Oh, sweet baby Jesus in a manger.
Sylvia doesn’t notice my nerves spiraling and continues to give instructions. “You’ll alternate between smiling at the reporters and looking at Easton as if you’re madly in love.”
“I am,” I blurt out the words.
A wide smile spreads over her face. “I know, but right now, it looks like you’re going to puke.” She digs something out of her handbag. “Take one of these. They’re travel sickness pills. They’ll help.”
I wave my hand quickly. “Oh no, I’m not nauseated at all. Just nervous.”
“Okay. Remember,” she ticks off what I have to do on her fingers, “smile at the reporters, and look madly in love with Easton. If you’re asked a question and you feel you can answer it confidently, then go for it.” She spots someone and says, “Excuse me.”
While she hurries off, I glance down at Lainey. “How are you holding up?”
She pulls her hand from mine. “I’m bored. Can I go sit in the lounge and play on my phone?”
I glance at her bodyguard while I nod. “Just take Eddie with you.”
Once she walks safely into the lounge area, I turn my attention to Easton and watch as he laughs at something Sean is saying.
I get lost in looking at my man, being all charming and playful while answering questions.
God, I’m the luckiest woman in the world.
An hour passes before all the actors stand up, and the producer is the first out the door, saying, “Good luck, little lady.”
“Thank you.”
Easton hangs back, listening to a reporter asking, “What’s next for you?”
“Another action movie, of course,” Easton answers with a chuckle.
“Will you ever consider acting in a romance?” someone shouts.
“Romance movies aren’t my thing,” he holds up a hand, “but I do have something romantic to share with you all.” He looks at me and holds his hand out.
Here goes nothing.
I walk toward him, and my nervous gaze sweeps over hundreds of people.
Oh. My. God.
Instead of taking my hand, Easton wraps his arm around my shoulder, giving me a sideways hug, and I quickly return it while making sure I’m smiling.
“I’d like to introduce you all to my girlfriend, Nova Allen,” he announces.
“So the rumors were true?” a man shouts. “How long have you been dating?”
“A month,” Easton answers. “But I’ve known Nova since we were kids.”
“Was she your sister’s friend?” a woman asks.
“Yes. Rachel and Nova were best friends since their first day of elementary school.” Easton holds me tighter to his side. “Nova came to help us through Rachel’s last weeks. We wouldn’t have made it without her.”
I place my hand over his heart and look up at him.
When he glances down at me, someone shouts, “Kiss her!”
He doesn’t miss a beat, and leaning down, he presses his mouth to mine for a few seconds before smiling at the crowd again.
