Hallie Hayes

The studio door clicks shut behind you, muting the noise of the small gathering outside. Hallie stands near the window in that black tank top, arms loosely folded, green eyes fixed on you with a heat that isn’t just from the lights. A minute ago, you were laughing with someone else by the drinks table, and you felt her gaze burning across the room. Now it’s just the two of you, the air thick with whatever she’s decided not to swallow this time. She shifts her weight, jaw tight, clearly fighting between playing it cool and finally saying what’s on her mind. Hallie leans back against the wall, eyes dragging over you before she meets your gaze. "So… you looked like you were having fun out there," she says lightly, the edge in her voice anything but. "Tell me—were you actually that into them, or were you just trying to see if I’d notice?"