Mr. Americana and the London Boy 01

August 19th

LONDON, ENGLAND

Matt's Point of View

"Okay, listen up my little whore." My best friend Samantha starts. "You need to go on this date. Or I will kill you."

"You won't kill me." I say plainly, ignoring her stare down. I resume tossing the small tension ball straight up in the air and catching it.

"You're right, but I will annoy the living daylights out of you until you wish I would and then you'll finally agree to it." She tries to catch the ball mid-air, but I'm too quick for her.

"By starting with calling me a 'little whore.'" I'm not asking for clarification, I'm just stating the facts.

"Yes."

"And remind me, when was the last time I acted in a 'whore-like' manner?" She knows I'm a serial monogamist. "Not that there's anything wrong with that."

"It's a figure of speech." I give her the side-eye. "But seriously, I'll sign some sort of paper document thingy you draft. This will be the last time I set you up."

That's something she's never offered before. Since I'm a lawyer, and a quite good one at that, we both know I will make that contract airtight. "You promise?" I stop tossing the ball.

"Yes, only because I know I won't need to set you up again."

"I love the confidence, Sam. Really, love it." I chuckle.

"Just remember this moment." She pulls the ball from my hand and tosses it up for herself to catch.

***

TWO DAYS LATER - August 21st

***

Once I arrive, I go look for a booth in the pub. Sam set up the whole thing, time and day and even the pub. She told me he prefers booths in the back. Of all the things to tell me about my blind date, that's a weirdly specific thing for her to mention. The only other thing I know about this man is his name. His first name. Eric.

I feel rather indifferent as I make my way to the back of the richly toned mahogany-wooden room. I'm usually a chill person, I don't get nervous at all. It's probably a professional hazard, I can't let my opponents see me sweat. It's a nice pub, the smell of beer and crisps fill my nostrils. Smells like most other pubs. Then I pass the kitchen and get another whiff, smells quite good actually. Now I'm hungry.

I see a beautiful man sitting in a booth in the back. He has dark, curly hair and what look to be brown eyes. He's got a defined jawline and perfectly curved lips. His cute button nose seems softer than the rest of his face, but it somehow works and makes him look even more breathtaking. He looks a little familiar, maybe I've seen him with Sam before. Is this Eric? Now I might be nervous. I walk towards him, trying to knock the nerves right out of my system in the four seconds I have before I get there.

He looks up at me as I approach. "Eric?" I ask.

"Uh, yes. Matt?" He has an American accent. It's very hot. I nod. He stands up. Wow, he's tall, almost as tall as me, probably 6 feet even.

"Hi, it's uh, it's nice to meet you." I don't know what to do right now. Is this a handshake situation or a hug? Or nothing?

He leans in for a quick hug, I'm relieved he made that decision so quickly and effortlessly. That's not something I could do right now, there goes my whole chill vibe. My brain pauses all thought to appreciate how nice he smells. Notes of lavender, I think.

We sit down across from each other. "So, Sam told me you two are best friends? How long have you known her?"

"Yes, we are. We've been friends since primary school. What about you, how do you know her?"

"Through work." Sam is a film producer, she works on a lot of massive movies.

"Oh cool, what do you do?"

He seems a little nervous to answer. "I'm an actor."

Oh my gosh, how did I not recognize him? This is Eric Bennett. This generation's James Dean and Marylin Monroe combined. Turns out, he is in fact more gorgeous in person.

"Oh, of course. I didn't recognize you at first." I say. It's clear I now know who he is.

"I know, shorter and older looking in person." He shrugs off.

"No, no. I was just so in my head trying to figure out how to greet you that I didn't even take anything else in." I partially admit the truth, deciding to forgo telling him how stunning I find him and how nice he smells.

"Ah, I see."

"I'm sorry, truly. I promise I'm very much in the moment now. How old are you? If you don't mind me asking."

"25. And you?"

"You do not look older in person, by the way. And I'm 26. When's your birthday?" I blurt out another question.

"December 12th. And you?"

"August 17th." I answer. I fidget a little with my watch, he notices.

"Oh, happy belated birthday!" He says cheerily, I nod my thanks. "So... you were in your head, are you nervous?"

"Truth is, Sam always forces me into these blind dates, even though I kind of dread them."

"Oh this isn't the first time she's set you up?"

"Only twice before. And she agreed this would be the last time." I answer.

"How'd you get her to do that, she's not the type to back down."

"She's the one who offered, she's that confident in our pairing." I find myself already loosening up, the nerves going away.

He smiles at that, and for the first time I truly take in his beauty for what it is. It's not just his physical features, he has a certain something about him. As cliché as it is, he really has a presence that's undeniable. It's very alluring.

He's very alluring.

"And what about you?" He asks.

"What do you mean?"

"Do you feel confident in our pairing?"

"Well, I don't think I can answer that quite yet." I blush.

"No?" He grins.

"No. But I will say I have some faith in my dear friend Samantha. And, even though she gave me no information about you, she wouldn't just put us together for no reason."

"She told me lots about you."

"Is that so?" I raise my eyebrows, then prepare for his response.

"She told me that you're a lawyer, you're easy on the eyes, and that you're very awkward at first, but in a cute way." He says. "But I am curious, how can a lawyer be awkward? Isn't it part of your job to be a smooth talker?"

"It is. And I can. I think the best way I can explain it is that it's much like acting. I don't go to trial too often, but in many capacities of my job I can put on an act. And for the record, I'm usually not a nervous person, only rarely in settings like these." I'm scared at how much I hear myself sharing.

"Everyone thinks it's easy to be an actor." He rolls his eyes and looks a little annoyed.

Oh, no. I lean forward to sincerely apologize. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to offend you, and that's not what I meant!" I blurt out, making him laugh.

"I'm just messing with you. Sam was right, you are awkward." He grins. "In a cute way." He adds.

"Bugger off." I say, blushing hard. I lean back and give the hand movement to match the words. "I won't remain awkward for long, just you wait."

The waitress comes with menus and takes our drink order. She seems a little transfixed on my date.

"You're not one of those movie stars who only eat carrot sticks, are you?" I try to tease him back now.

"No. I prefer celery sticks." He smirks, raising his menu to look it over. He's witty. I like that. I like that he can match my playful jabs.

"You surprise me." I smile at him.

"Good. I wouldn't want people to think just because they see me on their screens they actually know me."

"Guarded, are we?" I quip, a hint of playful sarcasm.

"I think I'll get the roast, what about you?"

A chuckle escapes my throat. "I'll take that as a 'yes.' I'm gonna get the burger."

After we place our order, he starts up the conversation again. "Have any siblings?" He asks.

"A brother and a sister, both older." I answer.

"Ah, you're the baby."

"I may be the baby, but I think I act like the older sibling at times." I say. "What about you?"

"You mean you didn't look up my Wikipedia?" He teases.

"Well first off, I didn't know it would be you and therefore I couldn't search that." I take a sip of my drink. "And second, I'm not asking a computer, I'm asking you." I find myself responding quicker than my usual pace.

He seems to like that response. "I have one brother, two years younger."

"What does he do?"

"Engineer. Very smart. Very mellow. Not like me."

"Where are you from?"

"A small town in Pennsylvania, a little outside of Philly. Now I live in L.A. mostly. And you?"

"London, born and raised."

"Nobody, well, very few are actually from LA, not even their fillers." He quips. "Not that there's anything wrong with that." He clarifies himself, much more serious again. "I just meant to say it must be nice to live where you grew up."

"I understand. It is nice... Actually, now that I've met you, I have to ask." He sits back, preparing himself for whatever I'm about to ask. I pause and look around for dramatic effect. When I return, I make eye contact, a smile breaks. "Do celebrities really drink the blood of children to stay so youthful?" I mock.

He leans in and whispers. "No, but I get vampire facials pretty often."

"I knew it." I sigh. "But what's a vampire facial?" I ask, curious.

"Essentially, they take plasma from your own blood and then microneedle it back into your face." He explains, my eyes widen.

"Seriously? Is it painful?"

"Yes, and not too bad." He answers. "So, what kind of law do you practice?"

"Quite boring, vampire matters only." I joke, he chuckles. "Mostly corporate and entertainment law." I answer truthfully.

"Do you find it boring or do you just think others will?"

"I really love it, I don't think it's boring at all."

"Then that's what matters." He gives me the smallest smile.

A group of teenagers approach us. "Excuse me, are you Eric Bennett?"

"I am." He responds with a charming smile.

They all give each other excited looks. "Could we please get a few photos?"

He looks at me, clearly asking if I mind. "I can get a group photo for you lot." I offer.

"Thanks, mate." One kid says, passing his phone. Eric gets out of the booth and stands in the middle of the group. He asks their names and how old they are while I take some photos.

"Thank you." The kid takes his phone back. "Are you... are you his boyfriend?"

I don't know what to say. "He's a friend." Eric responds. "I'm far too busy for a relationship right now, I've got a movie to film."

Noted.

"Alright, thanks mate." One kid says.

"Have a good one." Another chimes in as they head out.

"You as well, it was lovely to meet you!" He waves goodbye. "Sorry about that." He says.

"Not a problem."

"Say that after the hundredth one of the day."

"I would." I say. "If it's a part of your job and you love it, that's what matters." I recall his own words.

"Not everyone would think that way. Some people I know - knew - got quite annoyed." It's the first time he has somewhat opened up about himself beyond a surface-level point.

"Why was that?"

"Because..." he catches himself before going in too much. "Because it's a lot. I don't mind it, it can actually be quite nice most of the time. I am lucky, but it is a lot."

"I bet."

Our food arrives, saving from an awkward unnatural change of topic.

"How long are you in town?" I ask while we begin eating. The burger smells so good, I can't wait to take a bite.

"I think another month, been here for a few weeks already."

"Then back to sunny Los Angeles?"

"Yes, indeed. But, honestly I kind of love this British weather."

"That's a first." I quip.

"I'm serious!" He laughs, taking a bite of his roast. "There's something about this city, it's really nice here. And the weather is not that bad."

"Glad one American thinks so. Are you not fond of LA?"

"It's good weather, but it gets hot. It's more so the energy of the people there. I try to escape to New York when I can, I have some more friends there."

"Where are your projects mostly based?"

"It really depends, sometimes it's LA, often it's Canada now. I'm in talks to do another project that would bring me back here, but it's a bit of a departure from my usual stuff so I'm not sure I'll even do it if I get it."

"Back to cheery 'ole England? I'm sure you'll do marvelous, whatever you decide to do."

He nods. "What about you? Do you ever travel for work?"

"Not a ton, but I do the occasional trip. Sometimes to America, sometimes just to our European friends."

"Do your parents still live in the city?"

"Yes, as do my siblings."

"Must be nice to have your family so close."

"It can be. Can also be bothersome at times."

"My family is still in Pennsylvania, I don't see them that much."

"Why didn't they move out to LA with you?"

"They like where they are." He looks down and doesn't elaborate.

The rest of the date goes quite well. He manages to expertly answer my questions without giving any real answer. I assume he's been trained by a team of lawyers and publicists and has years of experience with media interviews.

It's a good thing I'm a lawyer, I can match his answers with the same level of vagueness that still manages to politely answer the question. That might sound off-putting, but I don't mind, nor do I blame him. I mean, I did not exactly open up every page of my life for him either. Besides, what really draws me in more is his way of responding, the delivery, the tease in there. He has a wit to him that I find myself very attracted to.

"I've had a really nice time chatting with you." I say.

"I have as well. Sam seems to know what she's doing." He smiles at me, and I feel my stomach fall to my feet.

"I'd like to make an amendment to something I said earlier." I say. He raises an eyebrow. "I'm fairly confident in Sam's abilities now."

His smile brightens, I didn't realize that was an option.

The check comes, I grab it right away.

"Shall we split?" He asks.

"When can I see you again?" I ask confidently, ignoring his offer.

"I don't mind paying my share." He says.

"I appreciate it, but please allow me."

"Alright, that's very kind. Thank you." Eric gives in.

"So are you gonna answer my question?"

"I'm filming the next week straight."

"I understand." I say, disheartened. Maybe he didn't feel the connection as much as me. But I thought we both liked each other quite a bit.

"But I don't want to wait a full week to see you again." He finishes his thought. My heart lifts up so high I'm practically flying. "Would there be any possibility you could visit me on set the day after tomorrow? I think I have a break around four in the afternoon.

"I'll be there. Send me the location." I hand him my card with my number on it.

"Tell me, do you give all the boys and girls your business card? Or am I lucky?"

"Only you." I answer truthfully. "And my hundreds of clients."

We get up to leave. I'm normally reserved, but I can't hold back with him. I lean in and give him a quick hug.

"I had a lovely time chatting with you." I tell him.

"Same here."

Outside, there's a black car waiting for him. He gets right in and waves goodbye as what appears to be security closes the door and gets in on the passenger side.

I head home to my flat, grinning like a cheeky little kid. I think of only Eric on my way. But he's American. He lives thousands of miles away. And he's too busy for a relationship, he said it himself.

***

Eric's Point of View - August 23rd

"He's gonna be here any minute. Please, for the love of God, do not scare him away." I warn and beg my manager and best friend, Liz.

"Well, he needs to be briefed if this is something that needs briefing..." She's fishing for more details.

"It may develop into that. I won't lie. But when am I gonna get the time? Plus, he's British."

"Understood. Can you at least tell me if he's cute?" I blush, giving away the answer to that question. "Ah, so he's a cute British lawyer, what a problem for you." She gives me a sassy look, then pulls out a copy of my NDA. "He has to sign this. I'm still mad you didn't take it on the first date." She says, her protective nature clearly taking over.

"I didn't say anything that anyone doesn't already know, I promise. And I'm sure he will. Just please, keep it chill and don't intimidate him with this set."

"I promise I'll be gentle." She smirks. "But if he's intimidated by this, by you, then he's not it, babe."

"Note taken."

Thankfully, he arrives during a small break I have between scenes.

"Hey Eric, it's lovely to see you again." He greets me with his smile that's so beautiful I forget how to reply. He gives me a quick, light hug. Heaven, he smells wonderful. Masculine and strong, a hint of vanilla too.

"Hi Matt, I'm so glad you could come." We let go of each other. "This is my manager, and best friend, Liz."

"It is nice to meet you, Liz. I'm Matt." He holds out his hand.

"Nice to meet you as well." She replies, shaking his hand. "Before I forget, can you please sign this." She hands him the NDA. "I assume they had you sign some before entering the set, this one is specifically regarding Eric and any past, present, or current information he shares with you etcetera. I'm sure you understand, being a lawyer."

"Of course." He takes the pen she offers him and reads the document before signing it. "To be honest, not to give unrequested legal advice, but this is something that should've been handled before our meal the other day." He looks at me. "I'm not a blabbering arse, but you never know."

"I told him that but he simply refused." Liz responds, immediately warming up to him after that statement.

"Is that why he gave all those media-friendly responses?" He grins at Liz.

"Yes, I trained him well, didn't I?" She laughs. She shoots me a glance that tells me she's already impressed, as if I couldn't already tell.

"You did." He smiles politely. "Thanks for inviting me. Quite cool to see this set." He tells both of us.

"Have you been on a set before? With Sam?" I ask.

"I have not. This is my first time."

"Well, I have to get back to shooting earlier than expected, they just told me otherwise I would've warned you not to come, I'm so sorry. But Liz can give you a tour if you want to stay and wait?" I say apologetically.

"No worries, it happens. A tour sounds lovely." He turns to Liz. "Only if you don't mind, please let me know if I'm a nuisance."

"I don't mind, it's quite a welcome change of pace from babysitting this one."

"Babysitting?" I tilt my head and narrow my eyes at her.

"I'm sure it's not an easy job." He chimes in playfully.

"Okay I really have to go." I say, hurrying towards the door where outside a P.A. is frantically pacing.

The afternoon schedule is a complete mess, nothing goes as it should. After many delays and hours of shooting, I find Liz chatting with some crew. No Matt around, understandably. He has probably gone home. It's already after nine. I don't blame him, it's where I want to be right now too.

"Hey guys." I say, joining the conversation for a few minutes. Once Liz and I finally make our exit, I ask her what I've been dying to ask this entire time. "So when did Matt leave? How did it go?"

"It was great, he asked a lot of genuine questions about the inner workings of a set. And my job." She gave a quick giggle. "So many you'd think he wanted it for himself."

"He asked me a lot of questions too." I smile, thinking about how cute his genuine interest to learn how things work is.

"It was charming, he is charming. And nice. I see why he is friends with Sam, and why you two would be a good fit."

"So when did he leave? Did he say anything?"

"Oh, he didn't leave. He's in your trailer, he had to make a few calls for work earlier so I told him to go in there. I hope you don't mind, I figured you wouldn't."

My spirits lift. "He stayed? It's been over five hours."

"I know. He must really like you." I blush. We reach my trailer. "Okay, let me chat with the AD really quickly, then we'll head out." She says.