Chapter 7 The kiss

"That obnoxious jerk, how dare he call me ugly?" Jojo muttered under her breath, her heels clicking on the marble floor as she entered the grand hall. Her eyes scanned the room, her gaze darting from one cluster of people to another, until finally, she spotted her target. Director Zic, resplendent in his tailored tuxedo, was sipping a glass of champagne and chatting with a group of celebrities. Her eyes narrowed, her determination renewed. "Found you," she said to herself, her voice low and even, as she began to weave her way through the crowd.

As she approached the group, Jojo's eyes locked onto Director Zic, her gaze fixed on his face with an intensity that bordered on ferocity. She was a woman on a mission, and nothing was going to stand in her way. Not even the likes of Gerald, with his sneering face and condescending attitude. She pushed aside the memory of their encounter, her focus solely on the man she had come to see.

"Director Zic," she said, her voice clear and confident, as she approached the group. "I need to speak with you." Her words were polite, but her tone brooked no argument. Director Zic looked up, his eyes flicking towards her, and Jojo could see the faintest glimmer of surprise in their depths. Good, she thought. He should be surprised. She was not a woman to be underestimated.

As Director Zic's eyes met hers, Jojo's face lit up with a radiant smile. She executed a graceful bow, her movements fluid and confident. "Good evening," she said, her voice husky and smooth. "I'm Jojo, an upcoming actress with a passion for bringing complex characters to life. I've admired your work for years and would love the opportunity to collaborate with you on a project."

With a flourish, she produced a sleek portfolio from her purse and presented it to Director Zic. The folder was emblazoned with her name and a striking headshot, and it contained a carefully curated selection of her finest work. "Here's my portfolio, which includes my contact information and some samples of my work," she explained, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "I'd be thrilled to discuss potential roles or projects with you further."

As Director Zic accepted the portfolio, Jojo's smile broadened, and she executed another graceful bow. "Thank you for considering me!" she said, her voice laced with gratitude.

But before Director Zic could respond, a shrill voice pierced the air. "Director Zic!" Sophia Miller, the famous actress, called out, her voice dripping with entitlement. Jojo's eyes flicked towards the newcomer, and she felt a pang of unease as Sophia approached, her gaze condescending.

As Sophia linked arms with Director Zic, Jojo's heart sank. She watched in dismay as they exchanged air kisses, their faces inches apart. "Who is she?" Sophia asked, her voice dismissive, her eyes raking Jojo's form with disdain.

"Just some actress," Director Zic replied, his tone offhand, as he turned to leave with Sophia.

In a move that left Jojo reeling, Director Zic carelessly dumped her portfolio on the floor, its contents spilling out like confetti. The sound of their laughter and the rustling of papers were the last things Jojo heard as they disappeared into the crowd, leaving her standing alone, her dreams scattered at her feet.

Her face flushed with embarrassment as she bent to pick up her scattered portfolio, her heart still reeling from the careless dismissal by Director Zic and Sophia Miller. But as she reached for the papers, a hand beat her to it, and she looked up to see none other than her idol, PK, holding her portfolio. The top star, whose debut she had eagerly anticipated and whose every move she had followed with devotion, was standing right in front of her, a warm smile spreading across his face and revealing his signature dimples.

Jojo's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of PK, her mind racing with disbelief. She had dreamed of meeting him, of course, but never like this - in a crowded room, with her portfolio in his hands. She swallowed the scream that threatened to escape her lips as she took the portfolio from him, her fingers brushing against his in a touch that sent shivers down her spine.

"Thank you," she stammered, her voice barely audible, as if she couldn't quite believe that PK was standing in front of her, talking to her.

PK nodded and smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, before turning to leave. Jojo's eyes followed him, her gaze tracing the direction he went, her heart still racing with excitement. She couldn't help but drool over the sight of his broad shoulders and the way his jacket swayed as he walked away, his confident stride eating up the distance.

As she walked away from the encounter with PK, she couldn't shake off the feeling that her luck was about to change. PK had always been her good luck charm, and she had often found herself thinking of him when she needed a boost of confidence or a dash of hope. And now, after their brief but electrifying encounter, she couldn't help but feel that maybe, just maybe, something good and unbelievable was about to happen to her.

With a newfound spring in her step, Jojo made her way to the counter where snacks were being served, her mind racing with possibilities. She picked up a canapé and began to eat, her thoughts whirling with the prospect of a new opportunity or a chance encounter that could change her life forever.

***********

"Something good my ass!" Jojo muttered to herself, her earlier optimism deflating like a punctured balloon. The only thing that was about to happen was her almost pooing on herself, thanks to the nervous butterflies in her stomach. She rushed to the restroom to ease herself, her face burning with embarrassment.

When she emerged from the bathroom, her stomach now empty, Jojo felt a sense of relief wash over her. Maybe she should just start heading home, after all, there was nothing she was accomplishing here. As she walked down the quiet hallway, the sound of her heels echoing off the walls, she heard a raised, deep, husky voice coming from one of the corners of the hallway.

Jojo halted in her tracks, her heart skipping a beat. She wouldn't mistake that voice for anyone else. Was that not Mr. Perfect's voice, the same one who had insulted her earlier? Who was he yelling at this time?

With a sigh, Jojo continued walking, her curiosity getting the better of her. As she passed the corner where the sound came from, she caught a glimpse of Mr. Perfect facing a figure she couldn't quite see. The only thing she saw was the jacket the person wore, which looked uncannily similar to the one PK had on earlier.

Was he raising his voice at PK? Jojo's curiosity got the better of her, and she moved closer to get a clearer look. But just as she was about to peek around the corner, Mr. Perfect's eyes suddenly locked onto hers. "Oh," she gasped, immediately turning back, her face burning with embarrassment. "Hope he wouldn't think I was eavesdropping?" she muttered to herself, her heart racing with anxiety.

But before she could take a step back, Mr. Perfect's strong hands grasped her shoulders, pulling her back into the corner. "I swear I wasn't..." her words caught in her throat as he suddenly leaned in, his face inches from hers. And then, his lips claimed hers in a passionate kiss.

Jojo's eyes widened in shock, her mind reeling with disbelief. What was happening? Why was Mr. Perfect, of all people, kissing her? And yet, as his hands traveled to her waist, pulling her closer, she felt a spark of electricity ignite within her. Who would have ever imagined the turns of events? This... was this the something good that was about to happen? Something that would change her life forever?

As the kiss deepened, her eyes fluttered closed, her resistance, like a fragile dam, began to crumble, her body responding to the intensity of Mr. Perfect's embrace. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring them together, to ignite a passion that would consume them both.