Eventually, she takes my fingers in a limp grip, glancing at the cameras and witnesses surrounding us. “Veronica Hall, yes,” she responds, her eyes sparkling, rimmed with the darkest shade of blue. “It’s such a surprise to see you here tonight. My son tells me you’ve…reconnected.”
I’d have practiced my lines, but I wasn’t given any, and Lex is no help, standing two feet beside me with his head bowed. “We have.”
“Surprising indeed.”
“It’s a pleasure to be here,” I continue. “Especially honoring such a great cause.”
“Lexington is quite the philanthropist. He has a very bright future ahead of him.”
Her eyes narrow pointedly, hinting that I’m the cruddy stain on Lex’s bright future, before she beams another magical smile for the onlookers.
I clear my throat through a pleasant nod. “He’s really made a name for himself.”
“Mm. He’s certainly flourished. His talent is something else.” Veronica taps a long, scarlet fingernail to her champagne flute. “Granted, he’s hired wonderfully gifted castmates to accentuate that talent. Willa, most notably. Goodness, that girl can light up a set. Did you see her performance in the series? It was remarkable.”
My insides pitch, and I feel a wave of self-doubt crashing over me. I know exactly what she’s doing—she’s making it clear that another woman was given the role of me, implying that I’m the poor substitute. It’s hard to keep the pain out of my voice as I murmur, “Yes, she was.”
A few other guests float into the three-person circle, taking in the conversation. Veronica grins at them brightly, tossing a swathe of hair over her shoulder. “I always thought Lex and Willa would make a lovely couple,” she adds, glancing at a woman in a tea-length dress. “Don’t you agree, Layla?”
Lex steps in. “Great seeing you, Mom. We were just—”
“She’s around here somewhere,” his mother interjects, her eyes glinting with simulated curiosity. “Shall I go get her? Lex tells me you’re interested in dipping your toes in acting. She’d be a great inspiration.”
An inspiration. The word stings more than I want to admit. My chest tightens, and my self-esteem feels like it’s crumbling under the weight of her scrutiny as multiple eyes bore holes into me. “I don’t think—”
“No need to be nervous.” She raises her hand, a cavalier flick. “I know this must be intimidating for you, surrounded by all these glamorous people. But she’s very lovely.” A finger lifts, a light bulb moment. “You know, perhaps you could take some notes from her. Learn a thing or two.”
The words cut, leaving me questioning the talent I once believed in, wondering if I’m merely a footnote in someone else’s story. To everyone around us, she comes off as being helpful, a nurturing guidance—a testament to her acting abilities. “I’ll take that under advisement,” I manage, my voice shaky.
I feel their watchful stares.
All of them.
Veronica’s smile broadens as she issues the final jab. “Not everyone is cut out for this, Stevie. It’s nothing to be ashamed of if it doesn’t work out.”
Humiliation burns me.
I glance up at Lex as he stares down at his glossy shoes, silent and stagnant. Rooted in place. His inaction only adds to my shame.
As Veronica’s smile transforms into a thin-lipped smirk behind her glass of champagne and I fumble for a reply that isn’t a sob, an interviewer and his crew approach, the bright lights of the cameras reflecting off polished gear.
The interviewer, a charismatic young man in a sleek suit, beams at Lex and me with practiced enthusiasm. “Howdy! I’m Nestor Crown with Starline Media,” he says, his voice carrying a friendly if somewhat insistent tone. “Mind if we steal you two for a quick interview?”
Lex’s eyes flicker to life, the tension leaving his body as he blinks back to the scene, almost like he’d been somewhere else. Somewhere far away. Pivoting to the camera crew, he places his hand on my back again, reinstating the self-assured mask. “Sure thing.”
The interviewer sets up quickly, the crew adjusting lights and microphones. “So, Lex, Stevie, we’ve heard rumors about your relationship. Care to share the scoop with our viewers?”
I peer up at Lex.
Rudy told me to let him take the lead, while Lex told me to follow his cues. Neither of them thought I was capable of selling this.
Screw that.
A new wave of conviction washes over me. This is my chance to turn the tables and prove I can handle the spotlight, that I have what it takes.
That I can truly act.
Heart racing, I erect my spine and smoosh in closer to Lex, taking him briefly off guard. “Absolutely. We’ve been keeping our relationship under wraps, but tonight, we’re excited to announce that we’re officially a couple.” My smile brightens twofold as I wrap my arm around Lex and yank him close. “Right, babe?”
