Chapter Six
My alarm blared far too early the morning of the premiere. I cracked my eyes open. The bright daylight shining through a crack in the curtains covering the window created an instant headache. I snapped my eyes shut again, burrowing my face beneath the pillows and blankets.
Ethan and I had stayed in the pool until almost three in the morning, just joking around and talking like usual. There wasn’t another word about the heart-throbbing man that had just left us until we were getting dressed again to leave. Ethan had told me to be careful. “Just get to know him. Really get to know him. Sometimes, you’ll think you know someone and know what that person can handle, when you don’t,” he said, his features shadowed. “And don’t ever change yourself for another person’s approval. You should be with someone you can truly be yourself around.” He had to have been talking about his last serious relationship with Cate. Boy, that girl really did a number on him. He deserved so much more.
A knock rapped on the bedroom door in my hotel room. Without waiting for a reply, Colton swept into the room. His hair was gelled perfectly, and he wore a stylish pair of dark wash jeans with a tight V neck t-shirt. “Tell me I’m blind,” he said dramatically.
Taking the bait, I slid the covers further off my head and propped myself up on my side. “Okay,” I said. “You’re blind.”
“I knew it,” he replied frustrated. “You can’t still be in bed. I’m either blind or delusional.”
I snorted, “Well, you’ve been delusional since I met you.”
Colton nodded. He took a seat on the edge of my bed and looked down in mock-pity of himself, “Probably all the drugs…”
“Yeah,” I agreed sarcastically. “You should really knock that off. Or at least share.”
Colton laughed, standing up suddenly and stomping over to the window. He grasped the thin shade that was permitting a small shaft of light to filter into the room. With a quick thrust of his hands, he opened the curtain all the way so the sunlight was dousing the room with its maximum ability. “Ahh,” I moaned and threw my head back under the covers.
“Well, if you hadn’t been up all night with strange men, then maybe you'd be better prepared for this day," Colton said disapprovingly. I poked my head out of my cover and looked at him with one narrowed eye. “Yes,” he continued in his condescending tone. “I heard all about your little excursion last night.” Damn Mason. He and Colton were too close of friends.
“Can you blame me?” I asked, taking my head out from under the covers completely.
“Of course not,” Colton said. “But doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay for it today. Besides, I even let you sleep in.”
I looked over at the clock on the end table. “It’s seven in the morning!”
Colton turned and walked towards the door to the living room area of my suite. “Exactly, now come on,” he said over his shoulder. “We’ve got a lot of work to do. It’ll take at least an hour to cover up those bags under your eyes.”
“You’re a sweetheart,” I called after him, though I’m not sure he heard me as he was already out the door. With a groan, I got up and threw on the white, plush robe in the closet. I glanced into the mirror on the front of the closet door. Colton was right. We had a lot of work to do. Today was the big premiere and I looked like I got punched in the eyes.
∞∞∞
Hours later, I was standing in front of a trifold floor-length mirror. The gold gown I was wearing draped down my slender body, fanning out just above the knees in a mermaid style. A gathering of gemstones drifting up across one of my shoulders caught the light as I turned. My other shoulder was bare but covered with a very light gold glimmer body spray causing my skin to glitter with every catch of light. My face was contoured and I looked more like a supermodel than an actress. My hair was doused with hairspray to keep my curls locked in place all day but still managed to look soft.
“Hurry,” Melanie said. “Time to go if you want to eat.” Melanie had arrived right when my stylist team was finishing up. She quickly told me about my plans for the day. The day had already consisted mostly of getting made up. I got a few occasional breaks to eat and text Ethan. Colton popped in and out throughout the day to make sure everything was going smoothly. My agent was the last of my entourage to arrive, dressed in an immaculate red dress that would be catching everyone’s eye. Her brunette locks were pinned into an elaborate side-swept style that made me slightly jealous. Now that we were all finally decked out and ready to go, we had about forty-five minutes to get to the theatre. It was only a few blocks away, but I was dying for some McDonald’s, so we would be making a pit stop.
Colton stepped into the room as I was collecting my purse, dressed in a unique light gray tuxedo with black lapels. “Wow! You certainly look like a movie star,” he said approvingly. He squinted and got a little closer to my face, “And no more eye bags. Perfect.”
I rolled my eyes, “Gee, thanks.” I followed Colton out of the suite. Mason was already outside my room, dressed in a classic black tuxedo, along with one of Alyssa’s assistants. Most of my team already had their earpieces – something Mason demanded my management team wear. Colton had one, but he would be able to take it off when we got inside.
Alyssa and Melanie followed us all out to the waiting limousines. “Hey, I meant to ask you, Colton,” I began. “Can Ethan sit with us at the premiere?”
“Yeah, it’s already been arranged that way,” Colton said dismissively typing away on his phone.
“Oh, perfect,” I said. I thought about asking if Anthony and Izzy could sit with us, too, but I didn’t want to be unfair to the rest of the fans I had met last night.
As we all stepped into one of the limos, with cameras flashing all around us, I could feel the butterflies beginning to swarm around in my stomach. Something about being on that red carpet was scarier to me than knowing millions of people would be watching me on the silver screen.
My phone vibrated in my little clutch purse. Ethan texted: I’ll see you soon, Elle. Save me a seat?
I texted Ethan back, an idea generating in my mind: When are you getting to the premiere? You should walk the red carpet before me.
Ethan responded: Why would you need me to do that? You’ve got this.
I bit my lip and replied: It would make me feel calmer.
Ethan’s reply was immediate: Then I’ll do it. I’m heading there now. Want to meet up prior?
Soon enough, we were at McDonald’s and Mason had stepped inside to get our order, charging it to my business account. Looking through the dark tinted windows, I saw a couple of town cars pull into the lot next to us. A muscular man stepped out of the front passenger side of the first car and opened the back door. Ethan exited the car looking like Jay Gatsby. He came over to my limo and climbed in, settling in the seat right next to me. “Elle,” he breathed. He leaned over and kissed my cheek, “You look breathtaking.” I blushed and smiled back.
Ethan turned towards the rest of the team in the limo. “Melanie, great to see you,” he said nodding towards my publicist. “And Alyssa. You both look beautiful, as always. Colton, how are you doing, buddy?” Alyssa smiled and took a sip of the champagne in her hands that we had popped open just before Ethan arrived. She always got quiet around Ethan. I was sure it was because she was attracted to him. Everyone was attracted to Ethan. Except for Colton, who sat across from us and made a ‘hmmm' noise when Ethan addressed him. Ethan smirked and turned back to me. “Nervous?” he asked.
“You know how it goes,” I said, wringing my hands together. Ethan had been by my side at only one other premiere when we both starred in Empire Burning. I would love for him to have been at every single one of my premieres, but Ethan usually had his own publicity needs and couldn’t make it.
Mason returned from getting our food, opening the back door and handing in bags of burgers and fries. I grabbed the bags and passed them around, offering one to Ethan as well, who shook his head. Climbing in the front seat, Mason peeked through the open partition, “Are we good to go, boss?”
“As good as it gets,” I replied, diving into my burger. It took the time it takes to eat a burger and half a carton of fries for us to arrive at the theater. The line of cars arriving was fairly short. We would be at the starting point soon.
“Okay, Elle,” Ethan said doing a spot check of his suit. “Just follow me. Count to one hundred then get out and follow me.” He was repeating the same lines he had said to me before the premiere of Empire Burning. “Just smile and joke around with them. They all love you. They’re all excited for you.”
He grasped my hand and squeezed it gently, before opening the door and stepping out into the crowd of paparazzi and fans waiting. The crowd roared right when his foot hit the ground. I looked out the window and watched in awe of my mentor once again. He seemed completely unfazed. He slicked his hand back over his hair, tucked one hand in his pocket and gave his signature half-smile/half-smirk to the onlookers, looking up through his eyelashes in a smoldering gaze. Girls and women, even some men, screamed in excitement. He moved slowly through the crowd, steadily signing autographs on his way to the focal point by the entrance. His bodyguards and a woman I could only guess was his handler were somehow already by his side.
Melanie cleared her throat, “Alright, Elena, you know the drill. We will meet you inside. Just follow the handler’s cues all the way inside. Your handler is named Hannah. She’ll greet you as soon as you open the door and she’ll tap you whenever you need to move on to the next area.”
I nodded, “Okay…”
“Just follow the yellow brick road,” Colton joked. “And remember,” he said seriously. “If you get nervous, just look up at Ethan.” It must have shown how nervous I was for Colton to say something like that. Most of the time Colton tried to pretend that Ethan didn’t exist.
“Go,” Melanie said urgently. “Now.”
I grasped the handle of the door and threw it open, where an usher stood waiting to catch it. The crowd I could see out the open door all turned to look at me, some screaming without even seeing who I was. I placed one stiletto down on the concrete and lifted myself out of the car, my gown shimmering as camera flashes lit up every gem and fold of fabric across my body. I took a few steps, heard the door close behind me and stood up straight smiling confidently – or what I believed would be a confident smile.
It’s like acting, I thought. Just have to pretend I’m playing a role.
An intense woman with pin-straight jet-black hair appeared by my side. “Hannah,” she said in my ear. “Go.” I turned and took a few quick steps towards the crowd of fans being held back by metal barricades. I could see Mason in the corner of my eye, an arms-length behind me. Screaming fans reached out towards me. I smiled and using the permanent marker that Hannah had thrust into my hand, began scribbling on whatever was put in front of my face for an autograph.
I signed my name so many times, I could already feel my hand cramping up within seconds. I paused to pose for a photo with a fan right in front of me. Then signed a few more autographs. Then took another selfie with a fan. Hannah tapping me occasionally to move me down the line to the next area of waiting fans.
Before I knew it, I was already at the focal point. “Go stand in center and pose,” Hannah demanded, and I heard an Asian accent for the first time. I didn’t even look at her just marched in front of the focal point, which was a large makeshift stage depicting the Fusion headquarters and emblem from the Monument movies and the name of the final movie Destruction displayed dramatically across the top. I stepped up onto the center of the stage and turned allowing my gown to spill out around me perfectly.
There was a loud roar back towards the drop off as I focused on giving my best sultry look while I stared just above the flashing lights in front of me. A few members of the press were calling out directions, but I ignored them. I thought of Ethan and glanced over my shoulder towards the entrance of the theater. I didn’t see him so I turned and continued posing.
The screaming steadily increased and I was able to finally make out the name the fans were screaming at the person coming up after me. I looked over at Hannah to see if I needed to move but she had her finger up to her earpiece looking towards the screaming fans.
“Mitch! Mitch!” My costar appeared in front of the focal point, his shaggy blonde hair falling carelessly across his forehead and his complexion showcasing a dark tan. His tuxedo fit him so tightly that his biceps seemed to be just shy of straining against the material.
He hopped the last couple steps towards me and met me in the center of the stage, throwing a strong arm around my small waist and pulling me close. He nuzzled his face into my neck, just below my ear, whispering “Great to see you, love.” His British accent rumbled in my ear.
I laughed unexpectedly and placed one hand on his chest, leaning a bit towards him to brush my lips across his cheek. The crowd ate it up before we pulled apart and posed silently next to each other. As the flashing continued in a never-ending brightness, the rest of the cast, directors, and producers steadily joined us on the stage. Finally, Mitch slipped his hand into mine and slightly tugged me towards him. Turning, I could see our director, Russ, leading us off the stage into the theater away from the press.
Once inside, away from a majority of the cameras, Mitch released my hand and turned to me. “Nicely done, Elena," Mitch said. "You haven't lost your touch."
“Never,” I joked. “But my hand always cramps up after the first couple autographs though.” I massaged my right hand with my left.
“You just have to practice at home,” Mitch said. “Check it out.” He whipped out a black permanent marker from his pocket, taking the cap off and leaning towards my arm as if to autograph my exposed bicep.
“Hey!” I jerked my arm back. “Don’t even! Melanie will kill me.”
Mitch laughed and put the cap back on his marker before tossing it over his shoulder behind him carelessly, nearly hitting the director coming up behind him. Russ dodged the marker and stepped up over to us, clapping his hand on Mitch’s shoulder, “Mitchell, are you behaving?”
“Never,” Mitch said proudly and standing up a bit taller.
“Come on, Russ,” I said. “Really?”
“I know,” Russ said, shaking his head. “Silly of me to ask.” He removed his hand front Mitch’s shoulder and reached for my hand. “Now, Elena, you look stunning!”
“Oh, well you know me, always glamorous,” I said sarcastically. I was notorious for wearing sweatpants or jeans whenever I didn’t have to dress a certain way. Every meeting I’ve ever had for the last few years of the Monument trilogy was spent dressed in yoga pants.
“Well, I don’t know about that, but it certainly suits you,” Russ said. “Let’s all wear formal wear every day for the next movie.” He winked at me. We all knew there wasn’t going to be a fourth movie of this series, but maybe that was his hint about his next project.
"Hey, if that's what it takes," Mitch said jokingly. "I'll wear a gown every day to work with you again, Russ.”
Mitch continued to joke around with Russ and the group that was gathering around us. I looked over each shoulder trying to find the rest of my entourage.
“Ethan Anderson!” I heard Russ exclaim. I snapped my head in his direction and sharply followed his gaze to my left where Ethan was standing with his confident smirk, one hand in his front pocket. Russ continued, “I heard a rumor you were here. How have you been?”
“Mr. Putnam, it’s wonderful to see you again. And congratulations on the Monument trilogy,” Ethan spoke so surely. He never had a problem talking to anybody. He moved and interacted so effortlessly – it never failed to draw my eye to him.
“I didn’t know you two knew each other,” I said accusingly to Russ, breaking my gaze away from Ethan and crossing my arms. “How is it that we’ve been working together for years and this is the first time I’m finding out you two have met? Did you work together?”
“A friend of a friend,” Russ said waving his hand dismissively. “You know how it is, Elena. Everyone knows everyone in this town.” He winked like he told us a funny joke. “Well, you all better find your seats. It’s coming up pretty soon now. I think I’ll go get a drink first. Can’t go to a premiere without a proper cocktail.” Russ turned and walked away, his group of unknown followers in his wake.
Mitch reached out and shook Ethan’s hand, “It’s great to see you again, Ethan.” Ethan smiled and shook Mitch’s hand. The two had met a handful of times over the years since I often tried to get us all together outside of work. I hated dividing my time between my friends.
“You too,” Ethan shook his hand. “What are you doing next now that Monument is over?”
Mitch rubbed his hands together excitedly, “Big stuff, mate. Wish I could tell you, but as I’ve told Elena, I can’t reveal it yet. Must get through Destruction first and then I might let the cat slip on out of the bag.”
“Mitch, who would we tell?” I asked him, cocking my head to the side.
“Shush, darling,” Mitch winked at me. “Who knows, maybe I’ll get pissed tonight and spill the beans. Best keep a sharp eye out for each other, yeah?” I shook my head. Mitch was notorious for drinking entirely too much at our premieres. Normally, that kind of behavior at work events doesn’t sit well with me, but Mitch is just such a good time when he’s drunk that I might just encourage it.
“I look forward to seeing that,” Ethan chuckled.
Mitch clapped his hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “Well, I’ll catch you all in a few. There is scantily clad goddess right over there that I am being drawn to.” He stared intently across the room with a determined look. “Wish me luck.”
With that, Ethan and I were left alone, in the crowded room. He turned so he was standing directly in front of me, “You did fantastic, by the way.” I smiled as he continued, “Seriously. I watched you when I got up near the front. You are the goddess here tonight. You owned the show.” He bent his knees so we were eye level. “You hear me?”
I blushed and laughed, “Yes, well I had a good mentor.”
“Definitely,” he said, straightening up and looking around the room. “That goes without saying.”
“How modest,” I swatted his arm. He laughed and pretending to stumble back a bit.
“Elena!” a young girl’s voice cried out before a pair of tiny arms wrapped around my waist.
“Whoa,” I said trying to regain my balance. I looked down and saw a mass of wavy, brown hair. “Izzy?”
She stepped back and peeked up at me, “Elena! This is incredible!” She turned towards Ethan and her mouth dropped open a bit, her eyes widening. “Oh…” she said before going silent.
“Izzy, this is my friend Ethan Anderson,” I introduced placing my hand tenderly on Ethan’s arm. “Ethan, this is Izzy. She’s my biggest fan.” I winked and Ethan smiled, before sinking down to a squatting position so he was eye level with Izzy.
“Hi, Izzy,” Ethan said. “I think I have you beat as the biggest fan though. I’m Elena’s biggest fan.”
Izzy just stared at Ethan, and slowly, almost imperceptibly, nodded her head.
“Isadora,” I heard a stern voice say behind me. Anthony appeared wearing a similar tuxedo to Ethan's, the only difference being his deep red vest and pocket square instead of the traditional black and white colors that Ethan wore. Anthony had his hair shorter than it was yesterday and his skin glowed under the ambient lighting, making it look impressively smooth. I just wanted to run my hands across his face, or along his neck. “What did I say about leaving my side?”
“Anthony,” Ethan said. “Good to see you again. I was just stepping off to get drinks. Can I get each of you a glass?
“Yeah, that sounds great!” I said. “You know what I like.”
“I’ll have whatever you have. Thanks, man,” Anthony said, as Izzy stepped closer to his side.
“Um,” Izzy said shyly. “What do they have?” Her face was bright red and she spoke to the floor instead of to Ethan.
“Why don’t you come with me and we can find out,” Ethan said. “If that’s okay with you, Anthony?”
Anthony nodded and nudged Izzy before turning his gaze to me, “That’s fine. Hurry back.” Ethan raised one perfect eyebrow towards me before grabbing Izzy’s hand and turning towards the bar room, finally leaving me alone with Anthony.