Accidental Romance

by Melanie Brown

  Mom looked at me with an owl-like expression and said, “I’ve never had a daughter before.”

  I raised an eyebrow and smirked, “I can’t argue with that.” Trying to change the subject, I asked, “Do you know where Nate is?”

  Mom shrugged and said, “Oh, he left a couple of hours ago. Said something about Tony.”

  “I hope he gets done in time to come back and change,” I commented. “Big event tonight.”

  Mom frowned and said, “He’s a guy. All he has to do is take a dump, shower and get dressed. These days he doesn’t even have to shave. Dollars to donuts he doesn’t shave.”

  “True,” I said. I was facing an afternoon of beauty salon detention. Steph had booked the same place to do my hair, do my make-up and help me in my dress. In fact, the timing was being cut so close, the limo was going to pick me up there. Mom was getting her hair done as well, but she was handling her own make-up. She was going to be a guest at our table, but she wasn’t walking down the red carpet with us.

  The realization of that event finally slapped me the face like a cold mackerel. I was going to be walking down the red carpet, arm in arm with Nathan, wearing the reddest of red gowns and thanks to Mr. Demarco, I probably have been getting more buzz lately than Nate. There were going to be all those little on the spot interviews with media outlets. Millions of people were going to see me. As Amber. Talk about being under a microscope.

  The phone rang. I looked at the caller id and it was Steph. I picked up the handset and said, “Hello?”

  Stephanie said, “Hey girl! I hope you’re dressed and have eaten. I’ll be picking you up in about half an hour to take you to the salon. You have to be ready to roll before four o’clock.”

  “I’m getting dressed now,” I lied. Thinking back to the night before, I desperately needed a shower as well. “Maybe make it forty-five minutes…”

  “Saw Nate at the office this morning,” said Steph. “He seemed in unusually good spirits. He’s usually kinda grumpy on Oscar day. Did y’all have like, sex last night?”

  Frowning at such a personal question, I said, “I’m not the kind of girl to kiss and tell. But I’m not walking funny today. Nathan’s not going to poke me in the butt and quite frankly, I’m not sure I want him to.”

  Steph said, “I understand that. In all honesty though, Amber, you’re the best thing to happen to Nathan Adams in some time. I need to run. See you in a few minutes.”

  * * *

  I had to admit my beauty salon visit was a mixed bag for me. I both wondered if it was ever going to end and wished that it never would. With all the fussing and pampering, it’s little wonder Hollywood celebrities have an overinflated opinion of themselves.

  Steph furrowed her brow with a serious frown, “This took longer than we expected. And they’re pretty busy here today. Step back and let me look at you. If there’s a problem, we really don’t have time to fix it. The limo will be here any minute.”

  I took a few steps back from Steph. I was so glad I was used to wearing high heels, but these strappy sandals were at least an inch higher than all my pumps. I felt very conspicuous standing there. I felt like I was a walking billboard that shouted ‘Hey! Look at me!’ No matter how I feel now, at my core I’m still a guy and I didn’t spend my life dreaming of wearing pretty dresses and being glamorous. I felt totally like a fish out of water. Even my make-up. I have shied away from wearing red lipstick as it always just seemed too much to me. But here I was, wearing a bright red lipstick that matched my bright red nails that matched my bright red gown.

  If I had to guess, Nathan probably still hadn’t put on his bow tie yet. I hoped he at least put on a clean shirt.

  Steph looked at me with a wide grin. She shook her head in disbelief. “Oh-my-God! Amber, you are absolutely fucking gorgeous! I am so serious! Stunning, girl, stunning! Considering where you were just weeks ago, you are totally amazing!”

  Holding my arms away from my body and twisting back and forth, I asked, “So you think this is okay?”

  Steph rolled her eyes and said, “Yeah. I think it’ll do. I’d slap you, but then we’d have to re-do your make-up. Seriously, Amber. With the cut of the dress and your hair up like that, it makes your neck look long and elegant. Your hair is beautiful and that dress… that dress is just gorgeous. Mr. Beirabelli is a genius, artist and magician all rolled into one. He really outdid himself with that gown. Oh, crap, the limo is here. It’s show time, girl!”

  “Are you coming with me?” I asked as we started walking outside to the limousine.

  Steph laughed and said, “Are you kidding? The limo is for the celebrity. That means you. Not for your assistant. I’ll be there, but not at your table. Neither will Dad. You will be sitting with the director, producers and writers for Nathan’s movie. And your mother.”

  “But… but, Steph. You should be there too. I wouldn’t be here at all without you,” I said sincerely.

  Steph smiled, “I know. Remember that in two years when you’re a big star. This is your moment. The moment when the whole world discovers Amber Johnson and falls in love with her. Savor it.” As she closed the limousine door behind me, I saw her wipe away a tear.

  I jumped when I felt a hand on my leg. I turned quickly to see it was Mom. She said, “Relax dear. My goodness. You’re wound up tighter than Dick’s hatband.”

  “Sorry, Mom,” I said. “I’m just really really nervous. I don’t know if I can do this.”

  “You’ll be fine,” said Mom in a soothing voice. “We’re picking up Nathan at Mr. Demarco’s office.” She looked at me for several moments. Shaking her head, she said, “You are gorgeous, honey. I should have realized it sooner, but now there’s no denying that you’re a woman.”

  Smiling and trying not to cry -- I can’t even imagine how much this make-up cost – I said, “Thank you, Mom. I can’t even remember who Bobby was. The name seems like some distant person now. I didn’t grow up wanting to be a girl, but looking back, I see the elements now. I am a woman. Or, if you read the tabloids, I’m a thirteen year old girl that will land Nathan in jail.”

  The limousine pulled up to the sidewalk where Nathan was standing. Talk about gorgeous. Nathan looked incredible in his tux.

  Mom said, “I should have bet money. See? I was right.” I looked more closely and sure enough, Nathan was sporting a sexy, unshaven face.

  The driver opened the door and Nate got in. After he got himself settled he looked at me and I’ll remember that expression forever. Nate said with a wink, “Lovely as always, Amber. Seriously though. You are so incredibly gorgeous. I can’t believe you’re the kid I played computer games with.”

  I laughed, “You used to pretend I was a girl then.”

  “True enough,” Nate said, “but now I don’t have to pretend. I’d kiss you, but Tony told me how much you cost him today. He expects a lot of buzz.”

  “I hope we do,” I grinned. “I love getting all glammed up like this, but I’d hate to have to do it very often.”

  Nate said, “What Tony was telling me, you might be getting glammed up more often. Sounds like your modeling will be taking off.”

  “Yes. I hope it’ll be fun,” I said trying to contain my growing nervousness. “But going to exotic locales with men ogling me will get old quick, I’m sure.”

  Mom said, “Maybe I should be a model then.”

  The limousine pulled up to the curb behind a few other limos. I looked out the window and gasped, “Holy crap! Look at all those stars! This is crazy.”

  Nathan looked serious for a moment, “Please Amber. Don’t act like a crazy fan or a tourist. Act like you hang with these beautiful people every day. We have to keep up appearances.”

  Frowning I said, “I’ll try.”

  Nathan looked out the limo’s window. Frustration colored his voice. “Again? Really? We’re coming in behind that Tommy Kincaid again.

  I laughed, “That’s funny.” I saw Nate’s glare and said, “Or not.”

  The dr
iver opened the limousine door and Nate stepped out. He turned to help me out of the limo. I stepped to one side and he helped my mother out.

  Cameras were flashing left and right. And this was the least crowded part of the red carpet. We started walking down the carpet until we got into a little line. Everyone had to stop for a quick interview with E! Entertainment.

  As we walked up behind Tommy Kincaid and his girlfriend Michelle Grayson, Tommy turned around and said, “Nathan! Good to see you old man.” He extended his hand.

  Nathan took Tommy’s hand and they shook. I was almost blinded by all the cameras going off to get that shot. Nate said, “Hey bro. I’m surprised to see you here as this event goes past your bed time.” Tommy pointed at Nate and grinned and then he turned to wait to be interviewed.

  Michelle Grayson turned to me, “That’s a beautiful dress, Amber.”

  I smiled at Michelle, “Thank you. Yours too.”

  Michelle smiled back, “Thank you. Mr. Beiribelli is a Master.”

  My eyes widened, “You’re wearing Beiribelli too?”

  Michelle laughed, “Yes. And you too?” I nodded.

  Michelle frowned, wrinkling her eyebrows, “He gave you the red one?”

  I shrugged, “Well, that blue gown is absolutely stunning on you.

  Michelle laughed, “Well, at least we’re not both wearing the same dress.” She studied me for a few moments and then said, “Good thing I didn’t take my mom up on her bet.”

  “What was that?” I asked.

  Michelle giggled, “I told my mom that I’d bet that you were really a guy pretending to be a girl. Mom didn’t think so.”

  A bolt of cold shot down my spine, “You think I’m a guy? Why would you say that?”

  Michelle suddenly looked embarrassed, “It’s not that I think that. No, no. Just some of the things you’ve done strike me as guy-like. But now that I see you really up close, I can see that you’re definitely not a guy!”

  I laughed, hoping that no one would see me sweating bullets, “Such a silly idea. I mean, who would do such a thing?”

  I detected a hint of nervousness as Michelle said, “I know, right? Oh, Tommy’s getting his interview. We’ll chat later.” And she scampered away.

  Speaking so as not to be overheard, Nate spat, “I swear, that Kincaid is such an attention whore.”

  Starting to shake a bit with nervousness, I said, “The big event is almost here. I can’t believe I’m actually standing here on the red carpet!”

  Nathan scowled at me, “Tone it down a bit, okay? Act more nonchalant.”

  Frowning, I said, “I’ve never been here before, Nate. Allow me to be a bit excited? Please?”

  “Okay, okay,” said Nate. “Ah, Kincaid is done.”

  Tommy Kincaid ignored us, but Michelle gave me a brief wave. The interviewer said to Kincaid, “And good luck Tommy with your new upcoming sci-fi movie, Take me back to Constantinople.”

  I took Nate’s arm and immediately wanted to run away seeing the TV camera, as well as a zillion other cameras pointed our way. I thought how I never wanted any of this limelight. I came here to house sit Nate’s house while he was off in Europe filming his next movie. Oh, snap. Who’s going to watch his house now that I’m going to Europe too?

  “Nathan Adams!” said the E! Entertainment interviewer. “Do you have a moment for us?”

  Nate smiled his famous smile and said, “Of course! I always have time for you, Brian.” Nate turned to face the co-interviewer and said, “And of course you too, Mary. Lovely as always I see.” Both Mary and Brian cranked up the volume of their own smiles.

  Brian said, “Your movie Danger Beach is doing extremely well at the box office. It’s been nominated for five Academy Awards including best writing, best direction and best actor. How do you think it’ll fare tonight?”

  “Well, Brian, it’s always hard to say,” said Nate. “Box office gold doesn’t always translate into Oscar gold. I think we have a good shot at all five.”

  Mary said, “I see you brought Amber Johnson with you tonight. Amber, you look absolutely stunning tonight. That dress is just gorgeous. This is your first time at the Oscars, isn’t it? What do you think?”

  My mind when blank for a second and then I finally managed clear my throat, “Thank you. Oh yes, it’s very exciting. I’m rooting for Nathan of course.”

  Mary nodded, “There’s a rumor that you’ll be going to Europe with Nathan and might appear in the movie he’ll be making there. Any truth to that?”

  I just laughed and said, “You know how rumors are.”

  Brian said, “Well, thanks for talking to us, Nathan. We wish you luck.”

  As we walked on down the red carpet to the next mini-interview, Nathan whispered in my ear, “That’s the first I’ve heard of that rumor. Anything I should know?”

  I shrugged, “What can I say? There’s a rumor going around that you’re dating a seventh grader.”

  “You’re a funny girl,” Nathan said as he led me down the red carpet.

  * * *

  It was quite a nerve-wracking evening. Nathan’s movie had won for best writing and best score, but lost on best director and best supporting actress. Michelle Grayson was a presenter for best song, but she shocked everyone when she tripped on her dress walking down the stairs and fell off the stage. Thankfully she was unhurt.

  Finally the two celebrities who would be presenting the Best Actor Award came out on the stage. The mood at our table grew tense as they went down the list of Actors and showing them on the big screen on the stage. When they showed Tommy Kincaid, who was at the table next to us, Michelle was holding his arm tightly. I’m sure she hated that she now had a large bandage on her forehead and her hair was now listing to starboard. Nathan was holding my hand so tightly he was cutting off the circulation.

  Finally they were finished listing everyone and wasted a few moments cracking some unfunny jokes. To myself, I was saying “Please please please please…” Nathan’s expression was neutral.

  The woman presenter, whose name escapes me, said as she tore open the envelope, “And the award for best actor tonight goes to…” She clutched at her cleavage and shouted, “Oh my God! The award goes to… Tommy Kincaid!”

  Tommy leaned over and kissed Michelle and then stood up and straightened his tux. His movie’s writing team, producers, director and supporting cast all stood up and applauded. Nathan stood and shook Tommy’s hand and said something I couldn’t hear, but I saw Michelle laugh. Nathan sat back down and applauded with everyone else.

  I clutched Nate’s arm, “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry! I thought for sure that…”

  Nate waved off my comment, “Don’t worry about it babe. I won last year, so it was doubtful I’d get it again this year.”

  I had no idea what movie won best picture. I’d stopped paying any attention.

  When we got home, I was fully prepared to offer myself completely to Nathan. But first I had to take a shower. I really hated to wash off the make-up. I really loved the way it made me look. But it really had to come off. It felt good to let my hair down and wash it as well. After the shower and blow drying my hair so it wouldn’t become a snarled mess, I slipped into a sexy, lacy black teddy and tried to make an entrance into Nate’s room. Nate was lying in bed in his underwear, sound asleep.

  I kissed him on the cheek, and crawled into bed next to him. I put my arm around him and fell asleep.

  * * *

  While not early, I was up before Nathan. I was watching the Oscar’s highlights on cable. I have to admit, being there is totally different than being at home watching it on TV. Being there is just as long and boring as watching it on TV but without the commercials to make it more interesting. However, this time, knowing that she wasn’t hurt, I laughed when Michelle Grayson took a header off the stage.

  I felt the couch bounce as Nate plopped himself down. I hadn’t heard him come down the stairs. Still looking sleepy, he leaned in and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. He s
aid, “Mornin’ my love.”

  “Good morning, sweetie!” I said as I threw an arm around his neck and kissed him.

  He just sat there, all quiet, not really watching the TV. He took a deep breath through his nose and still looking straight ahead, he said, “I just got off the phone with Tony.”

  “A condolence call?” I asked.

  “Oh, not at all,” said Nathan still sounding sleepy. “He would have preferred I won, but he said we’ll get a boost from best score. We’ll probably get nothing from best writing.” He paused for several moments. “He did say the buzz you created was far more valuable. The pictures of you and that tart Michelle Grayson standing next to each other is pure gold. Remember when you were asked about the rumor you were going to Europe too? Well, Tony actually paid Mary to ask that. He was testing the buzz factor for the idea that you’re going to have some scenes in my upcoming movie.”

  He looked over at me and said, “So. When were you going to tell me? After we’re there?”

  I shook my head and said, “No. Tony told me he was going to tell you this week. I thought it’d be later in the week. Especially after last night.”

  “Nope, nope,” said Nate. “He told me this morning. You’re going to be modeling as well as acting. And spending my money at all the shops in Paris.”

  I just smiled at Nate, “Pretty much. Is that okay?”

  Frowning, Nathan said, “You’re here for one reason and one reason only. Not to upstage me at the Academy Awards, not to become a model and an actress. No, I hired you to watch my house while I’m gone. You can’t do that now. Bobby, bro. You’re fired.”

  “You’re firing me?” I asked with a gasp.

  “Well, duh!” said Nathan. “You can’t exactly watch the house while in Europe, can you?”

  “You’re not sending me back to Abilene?” I asked.

  “Well, no. Of course not,” Nathan said. “You can’t model in Europe while in Abilene. And, I think my fans would revolt. They love you, except those that think you’re twelve.”