One Wish

CHAPTERFIVE

From the moment we arrive at the movie theatre’s entrance, we’re assaulted by flashing lights. I blink, my head automatically turning to shield my eyes. How do they cope with this every day? It’s a wonder they’re not blind.

“What are you doing?” Eli asks when he notices that I’m reaching for the door handle.

Perplexed, I frown at him. “I’m getting out the car…?”

Eli barks out a laugh like it’s the funniest thing he’s heard all day. “You never let yourself out of the car, so why now? Besides, it’s not correct etiquette.”

Ignoring the jab at me never letting myself out, I reply, “There’s an etiquette?”

Laughter continues as the driver opens the door for me and soon after, Eli is there waiting to take my hand. He flashes me the most precious smile—a smile that seems so out of character after the way he’s been speaking to me. At the hotel he seemed almost callous, but right now his smile lights up his gorgeous sea green eyes. Eyes that only seem to hold the utmost love and devotion to his wife sitting before him.

I feel like an imposter as I take his hand and he helps me out of the car. An imposter in an extremely foreign body. This doesn’t seem right to me. I’m Kendra Banks, famous model who’s used to being in front of the camera; who’s used to all this attention. But right now, all I can think about is how much I wish I were at home, away from prying eyes, cozying up on the couch in my jim-jams and feasting on popcorn as I watch one of Eli’s movies. The only excitement I have about being here is that I get to see this brand new movie that I have been dying to see for… well, I have no clue how long. I just feel it in my gut that it’s true, yet, for some reason… I’m the bad guy. A truth that I’m learning quickly, considering Eli seems to think so. I’ve been labelled a drunk, when in my heart, I know that’s not true. It’s also been insinuated that I don’t care, when also in my heart, I know I haven’t got a bad bone in my body. All this and more has been swirling in my head since I woke up this morning, but as my eyes scan up to the huge sign that reads Tonight, we present to you, famous Hollywood star Eli Prescott’s new Movie, When Love Finds A Way, my heart does a merry little dance—all my troubles all but forgotten.

Shrill screams of young girls are blasting from the crowds as we make our way to the theatre, light continually blinding us as we reach for the entrance. My stomach churns with excitement with each step we take. So much so, I don’t even realize I’m getting way ahead of myself until Eli gently tugs on my hand, drawing my attention to a male reporter whose eyes are completely focused on Eli.

“Mr. Prescott, how are you feeling about tonight?” the reporter asks, shoving a microphone into Eli’s face, the cameraman poised right next to him, hoping to get that all important video shot.

Eli pauses a second, causing everyone to remain silent, hanging on his every word. “The hours were a bitch and I almost got stampeded by Ralph, the pig, but luckily managed to escape before he trampled on me.”

Everyone chuckles, but all I do is gape at him, mouth slightly parted. I remember hearing something about a rumpus with a naughty pig, which adds comedic value to the love story of a rich, big-city roller who stumbles across this small town and ends up falling in love with a farm girl.

“They say never work with children and animals,” another reporter announces. “Would you say that’s true?”

Eli chuckles under his breath. “After getting snouted by Ralph, my man parts would certainly agree.”

Another round of laughter and then a female voice shouts, “Kendra, how are you feeling about watching a movie where critics are saying the kissing scene is one of the hottest they’ve ever watched?”

It takes a moment for me to realize that the reporter is addressing me. My eyes widen slightly, but I try and focus. The real Kendra Banks wouldn’t miss a beat.

Placing my hand on Eli’s arm, I smile back at the reporter. “The only thing I would say to that is I’m immensely proud of him. If critics are saying that, then it’s only right my husband is one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood.”

I hear a couple of women say, “Aww,” but what really takes me aback is the look on Eli’s face when he glances my way. He seems almost surprised that I would say such a thing. Am I really that much of a bitch?

“Kendra, we heard that you could be the new face of Maybelline New York. Can you tell us a little more about that? Are the rumors true?”

I almost choke on my own saliva. New face of Maybelline! Really? I can’t answer as I have no idea. But then I realize where I am and who I’m with.

Placing the palm of my hand on Eli’s chest, I smile adoringly. “Tonight isn’t about me. It’s all about Eli. Now, if you’ll excuse us, I’m very eager to see my husband in action—especially with Ralph.”

A few giggles are heard and some questions are fired our way, but Eli grabs the hand I have on his chest and kisses it tenderly as we make our way toward the movie theatre’s entrance.

“Thank you for that,” he says earnestly.

I frown up at him, surprised. “Why would you need to thank me? It’s only what a wife should do for her husband. You need my support tonight and I’m here for it.”

A deep frown creases the top of his forehead, making him look a little childlike. His eyes sparkle, but there’s a hidden depth to them that I can’t put my finger on. Some cloud of darkness, slowly lingering at the very depths. A type of sadness that has me wanting to explore the reason why. Why do you look so sad, Eli?

The blinding lights of the cameras quickly fade but are soon replaced by the wanton attention of a load of men in suits.

Where are all the women?

As all of them fuss over Eli, I take my time glancing across the foyer until my eyes land on a beautiful woman I recognize from somewhere. She’s an actress, I know that for sure. Long chestnut hair, full red pouty lips, and hips that jut out like Shakira’s. What I wouldn’t kill for hips like those.

The actress must sense that eyes are upon her because she turns her gaze on me, her smile wavering the moment she spots me. Her eyes narrow like she’s secretly plotting which would be the best ways to kill me. Great, another person who hates me. Am I really that bad?

“Sofia!” I hear someone shout, and when her head turns to the sound of the voice, I realize. This is Sofia Taylor, famous actress, and the other half of such a hot kissing scene between her and my husband.