The second I had gotten my diploma, I had up and left, never wanting to look back and remember the torture living with Willa had brought me. Part of the reason I hadn't gone back to see Mattie, as much as I loved her, was partly due to Willa.
The ride to the Microsoft Theatre was jam-filled with traffic. The line of the limo was lengthy as each star carefully unloaded, one car at a time, before gliding down the red carpet.
"Nervous?" River whispered in my ear. His hand hadn't loosened its tight grip. I held on to it as it if was my lifeline.
I swallowed the thick lump in the back of my throat. Nervous didn't even begin to cover my present state. Torn between wanting to puke and needing to run, the only comfort came from River's hand gripping mine. It was as if he was giving me strength. As long as he kept me close, everything would be all right.
The anticipation was killing me slowly. Our driver seemed to be communicating with the organizers from the event. I wasn't sure if that was a system to filter through the star hierarchy or what not, but after five minutes of standstill, our vehicle began to move again. We were the fifth one in line.
"Bass Cole and Emma Anderson coming through in four, white limo," I heard the security's walkie-talkie standing a few feet away. They were in the vehicle before us.
My eyes glued to the vehicle ahead of us, not wanting to miss a moment seeing one of my favorite couples almost up close and personal. I was tizzy with excitement, and when the door opened, I gasped with anticipation.
The blonde bombshell stepped out, dressed in red, wowing people to silence for a few moments. Long, blonde shiny tresses cascaded down her bare silky skin, with a face of a siren, and cleavage that could tempt a saint.
"Holy shit, didn't she just give birth, like, a month ago?" I heard myself say as my eyes gathered in her beautiful, shapely figure. "She's so stunning." I was having a moment to myself, and River lightly chuckled as he studied my awe-struck expression.
He gave my hand a quick squeeze. "Easy there, petal. You're making me jealous."
He was teasing me, surely. Then again, I'd go gay for Emma Anderson any time.
Bass Cole sauntered towards his wife. Penetrating eyes admired his companion as he possessively placed a hand on her lower back and whispered in her ear. Emma took a peek at him, beaming with pride before the organizers spoke to them, ushering them towards the red carpet.
"God, I love them."
Then it hit me. It's our turn. Fuck.
Sweat broke out of my pores as I suddenly felt faint, thirsty, and needing to pee. I was a train wreck waiting to happen.
"Don't let go of my hand, whatever happens, don't ever let go."
"Cheer up, babe. I got you." River brought my hand to his lips, kissing every tip before kissing my nose. "I'm not letting go, so relax. Tonight's all about having fun."
Easy for him to say 'cause he's been to countless events.
Our moment arrived, and before I dared to blink, we were being ushered towards the daunting red carpet. Racked with ceaseless anxiety and nerves, I clung to my man, hoping I didn't seem desperate as I smiled and nodded, nervously answering questions when directed at me.
River smiled for the cameras while he dipped his head close to my ear, whispering silly things that made me laugh, easing my anxiety.
River made it look effortless. Under the flashes and the bright lights, he transformed into one of Hollywood's beloved stars.
I gawked, praising him while he interviewed for his upcoming movie and album. He was collected, unapologetically straightforward, and sexy as sin. The fifty-year old woman who interviewed him was entranced, mesmerized as she smiled and batted her lashes at him, giggling and blushing as she tried to compose herself to no avail.
Oh boy, I thought as I tried to hide a smile and gave his hand a light squeeze. His hand responded in the same manner, telling me he was about to wrap it up. He knew my jealousy knew no bounds, fifty-year-old or not, the jealousy didn't differentiate. My man knew it, too.
Chapter Five
"How are we holding up?" River murmured into my ear as the last performance of the night came to a close.
"I'm doing beyond well," I murmured back, softly kissing his cheek, then stood to applaud with the rest of the crowd as the event drew to a successful close.
The whole ordeal wasn't as frightening as I imagined. The moment I got over my nerves and insecurity, I began to actually have fun meeting actors I had looked up to. It was a life changing moment. And evidently, I fangirled like a total ninny the moment I saw Bass Cole seated a few seats from us, much to River's chagrin. The guy actually got a little jealous, even though Bass wouldn't even bat an eyelash towards any woman because he only had eyes for his wife.