by Tiara Bosh
“Is he here already?” Kayla asked curiously.
“On his way. Grand entrance, you know,” Ben explained, grinning.
Just then everyone else arrived – Bobby with his wife, Brandon and his girlfriend… Henry and his wife arrived too. Kayla felt better seeing more familiar faces. It wasn’t so bad after all. It was like they were in another meeting but just in a much fancier setting.
Cynthia, Bobby’s wife, has always been kind to Kayla as they have seen each other in countless events for the past years. Brandon’s girlfriend was fairly new so it was Kayla’s first time to meet the young veterinarian.
Ben and Henry left them shortly to talk to some other people, after Ben asked for Kayla’s number in case he needed to find them later on. He gave her his as well. Kayla almost chuckled, remembering how Alex demanded for everyone’s mobile numbers.
Their little group started chatting amongst themselves. Kayla talked to Cynthia, learning the latest about Bobby and Cynthia’s two sons and their respective families. They already had three grandkids.
Their attention shifted when they heard a cheer from the red carpet. The main stars must have arrived as the energy in the venue suddenly rose. Kayla felt excited herself. She convinced herself it was just because of the glamour of Hollywood.
They all watched from the sidelines as they saw the stars walk down the carpet, granting some interviews along the way.
“There he is!” Jenny said excitedly, and Kayla knew of course who Jenny was referring to.
Kayla surreptitiously shifted her view to see him. She saw him posing with his movie leading lady, Emily Harper. Emily had dark blonde hair, dark eyes and a supermodel body. She was a British actress that has been getting popular in Hollywood for the past couple of years. They made a beautiful pair. The sight of them together reminded Kayla about Alex’s stature and the world where he belonged. At least one day she can tell her kids that she was able to attend a movie premiere because she knew the actor who starred in it.
Alex, Emily and the other cast members gave several interviews, and posed for probably hundreds of photos, which Kayla would be sure would be splashed all over websites and magazines moments after this. It was almost a good half hour till the red carpet was cleared.
“That was quite a show,” Jenny observed.
“And we haven’t watched the movie yet,” Ryan said.
Their group further chatted about what they just witnessed.
Suddenly they felt the commotion behind them. All of them peered back to see Alex, accompanied by Ben and a couple other people, walking towards them.
Kayla couldn’t deny how handsome Alex was. And to see him in that setting left her in awe. Their eyes met, and Kayla quickly shifted her gaze.
Alex first shook hands with Bobby and kissed Cynthia’s cheek. Alex has already met Cynthia in previous events. Cynthia was also in the office party a few weeks back when Kayla first met Alex.
And kissed him.
“Kayla,” he greeted, breaking into her thoughts, causing Kayla’s cheeks to burn. Forcing herself to stay focused, she introduced him to everyone he hasn’t met yet. Alex even shook hands with Trey, who acted like an adult. Trey kept on calling him Hawkman from the Justice League movie. It was hilarious. But Kayla admired the way Alex naturally talked to Trey. He even agreed when Jenny asked if she could take a photo of Alex and Trey together using her camera phone.
“I have to go,” Alex announced. Kayla suddenly felt his hand on the small of her back as he leaned in to say softly, “You’re breathtaking. I’ll see you after the movie, okay?” Kayla felt like she stopped breathing for those few seconds. She blamed it on the fanfare of the occasion.
Then he was swept away by someone from his entourage. Ben left as well.
“I saw that,” Jenny whispered, excitedly.
“What?” Kayla replied stupidly. But she still felt weak from Alex’s gesture and words.
“If I weren’t happily married I would be jealous,” Jenny declared.
“That’s exactly why,” Kayla said, defensively, still feeling unstable. “Obviously I’m the only one without a date here. He took pity on me.”
“He did give the tickets to you,” Jenny debated. Kayla eventually told Jenny last week – after Jenny’s insistence – that she knew about the tickets before they actually got them.
“I was just the messenger,” Kayla said, shrugging, playing it down. Jenny had a romance novel written in her head.
“Whatever you say, Kayla,” Jenny said giving up on her friend.
After a few minutes someone announced that the movie was about to begin, so everyone made their way into the theater. It was a bit chaotic – it took them a while to make it to their seats. Their group filled up a row at the side, excitedly chatting while waiting for the movie to start.
They watched as the stars of the movie first stood at the front of the theater to thank everyone. Their speeches were almost like those acceptance speeches in the Oscars, thanking practically everyone who was part of making the movie. It was such a new experience for Kayla.
From a distance Kayla felt the magnitude of Alex’s fame, especially when it was his turn to talk and a cheer rang out. It was pretty wild. She found herself clapping for him too.
“Thank you everyone for being here,” Alex said into the microphone. He had his signature charming smile on. “Just like every other movie I’ve done, this one is pretty special. And I’m not just saying that so you can all give raving reviews for this movie.” Laughter broke out. “Spending months filming a movie, of course it would leave imprints in our hearts and our memories. It was a privilege working with this amazing cast and crew. I hope you all enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it.”
There was another round of applause for him.
After everyone has spoken, the stars were ushered to their seats then the movie began.
It was two hours of action and spectacular effects. For those hours Kayla forgot she knew the actor as she totally bought the role he was portraying. She even wiped away a tear at one sad part by the end of the movie.
Kayla readily joined everyone else in applauding at the end of the movie. The stars and the director stood to accept the applause, gratitude evident in their faces. They were led out of the theater before everyone else was allowed to file out.
Their little group was buzzed with excitement from the movie as they walked back out to the refreshments area. Trey was talking animatedly about his favorite scenes.
“Cynthia and I will go ahead,” Bobby said to the group. “It was a very memorable night. Thanks everyone.” They walked away after hands were shook and goodbyes were said. Brandon and Sara also wandered away to go for more star sightings.
“We have to go too,” Jenny said, apologetically to Kayla. Since they were sharing the rental they had to leave the same time. “It’s way past Trey’s bedtime. I doubt though if he would be able to sleep immediately after all the excitement tonight.”
“No problem,” Kayla said. She didn’t want to be left behind. “Let’s go –“
“Kayla, there you are,” Ben called the second time that night as they approached them.
“Hey Ben, we were just about to leave,” Kayla said.
“You were?” Ben asked, surprised.
“Trey here has to sleep,” Kayla explained contritely, “and we’re sharing a rental car.”
“I’ll drive you home then, Kayla,” Ben offered, like it was the obvious solution.
“Oh you don’t have to do that,” Kayla said automatically.
“Alex said you were going to say that,” Ben said cheekily, grinning.
Kayla laughed. Jenny looked at her inquiringly.
“Come on, I won’t be staying long,” Ben urged. “Enjoy the night. Alex also just wanted to know how you found the movie.”
Kayla deliberated. He did give them tickets that made everyone quite happy. Maybe he did deserve the bit of stroking of his ego.
“Stay, Kayla,” Jenny implor
ed, soft enough for only Kayla to hear. “Allow me to live vicariously through you.”
Kayla knew she had to give in. She was also quite curious about what else was going on. She doubted she would be able to attend a movie premiere ever again.
After saying her goodbyes to the Martins, Kayla allowed herself to be escorted by Ben away. She looked around as well-dressed people scattered the place, enjoying the refreshments and the company. Kayla felt like she was stuck in a dream.
“Are you used to this?” Kayla asked Ben.
“Well it’s kind of part of the job,” Ben replied smilingly, “But it’s much easier now than the first one I ever attended.”
Kayla nodded, understanding. “So how long have you and Alex known each other?”
“We go way back. Junior high. Alex and I were both in the baseball team.”
“Junior high,” Kayla echoed. “Wow.” And Kayla wasn’t surprised he was an athlete. They both had the built that obviously wasn’t just from going to the gym.
They made their way to a more private, paparazzi-free portion of the venue where more cocktails and drinks were being served. The percentage of celebrities in that area was much higher. Kayla was overwhelmed, and felt a bit out of place.
Ben led her to an empty cocktail table. A waiter passed with flutes of wine, and Ben got for them.
“And what about Henry?” Kayla asked, after sipping a bit of wine. “How did he enter the picture?”
“We hired him when we started the foundation,” Ben explained. “Henry has worked in other non-profit organizations. Between my Economics degree and Alex’s Communication Studies degree, we didn’t really know the first thing about putting up a foundation.”
“Alex has a college degree,” Kayla said in wonder. She clamped her mouth shut, realizing how that sounded. She better start thinking more before speaking her mind out.
Ben laughed. “Maybe he doesn’t look it but yes, he has a brain somewhere in there.”
“What are you chatting about?”
Ben and Kayla turned back to see Alex walking over with a self-assured smile, positioning himself between Ben and Kayla. Kayla could smell his familiar soapy scent. The smell has always reminded her about the very first time she encountered him outside the elevator.
“Kayla here is surprised you went to college,” Ben spilled. Kayla looked at Ben with horror in her face, before she hesitantly and guiltily looked back at Alex.
“Really,” Alex said, feigning a hurt look. “You don’t give me enough credit, Kayla.”
Kayla felt herself blush with embarrassment. She’s been getting herself in trouble for all her stereotypes.
“If you guys could excuse me,” Ben said. “I see someone I know.”
So Kayla found herself alone with Alex.
Alex peered down at her, smiling, then asked, “How did you find the movie?”
“Everyone enjoyed it,” Kayla said, feeling shy under his gaze. “I’m not sure how Jenny will get Trey to sleep tonight.”
“That’s good to hear, but I was asking how you found it, Kayla.”
“I – uh – liked it.” Kayla stammered, conscious about being put on the spot. She quickly looked around before forcing herself to look back at him. She said quickly, “It was amazing. You were great.”
Alex beamed. And Kayla saw a hint of satisfaction and relief. “Thank you,” he said a bit breathlessly, causing Kayla to “Everyone else has left?”
“Brandon and Sara are out there somewhere,” she said. “But the rest have gone.”
“I’m glad you were able to stay,” Alex said.
Even before Kayla was able to react to his statement, Alex was approached by a red-headed beauty. Kayla watched as the woman placed her hand on his arm. “Alex, there you are,” she purred, just like they were in bed, making love. Kayla has never heard anyone speak like that in public.
“Oh,” Alex uttered. “Kayla, this is Helena Perov. Helena, this is Kayla Richardson.”
Helena’s smile was obviously practiced and lacked sincerity. Kayla recognized her as one of the smaller bits in the movie. Kayla watched as Helena leaned closer to Alex to whisper something, suddenly making Kayla feel awkward and out of place. What has she gotten herself into? Kayla looked around to try to find Ben. Maybe he would be willing to go. Or maybe she can go back out to look for Brandon.
When she looked back, she saw Helena walk away. She didn’t know what Alex told her. Maybe they would be meeting again later on?
“Hey, if you need to go, I’ll be okay,” Kayla assured quickly. “I’ll just look for Brandon or Ben, or maybe catch a cab. Don’t worry about me.”
“The hell you’re not.” Alex’s look was fierce, surprising Kayla, and she saw his jaw clench. “I will not allow you to take a cab.” He took a few breaths then continued, “I wish I could stay longer with you, Kayla, but I still have some interviews to do. And I couldn’t have you wait for me.”
Kayla wasn’t sure how to take what Alex was saying.
“I can take care of myself, Alex,” Kayla said softly, still a bit confused.
“I know, but –“ Alex looked at her and sighed. “If you really want to go we can go look for Ben.”
Kayla nodded. She didn’t want to be a burden to him on his big night. She saw disappointment in Alex’s face but she watched as he took out his phone.
“Where are you, man?” He listened as Ben spoke. “I need you to take Kayla home.” He listened some more. “Okay thanks, we will wait for you here.”
Ben arrived right away. Ben was a good friend, Kayla observed.
Alex said something to Ben, but Kayla couldn’t hear. Alex then turned to Kayla and smiled. “It means a lot that you were able to come, Kayla.”
Kayla was speechless as she looked up at him. Her heart was pounding. His words were echoing in her brain. His words seemed innocent enough, but the way he said it gave her some shivers.
“I’ll talk to you soon,” Alex said. Then placing his hand on her shoulder, he bent down to kiss her on her temple. As he leaned back and took his hand away, it was like the feel of his lips and his hand stayed with her.
Kayla managed a nod. “Thank you,” she practically just whispered.
Ben led her away as Alex left with one of the movie’s publicists. As they approached the valet area, Ben gave his stub to the attendant and they waited for the car.
“I hope you enjoyed yourself,” Ben said.
“I did,” Kayla said slowly, still a bit shaken. “It’s just different.”
“It gets better,” Ben guaranteed. But Kayla thought, it wasn’t like there was going to be a next time.
Ben’s silver Lexus arrived. He opened the door for her then got in the driver’s seat. Kayla told him where she lived. He was familiar with the area, but automatically input the address in the navigator.
“I’m sorry you had to leave early,” Kayla said. “But Alex could be so stubborn. It almost seemed a waste that I stayed.”
“Of course it wasn’t a waste,” Ben assured. “I couldn’t stay too long in those events too. Just need to make sure our friend Alex behaves, and also to network a bit for the foundation.”
“It’s great that you and Alex share the same vision,” Kayla observed.
Ben nodded. “Yes, we’ve been talking about this since high school. Everything’s coming true.”
“That’s just great,” Kayla exclaimed.
Kayla was quiet after that. Tonight’s events were still yet to sink in.
“Alex is a really good guy, Kayla,” Ben said out of the blue.
Kayla wasn’t able to say anything after that. She wasn’t sure what Ben was trying to imply.
They finally reached her townhouse. Ben, the true gentleman, got out first to open her door.
“Thanks, Ben,” Kayla said, as he brought her to her door.
“It was my pleasure, Kayla,” he said reassuringly. “Good night.” He bent down to kiss her on her cheek, but it didn’t leave any impression as Alex’s k
iss.
“Good night.”
Kayla wasn’t sure how she functioned as she went through her nightly rituals.
It was almost an hour till Kayla lay down on her bed and mulled over the evening. The extra attention she was getting from Alex may be exciting, but how could it lead to anything? He was in the limelight and was surrounded by gorgeous women like Helena Perov and Emily Harper. She was a boring architect who didn’t have much of a life.
So yes, she said it, Alex was right about her.
Now how can her life compare to his?
Chapter 10
Kayla was home the following night by eight. It was almost no use to stay later. The day was almost unproductive. She tried to reset her mind and try to go through the day just like any other, but her mind kept wandering and remembering Alex’s words, his hand on her waist, his lips on her forehead, his scent…
Then it would rewind further to the night they kissed in the elevator.
Darn. She better get a grip.
In order to take her mind away, she planned to catch up on her reading that night. She was in the middle of a suspense thriller. That should do the trick.
After her shower, she burrowed under her comforter decked in her pajamas. Her hair was tied in a bun and had her glasses on as she turned to the last page she has read.
She was practically holding her breath as she was reading the exciting climax of the book when she heard the doorbell ring.
Kayla froze.
Who would drop by at ten at night?
Slowly, getting out of her bed, she crept out of her room and down the flight of stairs. She tried to stay quiet in case she could catch any sound from outside, but all she heard was a car pass by.
Suddenly getting nervous, she made her way to the door, passing by her kitchen. She spied a skillet on the drying rack that seemed durable enough if bashed over someone’s head. Taking it quietly, she made the last few steps to the door. She peeked through the side window, but she only saw a portion of someone’s back. It was obviously a man based on the built.
What if he shot her before she got to hit him with the skillet?
Were her neighbors home? Would they hear her if she screamed?