Chapter 50: Chapter 50

"Her mom promised that when the time came the prince would sweep her off her feet, and since then, everyday she asked her mom when will the prince come," José grinned. "But she stopped asking altogether when she's around eight years old, right Annie?"

"I'm glad I can entertain you guys," she glared at José. "Please proceed to act like I'm not here anymore."

"Aw, Annie, I'm sorry. You are so cute back then," José leaned in and draped his arm on her shoulders. "I'm sorry. I know that was a tough subject—"

"José, that's enough," she snapped.

"Okay," he placated, lifting his hands in surrender, "I apologize."

She fixed her gaze at the glass of wine in front of her, afraid she would find Eric's stare.

"I'm sure we all have funny childhood stories." Eric began to fill the awkward silence. "I have a few, and most of them involving my attempt to prank my brother. I even go so far as unscrewing his bicycle and goading him to a race. My father would punish me to clean the garage but it was nothing compared to his confused and shocked face when he fell on the heap that was his bicycle."

José cracked a laugh, even Ana's mouth twitched in some semblance of smile.

"We kids did weird things and it's okay. My sister for example, had demanded to live near the sea and become a mermaid."

He was trying to make the air become lighter after her sulking, she noticed that. He always made sure she was alright by making her smile. And for that reason, she was grateful.

After devouring the entrees, they fell into a comfortable silence. José was nursing his yet another glass of wine after emptying his glass of beer. Ana worried he might be more drunk than before. Eric had been busying himself in letting Ana sample the delectable chocolate fudge cake he ordered, and now he engaged her in a mild conversation.

"What would you do in the future? Still seeing yourself being a Hollywood actor?"

"Yes," he mused between bites, "but now that I knew much, actually I have another thing I want to consider doing."

"Oh, what is that?"

"I want to be a photographer."

Ana's mouth formed an O. "That explains the cameras I saw in your trailer."

Eric looked flabbergasted. "You saw them?"

"I did," she frowned. "Why? Did I don't suppose to?"

"No, it's a shock, really. You can be so observant," he exhaled loudly. "I've always loved to capture a moment and preserve it. This world is far too fast."

"I know that feeling," she offered his hand a squeeze. "Hey, you should get along well with José then."

The said man perked up hearing his name mentioned. "Whaaat?"

Eric chuckled, "I guess if he wasn't so drunk, we'll be having very interesting conversation," he whispered conspiratorially to Ana, earning a giggle from her and confused look from José.

"What are you whispering about behind my back?"

Ana noticed the blurry in his eyes. "José, I think you should take easy on that wine."

"Oh, believe me, Annie, it's perfectly fine. It's not even midnight. Yet."

It wasn't? Distracted, she looked at her wrist-watch. Crap. It's five past ten. Where did the time go? Double crap. She hadn't uploaded Kate's Instagram and Twitter feed! Better be back now. She cleared throat, "I think it's time to go home."

"Yeah, sure." Eric looked at his own watch. "Let's go."

"You still up to accompany me home then?"

"Of course," he frowned. Like the idea of not accompanying her home was too absurd for him.

"You know you don't have to do that. I know this place so well."

"Uh-uh, no objections, Miss Thompson. Accept it."

She sulked. "Okay. Thanks."

Eric nodded at her, calling a waiter to bring their bill. He was about to pay when Ana startled him by adding her money on top of the bill. Ana saw his frown.

"It's José's and my share."

"I can pay, Ana," he argued.

"So can I. May I remind you, it's twenty-first century, Sir. A girl has to pay for her own meal."

He bristled, but couldn't hide the smile that curved his mouth. "Beauty and brains."

"Ain't that the truth," she winked, feeling a thousand fireflies lightened up and swarmed inside her stomach. Realizing their personal banter, she wiped the huge smile on her face, looking warily at José who had a smug grin on his face.

"Are you two quite done with this lover's spat?"

It was Eric's turn to laugh, while she tried desperately to kill the blush which slowly crept on her cheeks.

"Ha ha, very funny," she cleared her throat. "You coming, José?"

José nodded, "Go ahead, I'll just finish this one and call Phil. You can catch a cab or go with Eric, your apartment isn't far from here, no?"

Oh, so this was his plan to ditch her. "I didn't know you're back with him."

He shrugged distractedly, "He called me after hearing about my father's health, sharing his concern. We wanted to see where it goes from here. No fast pace for me, though."

Ana knew he played it off like it was not a big deal, but it was. She knew first hand what a heartbreak did to her friend. And if she was honest, those heartbreaks she witnessed years after years from people dear to her put her off relationship for good. She knew nothing good happen with falling in love.

Regardless, Ana felt proud of José for willing to try again. It was a quality she admired and cursed at the same time. She smiled widely at him, "I'm happy for you, José. But, please be careful. I don't want to see you hurt again."

"I know, Annie," José winked. "Now, you two go away and let me have an intimate time with my drink here."

She snickered, "Remember, you'll have to wake early for a photoshoot tomorrow."

"Noted," he grumbled.

Ana gave his shoulder a squeeze before facing Eric. "Shall we?"

"We shall. See you later, José," he nodded at José, shaking his hand. Ana was glad they got along well.

The night was uncharacteristically cold outside. Ana felt shiver running down her spine, the wrap dress apparently didn't provide enough heat for her.

"You don't bring a jacket?"

She nodded.

Eric shrugged off his jacket, wrapping it around her shoulder. "You should take care of yourself more, Ana."

She was just about to refuse his kindness but he gave her a pointed look.

"Don't," he shook his head.

Ana sighed. There's no winning with him. "Okay, thanks."

"Do you want to call a cab?"

"I'd prefer walking, actually. My apartment isn't far from here. What about you, though? It's perfectly fine if you head to your hotel, I'm familiar with the neighborhood."

"I'll accompany you and order a taxi once you are home. It's not safe for a lady roaming in the night, no matter in her homeland or not."

"And here I thought chivalry was dead."

"Have I told you that you look stunning tonight, Ana?"

Her step faltered a little. Damn this man was dangerous to her heart. "Um, thank you. You look dashing yourself, but you already knew that. José and I talked about it a lot. And every girl has the hots for you, so you should know that," crappity crap, why was she so damn nervous?

"You're rambling."

"I know! Don't point it out," she covered her face with her hands.

He laughed. "I mean it, Ana. And I'm glad you wear the earrings I gave you. You're so beautiful."

The way he sang her praise made her giggle. Some men might find it hard to compliment their dates and their words became awkward, but not Eric. He always seemed genuine, that Ana had no trouble believing his words.

"Should I be concerned that you thought me beautiful in the dark alley? I'm afraid you think me as someone else."

He gave her one of his wonderful laughs, captivating her gaze under the streetlight. She looked around, not wanting for him to notice the flush which adorned her face. Her gaze fell upon their silhouette. He walked so close to her his shadow looked like embracing her from behind.

What the hell, where was that thought coming from?

She shook her head. It must be the alcohol effect. That, or maybe she'd finally lost her sanity.

Get yourself together, Thompson.

Desperately banishing the image from her mind, she chose to start a conversation.

"Uh, so, one more week, huh."

Eric was silent at first. "Yeah, and then the fun of post-production begins."

"Will you go back to New York after that?"

"That depends. I have a loose schedule now, and I want to visit my family in Seattle first before the premiere. The rest, I think I'll see what will unfold, including this important project I intend to take seriously."

Important project? This filming? Somehow, the way he said that made her wonder.

Eric shoved his hands to his jeans' pockets. "What about you? Will you still be in Vancouver?"

She shrugged, "For another half month, at least. They wanted to record Kate's voice after the week ends, and then we'll plan for her future works in LA."

"So, you live in LA. You must've met stars there."

"Eh, they're just shining rocks."

Eric chuckled. "I want to be there. I don't know how or when but I want to be in the place where you are now. I've been just a lowly theater actor before this, so," he trailed off.

"Hey, don't be like that!" Ana scolded him, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "I know firsthand that you have talent, Eric. I often watched you on the set. This industry definitely needs someone like you. You're refreshing and willing to learn. I'll be rooting for you and your upcoming works. So, once you're famous, just remember that I said that first."

And once more he blessed her with that adorable shy smile. "Thank you."

"Just telling the truth. I'm not fellow actors, but for what I knew, I'm sure in no time you'll be a bright star. This is just the beginning of your life."

"I never knew you thought of me like that."

She giggled. "Yep, you're sure annoying sometimes."

"Hey, I am not annoying. I was just wanting to know you better. You intrigue me, Miss Thompson."

Ana couldn't help but feel flattered. Not many men, or boys for that matter, said that she was intriguing. They all said she was sweet and cute, at best. Her cheeks warmed.

"So, your current job as a PA. Have you always wanted to do that? I mean, from what I heard you're Miss Kavanagh's best friend from college. But you graduated from English major."

Ana smirked, "Were you stalking me?"

That got his step stammered a little, "I don't mean it like that. You can always refuse to answer, I just wanted to know."

"No, it's okay," she assured him. "My long-time dream was to be an author. But sometimes you have to put your dreams on the back burner. I needed money and job, so when Kate offered me to be her assistant, I accepted it."

"An author. That's cool," his eyes twinkled under the street lamp. "You worked perfectly, Miss Thompson. It suits you, being in control and supporting someone else the best you could. You should totally try writing."

"I did," she smiled sheepishly. "In high school. But it's kinda embarrassing to read now."

"I don't think it's true. Knowing you it must be a masterpiece, Miss Thompson. And I bet you'll write one if you put your thought in it. You're good in everything you do."

Unable to hide the fact that he made her flustered, she just snorted. "Come to think of it, you obviously knew much about me, huh. Whereas I know next to nothing about you."

Eric flashed her a grin. "I am an open book, Ana. I just don't think I'm the kind of book you're wanting to read."

Ana could detect the somber note in his voice. It was making her shiver. She glanced up at him, receiving the look he gave her: gray eyes full of longing and apprehension. His Adam's apple bobbed. Ana bit her lip unconsciously.

"I have reasons."

"So I've been told again and again. But you'd never explained."

"I need process, I can't just jump right in. I'm too serious for my own good."

"If these past weeks are any indication, I already know that."

"I don't want to be a plaything. I'm not a one-night stand kind of girl."

"I've never assumed you are."

She stopped walking, feeling as though something heavy weighing her shoulders. Eric mimicked her, standing still beside her. So close, she almost smelled his cologne and aftershave, clouding her numb head.

She didn't know what to say, there were too many to count. Eric moved his hand as if going to touch her shoulder, whispering her name gently, "Ana." But she beat him to it.

"Why do you like me?"

His face went blank. "What kind of question is that?"

"I'm just an ordinary girl. There's nothing special about me."

Eric bent his waist a little so their eyes were at the same level. He touched her face tenderly, thumb rubbing her jaw. The contact made Ana jolted, but it was nothing to compare to his next words.

"You are special to me, baby."

Shit, her face was burning. Ana pushed him away, looking anywhere but at him. "Stop calling me that."

"What? Baby? But I like the blush your face made when I called you baby," Eric chuckled. He seemed utterly proud of himself, the gesture Ana found appalling.

"Did you say that to every girl you met?" her voice hardened.

"No! I'm just telling you the truth. I like you, really like you."

"But why?" she persisted.

He was gobsmacked. "Why is that even matter?"

Ana gulped hard. Her mother's voice, that man's voice, they swirled in her head. She couldn't help but shudder.

"Because you only see me as a challenge. Once you have me, you won't be interested anymore. You'll get tired of me."

"I won't. I'm very serious about this, Ana."

"You don't know it. You can say that now, but what happens when work get in the way? Or if you find me boring and start looking elsewhere?"

His body went rigid, he jerked away from her, as if she hit him. "What—you really think that lowly of me? What kind of person do you think I am? I told you the truth, but you don't even trust me."

"I don't want you to break my heart."

"But you didn't even let me in."

Eric started walking slowly ahead, giving her a chance to walk in front of him. She didn't have any remark left in her, everything she knew now betrayed her. They walked in silence for a couple of blocks, before Ana announced that they had reached her apartment.

"Thank you for seeing me home. Do you want to come in?"

He shook his head. "Thanks for the offer, but I'd better go back to the hotel. Goodnight, Ana," his smile was so vague she doubted there was one in the first place. He walked away, not waiting for her reply.

Ana stood at the front of the door, feeling desolate. It was as if something precious was slipping through her weak, untrained fingers—something she didn't know she had wanted for so long.