Maverick Effect (Chapter 9)

The party was underway. But it was all high society style. The music was soft, barely heard, almost as bad as elevator music. People mingled around. Music excs, song writers, celebrities. A young girl walked into the hall and called to everyone.

“Excuse me everyone. First of all I hope you are enjoying yourself. I came to announce that he has arrived.”

Just a few seconds after she said this Lily swung the double doors open and looked around the crowd a once over. Satisfied she stepped aside. Maverick walked through the door with Angie on one arm and Mari on the other. The gathered crowd started applauding. Maverick smiled at the room and nodded greeting. Inwardly he could barely hide his disgust. He knew most of these people were here to try and kiss up to him, not because they actually cared about him or respected him. They all wanted something, money, copyrights, advertising, something. Angie whispered softly to him,

“Be nice. I know you don’t like these parties. You stay for a little while, make your pleasantries and we’ll leave.”

Maverick replied, still fake smiling and nodding greeting at people as they walked through the crowd,

“That damn little blonde popstar better not be here again. If she is, it will be the third time and she annoys the hell out of me.”

Maverick then slipped out from Angie and Mari’s arms and began what he called “the other show.” He greeted various people, shaking hands and trading small talk.

“Maverick!”

Maverick turned and looked to see the very same popstar he had dreading walking toward him through the crowd. He swore under his breath. Lily touched his arm lightly as she walked by to greet one of the security council leaders.

“Patience Mav.”

Maverick sighed inwardly and resigned himself to hearing about which boyband star was pissing off the girl this week.

About ten minutes later Maverick was trying to figure out if he’d be able to plead insanity to throttling her. He was just figuring out the last details of his plead to the court when he felt a gentle touch on his arm.

“Hello Maverick. You wouldn’t mind if I borrowed him for a little while would you. Thank you.”

Natalie then grabbed his arm and steered him away before the blonde could reply. Mav sighed deeply.

“Thanks Princess.”

Natalie looked over at him and smirked.

“I play a princess in one movie and you never let me forget it.”

Maverick laughed softly.

“Not likely love. But thank you for your save. I was considering the…

“The details of pleading insanity to throttling her.”

“Yeah, how did you know?”

“You’re not the only one that’s had to sit through one of her one sided conversations.”

“At least she never kept hitting on you and telling you that you and her should go out sometime.”

Natalie looked at him and gave him a bemused smile,

“Are you sure about that?”

Maverick stopped walked for a second and his mouth dropped open slighly. He was rarely caught off guard.

“I know she’s always looking for wood in the forest, but you’re telling me she rolls in the grass too?”

Natalie laughed and hit him lightly in the shoulder.

“Nice way to put it but yes she does. I couldn’t honestly believe it the first time she hit on me. I don’t have any idea how she hides it from the tablodies.”

Maverick smirked darkly,

“I could suggest a few reasons the writers don’t print anything but I’ll be nice.”

Natalie smiled again and kissed him lightly.

“It was good to see you again.”

“You’re not going so soon are you Ms. Portman? Please join us. We’re not much for the parties and the night is still young.”

Lily smiled at Natalie as she took Maverick’s arm. Angie and Mari came over to Maverick as well. Natalie looked at Maverick but he just smirked at her and held out his hand. Natalie smiled at him and took his hand as she looked at Lily.

“Sure. I’d love to join you.”

One of the music executives looked over to see Maverick walking out the door with four girls gathered around him. He shook his head, nodding toward Maverick to his colleage.

“How does he do it?”

“Don’t ask me. If I knew I’d be doing the same thing.”

 

-Damien