Ch 27: Hectic Hollywood

The flash of multiple camera bulbs blinded me. I wanted to blink, but forced my eyes open for the cameras, standing next to Luke, a smile pasted on my face. The red carpet wasn’t nearly as fancy as it looks on TV. Instead, there was a long red rug laid out in front of an LA movie theater which led to a temporary backdrop that looked like a movie screen filled with logos for Luke’s next film.
Fans screamed at Luke from across the carpet, standing behind silver barricades. Many of them were young women, yet some young men filled out the bystanders. With our arms linked we walked up to the backdrop for more pictures and television interviews. I prayed I wouldn’t trip on the gown and embarrass myself. I gripped Luke’s arm tighter.
Being that Luke was one of the stars of the film, I felt overwhelmed by all the people looking at me. There were cameramen calling his name, reporters asking questions, and fans screaming, “Luke I love you.” I wanted to run away, not used to so much attention. But I held onto Luke and looked admiringly at him. He looked dapper is his new suit that Lyle finally received and fitted at the last minute. His smile appeared bright and jovial. I could tell he enjoyed the spotlight.
Once at the front of the theater, by the backdrop, we stopped to pose for some more pictures. I plastered a smile on my face, stood tall and let go of Luke’s arm so photographers could snap pictures of Luke solo. When he rejoined me, a celebrity reporter jumped in front of us with a microphone.
“Tell us about the film,” the reporter said.
“I’m so proud of this performance. It’s a departure from my action roles, but I hope people are touched by the story. It was a great script, and I was honored to be a part of bringing the story to life.”
“Luke, how’s Gina?” the reporter asked.
Luke tempered his smile a little, putting on a more serious face. “She’s doing well. It’s unfortunate she couldn’t be here tonight. She’ll be out of the hospital soon.”
“And who did you bring instead?”
Luke and I hadn’t talked about our relationship status. Since picking me up earlier in a towncar, we barely got in two words between Lyle fidgeting with our hair and call from Katie reminding Luke of his talking points. I didn’t know how he would introduce me, especially at such a big event. I also didn’t want to apply any pressure on Luke during his big night. This moment was all about him.
“This is Stella, my trainer. She’s keeping me fit for my next movie.” I smiled, hoping he might say more. Being introduced as his trainer sounded so, well…professional. The reporter nodded, barely throwing me a glance, and we headed into the theater.
Throughout the event, I felt as if all eyes were on Luke, and I was out of place. He signed autographs and shook hands with some of his fans. Each time he said it, my heart drooped for a minute. Luke talked to some more reporters and other people associated with the movie, introducing me as his trainer. While I wanted to be Luke’s girlfriend, I could understand not wanting to publicize such a new relationship to the nosy media. But was he introducing me as his trainer to protect me or because he didn’t want a serious romantic relationship with me? Maybe our tryst was an act of passion on Luke’s part and not the start of us as a couple.
As we watched the film, I made sure to clap and laugh at all the right parts. I even gave Luke’s hand a little squeeze during a scene where Luke delivered a superbly emotional performance. I was proud of him for taking the risk of starring in a movie that wasn’t a guaranteed blockbuster hit. He truly showed he was a versatile actor, able to navigate dramatic content with subtle nuances. I was so proud of him.
The day had been exhausting from my surprise visit from Luke to a bustling Hollywood event. Due to the flurry of preparing for the red carpet, I felt exhausted. I insisted Luke go on to the after-party without me. I just couldn’t deal with more stares, more questions, and the aching feeling I didn’t belong.
“Are you sure?” Luke asked. “I can take you home first.”
“No, that’s OK. You go. Have a good time.” I kissed him on the cheek as he was whisked away by another co-star who offered Luke a ride in his limo.
My whirlwind date with Luke Mulligan came to an end. I wondered if there’d ever be another.
***
Luke and I had been texting back and forth a few times. Although he never said it explicitly, I was pretty sure he wanted to see more of me. I looked forward to our flirty texts, but also tried to keep it casual. Unfortunately, due to his press tour, we couldn’t find any time to meet in the last few days. Finally, we set a plan to meet later that afternoon.
Before heading to Luke’s, I decided to drop in on Daniel at Sunset Fitness. I wanted his advice, and although he was usually the last person I would turn to for romantic tips, this time, I thought he might be able to help.
When I came in to the gym, Daniel was training a short middle-aged woman with dyed blonde hair. He showed her how to rack the weights and lunge.
“Hey, Daniel,” I said.
“I’m busy, Stella,” he said, shaking his head toward his client.
“I can see that. When you’re done.”
I padded over to his closet office to wait and surfed the internet, looking at news and reviews from Luke’s film. I noticed some photos from the red carpet event. The verdict: I didn’t look half bad. Luke looked amazing – strong and charismatic, just like a movie star should look. By his side, I thought we made a handsome pair.
Fifteen minutes later, Daniel breezed in.
“What’s up?” He came around to the computer and pushed me out of the seat. He looked at the photos on the screen and nodded his head.
“Nice, Stella. You look good. That’s the way to get some publicity. Luke’s looking in good shape too.”
“Thanks,” I said.
“I hope you told everyone who you work for.”
“Sorry, it didn’t come up.” Daniel frowned, unhappy with my answer.
“I nab a great client like Luke, now you have to keep selling. Try to get me some more A-listers.”
“Look, I’ll try. It’s just, I don’t want to seem like I’m using Luke for business.”
“This IS business,” he said.
“Yeah, that’s what everyone keeps reminding me. Maybe it shouldn’t be. I kind of feel funny taking money from Luke now that we’ve slept together.”
“You what!?” Daniel jumped out of his seat. “That’s…” Daniel started pacing, which in his office meant taking two steps, meeting the wall, turning around, and taking another two steps. “That’s good. The more people see you together, it will give you a chance to sell Daniel’s Sunset Fitness.”
I made a funny face. “That’s what you’re calling it?”
“Anyway, really, Stella. We could build a brand.” He stopped and placed both hands on his desk.
“Can I talk to Daniel my cousin for a second, not Daniel my boss?” I asked.
Daniel looked at me, trying to focus on what I had to say instead of becoming the next fitness mogul. “What do I do now?” I asked.
“What do you mean?”
“With Luke. I mean I haven’t been with anyone in quite awhile. I don’t want to seem clingy, but I never slept with a guy unless they were my boyfriend.”
“Oh, that.”
“I’m no virgin, but this is different. I still don’t know where I stand with Luke. You do it all the time. How do I act like this is casual?”
Daniel put his hand on my shoulder. “Stella, everyone keeps telling you to be yourself. You don’t have to act like it’s casual.”
“Well, you do,” I said. I was sick of being lectured.
“I do because I keep choosing the wrong girls.” He turned and pointed at me. “And I’m always straight with them upfront. It sounds like you’ve got a great guy in Luke. You don’t have to be clingy, but you don’t have to be casual either. If you’re interested in a relationship, go for it.” He walked around and gave me a hug. Even though he was my cousin, Daniel often felt more like a brother.
When I left Sunset Fitness to head over to Luke’s, I resolved to profess my feelings to him. I wasn’t going to tell him I loved him and wanted to be with him forever. It was way too soon for that. But I did want him to know that I only sleep with people I can see having a relationship with. I hoped he felt the same.
At the door, my stomach felt topsy turvy as I worried Luke might reject me. Little did I know, professing my feelings would be the least of my concerns. When Luke opened the door, I noticed several designer suitcases sitting near the entryway.
“Going on a trip?” I asked, pointing at the bags.
“Not exactly,” said Luke.
I stepped in and jumped up a little to kiss him on the cheek. Instead of appearing happy, he looked a little annoyed.
When I walked in further, able to view the living room, I saw the reason why.