Alec and Jessica, after and over. But will Jess let it stay that way with a new woman on the scene?
G'Day LA had turned from a cross-culture promotion into an international phenomenon. Word had gotten around how much the Aussies loved a good party, and the high and mighty of LA came running. From a small get together of Australian actors and singers to anyone who had anything to do with or could make something up to do with Australians in LA was there.
It was a huge event that had exploded on the LA party scene like a wildfire, as people the world over knew how much the Aussies loved to have a walloping good time. But at least one wasn't having the best time. Alec stared out over the balcony at the bright lights and drained off the last of his bourbon.
He looked back inside, his eyes searching for and finding the curled, platinum blonde hair he knew belonged to Jessica. He had been in a silent relationship with her for about 3 months at the start of the year, and then she had broken it off. He still didn't understand why. He also didn't understand what the hell he was doing there, at all.
Jessica had wanted to remain friends, and Alec couldn't bear the thought of not seeing her again. His hand tightened around the empty glass as he watched her laughing and leaning in obviously to some producers, all standing around staring at her chest. It was her eyes, he thought distractedly.
There was something about her eyes. When they stared at you, you could barely bring yourself to breathe let alone say no. They'd had sex dozens of times since she dumped him. He was pathetic, and only a cock and tongue to her. But she got what she needed from him when she wanted it. And he took anything she'd give him.
Alec turned back around and looked up at the sky.
The stars where much fewer out here, it seemed. He remembered the last night that he'd been back in Australia, where he'd been at his parents place to say goodbye. He remembered the sight of all those bright, shining stars out in the dark sky. He could barely see half of them here.
There was a distant clink of glasses and a girlish laugh, and he wasn't alone on the balcony. He was still in the shadows, so he stayed where he was, not really wanting to be bothered. He was in the middle of a mood, and happy just with that. There was a click, and another, and the scent of tobacco filled the air.
There was silence for a moment, then someone spoke. "Christ, it's cooler out here. It's almost refreshing. I don't think I've ever seen one culture drink so much bloody booze." The voice was low and cultured, and most definitely British.
"Oh, come on, you're just upset because of the ass-kicking we got last Ashes tour." The second voice was British as well, but lighter. There was a low laugh and someone exhaling.
"I'm sorry, ashes?" American.
"Cricket, love." The first British voice. "The Aussies and the English have a series of cricket matches every year. We won year before last, first time in like 12 years. That same year, in Rugby, the English side managed a win over the Australians. It was a bit of a crushing blow to our convict offspring."
"Yeah, until this year, when they trounced us 5-0. I watched some of it, it was almost painful to..." There was the seconds pause, then another, and Alec wondered what was happening, but didn't turn. "Enjoying the conversation are we?"
Alec turned around, and barely managed to control his face. Jennifer Aniston, Kate Beckinsale, Pamela Anderson and Minnie Driver all stood just off to the side of the doorway, huddled together and smoking cigarettes. Minnie's head was raised slightly, and she was looking at him pointedly.
Alec picked up his empty glass and help his hands out wide. "Look, I'm sorry, I was just over here, and you girls came out. I figured it was as hectic in there for you too, so I gave you some space." Jennifer frowned at him as he finished, and pointed at him, her cigarette clutched in between two fingers.
"Wait, I know you, don't I? You're like a stunt guy or something. No. But I've seen you around somewhere." Alec nodded.
"Yeah, I arrived tonight. Aside from that, sorry to say, I don't really know you." She clicked her fingers.
"You're the driver, the new stunt driver they just hired for principal on Dukes 2. Right?" Alec gave a rueful laugh, and nodded, smiling.
"Yeah, as of about a week ago. You're certainly in the know." She shrugged.
"I was screwing the casting director." Alec's eyes widened, and she smiled at him.
"Come here, c'mon, closer, we won't bite. Well, Pam might." All the girls shared a laugh, and Alec stepped into the small circle. He smiled shyly as they introduced themselves. "So who dragged you into this?"
Alec cleared his throat, feeling a little on edge. He gripped his glass in his hand, and Kate turned and clicked her fingers towards a passing waiter. "Ah, well, uh, I'm here with a friend. As a friend. I'm here as a friend."
Minnie laughed as the waiter dutifully peeled away with Alec's glass for a refill. "So, you're here as a friend, to a friend, being friendly?" Alec smiled softly.
"No. I'm here with someone that I promised months ago I'd go with. We've since broken up, but I promised her all the same." Pam glanced to Jennifer.
"Right...so...who is she? This friend, who's... I'm sorry, let me get this straight, she dumped you, or you dumped her, and either way, you're still keeping your promise to a chick who used to be completely righteous with you, and you with her, but are no longer. Right?" Alec frowned and nodded slowly.
Minnie took another drag, then nodded her head and tilted it to the side. "Well, yeah, I mean, that just makes perfect sense. I mean, completely clear as mud." Alec smiled softly again.
Kate stared at him for a long time, and then gave a smirk. "It does make perfect sense. You're still head over heels in love with her, aren't you?" Alec didn't answer, and Jennifer's face twisted.
"Aww, that's so sweet. C'mon, who is she?" Alec took a deep breath, and found that he wasn't quite so sure he wanted to answer. He looked into the expectant faces of some of the hottest women on the planet.
