Can't Stop [James Franco Fanfiction]

Ch. 4

I raised my eyebrows, surprised. "Wow, that's really... mature of you. Most of the guys I know just pound down shots every night. It's kind of refreshing to meet someone who doesn't," I confessed.

He grinned. "Well, you're in college, so that's to be expected. But hopefully those guys will grow out of that phase, too."

"I don't know," I shrugged. "I met this guy last night who's definitely out of college, and it seems like he's still doing the same stuff. I guess it takes a while for some people."

"Yeah, I know a few people like that."

Our waitress returned with our drinks and apologized for the wait before hurrying off to another table.

I frowned, taking a sip of my water. "Do you think you'll get out of here in time for your gallery?"

"Yeah, don't worry about it. Besides, I'm here with you now, and I'm having a good time, so that's what matters."

I looked down into my lap as I smiled. I could feel myself blushing, and willed my nerves to calm down. He's just being friendly, nothing more. When my eyes roamed back to his, I noticed him watching me. "What?" I asked self-consciously.

James' smile grew wider. "Nothing. You're just cute, that's all."

Cute, like you find me attractive? Or cute, like I could be your little sister? "Yeah, okay," I said, attemping to play off my obviously reddening face. "That's not creepy at all."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "So, tell me about this guy from last night. Were you on a date?"

I couldn't read James. His voice sounded slightly irritated again, yet his face looked as calm and relaxed as ever. He seemed actually interested, but I didn't want to talk about another guy with him. "Why do you care, you jealous?" I teased.

He smirked. "Maybe. Depends on if the date went well or not."

"It wasn't a date," I said firmly. "My friends dragged me to this rooftop after party for a film. I don't even know how we got in, really, but one of the actors bought me a drink, and then we hung out for a bit." I noticed James' face hardening, his jaw clenched. Was that too much detail -- was he actually jealous now? "I mean, I didn't really like him, though. I'm not into the whole mysterious actor thing, no worries," I tried to lighten the mood.

I was unsuccessful. James still looked extremely pissed. "Which actor from the film?" His voice was so low, I could hardly hear him.

"Huh?"

"Which. Actor. From. The. Film." He repeated, emphasizing each word.

I couldn't help my confused expression at his sudden change of mood. I waited for a second to see if he would flash that smile and say he was messing with me, but he didn't. "Um..." I mumbled, racking my brain to remember what Dave had told me. "He was like the main character. He played Rocky?" I guessed. Rocky, right? I'm pretty sure that's what he said. Oh no, what if James saw the film? What if he asks me about it, and then I have to tell him I never even saw the movie? Ugh, why did I even bring this whole thing up...

James rubbed his face with his hands, letting out an exasperated sigh. He looked like he was in pain.

"James," I said quietly. "Is everything okay?"

He slammed his hands down on the table. A few people sitting nearby turned to look.

"No, no, everything is not okay. Fuck!"

"James!" I tried to quiet him down. "What's wrong? What's going on?!"

He stood up suddenly, his chair nearly falling over. "I have to go."

"What? Did I say something?"

"No, its not you, it's--"

"But we didn't even get our food yet!"

He glanced at the kitchen behind us and then pulled out his wallet. "It's on me. Tell the waitress to keep the change -- just get them both to go, you can have mine later."

I stood up, forcing him to look me in the eyes. "What the hell is going on?" I asked, now angry.

James slapped a fifty on the table."I have to go. I can't explain right now. I'll call you."

"Don't bother," I said.

His face softened, and he looked like he was about to say something, but he was interrupted by the flash of a nearby camera.

"This is my fault," he muttered. He leaned in to kiss my cheek, but I shrugged away from him.

Another flash.

"Fuck." He stuffed his wallet in his pocket and made his way to the door, leaving me alone, standing like an idiot beside an empty table as the waitress brought out two fresh gyros. The entire restaurant was now staring at me, mouths gaping in shock at what had just transpired. But none of them could be more surprised than I was.

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A/N: Woo! Things are starting to get interesting!
I know this chapter is a bit short, but I thought that was the best place to end it. Please comment and vote -- feedback makes me want to continue even more! Also, let me know if you'd rather have me post longer chapters less often, or shorter ones more frequently.

xo