Rainer looks at me. “I think you look hot,” he says. “But I’m not a professional.”
Tawny chucks her phone on the seat. “I think it’s time you two engaged in some PDA.”
Sandy crosses her arms. She raps on the driver’s window. “We need a minute,” she says. To Tawny: “What are you suggesting?”
Tawny leans forward. She’s so thin, I can see the veins working overtime in her neck. “It’s been a rough few weeks. Rainer’s stock is down. This thing with your father has not been great for your image.”
Rainer’s jaw tightens. “My image? Sorry I didn’t consult with you before my dad tried to fuck my ex.”
Sandy and I look at each other, likewhoa, but Tawny doesn’t bite. “But youshouldhave consulted me before you outed him in front of one of the world’s nosiest reporters.”
I hold up my hands. “Okay,” I say. “What do you want from us?”
“Show the world you’re united. That you’re standing by your man. He needs it.”
Rainer shakes his head. “Jesus Christ,” he says.
I look at Rainer. “Do you—”
“I could kill him,” he says.
“I know. But hey, he’s not here. It’s just us. What do you want to do?” I lay my fingertips on his shoulder.
His face softens. He leans over and touches my cheek. “Wanna hold my hand?”
I take his fingers and twine them through mine. “Always,” I say.
Sandy clears her throat. “Save it for the cameras,” she says. “Get out there.”
They always go nuts when we step out of the car, but the combined impact of being together, and holding hands, sends them over the edge. We’re giving them what they want, and our fans totally freak the hell out. The screams feel like they’re going to blow out my eardrums. But it’s so much better with Rainer next to me. I’m feeling confident, with his hand in mine. More in my element than I have been in a while. I sign autographs. I pose for pictures. A few girls start to cry, and Rainer and I give them a group hug.
We make our way down the carpet. I spot Josh Horwart, a journalist for MTV who interviewed us all in London. I really liked him, and I know a lot of celebrities have become friendly with him. He’s just chill. Very few journalists treat you like you’re a normal human being, not a bug in a jar—and he’s definitely one of them.
“Hey, guys,” he says when we reach him. “How’s it going?”
“Hey, man,” Rainer says. “Pretty good.”
Josh doesn’t ask about Rainer’s father or our relationship. Instead he asks us if we’re excited to be reppingLockedat our first awards show.
“You forget the MTV Movie Award I won forBacksplash,” Rainer says.
“Oh right. What was that? Adolescent Hottie?”
I laugh. “He’s up for the same thing tonight.”
Rainer slips an arm around me. The crowds shriek. “She’s just bitter she didn’t get nominated.”
I mock-glare at him, and we say good-bye to Josh.
We’re in a groove. The rest of the carpet goes about the same.
E! Online: What was your pre–awards show prep like today?
Rainer: Basketball and a shower.
Me: My look took a little more effort.
Rainer: Don’t believe her. She wakes up this way.
