Page 62 of Seeking Stars
"Wonderful, I've been curious about that myself," Margaret said, turning to Liam. "I was so glad when John told me how it had all worked out. It was my idea to connect the two, you know? I told John it would be a great project."
He nodded. "It's been incredible so far. I'm really excited to see the final result."
"And after, what will you be doing?" Leanne asked.
"I have to go on a short press tour after we wrap up filming the documentary—"
"Oh, excuse me, are we talking about my client?" Diana said as she approached them. Liam searched for Ana, but she wasn't around.
"You've signed Ana?" Leanne asked. "Congratulations!"
"Yes! I'm so glad. She has so much potential, you know? Like a diamond in the rough."
"I'm glad she has you," Margaret added. "She needs a strong lead, if she's to become everything she can be. John always tells me that fame is fragile, and that it'll never last without a careful team to sustain it."
"I plan to be that team for her, of course," Diana assured everyone. "Documentaries don't make or break Hollywood, but they have their niche. And if I can convince her to direct fiction… I mean, to have a female director who is also a Latina? We could do amazing things."
"Where is she, anyway? I'd love to meet her," Leanne said. "If she might direct, I have these two lovely actresses who could use a break."
"I left her dancing with Joel Thornton," Diana told the group. It was clear she hoped to get the rumor mill going. When Liam gazed at Diana, he caught her looking at him with a spark of curiosity. "He seemed immediately taken by her, as soon as I made the introduction."
"If you'll excuse me," Liam said, stepping away with a small smile on his face to appease the group, but wanting out. He did not want to hear about Diana's machinations.
He did not want to think much about Ana dancing with Joel, either. It's not like he would go interrupt them and take Ana away. He wasn't the jealous or possessive kind and, even if he were, Ana was her own person. He had no claim to anything with her. He knew she could do as she pleased. Joel Thornton would be lucky if she decided she wanted to see more of him.
He hated that his thoughts sounded like he was trying to convince himself of something. No, he really didn't have any right to any of those feelings, so why was he struggling with them?
Because you've never wanted like this, the voice of his therapist said in his mind.And you don't know what to do with yourself.You hate that despite whatever she feels, she might still not choose you.
"Shit," he mumbled under his breath, turning towards the bar. "Not now, Doctor."
After getting a new glass of Scotch, he strolled the room until he saw Joel and Ana dancing. The man was a good dancer, which made Ana's own moves shine. Her smile, by far his favorite thing about her, was wide and free; she seemed to be enjoying herself.
He stayed away, sipping his drink, a hand in his pocket, observing the situation. Eventually, Diana approached Ana. She seemed apologetic, putting her hand on Ana's shoulder as Diana talked to Joel. They appeared to exchange a few more words, before Joel took out his phone and Ana looked like she was dictating her number. They waved goodbye as Diana took Ana to another group of people. Liam shook his head at Diana's efforts, and walked away to find someone else to speak to.
He was talking with Karl, a producer with whom he'd been friendly, when he felt his phone vibrate.
Ana: where are you?
"I'm sorry, I need to take this," Liam said to Karl.
Liam: by the bar
Ana: I'm coming. Get me a gin & tonic?
He excused himself from his conversation and did as she had asked. He received the drink just as she appeared next to him.
"I'm so happy to see you again," she said, taking her drink from him. "I've never been to a party that was such hard work."
"You've been doing great. You came up a few times in conversation and at least half of the people I talked to seemed to be smitten with you."
"Pfft." She flicked her hand. "Sure."
"No, really."
She glanced at him, but he couldn't read her eyes. "Anyway," she said as if she didn't want to talk about it. "Would you like to dance?"
"Dance?" he asked, his jaw locking up. "Not particularly. I'm not that good at it."
