Ivy, with her head tipped back and a genuine smile, thanked Nolan from the bottom of her heart. âI was feeling kinda down today, but this iced latte you brought me really perked me up. Thanks for the caffeine fix, Nolan.â
Her eyelashes curved upwards, adding to the innocent charm that her unaltered costume from the movie set â a high school cheerleader outfit â bestowed upon her. She looked both youthful and delicate.
âYou know, I totally forgot to mention it, but I caught that behind-the-scenes clip online. You nailed it.
You are absolutely the spitting image of the lead! I can hardly wait to see the full movie on the big screen.â
A hint of shyness crept into Ivyâs demeanor as she ran her fingers through her hair, âReally? Iâm thrilled you liked it. Thereâs so much more to the character that hasnât been revealed yet. But I canât tell you more for now,â she teased, before taking a big sip of her latte.
Nolan nodded, âFrom the sneak peek, itâs pretty clear that Valor and David have met before. It wouldnât make sense for a stranger in a new city to recognize Valorâs home on sight. Am I right?â
Ivy always enjoyed talking about moviesâ plot with others.
But, of course, she couldnât spoil the story this time.
âOnce the movie comes out, all will be revealed,â she laughed. âFor now, my lips are sealed!â
âIs that so? I bet thereâs a twist in there somewhere. Iâm dying to see it in theaters.â
âWell, once it hits, consider your ticket on me!â
Their conversation flowed effortlessly.
Balfour stepped out of Giselleâs place just in time to catch their exchange. The way Ivyâs gaze softened when she looked at Nolan, so candid and relaxed, it was a stark contrast to the tongue-tied girl she was earlier.
âOh, what a coincidence, Nolan! Here to visit the set like Balfour?â Giselle also saw Nolan as she followed Balfourâs steps. Nolan shook his head with a straightforward âNope, Iâm here for Ivy.â
He acknowledged Balfour with a simple nod, âBalfour.â
Balfour returned the nod with a cool detachment. His aloof, untouchable demeanor was something that nearly drove Giselle wild. âOh of course, Iâm just kidding! Youâre obviously here for Ivy,â Giselle drawled, her gaze darting between Ivy and Nolan like she was onto some juicy secret.
âSince everyoneâs here, how about we go grab a bite?â she bubbled with enthusiasm, hooking her arm through Ivyâs. âYou must be beat from filming. Letâs relax and have lunch together.â
Ivy tried to wriggle free, not keen on the idea of dining with people she wasnât fond of, especially when it was likely Nolan just happened to be passing by and had his own things to do.
âI donât think thatâs a good idea. Nolanâs got other plans, right?â
She merely meant to put the idea out there, but Balfour let out a scoff, his face etched with sarcasm.
As Ivy met his gaze, she felt a sting. His mockery cut deep.
âWhatâs with the smirk?â Ivy frowned as she asked.