Spoiled by the Silver Fox

Occasionally, they'd grasp a piece of hay in their hands, playfully challenging each other to see whose straw could withstand the most tension before snapping-a silly little game, yet they were wholly engrossed in it, laughter echoing in the air. Stephanie watched from a short distance, her face a collage of amusement and bewilderment.

"Don't bother them," Emmert advised her gently, a knowing smile creasing his face. "Happiness for these kids is found in the simplest of joys."

Stephanie just shook her head and sighed, gazing up at the vast expanse of blue sky above.

As dusk settled in, wrapping up a successful day of shooting, Stephanie, now free of makeup and costume, dialed Sebastian.

She was perplexed; the last time they'd parted, everything seemed fine between them. But now, just a couple of days later, Sebastian's icy demeanor left her utterly confused.

"Hey Silver Fox, can you swing by and pick me up?" she asked.

"No can do."

"Are you swamped with work? Working late again?" she probed, recalling that overtime wasn't typically his thing.

"Yeah."

His curt responses were unlike him. Was he really that busy?

Stephanie tried a different angle. "Oh, alright then. I was just thinking, since Gracie's pregnant, that's big news, and I figured we should swing by and check on her together. But since you're tied up, I guess I'll just take Emily and go." "Why should I have to visit her with you just because she's pregnant?" Sebastian's voice held a note of irritation.

"Because it's a big deal! It's the kind of news that brings families together. I mean, my mom's out of the picture since she's not close with Gracie, but you and Gracie go way back. It would show we care, you know?" "We?" Sebastian's voice was tinged with sarcasm. "Who's 'we'?"

"You and me, of course!" Stephanie replied, utterly baffled by Sebastian's strange behavior.

"With me? Is that so? Since we're 'family,' I guess there's no need to inform me about scandals or to offer any explanations. Tell me, Stephanie, do you really consider me family?"

Stephanie's confusion deepened. "What? Have I been caught up in a scandal again? I don't recall. You already know about the car accident, right?"

"Do you think so?"

"Is that what you're upset about?"

"I'm not angry."

"Yes, you are!"

Sebastian was speechless."If there's something bothering you, just tell me. I didn't bring up the accident because I had been drinking and I felt guilty promised I wouldn't drink when you're not around. But it was Mr. Finnegan's birthday, everyone was having a good time, so thad a few drinks. I didn't want to upset you. Besides, it's not like you're entirely blameless. I nearly had an accident and you never even called to check on me! If I hadn't called you, would you have just cut off all contact?"

"Stephanie. So now you're making mistakes and still standing your ground?" His tone was incredulous.

"I stand by it. And for the record, I haven't stirred up any

scandals

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lately. If there's any buzz, it's just the paparazzi making stuff up! I've been good You don't praise me, fine, but to give me this attitude? Now I'm the one who's mad!"

Sebastian thought, "So should I apologize to you?"

"So, are you coming to pick me up and go visit Gracie with me, or not?"

"I'm not coming."

"Fine, then don't bother."

With that, Stephanie ended the call, her frustration evident in the sharp click of the disconnect.