AN: 1st Guest: Glad you like the steamy stuff :PP
2nd Guest: So happy you're enjoying it so far. And here's some more :DD
Red
I can't fight this feeling any longer
And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow
What started out as friendship, has grown stronger
I only wish I had the strength to let it show
I tell myself that I can't hold out forever
I said there is no reason for my fear
Cause I feel so secure when we're together
You give my life direction
You make everything so clear
And even as I wander
I'm keeping you in sight
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might
"Hi Jen." Luke beamed, tucking his finger into the waistband of her skirt to pull her close, after they had arrived along with the rest of the cast to shoot season 2 promos and video covers.
"Hi." She smiled sweetly, embracing his hug. It probably should have been awkward since they stepped out of the confines of their friendship the other night but they felt too captivated by the butterflies they were feeling, excited to be around each other and, if anything, they felt even closer as though they should have been doing this all along.
It almost seemed too good to be true, Jennie thought. She's falling for a co-worker (an actor no less) and by now her fear normally kicks in and yet all she wants to do is spend as much time with him as possible.
"Did you get my message?" He asked, since she hadn't responded to the message he left on her answering machine.
"Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't call you back. I've been helping my mum with everything." Jennie explained
"Yeah I figured." Luke nodded as he stroked the back of her hair. "Look, about all that - the stuff with your dad - I thought maybe I could, you know, get your mind off everything." There was something so comforting about him that instantly made her relax.
She shot him a warm smile of gratitude. "I'd like that."
"What is going on?!" Shannen stormed into the dressing room in a red dress
Tori then turned around and got look at Shannen. "What?!" Her eyes widened. Just then Jennie walked in.
Jennie stood before both of them as they all glanced at one another. "Oh no, no no. We can't ALL wear red."
"I know that. So you guys will have to change." Shannen rested her hands on her hips
"I'm not changing. I always wear red." Jennie snapped, and they both turned to Tori
"Oh come on, you guys. I always cave. But I am not backing down this time. I really want to wear this."
None of the girls would budge as they stood there, glaring at each other. All they could hear was a member of the crew calling them every minute to hurry up.
"What the hell is taking them so long?" Ian groaned.
Luke looked at his watch. "What are they even doing in there?"
Just then Eloise, one of the crew members came running out over to Chuck.
"Chuck." She exasperated,
"Eloise. Where the hell are they?" He huffed, growing irritated, "They must be ready by now."
"Oh they're ready." She exhaled. "But they're all wearing the same colour."
"Not exactly what you want for the picture but... I guess two of them could wear the same colour."
"That's just it. No one will give in."
"Really?" Chuck cocked an eyebrow. "Not even Tori?"
"Nope." Eloise sighed,
"Ugh." Chuck rolled his eyes. "Just get in there and see what you can do. And tell them we don't have all day! Every minute is costing us money!"
"You know what?" Ian sighed, "That's it. I can't do the shoot. Not unless... I get a red dress."
"Actually, you can't wear red. Because I'm wearing red." Jason joined in on the joke.
"You gotta do something about this Chuck." Luke shrugged
"Get me a red dress. Not them." Brian whispered.
The gang all laughed and put a smile on Chuck's face. But it was short-lived as Chuck grew angry with this frivolousness and how it was holding back the work day.
"I swear we'd be on our way home by now!" He growled before heading into the studio.
"Girls." Chuck walked in. "I'm only gonna say this once. If you don't grow the fuck up and get dressed for a work event, I'm going to make sure no one wears a red dress."
"Fine." Shannen scoffed. "Fuck it. I'll change."
"Thank you!" Chuck folded his arms before turning to the blondes
"Well...?" Jennie looked at Tori
"No." Tori stood her ground. "You and Shan always get the last word. I'm sorry, I'm getting my way for once."
"Well, I don't like the other options." Jennie pointed over to the clothing rack.
"Neither do I." Tori folded her arms, defiantly
"Fine." Jennie pursed her lips
"Fine!" Tori hissed
"Alright!" Chuck rubbed his forehead, "Just go as you are. Move it!" He growled and the girls eventually stomped outside.
What was supposed to be a fun, exciting day, kick starting the show's new season, ended up being quite grim as the girls refused to speak to each other. Shannen, in black, decided to inform the group that she was wearing black as she was in mourning, stating today as the funeral of her sanity.
Jennie walked over, mumbling something under her breath about the dress. And Tori sulked as she felt upset that she had to struggle with the other girls to stand up for what she wants.
The boys didn't help the matter as they continued to make fun of them. Gabrielle chuckled at the boys' humor as they all demanded a red dress. The girls all silently rolled their eyes and scoffed at the jokes at their expense.
Finally, Jennie started to cheer up once Carol and James joined the cast photo, and Luke decided to make room for them by climbing up the platform to hug Jennie.
"You're right about red being your colour, I'll give you that." Luke whispered once he stood beside her.
Jennie couldn't help but smile.
"But... as nice as the dress is" He leaned in as his fingers entwined with hers. "You'd look even better when I take it off." He smirked
Jennie blushed as he smiled at her. But before she could say anything, they heard the click of the camera.
"So..." Jennie said after the photo shoot. "What did you wanna tell me?" She asked
"Oh yeah." Luke rested back on the couch in her trailer. "I told you, I have a plan to cheer you up." After helping her family, Luke wanted to ease her stress.
"Yeah... what is it?" She asked as she put her shoes on.
"The real question is, are you free tonight?"
Luke brought Jennie to his place so she could play with Jerry Lee. He knew how being around farm animals, or any animals really, helped Jennie feel secure. He then proceeded to cook dinner for the two of them by candlelight.
"Aww." Jennie gasped, "You shouldn't have." She gushed as she saw the little table he set for them
"It's nothing." He grinned once he saw her glistening eyes. "I love to cook. Especially for someone I care about."
He then pulled out her chair and she sat down. And once they started eating, she felt comfortable confiding in him about her week.
"...So basically. My mum's only here for a few more days. She really needs to stay over there."
"And you don't want her to go?" He asked
"It's not that." Jennie breathed out, "I want her to be with my dad. He needs that support system. I just hate being away from them. But I know the money I'm making here will certainly help."
"Hey..." He soothed as his hand reached out and squeezed hers. "You're doing so much for them and they know it. They know you support them."
"Yeah..." She played with her fork. "I know. It's just... tough to be here alone."
"You're not alone." Luke assured. "You've got me."
She smiled at him as he lifted her hand and kissed it.
"...When did you say your mother was leaving?" He asked.
"In a few days, probably. Why?" She asked
"Well I need to meet her." He insisted.
"Hello Mrs Garth!" Luke walked right in and gave Jennie's mother a giant hug.
"Aren't you a charmer." She grinned, "Please, call me Camryn." She immediately could see why Jennie raved about him and had gotten so close to him. He was exactly like the kind of boy they'd meet back home. He could practically be a part of their family.
"Yes, ma'am." He nodded as they made their way over to the couch. Camryn gazed at the gorgeous, country boy. He was exactly like Jennie: You could take the person out of the farm, but you can't take the farm out of the person.
"You know, I've heard quite a bit about you." Camryn began
"Only good things I hope." Luke grinned, feeling slightly coy
"Oh yes. Jennie doesn't open up much, so if she's mentioned you, it means you've made quite an impact."
"Quite an impact, huh?" He teased, looking at Jennie - to which she rolled her eyes.
"Don't feed his ego any more, mum." Jennie playfully warned
Once Luke had left. Camryn eyed her daughter after witnessing her rapport with Luke.
"Friend, huh?" She observed her.
"Yes, mother. Friend." Jennie shook her head and chuckled.
"Alright." Camryn smiled to herself, knowing what she saw. "But I'll tell you this. He reminds me of your father..." She smiled
"Yeah he reminds me of him too... Two no nonsense men, getting down to business... I feel so safe with him." Jennie smiled to herself, remembering that night on the beach with Luke, and how comfortable she felt being herself. Only he knew that she was not the girly girl everyone in Beverly Hills thought she was. Only he knew her favorite hobbies and how she loved to pass her time.
"I'm glad you've got someone like that around here." Camryn revealed. "You need that. It lets me know that you'll keep your feet on the ground and you'll have someone who'll protect you."
"I can take care of myself." Jennie assured
"I know, I know. But... you're still my youngest child. And I think you've found... Well, I think you've found someone that makes you feel... at home."
"He does." Jennie allowed herself to be vulnerable in this moment. "It's like, it's like having a little bit of country right here in LA."
"Well, remember that." Camryn insisted
"What do you mean?" Jennie huffed
"Well, Jen, I know you." Camryn said softly, "Things are red and rosy right now because you've allowed yourself to let this man in. And I know you say he's just a friend but honey, what I witnessed today... You two were sitting so close together, cuddling each other, you formed a bond, and that's beautiful." Camryn paused. "But it's only a matter of time until all that red starts to turn blue. You're calling him a friend because you always let your fear stop you from going for something you really want to go for."
"Okay, first of all. That's not true. I went for acting didn't I?"
"This is matters of the heart, dear." Camryn explained and Jennie was silent for a moment.
"...It's just not like that."
"Okay then." Camryn sighed. Knowing that pushing her daughter would only make her clam up.
Jennie sat there, deep in thought once her mother got up to put the kettle on. The truth was, she knew she was holding back. She was enjoying her time with Luke but she couldn't bring herself to have "the conversation."
She couldn't deny that, as her mother put it, she was afraid of completely giving in to the red. And then everything, ultimately, turning blue.
My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you
I've been running round in circles in my mind
And it always seems that I'm following you, girl
Cause you take me to the places that alone I'd never find
Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor
Come crashing through your door
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore