The Fame Game

“I need a job,” Nico says. “It’s been eight months since I worked, and no one will talk to me without an agent.”

“I’m with my nephew. I have to get him in the shower before his mom comes to pick him up.”

“Aunt Willow,” Ethan groans, as if I’m embarrassing him. He taps me on the side and points a finger up at Nico.

“Ethan is a big fan,” I admit. “Would you mind signing something for him?”

His handsome face brightens, and he bends down to Ethan’s height. “How would you like to come to a movie premiere?”

Ethan’s eyes bug out of his head. “Really? Are you serious?”

Nico nods. “Do you think Aunt Willow will want to come, too?”

He peeks up at me and winks.

“Yes!” Ethan pulls on my shirt. “Can we go? Please, please.”

Nico looks up and into my eyes, and I practically melt under his gaze. Those eyes, that sexy grin, and pretty much everything about him makes it hard for me to focus. Why does he have to look at me like… that?

“We can go,” I tell Ethan. “But we need another ticket for your mom.”

Ethan wraps his arms around my stomach and hugs me.

“Thank you. You’ve made his year.”

And possibly mine.

Chapter Seven

Willow

I’m at the premiere of Flashbang. My inner fangirl is cheering like a crazy lady, though I’m doing my best to hide my giddiness. A rush of emotions floods through me, making it impossible to contain my excitement. But I have to act like a professional. I’ve attended events with Burke over the past five years, but never as an agent.

My family dressed up for the occasion. Ethan is wearing an adorable tuxedo my sister rented. He plays with the baby blue bow tie like he wants to rip it off. Every time Ethan spots another movie star, he points and screams their name.

“It’s Tony Pirelli.” Ethan tugs on my arm. “Can we meet him?”

“I don’t know him,” I admit. “But we can try to talk to him.”

Tony is a live-action star who played Nico’s younger brother in Off-road. The advance reviews were brutal. They said Tony’s performance was superior to Nico’s.

“When can we see Nico?” Ethan asks.

“He should be here any minute, Little Man.”

“I’m dying to meet him,” Savanna says, her eyes fixed on the red carpet. “He’s so hot.”

“Hot doesn’t even do Nico justice,” I whisper.

Savanna chuckles.

Bright lights flash all around us. The long red carpet spans the length of the sidewalk in front of the Chinese theater. Camera crews and paparazzi surround us, snapping one picture after the other. Fans and tourists are on the opposite side of the street, screaming every time another celebrity appears.

As one limo disappears, another replaces it. Dozens of movie stars, models, and singers are in attendance. The crowd is electric, their energy so intense you can feel it dance along your skin.

Savanna clings to my side, her fingers threaded between mine and Ethan’s, with a wide grin plastered on her face. She looks like she wants to jump out of my skin. This is her first movie premiere.

My older sister chose a gorgeous silky red gown that flows down to her ankles. Her long, blonde hair is curled at the ends, spilling over her shoulders. The diamond earrings her ex-husband bought for her sparkle when the light hits them. She looks like a million bucks. Before her divorce, Savanna was a pampered housewife. Now, she has to work two jobs to pay the bills.

“He’s here! He’s here!” Ethan chants the words as he jumps up and down.

Savanna clutches his shoulder to calm him down.

I wait with my family on the other side of the ropes. Nervous energy shoots through my body as the driver opens Nico’s door. A few seconds pass, and I wonder what’s up with Nico. I hope he doesn’t tumble out of the limo drunk. My stomach clenches at the thought.

And when a beautiful woman slides out of the car, I hold my breath. He’s with a woman. That must have caused the delay.

When she turns her head, I get a better look at her face. It’s Eve Fairchild, the female lead in Flashbang. She played Nico’s love interest in the film. His character, a retired CIA operative, had to save her from a terrorist organization.

Nico climbs out of the car behind her, hooking his arm through hers. They look good together, like a real-life celebrity couple. Even and Nico pose for pictures, all fake smiles and waves as they soak up their moment in the spotlight. I stand on the sidelines and absorb every second.

After Nico and Eva finish with interviews and pictures, Nico strolls over to me. His cocky grin has a strange effect on me. He looks incredible in a navy suit that fits his muscular body like it’s sewn onto him. For a big guy, he moves with grace, as if every step he takes is more effortless than the last.