A few days later I fidgeted with the skirt of my dress, smoothing the slick surface, catching glimpses of myself in the theater windows. I was waiting for my date, who’d promised to meet me here, and now I stood, dressed like a wannabe Hollywood starlet, feeling wave after wave of anxiety roll over me.
I tried to accept that I deserved to be here, on this side of the cameras and bright lights. As a participant, strolling down the red carpet that’d been rolled from the street to the front door. That I was part of the reason for the excitement that tinged in the air, but it was hard. I’d spent so long trying to stay out of the public eye, to keep a low profile and just work, never realizing days like this would be part of it.
My phone buzzed.
Five minutes. Sorry. Traffic sucks!
If Hayden was surprised that I asked him here tonight, he didn’t express it verbally. Probably because I told him that he was the only one that knew how to handle an event like this. That his fans would be happy to get a glimpse of his healed face and steadier walk. Jackson watched me closely when I invited him, blue eyes curious. Did he question my motives? Jackson may be pretty, but he wasn’t stupid. I guess the big question was, did he tell the guys what had happened between us?
I didn’t ask.
Because in the end, I’d decided not to use this night as part of my wish for closure. This night was about me and my present. My future. My work. And I needed someone savvy on my side to help me get through it.
The premiere was being held at the Fox, a historic theater with a huge entry and elaborately detailed architecture. Photographers, fans, and guests all mingled in the large hallway. Even with our newfound fame as a tiny piece of Hollywood, an event like this was rare for Allendale. The producers of Creature Feature felt like they wanted to give back to the town that’d supported them so thoroughly. The result was that they went all out, turning this into a major event.
Me and big events never went over well, so I tried to blend in while not looking too awkward, something I surely didn’t accomplish. Again, I fussed with my skirt, relieved when a commotion by the street caught everyone’s attention. I craned my neck and saw a long black limousine idling at the curb. Security pushed back the photographers and press, and through a small gap I caught a glimpse of familiar black and purple hair followed by a breathtakingly handsome man with a freshly shorn cut.
RJ and Lea.
Together.
Making an entrance.
This was big. Really big.
I pushed up on my toes hoping to get a better glimpse, my heart beating for them with every click of the camera. I knew that feeling—the oppressive sense of being watched. Observed. Security swept them down the aisle and Lea caught my eye, stopping RJ in his tracks.
“Heaven!” she shouted. RJ turned and spoke with a fan, taking the photograph out of her hands and signing it.
I waved just as RJ looked my way. His smile widened, genuine. He waved me forward. I shook my head, throat clogged with panic. I should have taken a pill. Something to quell my nerves. RJ spoke with his assistant and the roped-off area was opened and suddenly I was ushered forward. I stopped short, toes on the edge.
“What are you doing over there?” Lea asked. “We’re supposed to come down the carpet.”
“I’m waiting on…” I searched for the term. Definitely not boyfriend. Friend? Ex-lover? But I didn’t need it. Hayden appeared down the carpet, looking every bit as handsome as RJ and his fellow actors. No one stopped him, because in that tuxedo, with his hair slicked back and the flirty smile on his lips, he looked like he belonged on that red carpet as much as anyone else.
A ripple of recognition rolled through the crowd. Hayden Pierce. Atlanta United’s star player was here. Healthy-looking despite a small limp. He didn’t bring his crutches. RJ smiled broadly, proud.
“You invited Hayden?” Lea asked. She’d still never met him and she took in his every movement, every feature.
Hayden’s eyes were focused on me, sweeping over my dress, my hair, settling on my face. “I did.”
“Hey, man,” RJ said, shaking his hand and introducing himself. Security used the distraction as a chance to shuffle me on the carpet, pushing me into the spotlight. Fans and the press started shouting, wanting Lea’s name. Wanting RJ’s attention. Asking Hayden a million questions. Cameras flashed and I blinked, feeling the panic rise. It wasn’t the same. It wasn’t, but…
A warm hand clenched against my waist. I looked up and noticed him squint into the flashing lights.
?
?Sorry I was late,” he said, applying the slightest bit of pressure. “I haven’t worn nice shoes in a month and with my ankle still swollen, I had to borrow Oliver’s.”
“It’s fine. You look great.”
“Looks like I got here just in time for the big appearance.”
“I figured we could skip out on all this,” I said, wondering if he could hear me over the roar of fans, particularly the high-pitched squeal of teenaged girls. RJ was immensely popular. Lea shined next to him. Comfortable, like they were meant to be like this next to one another.
Hayden grinned, wide and breathtaking, although I noticed the small line between his eyes. “You don’t get to skip out on things like this, Heaven, but don’t worry, this isn’t my first time.”
“Are you okay?”