Limelight
Chapter Four
By: Karisma
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Alt, Romance
www.geocities.com/karismafanfic
Karisma456@hotmail.com
Standard Disclaimers Apply
2000

     Darien Eddington raced along the highway away from Minas home, thoughts
racing through his head at a speed to match his luxury car. What had possessed
him to kiss her like that? Especially considering the delicate situation that
their relationship was in right now. And what had taken over him at the studio
earlier that day? Any further, and he would have probably been making love to
her right there, in front of the entire working crew.
     But something had been different about her, her complete shyness and
wide-eyed innocent look had thrown him. All through the shoots, Mina had a look
of awe etched on the gorgeous face thatif he didnt know any bettersaid this
was all new to her. And when he had held her just like he had so many times, her
reaction was completely different. It wasnt mechanically responsive or any act
showing that she was used to his touchno, he could swear she actually trembled
at the feel of his lips on her skin.
     So what was all this? His first thought was that this was some kind of
game, but that couldnt be it. Mina was a great actress, but not that great as
to fake such a response. No, something about Mina Kinsley had changed while he
had been gone, and he had every intention of finding out what.

****

     Serena woke up, exhausted once again. Despite being extremely tired last
night, she had finally fallen asleep at a late hour, her thoughts being clouded
by a certain dark-haired leading man and what her next course of action should
be. Now, on top of acting and having her picture taken and going to a movie
premiere, she also had to play loving girlfriend to a man she was reluctantly
growing attracted to.
     The best thing to do was play it cool and avoid any intimate situations at
all costs. Simple as that.
     Serena realized just how not simple it was when she arrived at work.
     Mina! A cheery voice called and Serena whirled around to be caught in a
tight hug with a slightly short, brunette.
     She patted the strangers back awkwardly, her mind searching for who this
woman might be. She came up empty.
     Mina, youve met my wife before, the dry voice of Nigel saved her and she
smiled largely at the vivacious woman.
     Of course, Elaine. Its wonderful seeing you. Serena squeezed Elaines
hands tightly and immediately liked the slightly older woman with the warm,
brown eyes. She didnt mind the changes the woman had made in the original
script she had loved so much. To each his own, Serena mused as she sat next to
the eager, excited lady.
     I had the most wonderful idea yesterday! Elaine gushed, her chocolate
brown eyes sparkling with giddiness that Serena found both contagious and
amusing.
     Yes, darling. It was simply wonderful. Nigel sighed, rubbing his
forehead.
      Elaine pointedly ignored her husband and continued. Anyway, it is the
most romantic addition to our love story. I was watching the old commercial we
made for the movie and I decided it just didnt work. she paused. So I have
decided to make a much more romantic commercial, one that depicts the true
passion between Chloe and Jared. One that will make women everywhere want to see
this movie over and over again. Elaine clapped enthusiastically while she
practically bounced off the seat, looking very much like a child. Whyitll be
bigger than TITANIC!
     Serena took one look at Elaines dreamy face found herself thinking Elaine
acted out her silly fantasies about love through Chloe and Jared. But if Elaine
could keep her teenage-like, idealistic views this far into her adult life, then
more power to her. Besides, Nigel didnt exactly seem like the overly-romantic,
knight-in-shining armor type.
     As if by cue, Nigel rolled his eyes and muttered, If I remember correctly,
TITANIC had a tragic ending, much like the original ending of Only You.
     Elaine shook away her husbands tirade as if the poor woman was used to
these kinds of outbursts daily.
      So we shoot this and then tomorrow we begin to film the other ending to
the movie? Serena shrugged. Its a commercial, itll take like whatten
minutes?
    Nigel began to laugh, tipping his head back and letting out the first
genuine chuckle Serena had heard from him yet. Ten minutes! He gasped. You
obviously dont know Elaine. With that he walked away, still chortling and
leaving Serena with a very unsettling feeling.
     Elaine clapped her hands loudly for everybodys attention. Okay, people.
We only have so much daylight left. Lets get moving!
     Serena groaned inwardly as she was directed to a trailer. Why did she have
a bad feeling about this? Why did everything manage to go wrong for her? And
why, oh why, had she agreed to this ridiculous plan to begin with?

							     ****

     The park they arrived at was indeed a beautiful place, with trees placed
strategically and the manicured grass. Bushes filled with fragrant flowers
trimmed the entire outline. The natural lushness of the park, not hindered by
the hordes of people, seemed much like a fantasy in a different world instead of
a square in New York .
     They began shooting immediately. As soon as Serena had put on one of her
characters sundresses and her hair had been styled accordingly, she had been
shipped off into the capable hands of Elaine along with Darien. There, she had
told them her plan for the commercial.
     Okay I talked this out with the camera men and they say itll be a
splendid shot. All you two have to do is lie down on the grass.
     Serenas head snapped toward the casual women. Lie down on the grass? What
was this woman on?
     Darien apparently had the same thoughts as he raised a dark brow
sardonically.
     Elaine saw their expressions and coaxed them. Oh, itll be fun. Come on.
She led them to a spot that was on perfectly green grass with a background of
colorful flowers. Now Serena lie down on your back.
     Excuse me? Serena blurted out, her blonde eyebrows rose to practically
their hairline.
     Like this, Elaine let herself fall to the lush grass and laid down,
looking up at Serena and Darien earnestly. Now come, she patted the spot next
to her. Serena slowly did so and felt Elaine get up. She saw both their faces
peering down at her and felt utterly ridiculous. Elaines looking delighted and
Dariens perfectly amused. Now, Darien. She took his arm so he was facing her.
You will be right here.
     They walked away from Serena and with a slightly painful roll of her eyes
she saw Dariens black shoes a few feet away from her head. This was a romantic
commercial? Not that she was complainingthe further he kept his distance, the
better. Of course, they would have to be close tonight at dinner. She squeezed
her eyes shut at the thought. Serena felt a foreign fluttering in her stomach,
and after convincing herself it was due to nervousness of playing Mina with so
intimate a man, she settled down. She opened her eyes and nearly fainted.
Dariens face was directly above hers, his dark eyes locked with her lighter
ones.
     He was propped up on his elbows, which were crossed way down by his
stomach. The awkward position looked slightly uncomfortable, but Dariens face
remained cool, not one emotion flickering across.
    Okay! Elaine called, her voice high and excited. Okay, Darien take the
rose, yes!
     Serenas eyes closed reflexively as the soft petals of a red flower were
traced across the features of her face. Dariens strong fingers lightly held the
fragile flower, moving it along the counters of her eyelashes, cheekbones, nose,
and finally lips.
     She shivered, forgetting everything but herand of course Darien.
     Turn toward me, Mina! Elaine commanded.
      Slightly dazed, she followed the order too late.
     Okay, once again from the top. This time, Serena smile softly and slowly
turn toward the camera. The next take was better, and the next even more soand
so on and so on. Finally, Elaine was satisfied enough that they could use film.
It took three tries, but finally, viewing the entire scene from a small screen,
Elaine was happy.
     Thats a wrap, folks! Nigel said loudly, joy evident in his tone.
      Serena happily got up from her position and stretched. She turned slightly
to see Darien do so also. She quickly walked back to her trailer, hoping that
Darien would either forget about their date or be too tired to go through with
it. No such luck.
     She opened the door after changing, pulling her light jacket tighter across
her chest against the cool breeze to find Darien waiting outside for her. With
his back turned to her, Serena had a moment to stare at him. His appearance was
perfect as usual in presses slacks and a teal dress shirt.
      She shyly walked up to him. Hi, she said softly and smiled as he spun
around.
      Ready? he asked tautly.
      Serena frowned at his demeanor and nodded. He led her to his luxury car.
She slid into the passenger seat, nervously tugging on her flowered ankle-length
skirt. She shrugged off her jacket in the warm car and lay it folded on her lap.
When Darien started the car, she anxiously fidgeted with her ice blue tank top,
picking invisible lint off sporadically. This was going to be a long night.

****

     Darien watched her squirm with increasing annoyance. Why was she acting
like he was the big, bad wolf? Why was she so incredibly jumpydid she know
about tonight? Why wasnt he angrier at her? And why did she have to look so
damn sexy and sweet all at the same time with her hair all loose around her
shoulders?
      He pushed the thoughts out of his mind while clutching the steering wheel
tighter. He turned into a free parking space of the Chinese restaurant, and as
he shifted to undo the buckle on his seatbelt, he collided with a blonde,
surprisingly hard, head.
     Oh, he heard her gasp in surprise and pain.
      They both lifted their heads up simultaneously, causing their faces to be
centimeters apart. He sucked his breath in at her proximity and immediately the
light smell of citrus and wildflowers assaulted his senses.
     You changed your shampoo, he said quietly, making no effort to move in
the slightest.
     Oh, was her soft reply, she stared right back into his eyes, as if
frozen.
     Its nice, Darien didnt blink, afraid to miss one moment of her liquid
eyes wide with something indefinable. He leaned in slightly, fully prepared to
kiss her when he heard her clear her throat and say:
     Im starved. Should we go in?  Like a shot, she was out of the car and
Darien had a second to berate himself of what he had almost done. He had been
perfectly willing to kiss her a few seconds ago--heck, he was still willing! But
those impulses were completely out of the question considering the conversation
topic he had planned for tonight.
      He watched as Mina smoothed her skirt before sitting, thanking the waiter
for the menu and opening it, biting her lip as she looked among the choices. He
followed the small, straight teeth sinking into her red lower lip with
fascination before shaking his head.
     Moments later, they both ordered and were once again left alone in the
quiet atmosphere of the authentic restaurant. He saw Mina glance down at her
napkin and then anxiously pull and tug at it. Her gaze lifted to look around the
room, the other diners, the waiters, anywhere but at him.
     I dont see any reason in pretending anymoreI suppose we both know. He
began, his voice cold.
      Minas eyes flew to his, panic written all over her lovely face. Well,
that settled itshe knew.
      W-What? she asked shakily.
      I think its gone on long enough. Youve done what youve been asked to
dotheres no use going on.
     Absolute terror struck her eyes and she continued to stutter. W-What do
you mean?
     He sighed, exasperated. Why on earth was she playing dumb? Had Nigel put
her up to thiskeep him interested with a game? Mina, you know exactly what Im
talking about.
     Oh, she responded tentatively. Its about
     He stared at her for a moment, wondering what exactly had caused her sudden
amnesia.  There was nothing left to do. Our relationship, Minaor lack
thereof.
    Okay, umbefore we go any further let me just get this one thing straight:
youre breaking up with me, right? She didnt seem the least bit angry,
confusion was the only emotion written on her features.
     Well, breaking up wasnt exactly the right word for the delicatenot to
mention unusualsituation they had been put in, but if that was the only way she
could face it, so be it.
    Yes, he said slowly.
    And how long have you been planning to break up with Minme, she fumbled
and caught herself quickly. Darien frowned, who talked about themselves in the
third person? But back to the subject at hand
     Ive been thinking about it for some timewe both know it was going
nowhereand since the project is almost over, I figured now was the time.
     Minas face suddenly grew very relieved and Darien grew as confused as she
had been earlier. What was with this womans mood swings. She now looked glad
about how he had answered rather than being angry that he had felt this way so
long and had done nothing about it. Her expression changed yet again, her brow
furrowing in puzzlement and Darien sighed inwardly. He felt another round of
twenty questions coming on since Mina was obviously playing dumb tonight for
some reason unknown to him.
     What project?
     The movie, Darien said incredulously, struck by how ignorant she seemed
to be.
     But what does our relationship have to do with the movie? She looked down
at the cold food in front of her that they both hadnt even realized arrived and
pushed it forward slightly, indicating her lack of appetite.
     But Darien was too busy choking down the water he had taken a sip of before
his dinner date had finished speaking, trying not to spit the mouthful out. Of
all the obtuse questions she had asked on this date, this had to take the
cake. He couldnt take any more, what the hell did she think was going on here?
He wasnt going to be playing with, especially not by Mina.
     Mina, he started, his voice sounding taut and stretched to even his own
ears. I dont know what you think youre pulling, but dont you think for one
moment Im going to fall for it. The famous Kinsley charm isnt going to work
this time.  He sneered, enjoying the struck look on her face. And it was
Serenas turn to spit out her water as he finished his speech. We both know
that this entire relationship isnt real and I dont care how much you or
Nigel want it to continue until after we premiere the movie. It ends now. The
great publicity and box office charts can go to hell, I want out. Make up a
story; I dont really care who dumped who as long as its officially,
completely, absolutely over.





