There weren’t too many times Eva’s guests left her speechless, but this was one of them. Eva gave Veronica a hug. “You’re a brave woman for sharing your story. Thank you.”
“I came on your show Eva because I don’t want women to be afraid to speak out. Talk to your local legislators. There are laws being passed everyday but there’s still so much more that needs to be done.”
A number, 1-800-FYI-CALL, and website, www.ncvc.org, flashed at the bottom of the monitor for the home audience to contact if they were being stalked. Eva said, “Let’s go to commercial. Women aren’t the only ones being stalked. When we come back we’ll talk to award winning actor Clark about his stalker.”
A few minutes later, Eva said, “Welcome back. I don’t know what to say after hearing Veronica’s heart wrenching story. Clark’s ordeal hasn’t gotten much press. He feels mainly because he was a man being stalked. Clark tell us your story.”
Clark said, “Eva, thanks. I’ve been wanting to talk about this publicly for some time but because we were in litigation I couldn’t. Now that my stalker has been convicted, I can say that these past ten years have taken a toll on me.”
“Ten years,” Eva said. “I had no idea and I’m sure others didn’t.”
Clark said, “People close to me did. This woman would show up everywhere I was. I don’t know how she would know where I would be because I had sworn people close to me to secrecy, but she would always find out.”
“I read she came from a wealthy family so that’s why it took so long for the authorities to take her threats seriously.”
Clark said, “That and the fact that she knew the law. I had several protective orders against her. If the protective order said she couldn’t be within one hundred and fifty feet, she would be exactly one hundred and fifty-one feet. She was a sly one.”
In the next segment, Eva asked Dr. Smith, “What signs should we be looking for when dating someone?”
Dr. Smith responded, “As in Clark’s case, he didn’t do anything to encourage his stalker. He had no idea who she was. They had never officially met. If a person has an obsessive type personality, anything can trigger that type of behavior.”
Eva asked, “How can we protect ourselves?”
Dr. Smith said, “First make sure you report it—not just to a friend, but make an official report at the police station. Start keeping a log of incidents and provide that to the police. Make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and do not travel alone. And many may frown on what I’m about to tell you, but I suggest that you protect yourself by any means necessary. Women and men should take self defense classes.”
Eva asked another series of questions. During the rest of the show, the audience was more informed of the warning signs and how serious it could be if someone was stalking them. Eva said, as the show ended, “Thank you all for tuning in today. This show was close to home for me. If you are being stalked, please don’t take it lightly. If you are one who is doing the stalking, know that there are programs out there designed to help you. You can get the help you need.”
Eva then ended the show the way she always did with, “Remember to do something nice for yourself. When you’re happy, the people around you will be happy.”
She spent the next hour talking to the audience and signing autographs. Garth waited for her backstage. Eva looped her arms through his and said, “Let’s blow this joint.”
“I’m proud of you,” Garth said.
“That was a hard show for me to do,” Eva confessed.
“I know, but you faced your demons head on. I admire you for that,” Garth said.
“I’ll feel better once Caroline has been sentenced and put away for a long time,” Eva said, as they walked.
Garth responded, “Caroline will get what’s coming to her. You can stake my life on that.”
~ 43 ~
Three months later…
Garth removed the blindfold from Eva’s eyes. “Wow,” she said. “This is beautiful.”
Eva knew they were coming to the beach but she was not expecting to see a table holding a candlelight dinner in the sand near the water. Eva took a seat when Garth pulled out her chair.
“You’re the hardest person to surprise,” Garth admitted.
Eva said, “You got me good with this one. I thought we were just going to take a stroll near the water. I didn’t expect dinner.”
“I hope everything is to your satisfaction,” Garth said.
“The food looks scrumptious,” she said, as a man dressed in black and white removed the cover showing a plate of shrimp fettuccine with marinated sauce.
The sounds of the ocean provided a romantic soundtrack to their meal. After they ate their main course, the same man came to their table and brought them desert. Instead of placing the desert in front of both of them, he handed them both to Garth. Garth stood up and placed the dish in front of Eva. He then got down on one knee. He removed the cover. On top of the cake was a ring. Garth held the dish and said, “Eva Ward, will you marry me?”
Eva was ecstatic. She almost jumped out her seat. Without hesitating, Eva said, “Yes. Yes.”
Garth removed the ring and tried to wipe out the icing, but Eva was too excited. “Put it on like that. I’ll worry about the icing later.”
They sealed their new engagement with a kiss under the moonlit night.
***
Eva glanced at her reflection in the mirror several times. The form fitted gold dress showed all of her curves. The strapless floor length gown had been hand delivered to her by Fabio, one of her favorite designers. She really liked the fact that her back was out. Fortunately her workouts had been working, so she could show off her fit physique. Tonight was one of the biggest nights of her career. She vowed to enjoy every moment of it. What made it more special was the fact she would be sharing it with the man she loved. Eva smiled as she looked at the three carat princess cut diamond ring on her finger. Garth’s proposal caught her by surprise. Their relationship had moved at a fast pace, but she didn’t regret it. She knew in her heart that he was the only man for her and she was glad he felt the same way about her.
“There’s my favorite talk show host,” Garth said, as he entered and planted a kiss on her lips.
Eva released a few short breaths. “I’m so nervous,” she admitted.
“Baby, if you win, we’ll celebrate. If you lose, we’ll celebrate. Just enjoy the night,” Garth said.
“I’m going to do my best. You just don’t know how bad I want to win.”
“I know. I was like that when I played ball. I hated losing, but I didn’t regret giving it my all, if we did lose. You’ve given your all—so regardless you’re a winner baby.”
“I think that deserves another kiss,” Eva said, as she kissed him. That’s what Eva loved about Garth. He had a way of showing her a different side to a situation.
Jackie yelled from downstairs, “Your car is here.”
“Why is she still working for me again?” Eva asked Garth.
Garth said, “I know when to say something and when to keep my mouth shut. I’m not touching that one.”
Eva felt guilty after Jackie ate Caroline’s poisonous candy. Up until this point, Jackie was Eva’s best assistant. Jackie wasn’t aware of her promotion, but Eva planned to promote her to one of the assistant producer positions as soon as they came back from hiatus.
Eva and Garth rode in one limousine and Jackie and other staff members rode to the awards show in another limousine. Eva said, “I wanted us to have our privacy.” Eva picked up the open bottle of champagne.
Garth took the champagne bottle from her and placed it back in the silver container. He picked up her hand and kissed the back of it. “Baby, you don’t need another drink. We don’t want you tipsy when you walk on stage to accept your awards.”
“I need something to calm my nerves,” Eva said.
“How about this?” Garth asked, right before planting a kiss on her lips.
After moaning a
nd kissing, Eva said, “I’m more than calm. In fact, after a kiss like that, I can conquer the world.”
Garth laughed. “What am I going to do with you Eva Ward?”
“Love me and kiss me like you just did,” Eva responded, as Garth gave her what she wanted.
Soon they were pulling up in front of the auditorium. Cameras were flashing and the noise level was so high, it was hard to hear your neighbor talk. “Are you ready for the pandemonium?” Eva asked, as Garth escorted her out of the limousine.
“Baby, I’m just your supporting cast. Lead the way and I’ll follow.”
Eva couldn’t help but love Garth. She threw her hair back with one hand and flashed her kilowatt smile as Garth followed her up the red carpet. Eva stopped and poised for a few pictures. Several reporters from different media outlets vied for her attention.
“How does it feel to be up for several awards?” one reporter asked.
Eva smiled and looked directly at the cameras and said, “I’m just honored to be nominated.”
“I love your dress. Who are you wearing?” another reporter asked.
“This is Fabio. It’s a one of kind,” Eva said, as she twirled around slowly so the camera could get a view of her dress at all angles.
Eva heard the reporter say to their audience, “Don’t be surprised if you see Eva on the best dressed list for tonight.”
Garth leaned and whispered in her ear. “I told you that dress was hot.”
Eva blushed. Some people in the crowd chanted, “Eva! Eva!” as she and Garth finally made it inside.
“After we locate our seats, I’ll go back stage so I can get ready to make one of the first presentations,” Eva said.
“I miss you already,” Garth said, as his hands lightly grazed her back.
Eva posed for more pictures as she watched the monitor of the opening ceremonies. Jackie peaked in the room and said, “They’re calling for you.”
Eva wooed the crowd as she took center stage and presented the award for best children’s animation. After handing out the award to the winners, Eva exited the stage and made her way through the crowd backstage. She said, “Excuse me,” several times before taking a seat next to Garth.
“You did good,” Garth said.
Eva did her best to enjoy the ceremonies; although she couldn’t help but wish the show would move faster so she could learn the outcome of her categories. The camera stayed glued in Eva’s direction. Garth held her hand, as she sat nervously in her seat waiting for the presenter’s announcement. A soap opera star said, “This year’s Daytime Emmy Award for The Best Talk Show host goes to.”
The other presenter stepped in and said, “Wait. Let me.”He said, “Eva Ward.”
Garth nudged her. “Sweetheart, you won.”
“I won.” Eva sounded shocked. She sat for a few seconds before the realization hit her. Once she did, she jumped out of her seat with excitement. She kissed Garth on the lips and John on the cheek as she made her way to the stage.
“Thank you. Needless to say I wasn’t expecting to win. I was just happy to be nominated.”
A few chuckles were heard. Eva went on to say, “I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to share with you my views every day. I want to thank my super producer John Woods and my staff. Of course my parents for instilling in me early that I could do or be whatever I wanted to be as long as I put my mind to it and worked hard at it.”
The music started playing, alerting Eva it was time for her to leave the stage. “Okay, they’re playing that music. To the love of my life,” she said, as she looked in Garth’s direction. She was led to the back of the stage where she took pictures and answered questions in the winner’s corner.
Before Eva could make it back to her seat, she heard her name called for another award. She was overjoyed. She didn’t take as long to accept the second award. She dedicated the win to her fans. After the show, Eva did short interviews and took pictures. Garth seemed to wait patiently for her on the sidelines. “I’m ready,” Eva said, after interviewing with one of the national morning shows.
Garth led Eva to their awaiting limousine. “I really don’t feel like going to this party, but I must,” Eva said, as she stared at the two trophies she just won. They were now headed to her network’s sponsored party.
“How does it feel to walk away with two trophies?” Garth asked.
“It wouldn’t mean a thing if I didn’t have you here with me,” Eva said.
Garth looked at her and then at the two trophies. “As much as I would like to believe that. Give it to me raw.”
“I’m on top of the world. Best talk show…best talk show host. I’m the best and now the world knows it,” she said, as she kissed the bottom of both of her trophies.
“Now that’s the Eva I’ve come to know and love. One who is filled with confidence…sometimes a little too much confidence, but confidence nevertheless,” Garth said, as he took the trophies from Eva and laid them on the seat beside them.
“You’re the only man I’ll let come between me and my trophies,” Eva teased.
Garth hit the button on the glass separating them from the driver and said, “Take the long route to the party.”
“You’re bad,” Eva said, as Garth kissed her and she slipped further down into the seat.
“I love you Eva Ward and I’m about to show you how much,” Garth said, as he unzipped her dress.
“I love you too Garth,” Eva responded, between moans.
THE END
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR
Dear Reader,
Thank you for taking the time out to read Eva and Garth's story. Although in the past they were both betrayed by love, they were able to find true love with one another.
Hailey Hogan
Betrayed by Love Page 20