by Wendy Louise
“It’s going to get manic for both of them once the movie releases, they will have media outlets following them everywhere they go,” he says as he ruffles through some papers on his desk.
“I know. That’s what scares me. If I try this with Ethan then I’m opening myself up to that. I don’t think I can do it. I value my privacy too much, and it kind of scared me yesterday. Not that I told him that.”
Joshua gives me a knowing smile. “Well Ava, I think you may have already started something that you can’t stop. That being said, you need to make a decision about whether or not you can deal with it, because it will be a part of the Ethan Drake package.”
“I’m going to see Chelsea to grab a coffee. Do you want something?”
“A green tea would be great. Thanks Josh.” He turns to leave but I call out to stop him. “Hey Josh?”
He turns and gives me that full smile of his, “Yeah?”
“What’s up with you and Chelsea?” I ask him, grinning from ear to ear.
“Same thing that’s up with you and Ethan,” he replies, winks and turns the corner towards the café.
I’ve just finished going through Olivia’s schedule with her when I look up to see Ethan and Nanny Grace at the door to Olivia’s dressing room.
I stand to greet them. “Ava darling, how nice to see you again,” Nanny Grace says as she pulls me in to a warm embrace.
“Nanny wouldn’t let me take her back to the nursing home without seeing you first,” Ethan says as he reaches out and brushes his fingers across my hand.
“Hello again Nanny Grace,” Olivia calls out from her bathroom. “I’ll be out in a moment; I’m just removing the make-up from the last scene I shot.”
“No hurry Olivia dear,” Nanny calls back.
“Here, come and sit Nanny Grace,” I say, moving some papers aside to make room for her on the sofa.
She sits right next to me and takes my hand, patting it. “This is all so exciting isn’t it Ava?”
I nod and smile. “Yes it is. I still have to pinch myself to believe that this is all real and that I’m working on this movie.”
“I’m so proud of my Ethan, and so excited to see the movie come out.” She turns her gaze to Ethan and says, “Be a dear and go grab me a tea will you?”
Ethan rolls his eyes and leaves to get Nanny a tea. We both know that this is her way of getting some time alone with me again. I wonder what words of wisdom she will impart on me this time.
“Ava sweetie, Ethan told me about the wonderful day you both had yesterday. He’s worried that the photos that came out have upset you. I told him that I saw great courage and resilience in you when we met last time, and that a few photos coming out would not deter you from enjoying your time with him. Am I right?” She cocks her head to the side to wait for my response. Ethan uses the same move, now I know where he got it from.
I know she can see right through me so I opt for absolute honesty when answering her. “They did upset me a little, but I was more concerned for Ethan than anything. There were so many people trying to get his attention. I hate to think how bad it will be once the movie comes out. It was a little scary and I’m not sure that I’m cut out for it, but I’m certainly willing to try.”
“Good girl,” she says as she releases my hand. “Ava, good relationships don’t just happen, they take time and patience but most importantly communication. He’s worried about you. Talk to him about it, he’ll understand your concerns.”
Realisation dawns on me.
I’ve been talking about my concerns with everyone, except Ethan. Olivia and I discussed it over breakfast this morning, then Josh, and now Nanny Grace. If I want this to work with Ethan then he is the one that I should be communicating with. I’ll talk to him today and reassure him, that yes - it freaked me out, but that I’m still on board with this.
To me, he’s worth it.
We are worth it.
Ethan returns to the room just as we finish chatting and gives us both a tight smile. He is worried about what Nanny Grace has said to me, so I smile back in reassurance, trying to let him know that everything is well. He hands Nanny her tea just as Olivia exits her bathroom, and moves over to us to give Nanny a big hug.
“Olivia dear hello. How beautiful you are,” Nanny says to Liv.
“Olivia, will you take me for a walk to set and show me what you’ve just been shooting?” Nanny asks.
“Sure,” Olivia says and offers Nanny Grace her hand to help her up.
She hands me the tea that Ethan just gave her and I place it on the side table next to the sofa.
Here she goes again; I’m beginning to think that she’s a bit bossy. This is obviously her way of making sure that I talk to Ethan.
“Back soon dears,” she says as she exits the room with Liv and gives us a little wave.
Ethan turns to me and shakes his head with an exasperated smile. “She’s about as subtle as a sledgehammer isn’t she?”
“Ethan look, I’m sorry. I haven’t spoken to you about everything that happened yesterday because I’ve been trying to get it all straight in my own head. I was freaked out about all the people that were coming up to you, and especially about the photos that were released, but I understand that this comes with you. You can’t help it; it’s just part of the territory. I don’t want you to think that it’s changed my mind about us. I still want to give this a go if you do.”
Now I feel anxious. I hope that he hasn’t changed his mind. Maybe after those photos were released yesterday he is the one having second thoughts.
Ethan moves closer to me on the sofa and cups my cheeks with his hands; His beautiful blue eyes searching mine.
“I was worried that everything that happened had you second guessing us. I know that a lot comes with me. I know that this life is not one you would have signed on for. I will try and protect you from it as much as I can, but I can’t keep everything out of the papers Ava, they will still see things, and they will still publish photos and stories. Many of which will be untrue. As long as you promise me that if you ever read anything that upsets you, come to me first for clarification.”
“I will,” I nod.
“You have to promise me,” he says.
I smile and nod, “I promise. I will come to you if I see anything…”
He smiles that breathtaking smile of his and leans towards me. He places a light kiss on my lips and I feel it travel down, tingling behind my knees.
He pulls back and smiles at me.
Then he moves in again, winding his hand around the back of my neck to pull me closer. His lips become more insistent on mine. I wind my hands up into his glorious hair and pull him to me.
This feels right.
I love this.
We kiss like we have limited time and we want to make the most of it.
I hear Olivia and Nanny approaching the room so I pull back. Ethan and I are both breathless from our kiss. I feel a strange peace settle over me; like that kiss just sealed away any stress and doubt that I had been feeling this morning. Ethan’s hands are still cupping my face and he’s smiling at me as Liv and Nanny come through the door.
Nanny gives me a knowing smile and Olivia gives me a wink.
“Ethan dear, now that I‘ve seen everything here I think you need to take me out to lunch before taking me back to the nursing home.”
Yes, Nanny is definitely bossy, but in a good way.
Ethan places a kiss on the back of my hand and rises from the sofa to take Nanny out to lunch.
I give him a small smile to let him know that everything is okay and he answers it with one of his own.
“A hug for me Ava?” she asks.
“Of course,” I reply.
She whispers in my ear, “Remember stay open to any possibilities Ava sweetie.”
I pull back and nod as she gives me a sly wink.
And just like that, with a smile and a wave, she and Ethan leave the room, leaving the wisdom of Nanny Grace hanging in the air.
“Liv?” I call.
“Yeah Sis?”
“How many pieces of luggage are you bringing to Hawaii?”
“Two suitcases and a carry on,” she replies from her room.
Olivia never packs light.
I’ve spread all my clothing out on the bed while I try to decide what to bring with me to Hawaii. I think I need to head to the shops tomorrow and grab a few things, especially a new bikini. I have plenty of cute sun dresses and too many shoes, so I need to cut back on how many I’m bringing. I’m not sure if we’ll be heading out in the evenings, but I have packed two gorgeous cocktail dresses - just in case. One can always hope.
I grab my suitcase and start to pack everything in. I only want to bring the one bag with me. My carry on will be filled with my ipad, schedules and work items, so I need to get all of my personal items in to my case.
My mind drifts to Ethan and I wonder what he’s doing. I’m sure he wouldn’t be worrying about packing yet, guys do all of that last minute don’t they?
Five days in Hawaii with Ethan, I’m so excited to see what that brings.
Romantic location, sun and surf….
Mind you, I’m sure that the work side of things will keep us all so busy that there will be little time for anything else. Not to mention that there are so many of us heading over - Crew, Assistants, Directors, Actors and more. I think there is a group of over twenty in total. Of course Madeline is coming too. I’ll do my best to avoid her at all costs while we’re there.
“Dinner’s ready Ava,” Olivia calls from the other room.
I leave my packing and head out to her. She’s made her world-famous lasagne, my favourite of all of her dishes.
“Liv, I think I need to hit the shops tomorrow, there are a few items I need for the trip.”
“No worries, we can head out in the morning. I’ll take you to a few cute boutiques I’ve discovered since being here,” she says. “I’m excited for us to have a girlie shopping day.”
She hands me a plate and we make our way out to the balcony. We seem to spend most evenings eating out here. It is so gorgeous with the lights of the city in the background and the humid evening air.
“Is Ryan coming over tonight?”
“No, he’s busy getting everything ready for the trip. I’ll see him at the airport. What about Ethan? Are you seeing him tonight?”
“No. I wanted to get organised for Hawaii, and I don’t want to jump in too fast. We spent all of yesterday together. I don’t want him to get sick of me too quickly.”
Olivia laughs. “I don’t think there’s much chance of that Sis.”
She forks some lasagne in to her mouth and wipes her lips with a napkin. “I’d say he’s pretty taken with you. Nanny Grace certainly seems to think so.”
“You and Nanny were talking about me?” I ask.
“Nanny was talking, I was listening,” she says with her mouth full.
I laugh. “That sounds like Nanny Grace.”
“I think Ethan has talked to Nanny. It seems he is quite serious about making a go of things with you. I have to say, I’ve never seen this with him before Ava. Mind you, it is you that we are talking about so I shouldn’t be surprised.”
“You are so biased Sis,” I laugh.
“That I am, but I love you and I want to see you happy. Ethan’s a great guy, but remember what I said to you when you first arrived. He still has Hollywood in his veins, and I do worry that he will hurt you. Just be careful. I don’t want anything to send you running back home; I’m enjoying having you here too much.”
“Don’t worry Liv, I’m being careful. After Cole, this heart is not so easily given away.” I take a sip of my water.
“I hate that he did that to you Ava. I hate that he has you questioning relationships now. He’d better hope I never see him again.” Olivia says.
“I’m over it Liv. I don’t want to talk about him anymore. I just want to concentrate on moving forward.”
She smiles at me with lasagne in her teeth. If the fans could see her now! I gesture to her to remove it. She places her napkin over her mouth and says, “Just concentrate on moving forward with the gorgeous Ethan.”
“That I will.” I smile at the thought and concentrate on eating the rest of the gorgeous dinner that Olivia has prepared for us. No matter what, Ethan is now occupying my thoughts, not Cole.
That’s the way I want it to stay.
Favourites
I roll up to the airport in the black tinted SUV that the Studio sent for me this morning. The paparazzi are swarming the entrance. I guess they got wind that we were all flying out to Hawaii today. Great! I hate to think what waits at the other end.
Josh is standing waiting for me, looking official.
Opening the door he says, “Morning Ethan,” as he grabs one of my bags for me.
“Mornin’ Josh. Great reception hey?” I say as I cock my head and roll my eyes towards the waiting photographers.
“Yeah, let’s get you checked in and away from this.”
I follow Josh inside while the driver brings the remainder of my bags with him. Up ahead I can see Olivia and Ava checking in and handing over their luggage to be tagged. I know there are photographers everywhere but I can’t help creeping up behind Ava and curling my arms around her waist. She jumps at first from the contact and then turns in my arms throwing hers around my neck.
“Good Mornin’,” I say into her neck, inhaling her sweet scent and resisting the urge to kiss a path from her ear to her collarbone. If the photographers weren’t here she’d be in trouble.
I can feel her smile against my skin. “Good Morning Ethan,” she replies.
I hear the clicks of the camera shutters going off behind us, but I don’t care. Let them get their shots. Right now, there is nowhere else I would rather be than in this moment with Ava.
Pulling back I ask, “Are you looking forward to this?”
She smiles her gorgeous smile, and nods enthusiastically. I catch her glancing over my shoulder and then her smile turns in to a frown as she realises that the photographers have caught our special moment.
“Ignore them. Pretend they aren’t here,” I say, turning her face back to mine. She still looks anxious but her eyes flick back to mine and her smile returns.
Once the luggage has been handed over and is safely on its way to the plane, we are herded to the VIP lounge to await our flight. An airline representative is madly moving ahead of us, trying to clear our way through airport corridors and back entrances so that we can all avoid the waiting public and reporters that have gathered. I notice that Ava is behind me so I pull up and wait for her, holding my hand out for her to take. She smiles and entwines her fingers with mine as she moves up to walk with me. As always, I feel that comfort in her touch.
I glance ahead and notice that Madeline is glaring at us. Her disgust is clear on her face. She’s such a bitch. I don’t know why she has such distaste for Ava, but it’s clear as day in her expression. Her eyes slide from mine to my hand in Ava’s, and she turns her head with force, her hair flicking in the process, focusing on moving ahead. I’m going to have to keep an eye on her over the next few days. I don’t want her anywhere near Ava. I sneak a glance down at Ava but she seems to have missed Madeline’s appraisal of us.
After an hour and two beers in the VIP Lounge, we’re herded on to the waiting flight. I realise as we are all seated, that I’m in First Class with Olivia, Ryan, Madeline, our Director and another Producer, but everyone else is back in Coach.
Fuck.
Not the way I wanted this trip to start.
Ava gives me a sweet smile as she and Josh file past to take their seats some rows behind us. Olivia and Ryan are already settled in the seats across the aisle from mine. I hear Madeline coming through the front doors of the plane. She hands her boarding pass to the waiting stewardess and is directed to the seat beside me.
Double Fuck!
“Hey Ethan,” she says as she hands her coat
and carry on to the waiting steward. “Looks like we get to enjoy each other’s company for the next five or so hours.”
I give her a tight smile and return to flicking through the airline magazine that I have in my hand.
The stewardess returns moments later with champagne and nuts for us. She bends across Madeline and places my champagne on to the small tray in front of me, brushing her fingers across my hand as she retreats. I look up at her and she gives me a sultry stare as she bats her lashes, letting me know that I could re-join the mile hile club right now if I wanted to. She’s gorgeous, but Ava is on this flight and I’m not about to stuff anything up by going there. I give her a tight smile that sends her on her way - for now.
“So Ethan,” Madeline starts, “What’s going on with you and Olivia’s sister?”
“Her name is Ava. You know that Madeline,” I reply as I continue to flick through the magazine hoping that she will turn her attention elsewhere.
“Right – Ava,” she says, rolling her tongue around Ava’s name like she has something disgusting in her mouth. “So what’s going on there?” she asks again, taking a long sip of her champagne.
I’m not about to spill my guts to Madeline. I think I can trust her in terms of whether or not she would talk to the media, but I can’t trust her to not say something inappropriate to Ava. She needs to curb her bitchy attitude.
Weighing things up, I decide to go with honesty.
“I really like her Madeline. We’re taking things slowly to see where they go. End of story. No more to tell.”
Not too much information, but enough for her to realise that I’m serious.
Madeline turns to look at me. “Ethan, really,” she whines. “She has no concept of the lifestyle we live, no concept of fame, paparazzi, movie stardom, nothing! You really think you can make that work?” she scoffs and shakes her head at me. “You have no idea how difficult that will make things for you.”
Before I can respond she continues, “She won’t cope with what you do Ethan and you know it deep down. Why take the chance? Stick with your own kind. I don’t mean me, I just mean someone who knows what this business is about. You need a starlet on your arm, someone that can stand beside you at a premiere and shine. Someone who has enough notoriety of their own to compliment yours and assist with your career. She’s not it for you.”