“You did it, Hayls.” Reed stands, leaning in close to press a kiss to my hair, while I fight not to cry, which is goddamn impossible when he says things like, “You were fucking phenomenal.”
A proud energy courses through me and I let myself feel it, unsure if I’ll ever get this high again.
This moment is everything, and I couldn’t have picked a better person to share it with.
Our director says a few words, thanking guests for coming, asking them to shout from the rooftops to spread the word about the masterpiece they’ve seen tonight, and to have a good evening.
Then it’s time for the party.
Or at least, it’s time for a tame, elegant, mingling of like-minded individuals that is so far away from my scene we’re on opposite sides of the world. But I’m an actress. I’ve got this.
As we walk, Reed seamlessly slips his hand into mine like we’ve been doing all night, giving me a comforting squeeze. Then he does exactly what he said he would do—he schmoozes, talking me up to anyone that will listen. And there are a lot of people who now want to listen.
“You two make a gorgeous couple. How did you meet?” someone asks, and I internally cringe until Reed takes the reins.
“We met a while back, but I knew I wanted to get to know her better when she was doing her thing at one of the Storm charity events, shining brightly, convincing everyone they needed to dig deep for the cause.” He pauses and my eyes flash to his, a smile on my face while inside, my heart races, threatening to beat out of my chest. “We raised record funds for Parkinson’s Disease research that night,” he continues, leaning in to press another kiss to my head, smiling at the crowd of people that have joined us. “And honestly, we owe it all to her. She lightsup a room wherever she goes, and her heart… Anyway…” He trails off, rolling his eyes playfully as though he’s embarrassed. “I’m sure you don’t need to know all that. How good wasJaded Beginnings?”
The conversation moves back to the movie, and just as Reed reassured me on the way here, they loved it.
“I’ve read the book and I’m actually surprised by how true you stayed to the story. It blew me away.”
“Patrick is my hall pass. And until now, he’s only been fictional. But that man…”
“No one else could have played Riley. The way you seamlessly shifted between the lightness and the dark, truly encapsulating all that she believed in, all that she wanted to be. I want to cry again just thinking about it.”
The more praise I receive, the more my heart grows—and my head if I’m being honest—but Reed’s constant support and awe keep my feet locked on the ground, reminding me to stay in the moment. Because before too long, I’ll be on my own again.
Drinks flow and as the night goes on, loose lips take over, prompting Reed to guide me out onto the balcony for a moment of relief. “You’re not allowed to listen to anyone that’s drunk,” he says firmly, his penetrating gaze boring into mine. “Do you understand?”
“Yes, Dad,” I snark, questioning why I stayed sober myself. “But, you’ve got to—”
“No buts. The last woman got your name wrong. I doubt she was even thinking about the same movie. And none of it’s been bad. They just have that alcohol confidence that makes them suddenly think that they’re experts.”
He’s right that nothing has been overly bad, but I did have a woman tell me that my hair was the wrong kind of blonde for Riley and that my lips weren’t as plump. I initially laughed it off until I was in the bathroom, glossing my thin lips, questioningmy life choices. Should I get filler? Is that the direction Hollywood is going right now?
Reed groans out loud before sighing incredulously as he pulls me into a side hug. “What are you fixated on?”
“My lips. That posh woman said they weren’t plump enough.”
“What?” he scoffs, faking outrage. “What would she know? They’re plenty plump.”
I stare at him deadpan, folding my arms over my chest. “What wouldyouknow?”
“I know plenty. But if you need specifics…I’m a man with eyes. And your lips are delectably plump, the exact amount one would want in a woman.”
I laugh out loud, shoving him away. “God, you’re full of shit.”
“Am I? Shall we ask for a second opinion?”
As if his question summoned a response, the sliding door to the balcony opens and a couple walk out. I smile when Reed bounces his eyebrows, but when I turn to face the couple, I internally groan.
“Ugh. That’s my ex,” I whisper, burying my face in his chest. “Why is he here? And is he with Chelsie Watson?”
Reed spins me around, leaning down to whisper, “I can’t answer that.” He frowns. “But I am curious… Is this the guy that couldn’t find your clit?”
I snort out a laugh before covering my face with my hands. “No.” I shake my head, laughing again as I picture the response if he heard that. He’d riot. “Actually, he’s the one that cheated on me.”
Reed stiffens, but I wave off his concern. I felt shitty about it at the time, but I’ve come to realize it was the best thing to ever happen to me.
