Before we leave, Reed suggests tossing the flowers, and while they’re incredibly pretty, I wholeheartedly agree, only I can’t bear to see them go to waste, asking him to leave them in the hallway instead, in case someone else wants them.
I touch up my lipgloss as I wait, and just as he gets back, Henry buzzes me again, letting me know our car has arrived.
It's go time.The moment we’ve all been waiting for. The star-studded event of a lifetime. And I’m nauseous. “I should have had a shot,” I tell Reed as he helps me into the car and settles in beside me. “What if they hate it? God, what if it’s terrible? I’ll be there. In the room. With all of them judging me.”
As the car starts to move, Reed grabs my hand, intertwining our fingers before rubbing his thumb slowly across my skin. “They’re going to love it, Hayls. They’re going to love you, and we’re going to have an amazing night.”
I stare up at him, drinking him in as he smiles. “How do you know?”
“Because it’syou. You were born for this moment. You’re already a star, and have been for a long time. You’re just waiting for the rest of the world to catch up.”
My heart jolts as his beautiful eyes bore into my soul, begging me to see myself the way he does, and I do.How could I not?
“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice caught in my throat.
“What for? I was just being honest.”
“I know, but you have a way of calming me more than anyone else ever has. I’m grateful you’re coming with me tonight. I have no idea what to expect. For all I know they might drag me away for press commitments or whatnot. But whatever happens, I’ll be thinking of you and grateful to know that you’re there.”
“You don’t have to thank me for that. I’m here for anything you need. And I’m sure I’ll be able to entertain myself. Anyone important that you want me to schmooze?”
“Schmooze?” I question, and a little of the tension leaves my shoulders, allowing me to relax into my seat.
“Yeah. I want to spread the word of your greatness, make sure you’re at the forefront of everyone’s mind. By the end of the night, Australia’s sweetheart will be back, even if you’re a badass on the screen. I’m going to have them crazy over you.”
I hit him with my sassiest smile, though I’m certain he’s not joking. “Don’t work too hard. You need to enjoy yourself.”
“I know. I will.”
Our car comes to a halt in traffic and I jolt forward. Despite wearing a seatbelt, Reed shoots his hand out to protect me and my heart races. “God, you’re a good guy.” I shake my head with a smile. “Why can’t this be real?” I’m messing around as usual, but as I say the words, it doesn’t feel like I’m joking.
Reed laughs anyway. “What are you talking about, Baby? Thisisreal.” He stares at me pointedly before his eyes flash to our driver and I burst out laughing.
“Thank you for being the best boyfriend ever.”
“As always, anytime.”
We’re on the same street as the theatre but it takes us another thirty-five minutes before we come to a stop out front, and in that time, my nerves return tenfold. I’m about to tell the driver to make another lap of the block when Reed pulls a little bottle from his jacket pocket, smiling when my eyes light up. “I had this in case of emergencies. Just to calm the nerves.”
“Oh my God, I love you.” I throw my arms around his neck, careful to keep my body away from him so I don’t mess up the tape stopping my nipples from making an appearance. “Thank you.” I press my lips to his in a chaste kiss. “You’re a lifesaver.”
Reed chuckles as he hands over the single shot of vodka before getting out of the car and walking around to meet me. I down the liquid courage as soon as he’s gone, letting the warmth work its way through my body.
It doesn’t instantly help me, and I’m still nervous when the door opens on my side, but when Reed reaches for my hand, intertwining our fingers again after helping me out, a calm takes over my mind and it finally hits me… It’s not the alcohol I need. It’s Reed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Hayley
Reed squeezes my hand as the audience collectively gasps and then smiles when I glance his way. “They love it,” he mouths, his proud expression penetrating my chest, working to ease a little bit of the tightness. I now understand why actors try to avoid this. Watching yourself on the big screen is one thing, but watching yourself with hundreds of people as they judge everything about your performance is another thing entirely.
And if I didn’t have Reed, I’m certain I’d crumble.
He’s the perfect date, the perfect gentleman, the perfect boyfriend—doting, comforting, playful. He makes me laugh to ease my mind and whispers sweet nothings in my ear, eliciting smiles that I have no doubt will be on the front page of tomorrow’s gossip magazines. He plays up to the cameras, steps aside when someone asks, and holds my hand when it’s clear that I need it. He’s playing a part and he’s playing it well. But more than that, he’s just beinghim.
The beautiful kind soul that deserves everything in this world. And I couldn’t be more grateful for him.
The credits roll to loud applause, and my heart races as I stand, awed by the reaction, stunned into silence.
