Chapter 10- Alex

The premiere went better than Alex could have hoped. There were so many people around that it wasn't difficult to avoid an awkward encounter with Jordan. She did catch a few glimpses of him speaking with attendees and later taking his seat in the theater. Jordan looked more handsome than ever. Tall, confident, and charismatic -working the room like it's nothing...and I could've been on his fine ass arm! Alex thought, mentally kicking herself in the chin.

After the screening, she really wanted to go up to him to let him know how amazing he did in the film, but he only spoke to a few media outlets before quickly slipping out. Alex thought about sticking around a bit longer until she saw Jordan's parents only a few feet away speaking with the director.

The air became thin and Alex started gasping, wondering if they had already seen her. Luckily, Zee walked up to Alex letting her know she was leaving early and asking if Alex wanted to ride with her. Alex agreed and the two starlets left before Jordan's parents had the opportunity to confront Alex.

In the car, Alex decided she would see how Zee felt about her playing a bigger role on the press tour. "So, only one more week until press starts," Alex said and searched Zee's face, tension building in her shoulders.

"Yeah, girl I'm so excited you're coming with me! It gets so lonely on the road, sometimes. It'll be nice to have you there for some of the appearances." Zee responded.

Relieved, she sat back letting her shoulders relax. "Yes. I'm glad you'll be there too. I'm working with a public relations coach, his name is Damien Phillips, do you know him?"

"Oooohhh, yes girl. He's everybody's man crush Monday."

"I thought Jordan was mister man crush Monday."

"Nope, Jordan is your mister man crush every day!" Zee said laughing. Zee's tone became more serious when she asked Alex, "Are you still missing him?"

"Um...yeah. A lot, actually. It doesn't even make any sense."

"Look, it doesn't matter how long you've known him. What matters is how he makes you feel...and how you feel without him. It's obvious these past few days, you've been straight miserable. Why don't you just call him?"

"Because the way he walked out seemed like he was through with me. Like he was literally walking out of my life. Plus I already told my mom we weren't really a thing...maybe it's meant to be this way."

"Or maybe he'll surprise you and reach out."

"I wish! I'm never that lucky though," Alex sighed.

They continued to discuss the tour, the show, and the movie until they reached Alex's apartment. Fortunately, the paparazzi were no longer at the gates since they knew Jordan was busy promoting his film.

"Call me, later," Zee said, giving Alex a quick hug.

"Alright."

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Alex was barely out of her heels when her phone began to buzz.

"Hello."

"Good job, honey!" Pamila sounded even more chipper than normal.

"Hey, mom. Thanks?" Alex wasn't sure what her mother was praising her about, but it wasn't something her mom did often, so she happily accepted.

"I haven't seen any actual footage, but I did hear back from Ms. Wong, who said you did really well tonight! You took every opportunity to mention the show, you were charming and dodged those Jordan questions like a pro! "

Alex smiled, halfheartedly, "Yeah, I think it went pretty well."

"Agreed! And by this time next week, you won't ever have to think about that Jordan, because Damien--you've met Damien, right?"

"Sure, did."

"Good. So, Damien will have you charming America and those photographers and reporters will only be worried about you, not some fake relationship. I swear, it's crazy how they always have to have women linked up to some man! Don't they know I've raised an independent and focused young woman who has no time for players or distractions! "

"Exactly," Alex said, rolling her eyes. "Mom, I've really got to get some sleep. I'm trying to be up early to get my stuff from the trailer, tomorrow."

"Ok, honey. Goodnight, and keep up the good work!"

After showering and changing into leggings and a t-shirt, Alex got into bed and turned on the television. She started to doze off when her phone buzzing startled her awake. Looking at the screen, her eyes widen at Jordan's name.

"Hello?" she answered, sure he must of pocket dialed her, but hoping it wasn't a mistake.

"Hey beautiful, it's Jordan. We need to talk about some things."

Alex's sat up, as adrenaline bolted through every inch of her body. He called me beautiful! He wants to talk! He's actually on the phone! Wait, am I asleep?!

"Hey, what's going on?" Alex said, her brain using all of its power to keep her voice calm and in check.

"I saw you at the premiere tonight. You looked amazing."

Thank you Chris! Thank you, Laila! I love my glam squad! Alex thought, silently bouncing up and down on her bed.

"Aww, thanks." She said in a cool tone. "You cleaned up pretty nice, too."

There was a pause, where neither of them spoke. Alex started to get nervous that the conversation was coming to an end before it really started.

"Jordan, I'm sorry." The words tripped out of her mouth so fast, even she was caught off guard, but she continued. "It's just that everything was happening so fast, with us, and I wasn't ready for my mom to find out, and the press was so aggressive, and--"

"Don't worry about it," Jordan said, sounding so genuine and reassuring that Alex's heart was melting.

"I miss you, Alex. I just want to see you."

Alex thought about the conversation she had just had with her mother and how her mom literally gushed over Alex doing well and staying focused. She couldn't let her mother down -- but she wouldn't risk losing Jordan again, either. I just need to see where this goes, first. She thought.

"Look, I've been thinking about us, and...can we just do this on the low, for now. You know, take the time to get to know each other and see where things go, first?"

"I got you. No press, no paparazzi, no outsiders. Just us." Jordan replied to Alex's relief. "Look, I've got to leave for New York, like right now. I'm flying commercial so I'm gonna text you my schedule when I touch down. I won't be back until late Saturday, but I want to finish this conversation sooner than later."

Alex smiled, "Of course."

"Goodnight, Alex."

"Goodnight, Jordan." Falling back onto her pillows, Alex realized she was luckier than she'd thought. Picking up her phone again, she dialed Zee's number to tell her the story of how Jordan was now her man.