radicalducati Chapter 272: Are You Free?
Chapter 272: Are You Free?
Bianca paused, recalling that Paige’s previous invitation to the hot spring resort had been a covert attempt to set her up with Blake. With a faint frown, she responded, “Sorry, Blake, I already have plans tonight.”
“Is it with your boyfriend?” Blake asked, a note of concern entering his voice.
“No, not really…” Bianca lied, catching the worried crease on Blake’s brow. Tilting her head, she asked, “Blake, why do you keep mentioning my boyfriend today?”
“Just curious,” Blake replied, his eyes shifting away.
“That’s all? I should get going.” Bianca gave him a small smile and walked into her office, closing the door behind her. Blake remained, looking unsettled.
At 2 p.m., Bianca called Reese and Blake into her office.
“What’s up, Bianca?” Reese asked, standing across from her.
Blake stayed silent, frowning.
Bianca regarded the attractive pair and smiled.
“You two have been training for a while now. I’m considering putting you on the talent show Star Search. It’s your moment to shine.”
“Star Search?” Reese’s eyes sparkled as she pressed her hands to her chest. “The big talent show that happens every two years? The one that made Nicolas Foster famous?”
“Yes, that’s the one.” Bianca smiled gently and continued, “It’s the biggest and most popular talent show. I’ve been negotiating with the crew for a month, and today, they finally agreed to let you both join. Start preparing; the show is approaching soon. Winning could open up a bright future for you.”
“I won’t let you down, Bianca!” Reese replied, her face aglow with excitement. Blake, however, seemed distracted.
Bianca turned to Blake.
“Blake?” she called, but he didn’t answer. She raised her voice, “Blake!”
That snapped him back, and he looked up at her.
“Were you daydreaming? Did you hear what I just said?” Bianca asked, sensing something was wrong.
“Yeah, I heard. The talent show, right? I’ll be there,” Blake replied, sounding disinterested.
Bianca frowned and asked, “Don’t you want to go?”
“No,” Blake answered flatly, giving her a quick glance. “If that’s all, I’m leaving.”
Bianca was surprised by his chilly demeanor but couldn’t find words, so she just nodded.
As Blake left, Reese turned to Bianca. “What’s with him? He didn’t seem happy. Does he... not want to be in the talent show with me?”
“No, that’s not like Blake. Don’t worry about it,” Bianca assured her.
Reese nodded and left the office, leaving Bianca alone with her thoughts, her expression growing more serious.
When Bianca was about to leave work, she ran into Blake.
He was carrying a large canvas bag over his shoulder. When he saw Bianca, he stopped.
“Hey, Blake, didn’t you say this morning that Mrs. Lopez wanted to have dinner with me? My plans got canceled, so I’m free now. Want to grab dinner instead?”
Blake looked away for a moment before replying, “You said you had plans, so she’s already out with a friend tonight.”
“What about you? Are you free? It’s my treat,” Bianca offered, smiling warmly.
Blake looked up, clearly surprised.
“You’ve been a great help to me before, and I’ve wanted to thank you,” Bianca said, still smiling.
Blake hesitated a moment before answering, “I... yeah, I’m free.” He glanced away, a small smile forming on his lips.
Bianca’s grin widened.
They headed to the top floor of a mall, where Bianca’s favorite French restaurant was. She was eager to share her favorite dessert with Blake.
As they sat down, Bianca looked at Blake with curiosity. “What do you think of Reese?” she asked.
Blake hesitated before responding, “Well, I don’t really know her well. We’re just friends.”
Bianca’s smile turned a little playful. “Did it bother you that I paired you with her for the talent show today?”
Blake’s eyes widened, and he paused before answering, “No, it’s not that.”
Bianca’s smile softened. “So, you were just upset?”
Blake was at a loss for words, surprised at how easily Bianca could unsettle him.
He looked down and bit his lip. “The food’s getting cold. Let’s eat,” he deflected, starting his meal without answering her question.
Bianca didn’t press him. She said sincerely, “Blake, you’re not just an artist at my company; you’re a dear friend. If you’re troubled, don’t hold it in. Share it with me. We can get through it together. Reese is a great girl. It’ll be good for you to connect with her more, especially with the show coming up. Being new to showbiz is tough. She could use your support, and she really seems to care about you.”
Blake set down his fork, looked Bianca directly in the eyes, and cut her off. “Bianca, you’re my agent. I’ll follow your professional advice. But my personal life? That’s not included. Let’s not talk about this again.”
Bianca was startled by his candor.
She realized she’d overstepped by getting involved in his private life. She had no response.
After a brief pause, she said softly, “Okay, I won’t bring it up again. But as your friend, I just want you to be happy. Unlike other agencies, I don’t control artists’ personal lives. I believe talent, not a fake image, should attract fans. So, if there’s someone special, go for it. You have my full support.”
Blake let out a quiet chuckle, as if amused by her words.
Bianca, puzzled, noticed him watching her with bright, clear eyes.
“Do you really not know who I’m interested in, Bianca, or are you just pretending?” he asked.
Bianca felt a sudden wave of anxiety, a voice in her head warning her to stop asking questions.
So, she chose to keep eating. The atmosphere between them grew tense and awkward.
Blake sensed her discomfort and quietly finished his meal, looking downcast.
After dinner, they walked through the mall, chatting but pointedly avoiding the topic they’d just discussed.
It was as if it had never happened.
As Bianca glanced around, memories surged. She recalled her first time visiting this mall with Dave, full of laughter and playful shopping trips.
A smile slipped onto her face before she noticed it.
Suddenly, a memory surfaced—Dave using a fake VIP card to embarrass her rival, Carla. That hilarious moment had ended with Bianca receiving a stunning dress worth 560,000 for free.
Lost in thought, Bianca found herself drifting toward the entrance of a clothing store.