28. Aspen
Chapter 28
Aspen
W hen mine and Grey’s PR teams told us we had to attend the Young Hollywood International Film Festival, I was too focused on the news that we wouldn’t have any more studio-planned dates to give it a second thought. But now that the day has come and I’m sitting in my house’s glam room in a fluffy white robe while my hair and makeup teams work their magic, my nerves are kicking in.
This will be my first red carpet since my time in the psych ward, and nervousness doesn’t even begin to describe my feelings. Even before my anxiety peaked, red carpets were always my least favorite part of the job. All the eyes and cameras on you, combined with seeing everyone you’ve ever known, along with the yells of paparazzi and fans was never my style. That’s why, up until a few years ago, I literally made Willow walk every red carpet with me because I was too anxious to do it alone.
“You okay?” Phaedra asks, plopping down into the chair next to me. I didn’t even notice she came in.
“I’m fine. Just a little nervous.”
“You’ll be fine. Grey will be with you the whole time, right? At least you’ll have someone at your side, even if it is just Grey.”
One of the makeup women raises her eyebrows—to everyone’s knowledge, Grey and I are dating.
“I mean, Grey’s great, you’re just used to Willow or me or someone you’ve known longer. But Grey’s a great boyfriend, he’ll be a calming presence for sure,” she amends.
“Yeah,” I reply. “I’m just a little nervous to fully put myself back out there. This is my first real event in months.”
“You’re going to do great. And you’re going to look even better, I’m sure. What are you wearing?”
“A strappy sage dress. They’re doing my hair in a twisted up-do, that’s why there are so many extensions lying around.”
“And the accessories? And the makeup?”
“Golden and glittery for both.”
“I love that,” Phaedra awes. “You’ll look like a little woodland fairy.”
I chuckle. “That’s the goal, I guess.”
“Grey’s a lucky man.”
“I’m sure he’ll look great too. He always does.”
Phaedra gives me a look. “Well,” she says, standing, “I have to head out, I have a club appearance in Vegas tonight, so I have a flight to catch. But call me if you need anything.”
“You’re always on the wildest side quests.”
“Hey, they’re paying me $60k, plus a night at the Mirage. You should look into it.”
“I don’t think that’s really my style, but you have fun. Send pictures.”
“You too. I’m looking forward to hearing the debrief tomorrow,” she says.
“Don’t get too excited, I don’t think anything too crazy will happen.”
“You never know. Maybe Grey will propose,” she teases.
I playfully roll my eyes at her. Even if Grey and I were really dating, we’d have only been together around six weeks.
“See you,” she says as she exits the room.
“Bye,” I call out after her. Then I reach for my phone with the intention to doom-scroll until my glam is finished. Better than ruminating, I guess. Instead, I see a message from Willow.
Willow: good luck on the carpet tonight Aspy! i wont be able to see the pics of you and grey until tomorrow morning because i’m still getting over the fashion month jet lag, but im sure you’ll look amazing.
Willow: also you get a week off from filming sometime this month, right?
Me: No problem, get some rest tonight!
Me: Yeah, the week after this upcoming one. Why?
Willow: i just got a heads up that Harper’s Bazaar was interested in having us do a joint cover for the january issue. it would be an excuse for you to come to new york and see everybody.
Willow: i’d love to come to los angeles to visit you and meet the fake boyfriend, and i even scoured my schedule looking for a time to come, but sadly its is way too packed to take time off right now.
Willow: but i still want to see you so please come do the shoot, please please please pleaseeee
Willow: sorry i'm desperate, i just really miss you
Me: Come on Will, I was going to come home to New York anyway on my week off. But yes, I’m down. A joint cover will be so fun!!!
Willow: yay, i’m so excited! you haven’t done a magazine in a while
Me: Since before my mental breakdown lol yeah
Willow: lololol you’ve had more important things to deal with. but this’ll be fun!
Me: Yes! Do you know the styling vision yet?
Willow: nope. but i’ll let them know we’re available that week in october and try to get some more info.
Me: Perfect, thanks Willow
Willow: no prob, talk soon! try to have fun tonight!
My doorbell rings a couple of hours later, right as I’m tying the straps on my golden heels.
“One second!” I call from down the hallway.
I spy a dark suit-clad Grey through the peephole, rocking on his heels and holding a bouquet of pink roses. I was expecting him, since we’re obviously arriving at the event together, but I still needed to check. Safety first, especially as a young female celebrity. Speaking of which, I move the security bar out from under the door’s handle before unlocking the handle and deadbolt.
“Hi,” I say as I swing open the door.
Grey raises his eyebrows and looks me up and down. “Who knew you’d clean up so nicely?”
“Is that your version of a compliment?” I tease, taking the flowers from his outstretched hand.
“Yes.”
“Well, thank you. You look nice too. Has anyone ever told you you look like James Bond when you wear a suit?”
Grey smirks, reaching down to scratch behind Meeko’s ears as she walks up to rub up against his legs. “Nope, never heard that one before.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re a little small for the role.”
His smile instantly disappears. “Careful, Jordan, or I’ll have to adjust that attitude.”
“Ohhh, I get it. You’re Grey, as in Christian Grey. Why didn’t I connect the dots earlier?”
“You’re such a mood killer.”
I smile and turn toward the kitchen to put the flowers in some water. “Thanks.”
“Why are you nervous?” he asks, following me into the kitchen.
“I’m not nervous. Why do you say that?”
“You get mean when you’re nervous.”
He might know me a little better than I thought. “I just haven’t been on a red carpet in a while, that’s all. I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll be with you the whole time,” he says evenly. “No need to be nervous.”
“Thanks, Grey.”
“And you look beautiful. Bible.”
“Thanks.” I take a deep breath in an attempt to center myself. “I guess we should go then.”
“Yep,” he replies. “My driver’s waiting out front. And there’re snacks and water and alcohol in the car if you want anything.”
I give him a tight smile and we head out, Grey offering me his arm to steady myself as I navigate the gravel driveway in my stilettos. The driver opens up the back seat of the dark SUV and Grey helps me in, fully playing the part of a gentleman. And then, we’re off.