WHAT AM I DOING? What did I just agree to? Face the media on purpose? It makes sense on one level, but on the other, I’m not sure I can talk about this to the public. I watch Antonio sitting at the desk making calls back to LA. He loves me. What an incredible feeling.
He looks at me and winks, blowing me a kiss. He’s so beautiful, so perfect, so determined. He came across the world to find me. I have to trust him. I have to believe him. I have to stop running.
He ends his call and swings around. “It’s done. My agent called, and it’s scheduled for next Tuesday.”
“Tuesday? Fuck.”
“You got this, babe. Look what you’ve made with your life. Look at what a beautiful, caring, sensitive woman you’ve turned into despite how you were set up. You’re stronger than any force that can come at you. Even me.”
I laugh. “I don’t know. You were almost too much for me.”
“Nah, you had me wrapped around your finger from day one. I never had a chance.”
“You’re too sweet. You make me feel so special.”
“You should feel that way. You are,” he says, strutting across the room, his glorious body on full display, “Now, we should soak up some more of this Italian sunshine before we go.”
“You want to go outside?”
“Nope.” He grins climbing into bed. “We have the perfect spot in the sun right here.” He kisses me sweetly. “And weeks of hot sex to make up for.”
I smile as I dissolve in his arms.
One week later
“Are you ready for this?” Antonio asks me as I sit on the couch, knees shaking, and rubbing my hands together. He rubs my back to comfort me.
“I think so.” I smooth my navy dress down. “I’m good.”
Sandra walks in the room and smiles. “We’ll be ready in a few minutes. “She looks down at some papers. “I just want you to go at your own pace. We have plenty of time, and we can edit down if we need to later. It’s important we get your whole story out.”
“Okay.”
“Thank you for trusting me with it.”
“Thank you.”
A man opens the door and calls us out. I walk behind Sandra, and Antonio stands next to me, his arm protectively around my waist. It’s a closed set, thank God. I only have to focus on Sandra.
“3…2…1…”
“Good evening,” Sandra says. “With us tonight is megastar, Antonio Russo. Antonio,” she smiles, “Good to see you.”
“You as well, Sandra.”
“We also have a special guest with us. Giovanna Di Palermo. Welcome.”
The camera pans to me, and I offer a nervous smile. “Thank you.”
“Now, our audience might be wondering what brings both of you here, but a few weeks ago, your love affair was brought to light while you were filming Love and Books, is that right, Antonio?”
“Yes, that’s right,” Antonio confirms.
“You met on the set of that movie?”
“Correct.”
“So,” she says, in the softest tone. I focus for a moment on her blonde hair, porcelain skin, and blue eyes. “Let’s start with why we’re all here.” She smiles. “Giovanna, during the course of your relationship with Antonio, another issue was brought to life. A report said that you were the only child to legendary movie stars, Isabella Catania and Joseph Magari, who disappeared from public life nearly a decade ago. Can you tell us about that.”
“Um. Sure.” Antonio squeezes my hand and smiles. “My mother, Isabella,” I swallow hard, not able to get the words out. “Where should I start?”
“I’ll guide you,” Sandra offers. “Are you able to tell us about the night your parents died?”
I take a deep breath, nodding. “Yes.” I explain what happened, the yelling, the shots, the blood.
“Dear God,” she says. “You witnessed your mother’s suicide?”
I nod and continue my sad tale of loss, of rejection, of solitude. Sandra listens with a concerned expression, nodding as I speak. Antonio holds my hand the whole time.
“So, then five years ago you moved to Treebrooke, is that right?”
“Yes. It seemed like a nice place to live and it was. I hope it still is, and that I didn’t ruin it.”
“You didn’t,” Antonio says. “It will be perfect again once you go back.”
I smile and look back at my interviewer.
“During filming, it’s said that Yasmin played a major role in the media’s interest in you.”
I pause, remembering Antonio’s coaching. “I’d rather not comment on Yasmin.”
Pictures of us fighting show up on the screen behind us, and I become uncomfortable. Antonio whispers to me. “Don’t worry.”
“Social media blew up,” Sandra continues, “with accounts of Yasmin’s open hostility toward you.”
“I had to defend myself.”
“Have you had any interaction with her since this news broke?”
“No.”
“We tried to get a statement from her, but were unable to reach her.” Sandra looks at some papers. “We did receive a statement from the reporter that first broke the news about your identity. We’ll put it up on the screen now.”
I look to the screen unaware of this development. My eyes scan the words, fully admitting he was contacted by a private investigator hired by someone close to the movie set.
“Antonio?” Sandra asks. “Do you think Yasmin was driven to such lengths that she is responsible for this situation?”
“I’ll leave Yasmin to answer for her own actions. I don’t want to speculate.”
“We’ll be back after the break.” Sandra stands and smiles. “Good job, guys. Giovanna, I’m really impressed with your strength during this. You’re doing great.”
“Thank you.” I turn to Antonio. “I don’t understand the bit about Yasmin.”
“The media hounds will be all over her. She’ll have to answer for what she did. I didn’t implicate her. I just put the spotlight on her. Her choice now what she does when that happens.”
“You’re very smart.”
“I can be.” He grins. “And pretty.”
I laugh. “Definitely pretty.”
He kisses my nose. “You really are doing great.”
“Thanks. She makes it easy. She’s like the concerned mother I never had.”
“She’s known for it. She’s good at what she does.”
“Okay, everyone. Back on set,” the producer calls.
We take our places, and I wait for the cue that the cameras are rolling again. We go through several more questions and then end up on the scene Dan filmed between me and Antonio. I knew it was coming. I’m embarrassed when it plays, but at the same time, I can recognize how powerful it was.
“This is said to be the scene that made the diva snap,” Sandra says. “The director, Dan Zolon, pulled you on set?”
“Yes, that’s right,” I answer.
“He saw our intense chemistry and wanted it for that scene,” Antonio adds. “It wasn’t even acting for me.” He smiles.
I smile back.
“Have you done any acting before, Giovanna?”
“A little as a child. My mother put me in several commercials and a few small parts.”
“Oh? But it didn’t continue?”
I shake my head. “My mother was a jealous woman, even of her own child.”
“I see. Well, again, it’s trending on social media that fans are calling for a movie starring you and Antonio. Here are some comments. ‘She’s a natural!’ ‘I would see a movie with her in it.’ ‘Sizzling!’ ‘Stunning woman!’ ’Can you say chemistry, whoa!’” She looks up. “Sounds like you have some fans already, Giovanna.”
“That’s very kind. I’m not an actress though. I’ll leave show business to Antonio.”
“So, what’s next for you two? I hear there’s a book coming?”
“Yes,” I reply. I’ve received several offers and am writing my memoirs. After that, who knows.”
“After this, I plan to take Giovanna home. Wherever we decide that will be. You see…” He pauses and flashes that Hollywood smile. “I’m in love with her. I have been, I think, since the day I laid eyes on her. She’s my life now. My career is second to her.”
“Well, Antonio,” Sandra says, smiling. “This is a revelation.”
“Giovanna’s been through a lot in her life, and she’s come through on the other side a fighter. She’ll never have to fight alone again. I’ll always be there for her.” He holds my gaze as my eyes fill with tears. “I want the world to know how I feel about her. She’s my happy place.”
Sandra smiles and closes the interview. “Thank you for letting us into your lives. I wish you the best.” She looks at the camera. “Good night.”
“Cut!”
Sandra leans forward in her chair and squeezes my hand. “Give it a few days, dear. They’ll calm down.”
“Thank you. I appreciate how you handled it all.”
“My pleasure. I’m glad to be part of your story. It has a happy ending, after all.”
Antonio pulls me into his arms. “You were great, babe!”
“You were romantic and sweet. Women all over the country are swooning over their TV sets.”
“It’s all for you, and it’s not acting.”
“I know.” I grin. “What now?”
“We sneak out the back, go the hotel, and make love until morning?”
I smile. “Perfect.”
“BABE!” ANTONIO YELLS, startling me awake. “Come out here.”
I stumble out of bed into the living room where Antonio is sitting in front of the TV.
“What?”
“Look.”
I glance at the television and see cameras and flashing lights. It looks like a mob scene. As my eyes focus, I see Yasmin at the center of it all.
“Breaking news,” the reporter says. “Popular actress Yasmin Reynolds named as one of ten women in the divorce suit filed by the wife of millionaire tycoon, Alexander Hoffman.” We listen to the report that the wife filed evidence of an affair lasting over two years, even during Yasmin’s latest marriage, and while Alexander’s wife was pregnant with their third child. Alexander’s many affairs are discussed and his trip to rehab for sex addiction.
“Yasmin, is it true you hired a PI to expose Antonio Russo’s love interest?” She’s trapped as her bodyguards try to deflect the mass of paparazzi around her.
“Yasmin, did you really set out to break them up?” “Yasmin, are you in love with Antonio Russo?” “Yasmin, are you still seeing Alexander Hoffman?” “Yasmin, did you know his wife was pregnant?” “Yasmin…” The questions go on and on.
“You’re watching a career implode on live television,” Antonio comments.
I cross my arms, watching. “My God, they are piranhas. Absolutely relentless.”
“Yes, they are, but they aren’t aimed at you.”
“No. Thankfully.”
“She made her choices and they were bad. She deserves all of it.” He shakes his head. “If what they say is true, she was married, having an affair with a married man who had a pregnant wife, and trying to seduce me. Her ambition will be her demise.”
“I hate her.”
“I hate her, too. I’ll never act in another movie with her, even if she somehow recovers from this scandal.”
“No? What about box office gold?”
He smiles. “I’m committed to a few more movies this year. Then I’m taking some time off. I want to reinvent. I want dramatic roles.”
“What about taking advantage of it while you’re hot?”
“Everything is different now. I didn’t have a reason to slow down. Now I do.”
I sit next to him. “I don’t want to be the reason you don’t go after things you want.”
“Giovanna, babe, you are the only thing I want.”
I smile. “What are you gonna do with your time off.”
He nuzzles my neck until I giggle. “I can think of a few things.”
“Me, too.”
“Have dinner with me.”
I laugh and he smiles. I know how much he loves to hear me laugh. “Yes.”
One year later
“Places, everyone.” The director calls out on the set. I walk to my spot, ready to start. I rehearsed all night preparing for my first dramatic scene. I have to nail it. The expectations are high.
“Action!”
“I’m sorry, but it’s bad news.”
“What do you mean? Can I see him?”
“He’s gone.”
“What do you mean gone?”
“He didn’t make it. I’m sorry. He’s dead.”
“Dead?”
“I can help you with the kids. I can help you with anything you need.”
“Dead?”
“We’re all here for you. In fact, Charlotte from church is bringing over a casserole right now. They say he didn’t suffer.”
“Dead.”
“Yes.”
“Cut!” Dan stands up and paces in circles. “Perfect! Absolutely perfect.” He grabs the script. “While the emotion is raw, let’s get this next scene going. You’ll go in and see him lying there. You ready?”
“I’m ready.”
“Great. Get Antonio ready.”
He winks at me from across the room, while makeup touches up his face. Maxine runs red eyeliner under my eyes, to emphasize my stress over losing my husband.
We walk into the pretend bedroom and take our spots. I’ll have to cry and lose my mind over this. I’ll just channel the worst night of my life. That should do it.
“Action!”
“YOU WERE INCREDIBLE, BABE. Did you feel it? It was awesome. Audiences are going to eat it up.” I grin at my handsome man as he wipes pale foundation off his face. “Tonight, I’m taking you out on the town. Just the two of us.”
“Just the two of us, huh. When it is ever just the two of us?”
“Every day, babe. All I see is you.”
“Will you ever stop being so romantic?”
“Nope.”
“Good.”
I strip off my robe and walk toward the shower. If someone told me a year ago I would be costarring in a movie with Antonio Russo, I would have throat punched them. I never thought I would be comfortable living a public life. There is no way I could have ever anticipated how my life would change when he walked into it.
“Gio?”
I peek out from the bathroom. “Yeah, babe?”
“We just got the email. Lies People Live debuted number six on the bestseller list.”
I walk next to him, looking at the screen. “Seriously? Holy shit.”
“International bestseller, movie star, one half of Hollywood’s power couple. Not bad for a simple girl from a small town.”
I laugh. “Not bad at all.”
“Let’s take that shower. I need to clean you up, so I can get you dirty again.”
“Uh, we have dinner plans tonight.”
“I know. With that gown there is no way you’ll be wearing panties. I’ll be fantasizing about it all night.”
“You’re naughty.”
“All for you, babe.”
“GIOVANNA, OVER HERE!” The paparazzi call my name, and I turn and smile. I feel gorgeous tonight in my red designer gown and even sexier knowing what Antonio is going to do to me later.
“Giovanna!” I smile as more shots are taken. “Antonio!” they yell out. He pulls me close and flashes that famous smile.
“Antonio?” one of them calls out. “What’s next for you and Giovanna?”
He looks into my eyes and smiles. “Forever.”
“HEY, BEAUTIFUL, WAKE UP.”
I roll over and smile. “Why? It’s cold.”
“It is, but we have something to do today. Before the storm blows in.”
“I don’t want to. I want to stay in bed with you.”
Antonio chuckles. “They’ll be plenty of time for that. Come on.”
I sigh. “Fine.” I climb out of bed and get dressed. I don’t know why he wants to get up so damn early today. The flight last night did a number on me, and I’m exhausted.
“Ready?” he asks when I come into the living room.
“Ready.”
“Great. Let’s go.”
“I thought we were going into town.” We walk outside to a waiting car. “What are you up to?”
“It’s a surprise.”
I smile and lean against his arm. He’s always surprising me. At least once a week. I live in a permanent romantic movie. I glance out the window and realize where he’s taking me.
“You’re too much,” I say.
“You can handle me.”
When we get to the top, he helps me out of the car, and I stop in my tracks.
“Unbelievable,” I whisper. Before me is a blanket laid out. Antonio walks up beside me holding a basket.
“Your picnic on Lookout Point, Beautiful.”
“How did you pull this off?” I smile. “How long have you been planning this?”
“Since the day I met you, and I had help. Come on.”
We walk to the blanket and sit down. Antonio opens a bottle of wine and fills two glasses, then pulls out sandwiches. “It’s not fancy, but I already know you don’t need fancy.”
“I just need you.”
He smiles and pulls out another package. “This is for you.”
I open it to find the page listing my bestseller rank in a beautiful frame. “Thank you. I love it.” I look up and gasp. “Antonio, what are you doing?”
“Giovanna,” he says, kneeling. “I love you more than movies and fame and celebrity. I love you so much, I would walk away from all of it tomorrow if that’s what you needed me to do.”
“Oh my God.”
“From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew I had to be with you. I knew you were a game changer for me. You, beautiful girl, are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. As long as I wake up every day with you in my life, it’s a good day. You are my happy place.”
He produces a stunning diamond ring from his coat pocket, and I swear the whole world can hear my heart beating right now.
“Giovanna, for the rest of my life, I’ll be your protector. I’ll be your happy place. I’ll be your lover. If you say yes, I’ll be your husband. Will you marry me?”
My eyes are so full of tears, I can barely see the beautiful man in front of me. I blink as they slide down my face. I can’t speak so I just throw my arms around his neck until we both fall backward. I bury my face in his neck, sobbing. I never have to run again.
“Giovanna,” he whispers. “Babe?”
I look up and smile through my tears. “Yes.” I nod my head. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He smiles and pulls me to my feet, holding me close.
“I love you, Beautiful,” I whisper in his ear.
He steps back and gazes into my eyes. “I love you too, Movie Star.”