Chapter 3: Romantic Comedy

Craig Manning had never been happier in his life. He just finished up his first performance opening for Kid Elrick, and he was on cloud nine, still high on adrenaline. He was pushing his way through his crowded dressing room. Claps on the back, hugs and high fives came at all angles, and he did his best seem to be too overwhelmed.

While receiving a hug from Ellie, Manny territorially approached. He saw her shoot a glare at Ellie, but the look was quickly replaced by her smile, as she took him into her arms. Seeing Ellie's frown, he pulled himself away. "Umm, I just need some air," Craig lied, wanting to get away from the pending drama.

At that moment, he saw Alex similarly snake her way out of the room, her departure unnoticed by Paige, who seemed to have finally unglued herself from her side.

He placed his bet for today. He figured that with the magic of the bright lights, sexy rock music, and sweaty dancing, he'd barely have to do any work. Still, it wouldn't hurt if he nudged them in the right direction.

He found out about their relationship a few days after the premiere, at lunch. He was eating with Marco, Hazel and Paige, ignoring whatever they were talking about, when Alex approached. He heard the rumours, but ignored them – he knew too well how false they could be. They were confirmed, however, when Alex greeted Paige with a kiss. The 17 year old teenage boy in him was very happy.

He followed Alex out to the back door, just in time to see her light up.

"Since when did you smoke?" he asked, her back facing him.

Without turning she answered, "Since when did you become a doctor?"

"Not judging-" he said, his hands in the air, making his place next to her, "-just curious. Hell, some A&R guy at the record company told me I should start; to make my voice 'sexier'."

"Don't, it's not good for you."

Craig chuckled, leaning against the brick wall. Alex joined him. "You were wicked tonight, by the way. I had to stop some emo chick from throwing her panties at you."

"Awesome," he grinned. "How'd you like your song?"

She laughed. "My song?"

"Yeah, your song."

"Sick, was it one of the ballads?"

"No. I'll have you know that I don't write songs for just anyone. You're special, Miss Nunez," he said, using his rockstar charm. His smile faltered when he saw how unimpressed she was. "You seriously didn't notice? I was pretty much staring at you the entire time I sang it."

"I'm a chick in a low cut top; I thought you were trying to sneak a peak or something."

"Yeah…well…yeah, but not this time," he shrugged. "I guess you were distracted; not that I blame you. I would be too."

"What are you talking about?"

"Paige. Dancing. All over you. Very hot. You two are back together, aren't you?" he asked, acting oblivious.

"No," she grumbled.

"Are you sure?"

"I think I'd know," she snapped, making him wince.

He recovered, remembering the bet. "But you two looked together."

"Yeah, like you and Ellie?" Alex bit back, her voice rising.

"Whoa, calm down. Besides, Ellie and I are just friends."

"Same with me and Paige. Anyway, it doesn't matter. She's leaving for Banting soon."

"So? I live in Vancouver, but Manny and I are still tight. Kingston's just three hours away."

"It's complicated."

"All the good ones are," he countered.

"How profound, Dr. Phil."

"You know she still cares about you."

"Of course she does, we're friends," she said stubbornly.

"And you know she's sorry for what she did after you two broke up."

She laughed humourlessly, discarding her cigarette on the ground. "Does everyone know about that?"

"Pretty much."

"Can we not talk about this?" Alex asked, harshly. Craig felt himself shift away from her, and she must've noticed, because her expression immediately softened. "It's just not something I want to talk about," she mumbled. "She's gone in a couple weeks and I want to be happy."

They stood in awkward silence, the pulsing beat from inside the venue filling the air around them. Craig, never good with silence, broke it first.

"You honestly didn't realize the song was about you? 'She's got herself a saviour, and it's not who you think. Not the guy in backwards ball caps, but the cheerleader in pink!'" he sang dramatically.

Craig was surprised to hear her giggle – he never knew she was capable of it. "Clever. You use a rhyming dictionary for that, Avril?"

He playfully swung his arm over her shoulders. "I know you think you're being all mean and bad ass, but I missed this. Me being nice to you, and you shooting me down. Just like last summer, before you ditched me and Ellie to hang with Paige. Good times."

"Well, Ellie's not my type and you never had a chance with me. Even if I were straight," she added, smugly, pushing his arm off her.

"Stop with the love, Lexi, you'll make Manny jealous," he said, his hand on his heart. Alex laughed.

A gust of wind blew by, causing her to shiver. "Damn weather. Is it this ass numbingly cold in Vancouver?"

"No; just really wet," he answered. "Let's go back in then?"

She nodded and turned to go back inside. "Hey, before we go, just remember what I said about you and Paige."

Alex stopped and crossed her arms.

"I know it's not my place to give advice, especially when it comes to relationships. But if distance is what you're worried about, you can work it out. And if it's something else, get over it. I know you think it's easier to solve all your problems on your own, but it's not. Trust me."

Alex looked at the ground for a moment before responding with a shrug. "Thanks, I guess."

"Don't mention it."

She stopped him as he reached for the door handle. "Hey, don't tell Paige I was smoking. She thinks I quit."

Craig grinned. "Only if you two get back together."

"Nevermind."

"Hey, it was worth a shot," he laughed, opening the door for her.

That was the easiest $140 Craig ever made, no doubt.