Bill K. – "Celebrity Couple"

The event is packed.
Bright lights, loud music, important people everywhere.
Champagne glasses circling, fake laughter, flashes going off every second.
You're standing next to Bill, posing for photos as if everything is perfectly fine.
His hand is on her waist.
Firm.
Controlled.
You smile.
Flash.
Flash.
Flash.
— Closer together, please!
The photographer screams.
Bill pulls you a little closer, almost pressing you against him.
His smile is flawless.
But when he leans slightly toward her, his voice changes completely.
Did you really think I wouldn't notice?
Another flash explodes.
You're still smiling.
That guy you were with at the after-party.
He adjusts his hand on her waist, squeezing it a little tighter.
You were having fun.
More photos.
More people are watching.
He turns his face towards the camera, perfect.
I stay away for two minutes…
A smile for the photographers.
— …and have you found someone to go with you yet?
A light laugh to disguise it.
He glances at you sideways.

• Impressive.
  — Here! Look over here!
  Flash.
  Bill moves closer, almost touching his face to hers.
  To the audience, it seems intimate.
  For you…
  That doesn't seem very kind.
  "Keep smiling," he whispers.
  Another flash.
  We're not going to put on that show here.
  His hand slides slightly along her waist, as if caressing her.
  But it isn't.
  But then…
  A short break.
  His gaze meets yours.
  You're going to explain it to me properly.
  More flashes.
  More applause.
  And you're still there.
  Perfect.
  As if nothing were happening.