21. Brooke
brOOKE
As the limo pulls up to the theater, my heart races in anticipation.
I’ve never walked a red carpet before. Living in LA, I fantasized about such an evening while watching celebrities pose on TV. Now, to my shock, my dream is coming true.
Now, I’m filled with a mixture of thrill and apprehension.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I don’t want to embarrass Lord Sandridge.
He’s usually Stuart to me, but right now in his tux, diamond-encrusted studs, matching cufflinks, and slicked back hair, he’s nothing short of a Lord. And a very sexy one at that.
Apparently, sensing my angst, he reaches for my hand. “You’re going to slay them in that dress. When we walk down the red carpet, remember that I wouldn’t want to be here with anyone else.”
My hand automatically goes to my neck, where my aunt’s pearls should be. Sadness colors my mood. I attempt to cover it with a smile as I say, “I know you’re exaggerating, but thank you.”
“That reminds me. I have a little something for you.”
“Oh. What’s that?”
He pulls a velvet box from his inside pocket. “I know you don’t need, or necessarily want, any gifts from me, but I’d like you to have this. When you wear it, I hope you’ll remember how wonderful this week has been and know I’ll still be thinking of you.”
He opens the box to reveal a strand of white pearls with a teardrop-shaped sapphire-and-diamond pendant hanging from the center.
I gasp.
“It’s absolutely beautiful, but I can’t possibly accept it. It’s too much—too expensive.”
As he takes it from the case and opens the clasp, he says, “First, in my world, this isn’t expensive.
My mom would consider it a lovely bauble.
Second, it’s not nearly enough for someone as special as you.
Besides, I can’t return it. The receipt is in your name.
It’s yours now.” He shrugs, leaning closer and fastening the pearls around my neck.
I reach to touch them.
“You’re a sneaky bastard, aren’t you?”
“When I need to be,” he chuckles. “I had to make sure you would accept my gift.”
“I still think the pearls are too much, but I’ll cherish them and the memories of this week.”
“So will I.”
“Any advice for what I should say if the reporters ask questions? There’s a photo of us on social media saying, ‘I’m not your type.’”
“Ignore social media. They have no idea what they’re talking about. As for the reporters, smile and pretend you didn’t hear them. Let me handle any questions that deserve a response.”
“Okay. That’s easy enough.”
“You’ve got this. Now, let’s kick some ass for the cameras.”
I laugh. “You’re something else. How do you always know exactly what to say?”
“Skill. Pure skill. Stay here until I come around and open your door.” He leans toward me, planting a kiss on my cheek before exiting on his side of the limo.
I let out a deep breath, intoxicated by his charm. This is a fairytale evening. If only it could last a lifetime.
A minute later, the back door on my side of the limo opens. I’m met by an onslaught of flashing cameras, shouted questions, and murmurs of onlookers in the crowd.
Stuarts extends his hand for mine with a megawatt smile on his face. I remember what he said.
He chose me as his date tonight.
So, I plaster a smile on my face and decide to fake a calm I don’t feel, assuring myself it can’t hurt to try. Stuart’s confidence and protective presence give me hope that this may work out.
Emerging from the limo, there’s a sea of celebrities in glamorous gowns and sparkling jewels ahead of us. My stomach plummets with another round of insecurity. What am I doing here? I’m not one of them. I should be home watching this on television like the normal person I am.
When I hesitate to move forward, Stuart’s arm goes around my waist, and he whispers in my ear, “I’ll tell you a secret. I know you’re nervous, but so is everyone else. They’re just pretending they aren’t. So, throw your shoulders back and own it. We’re in this together.”
Whether he’s right or not, I appreciate the sentiment, so I nod.
As Stuart guides me to the backdrop for photos, the reporters bombard us with questions.
“Lord Sandridge, who’s your date?” “Which designer are you wearing?” “Where’s the Earl?” “Is your date’s jewelry Harry Winston or Tiffany?” “Is that your fiancé?”
My eyes go wider with each invasive question. Stuart whispers through a smile and gritted teeth, “Smile and pretend you have no clue what they’re asking. It works every time.”
I smile and murmur, “I’m trying, but this is insane.”
“It is. Welcome to my world.”
Barely soon enough, a guide ushers us forward and through the entrance doors to the theater.
I let out a breath of relief, saying, “I’ve never felt so judged in my life.”
“It’s bonkers, right? But wouldn’t you agree, it’s a bit of an adrenaline rush too.”
I laugh. “In a messed up way, you’re right.”
“Now, let’s find a glass of wine and head to our front-row seats. My family paid enough for the seats at the auction that we should spend as much time in them as possible.”
“That’s the truth. Before we sit down, can we find Lowri and Cassie? I want to thank them for coming tonight.”
“Those are the two interns you’re supervising this summer, right?”
“They are.”
“How will we find them?”
“The law firm has seats in row ten of the center section. They’ll be there.”
“Perfect. We’ll stop on our way to the front.”
A few minutes later, glasses of wine in hand, a guide ushers us down the aisle left of the center section.
Stuart quietly mentions to our usher that we’d like to pause at aisle ten to say hello to friends. The usher nods.
Reaching my firm’s row, I spot Cassie and Lowri, sitting by the aisle. They’re smiling as they scan the crowd, likely searching for celebrities. There are plenty in the crowd tonight.
We stop, and they jump to their feet, reaching to give me a hug.
Lowri says, “Thanks so much for including us tonight. This is amazing.”
Cassie adds, “It is. I wish my parents could see me here. They would be so excited.”
“I’m so glad you’re enjoying tonight. Let’s take a selfie,” I suggest.
“Absolutely,” Lowrie says, holding up her phone.
After capturing the photo, I ask, “Where are the other lawyers from our firm?”
“Probably still at the bar in the lobby,” Cassie responds.
“I’d bet you’re right. Let me introduce Lord Sandridge. His family’s foundation is responsible for the premiere tonight. Lord Sandridge, this is Cassandra Edwards and Lowri Upton. They are summer associates working at our law firm.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Stuart says.
“Lord Sandridge, we’re pleased to meet you as well. We’re looking forward to the movie,” Cassie replies with enthusiasm.
“Thank you. It will begin soon, so we should take our seats now. Hopefully, we can chat more at the afterparty,” Stuart says.
“Are we invited to an afterparty?” Lowri asks, surprised.
“Of course. Brooke can text you the details,” Stuart answers.
As we continue down the aisle to the front row, I say, “It was incredibly kind of you to invite them to the afterparty. I don’t think the rest of my firm is included in that event.”
“How could I deny those two starstruck women an opportunity to enjoy the full experience. Two more people won’t cause any trouble. We’ll just need to make sure they’re added to the guest list. I’ll text the PR team when we sit down, and you can send them the address.”
I smile at him in awe as my heart swoons. He’s such a good guy, wanting to make the evening extra special for two women he doesn’t even know.
“Will Sean and Evan be there? If so, we should introduce them.”
“No, unfortunately, they had other plans for tonight.”
Reaching our seats, we shake hands and chat with others in our row and the row behind us. Everyone congratulates Stuart on making this project come to life. He repeatedly eschews credit, redirecting it to the Foundation and his dad.
A deep voice, emanating from speakers around the theater, interrupts, announcing, “Please take your seats. The world premiere of Water Everywhere, None to Drink will be starting shortly.”
Everyone scurries to their seats. A couple of minutes later, a chime sounds and the lights dim. A spotlight shines on the stage, where three men stand, holding microphones.
The first man begins, “Welcome to the world premiere of Water Everywhere, None to Drink. I’m Nero, your emcee for the evening. The producer and the director of this film have joined me on stage. You may be aware of their accomplishments and accolades.”
The crowd laughs at the implication that anyone isn’t aware of the world-famous movie-making duo.
The emcee continues, “That’s good because they’ve insisted that I skip introductions, so the focus will remain on this incredibly important project. I’ll turn it over to them now.”
For the next few minutes, the famous producer and director give an entertaining and informative tale of the obstacles and victories that led to the eventual making of this movie. I’m moved by the passion and dedication that they describe.
While not widely publicized, Stuart told me that many people stood in the way of getting the message out.
You’d think that protecting the health and safety of people around the world would be a common goal for everyone.
However, for some people the cost and trouble of making the changes outweighs their interest in doing what’s best for others. That saddens me.
In closing, the director and the producer take turns introducing the team that worked tirelessly behind the scenes, the sponsors who contributed funds, the actors who lent their talents, and of course, Stuart as representative of the Foundation.
Stuart stands, turning to wave to the audience as the people leave the stage, and the red velvet curtain goes up.
As Stuart sits, the theater goes dark, and the deep announcer’s voice says, “And now for the show. Water Everywhere, None to Drink. May everyone benefit from this experience.”
I’ve never been one to particularly enjoy documentaries or educational films, but this one is different.
The message is conveyed through travel to countries around the world—some are poor, and some are wealthy.
It doesn’t matter. They all have problems caused by not protecting the water supplies from agriculture and farm runoff.
Real people talk about the hardships they’ve endured. As a tear runs down my cheek, Stuart reaches for my hand, squeezing it. I can’t imagine not having safe food and water. Worse yet, I’m now questioning the sources of my own food and water.
The film turns more upbeat when scientists explain realistic changes that would be manageable if only enough people would speak out and insist that we solve this problem.
The last scene is a call to action as a well-known actor shares a message. “Leading the charge for change is not someone else’s job. It’s yours and mine. When this film ends, turn to your neighbor and tell them what you will do to help. Don’t wait to make a commitment. Do it tonight.”
The screen goes dark and the lights go up.
I turn to Stuart. My voice quivers from emotion as I vow, “I’ll help you fix this. I promise.”
He nods, searching my eyes for something, but I’m not sure what.