Easton places his hand on the side of my neck and looks deep into my eyes for a moment before pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You’re going to be great. Don’t forget to breathe.”
I smile nervously. “Break a leg.”
He gives Lainey a kiss on the top of her head before he starts to walk.
We enter the building, and I notice there are only security personnel. Once we’ve walked down a hallway, we stop by a door, and Tyler takes hold of the knob. “Ready?” he asks Easton.
My heart sets off at a crazy pace, and I curve my lips up into the smile I practiced in the mirror after watching video after video of red-carpet events.
“Let’s do this,” Easton replies.
The door opens, and Lainey’s grip on my hand tightens. I glance down, giving her a loving smile before I look up again as we move forward.
“Easton’s here!” someone calls out, and a second later, cameras start flashing. Luckily, it all seems organized as Easton keeps walking.
“Easton, can you look here?” a reporter calls out, and Easton pauses for a moment so the man can take a photo.
This keeps happening all the way to an area that’s been converted into some kind of lounge slash dressing room. Milla Hamilton is already here talking with another actress, Angela Reeves, who plays Milla’s mother in the movie.
From what Easton has told me, Angela dies early in the movie, and that’s when his character makes a vow to protect Milla’s character.
Angela notices Easton and smiles. “Hey, look who’s here. I haven’t seen you since New Zealand.” She walks closer. “I’m so sorry to hear about your sister.”
“Thanks, Angela.”
Lainey lets go of my hand, and she makes a beeline for Milla.
Sean Russell comes into the room hollering, “Let’s get this show on the road, people. The main star has arrived.”
He’s met with barks of laughter before they all talk about the convention.
I glance around, and spotting a couch that’s about to become my best friend, I walk to it and take a seat. The high heels might be the end of me today. It’s going to take me a while to get used to wearing them.
I watch as Easton interacts with his costars, wondering if I’ll ever get used to all his fame.
Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. It doesn’t really matter, does it? And honestly, I think I’ve handled it pretty okay so far.
Sylvia comes into the room with Robert, the producer, and they talk with the actors for a short while before everyone begins to move toward the door.
When Easton glances around and sees me sitting on the couch, he comes toward me, holding out his hand.
I get up quickly, and placing my palm in his, I ask, “What’s happening next?”
“You and Lainey can wait with Sylvia while I answer a few questions. Once we’re done promoting the movie, you’ll join me onstage, and I’ll make the announcement.”
My stomach feels like it’s going for the gold medal in gymnastics as it dips and spins. “Okay.”
We leave the lounge, and Lainey comes to take my other hand. As we near the auditorium, where a long table has been set up on a stage, I can hear what sounds like hundreds of voices.
Dear Lord.
Sylvia joins me and Lainey, and smiling, she says, “You look gorgeous, Nova.”
“Thank you.”
Lainey and I hang back with her while the actors and producer walk out onstage.
A roar erupts, then Sylvia takes hold of my arm and says, “If you stand here, you’ll have a clear view of Easton. When he indicates for you to come, just walk straight to him, and don’t forget to smile.”
