that?"

I checked my screen while my some of my glam were fixing my hair for the next batch of shoot. I was blown away by Levi's no reply.

"We went there but the person was not mentioned. Right now we are working on that."

"How can that video come from other countries? It's probably all planned."

I leaned back in the high chair while listening to Aunt Matilda talking. I looked at my face, I was very different before. They color my hair blonde, the small waves in my hair create looseness.

Well this isn't the first time I've changed my hair color for a shoot or project. I'm a little sorry because I've also had black long hair for a few months and I prefer that, natural and simple. I have nothing to do, that is the requirement in this project.

"Right now that's just our lead. We'll just report right away if we have another information in line."

"Wow! Just make sure because my pet's contract is about to end. You still haven't found a way." He raised his voice slightly.

"Aunt..."

I looked at him for a moment and he did the same. I shyly smiled at Nadine who was adjusting to the other chair. She mouthed "it's okay" and went back to what she was doing. I just sparingly smiled at the three men and went back to my cellphone.

Levi: Sorry, I just finished my work out while you're away. I'm going nuts waiting for your replies knowing you're busy.

I plump my lips after reading his text. Drunk make up look did to me, my cheeks are in full blush, my eyeliners are on fleek. Eye brows are bushy, looking so natural. Glossy lips plus the ash brown contact lenses made me look different.

Me: It's okay. We'll be done after lunch.

Levi: I'll pick you up.

God. He's still into this?

Me: You saw it this morning, no media or so. No need to bother.

He didn't immediately reply to what I said, maybe he realized what I just said. Yes, such is Levi. I don't want to deal with false hopes. Even if it's a lie from you, I will believe it.

Levi: Let's have some late lunch.

I close my eyes emphatically. This feels so right. How can I feel so right when this is all wrong. When this was all just pretending? I don't want to hope but I am betrayed by myself. This feeling is frightening. It was as if I was having fun today and the reality would be a big slap in the face tomorrow. He's true to his words. He really did pick me up before even the shoot ends. How did I find out? The quiet studio had a murmur.

The trembling of my heart is unceasing even when I think it is in the glare of camera. The set of corsets we're shooting are the last batch of apparel. Nadine is with me in this project because these designer clothes are not only in the Philippines but also in other countries. T

hat's why I have to adjust a bit, Nadine's eyes look naturally drunk and sleepy. While mine is haughty is meek. This is a very chic looks so I had to pull this off.

"Last ten frames, we're loosing some of the shots Cyreese. Have a contact with Nadine."

I nodded and briefly hit Levi's posture to the side. Her eyes were dark as she stared at the photographer as her hands crossed.

"You're boyfriend?" Nadine whispered. I don't know what he was referring to, whether it was my loss of focus or what he saw.

"Y-yeah."

I smiled raw as he answered. Fortunately and a few shots are done. My mind is completely off, seeing him standing knowing that he's watching me. I just can't. This is the first time he sees me at work and I'm so uncomfortable.

"Hi."

I slowly approached him after the shoot. I don't even care about monitoring our shots anymore. He scanned me from head to toe with so much amusement in his eyes. I clasped my hands together and bit my lip while he's still not saying anything. When I was only an inch away, he approached and put his lip straight on the side of my head.

My leg weakened as I felt the support of his palm on my back. The rumor grew louder on the set and I was even more nervous about what happened. He surely can steal the spot light for just him breathing. What else is he doing now?

"You look different." He touched my hair and I looked there.

"Yeah, I had to change my hair because that's what the client wants."

I feel awkward talking to him while I can feel the attention of everyone. He just nodded and still didn't remove his hand from my back. I heard a fake cough when I tracked down who did it, it was Nadine. I chuckled. He kicked me and the eye pointed in Levi's direction.

"Levi this is Nadine, my friend. And Nadine, this is Levi my ... boyfriend."

I felt his grip on my waist tighten at what I said. They offered a hand to each other and did all the talking. That was only a moment because Aunt Matilda had already grabbed our attention. Levi greeted him and he also timidly greeted him. Tita Matilda seems to be fighting over intimacy with Levi but she still respectfully greets him.

"Do you still have errand? The van at the chin is ready."

I turned to Levi before answering Tita but he was already ahead of me.

"I'll take her home, Ma'am."

I was nervous about Tita Matilda's answer but she did very differently than I expected.

He just nodded normally at what he heard and turned to me.

"I'll bring your things with me. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes." That's all and he formally said goodbye to Levi. My forehead furrowed. What? Won't he yell at me for what he saw?

"Let's go? Or do you still have something to do?"

"Yeah wait, I'll just change."

I was in a hurry and the only change I made was, I never erased my make up because my mind was left out. I wore my high waist jeans and black racer back and my pair of white sneakers.

Whoo, finally, some comfortable clothes. Before I went out I saw the light ng my cellphone. Aunt Matilda has a message.

Tita Matilda: Let's do the talking once the project's done.

I don't think I know Tita Matilda very well yet. Of course, he knew there was something remarkable about what Levi and I were doing. But he chose to remain silent because he is such a civil and professional person.

I saw him there while talking on the phone. I stopped and appreciate the view, his tone muscles are introducing with the simple polo shirt he's wearing, a simple jeans and he's breaking everyone's neck. I sighed.

Heaven in front of me ... It was as if cold water poured on me when he turned to me. My God!