Chapter 8
Spit it out already
“Is this seat taken?” she said with a smile as she drew an empty seat back and slipped into it. I was glad she wasn’t directly beside me. We had Adam between us.
“It’s My–ra” Lily spoke up smiling at her. My innocent sister thought it was an honest mistake.
“Oh.” Tami responded, while giving her a once over. Then she continued like no one had interrupted her. I was just so alone at my table, and the only one of Pockle….I mean Pierce’s friends.” She corrected with a sly smile “Is you. I hope you don’t mind that I’m here.”
I pressed a hand into my thigh, and forced a smile in her direction. “No, not at all miss Tami.”
Lily frowned at me. “So you do know him?” she whispered.
“Doesn’t he look amazing up there?” Tami continued, her eyes glued to the stage, then she turned to the rest of us at the table. “Sometimes I can’t believe how close we are. And that handsome face comes with the most selfless person on earth.” I wished she would go quiet about it already. God I thought breaking
of brand up with Pierce would spare me from her gloating. “Did I mention he’s helping me fit into the role ambassador for my family’s company? He has literally been bossing me around since I showed up, you know how demanding he can be.”
“Mr Pierce did not amass an empire by being subservient” Adams responded, encouraging her further. It takes a lot of effort for a young person to be taken seriously in the world of the wealthy.
“I hope Miley can be of help. Pierce says there’s a lot I have to learn about business, and I can learn a lot from people with…different circumstances than us.”
My cheeks burned. It might have gone over everyone’s head but I caught the subtlety of her remark.
“What do you mean by that?” Hannah asked, glowering at Tami. I could tell she did not like her.
“Oh you know…” she laughed and look around the table.
Pierce asked for a toast at the right time. Drawing all our attention. I emptied the last of my water into my cup and lifted it, before noticing Tami’s eyes followed my action.Material © NôvelDrama.Org.
“You’re using water to toast?” She asked.
“I don’t feel like drinking tonight.” I answered, my smile faltering when I saw her suspicious glare.
“You might as well have that one glass. “Adam added, “we go on after him,”
I swear he was sent to make tonight even more difficult for me. I’d rather have my wits around me th…
I defended. Before taking a sip of my water and keeping the glass.
I breathed a sigh of relief when he shrugged and threw his glass back, emptying it. I could still feel Tami’s eyes on me, but I ignored it. When Pierce came down he could whisk her away and I could pretend this whole night never happened.
Lily’s eyes were also on me. I knew she had a dozen questions she wanted to ask, and was glad she was holding them in for now.
When our names were called, Adams got up gracefully, flashing his boyish grin at the cameras, as he extended his hand to help me up. Everyone else at the table, except for Tami clapped as we made our way to the stage, I was grateful we didn’t bump into Pierce on our way. He had apparently been lured away by a business partner or something.
Adams squeezed my hand gently and I smiled up at him, forcing my features to relax, before I took the microphone and started my own speech.
Thank you so much, Luther,” I said in my smoothest voice. “you really show that every single person under you is valuable to you. I am grateful for this opportunity you’ve given to me, to the entire crew behind and in front of the camera… my eyes found Pierce and every word in my head fled, leaving me tongue tied. Our table of four had suddenly become one of six with Taml and Pierce being the new additions. Tami had an arm wrapped around his sleeve which she stroked up and down, while his eyes were focused intently on the stage, on me. Adams nudged me discreetly. When I said nothing else. I forced my eyes away from Pierce in a bid to break his spell on me.
“I’m sorry, I think about all this Studio has achieved in the past years that I have been here, and it’s absolutely amazing.” I stepped off to the side, giving Adams the floor, and hoping that he would do a better job than me.
I stared blankly at the crowd as Adams worked his charm on the guests. Remembering Hannah would probably eat me out for my fazed out look right noew, I pushed my eyes to Adams‘ head.
He turned and grinned at me and naturally I returned his smile.
You all know what acting is for me, It’s the one time a guy like me can walk around and boast of dating a beautiful woman like Myra,” The audience laughed as he pulled me closer to him. A few whistles rang out while I turned bright red. “Of course I’m only playing the role of her bestfriend’s geeky brother. I would like an upgrade please!” He yelled to the crowd and more chuckles rang out.
“This studio is more than an organization, it is a family. And I’m glad to be a part of it.” He finished. That was my cue.
“So happy birthday to the man that has made this all possible. Murphy Luther everyone. “I ended, finally finding my voice.
We grinned at each other as the applause grew even louder. Adams took a faux box and laughter escaped my lips as I clapped in Unison with the rest of the guests
With applause we returned to our seats.
Avoiding Pierce’s eyes I let Adams help me into my seat and take his place beside me.
“You were so amazing!” my sister squealed into my ear, still clapping, her recording phone in one hand can’t wait to show mum.” I tipped her chin up playfully. I was pleased that she was having a good time.
Lancaster climbed on stage and for the entirety of his speech I could feel Pierce’s eyes on me. My throat. felt very dry. I reached for my glass and lifted it to my lips. Taking a big gulp before the smell and taste of my drink could register in my head.
Alcohol! My brain screamed a second too late. The panic my realization induced caused me to inhale wrongly and forced the liquid into my lungs.
Sputtering, I reached blindly for a napkin, And raised it to spit the rest from my mouth, “Oh my god! Are you okay Myra?” Lily asked me, as she rubbed my back.
“There’s alcohol in my cup!” I choked out, between coughs. When I was sure I was not dying from alcohol, I looked up, to find everyone’s eyes were on me. great job Myra