My heart hurts for Tusk and for Harrison. I put my hand on my heart, and I feel the diamonds. I watch Harry, pause, unplanned. He looks choked up, and I’ve never seen him so vulnerable.
“We are all strong in some ways, but we are all weak in others. Therefore, it’s important we help each other.”
There is silence, and our eyes meet again. I smile, and his eyes twinkle.
I then know.
Know I’ve helped him a little, but he... He is helping a lot, and he is helping many.
“Keep on fighting,” Harry says, now choked up. “Please, they need you. Please, keep on fighting!”
I see a flash of Harry broken. Broken in the cemetery that day. I wipe away a tear, and I fight to keep it together.
“Have a nice evening and thank you for coming.”
As people clap and Harry leaves the stage, I realize. I realize Harry is the same man. The very same man that protected me when we first met. In the storm from the jocks.
The protector, Harry,needs protecting.
As people clap louder, Harry starts towards us. He does not get far because he is blocked, hugged, and cheered by industry professionals.
He spends the next ten minutes shaking hands before he winds his way back to me and my full chest.
“Nice work,” I say, touching his arm.
Harry takes my drink, knocks it back, and sighs. “Thanks, that was intense. You want to get out of here?”
“Yes,” I say as our eyes meet. “Please.”
It is time forus.
We say goodbye to Anastasia, Troy, and Rhett, and we peel off discreetly. As we do, someone grabs Harrison’s elbow.
It is a tall, stunning guy in a black suit, and the two hug. He is as gorgeous as Harry, with jet black hair and an aristocratic look and feel. Harry and the man turn to me, and his smile is pure.
“Samantha, this is Chris Remington, a very dear friend and the brother of Troy.”
“How do you do?” Chris asks, extending a firm hand.
We shake, and I smile. “Nice to meet you.”
“A good speech,” Chris says, really meaning it.
Harry needs fresh air, and he pulls at his tie. “Thanks, just doing my bit. Talk next week?”
“Of course,” Chris says. “And Ryan couldn’t make it. He is on set overseas, shooting. He sends hisapologies.”
“Showbiz,” Harry says before grinning.
As we walk for the exit, we keep our heads down to avoid more discussions.
Finally, we find a quiet passage and head past statues and security.
I’m intrigued, and I’m sure I saw movie stars around Chris back there. It was just dark and hard to tell. It was also surreal.
“Your friend?”
“Yes,” Harrison says. “Chris is likely the world’s top movie agent. He handles stars, directors, writers, and producers.”
