Luckily, Liam knew how to handle the questions. He waited until people stopped screaming and then took the questions one at a time, only fielding the easiest ones to me, such as “are you happy to be a part of this show?” It was over in a flash, and before I knew it, we were heading off the stage, away from the press. I couldn’t believe that they were actually so interested in me. Apart from questions about the show, they had wanted to know about my life. Where I had grown up, how I came to audition, what my hopes and dreams were. And of course, everything about my personal life, which I already chose not to answer. When they asked if I had a boyfriend, I looked away and shook my head. I could feel Liam’s eyes burning at me, but I knew it was the right thing to say. If I wasn’t certain of what was happening right now, the press didn’t have the right to know.
The photo shoot went the same way; a constant flash of cameras, and what seemed like hundreds of paparazzi standing before us. When it was finally over, I felt out of breath, waving goodbye before heading behind the curtain. We were running late, and Liam had told me as soon as we were done, it was time to start getting ready. I had to be completely fresh faced and re done as Beauty, so it would take plenty of time.
I thought I was nervous for the press conference, but the nerves that descended on me as I sat in the hair and makeup chair were now worse than ever.
“Break a leg for me, darling.” Porsche stuck her head through the door, looking about as bad as I felt. Still, she had a smile on her face as she came over to give me a hug. She was burning up. I could feel it from half a foot away. But I said nothing and gave her a tight hug.
“I’ll be in the audience. It’s past sunset and Liam hasn’t changed,” she whispered in my ear. I nodded, wrapping my arms around her.
“Thank you,” I replied, and she gave me a quick kiss on the forehead, rubbing my shoulders.
The makeup artist finished my final coat of lip-gloss, and leaned back, nodding.
“Alright, Amy, you’re ready,” she said. “I’ll do a touch up at intermission. But you’re perfect. You look just like Belle in the Disney movie.”
“She was a cartoon,” I said, and the makeup artist laughed, gathering up some of her stuff.
“Good luck,” she said, and then she left, and I was alone for the first time in hours.
I took a deep breath, looking into the mirror. I did look like Belle, with my hair tied back and the peasant girl dress. My eyes looked huge and my skin was glowing.
Trying not to tremble, I stood up and walked out of the room. Despite not being on for a few scenes, Liam was already standing in the wings, waiting for the lights to dim.
Seeming him immediately calmed me down. My palms stopped sweating, my heart slowed and I could breathe normally again. A wave of relief washed over me and I knew I could tackle whatever was waiting for me on the stage. It was then that I realized I couldn’t do this- I couldn’t walk away. I may know how to act, and I may have blown Liam away at the auditions, and Shannon, but without his guidance and help, I would never be able to continue. Acting really was only half of this industry, and the rest I still had to learn.
“Hey,” Liam turned around, smiling at me as he glanced at the backstage clock. “Look at you.”
“Look at you. All…human still,” I said, knowing that could have a double meaning, without his beast costume. He smiled.
“The power of Porsche,” he replied, putting an arm around me. “You ready?”