"You know… it was my only way of getting your full attention." James said in a low voice sending shivers down Martin's spine.
Martin gauged one hand on the steering wheel and used his other hand to push James away from his shoulder and hissed. "That's just many ways to make you an egghead. You acted like a total jerk. You even complained that you want soup! You were whining like a pregnant woman."
James laughed and said.
"Take a left turn."
Martin's both hands gripped the wheel and swerved left entering a narrow street path.
A moment later, Martin shuddered and said, "does this road really take us to Le'snore?"
James ignored the question and swiped out a pack of cigarettes from the lock in the car and he picked one, leaving it in-between his lips.
"This is just a short cut." He finally answered Martin's question after a long silence and Martin stared at him deeply before turning away.
"You smoke?"
"I'm trying to quit."
Martin hesitated for a moment but decided to ask. "Did it start as an actor?" Martin did not know that James is an actor, he had actually guessed and turns out— his guess was correct.
James suddenly seemed to smile widely.
"You're very smart."
Most at times, for actors to give out the necessary feelings— realistically, they needed to actually learn some things. For example, smoking in order to make the movie look more like the real deal, instead of crap editing. That's why James fell prey to this insatiable bad habit.
Martin noticed that James played with the unburned cigar in his lips, only to eventually throw it out of the window, and keep the pack back in the lock panel, almost as if he's trying to reserve some sticks for an emergency.
The sports car burst out of an open highway and bolted forward, only for the unmistakable sign of the prestigious hotel, Le'snore to appear from a distance. Martin sighed and checked his phone.
"2am. You owe me! I'm supposed to be at home by now. You know what, next time don't come to our bar, at least I won't have to work so late at night."
Paxton wined down the window and stuck his face out of it, allowing the cold chilling wind to hit his face, actually sobering him up a bit. He wasn't too drunk, but at least, he was able to get himself.
Finally, he turned towards Martin and asked. "What is your name?"
"Martin Luther."
James smiled, calling the name. "Martin.." almost as if he did not want to forget it. As a celebrity, it is normal for a lot of people to tell him their names— and yet, James would never remember even one.
He grinned widely and extended his hands for a handshake. "I'm James Paxton."
Martin did not take his hands, instead he slapped it down, reminding him that he's currently driving and any misconduct could result in an accident, which he doesn't want.
James did not get offended, instead he was beaming excitedly.
Martin's phone suddenly rang and he grabbed it.
Kevin.
"Yes Kevin."
The man at the other end was silent for a moment and then, in a rush he spoke.
"I'm sorry."
Martin took a deep breath.
"Kevin, it's three minutes after two and I'm still driving a drunk man home."
Now, James got offended, his expression twisting into a frown but he did not interrupt the conversation.
Kevin himself was busy and the noise in the background—keyboard clicking, Martin realized that the man was still in the bar. He was sorting out the cash— probably. Something the Cashier would have done easily, except— he didn't want her or the others to do the work yesterday.
"I'll not be coming back. After dropping him, I'll stay the night at the hotel. I can't drive back home or hail a cab."
James suddenly looked excited at that statement and his excitement was oblivious to Martin who gently spoke, and drove with a powerful focus.
"I'll see you tomorrow then."
BEEP! BEEP!
The line disconnected and at the same time, Martin slammed his feet on the brake causing the tyres of the car to squeal and skid.
Then slowly, he parked into the garage and got out of the car with the annoying celebrity following him. They got into the suite and James quickly grabbed his keys from the receptionist.
Martin followed him upstairs.
When they reached room 307, Martin stopped right at the entrance and sighed. He said; "you're ok, right? You should be able to get a good sleep now. I'll go book a room next to you and tomorrow, you're giving me every cash you have with you."
Martin turned to leave but James suddenly grabbed his wrist stopping him from going anywhere.
"You're not planning to ditch me, are you?"
Martin was stunned.
"I'm going to book a room."
James shook his head. "Stay with me, don't waste your money."
Martin immediately forced his wrist out of James' hold and he gritted his teeth. "It's my money, let me waste it."
James chuckled softly and said. "Do you even know how much a single night here costs? You can go find out, I won't stop you. But you'll be the one coming to me instead."
And like an angry wife, James slammed the door on Martin's face, actually shocking the younger man.