Chapter 32 Nova
Nova
I look at my reflection in the mirror and brush my palms over the silky fabric of the dress I’m wearing. It’s the blue one with flowers that I got with Lainey two weeks ago.
The past week has been quiet since we returned from Verona. Luckily, we were able to get my grandfather admitted to the assisted living facility on Oak Drive. Easton paid for everything, and we were back in LA by late afternoon.
That’s twenty-four hours I never want to experience again.
I drink in the sight of the long dress and high heels I’m wearing, and I have to admit I feel beautiful. Lifting my chin, I say, “You’re going to make Easton proud today.”
Nodding, I turn around and leave my bedroom. Just as I step into the hallway, Easton’s door opens, and he freezes when he sees me. His jaw goes slack, and with a look of pure awe, he says, “Christ, Nova. You look breathtaking.”
I walk to him and adjust the lapels of his leather jacket. “And you look way too hot.”
“Yeah?” He grins at me. “Hot enough that you’ll move your things into my bedroom?”
My heart beats a little faster as my eyebrows lift. “Really?”
“I don’t like us being in separate rooms.” He wraps his arms around my waist. “I want you in my bed every night.”
I press a soft kiss to his mouth, then wipe the gloss off his lips with the pad of my thumb. “I’d love to move into your bedroom.”
“Good. When we get back later, we can carry your clothes over to my closet.” Looking happy, he pats my butt. “Let’s hit the road.”
We head down to the living room, where Lainey’s sitting on the couch, wearing a pretty pink dress.
“Are you ready, my sweet girl?” I ask.
Her head snaps up, and when she sees what I’m wearing, she smiles widely. “Gosh, you look so beautiful. I love that one most.”
“Thank you. I have the best personal shopper in the world.”
We all leave the house, and I wait for Lainey to get into the back seat of the SUV before I shut her door. Easton holds mine open for me, and as I climb into the passenger seat, my eyes devour him.
He seriously looks way too hot today.
The corner of his mouth lifts because my desire for him is probably written all over my face.
When he slides in behind the steering wheel, I glance over my shoulder to make sure Lainey has her seat belt on. Satisfied, I click my own into place before I place my hand on Easton’s thigh.
“Are you nervous?” I ask as he follows the other SUV with the guards to the gates.
“No.” He glances at me. “Are you?”
I shrug. “It’s not like I’m the one who’s being interviewed.”
“Still. After today, everyone will know we’re in a relationship. The press will watch your every move.”
“Don’t worry,” Lainey says from the back. “I’ll teach Nova how to deal with them.”
Easton let out a chuckle. “Yes, because you’re an expert already.”
“Yep.”
She’s just like Rachel was at her age.
My heart squeezes at the thought, and memories of Rachel fill my mind during the drive.
As we get close to our destination, nerves spin in my stomach, and by the time we park in a secluded area, my heart is beating a mile a minute.
After we climb out of the car, we all gather for a moment, and Easton says, “Just stay behind or next to me. When we meet up with Sylvia, you’ll stay with her while I’m busy with the convention.”
I nod while reaching for Lainey’s hand.
Easton places his hand on the side of my neck and looks deep into my eyes for a moment before pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You’re going to be great. Don’t forget to breathe.”
I smile nervously. “Break a leg.”
He gives Lainey a kiss on the top of her head before he starts to walk.
We enter the building, and I notice there are only security personnel. Once we’ve walked down a hallway, we stop by a door, and Tyler takes hold of the knob. “Ready?” he asks Easton.
My heart sets off at a crazy pace, and I curve my lips up into the smile I practiced in the mirror after watching video after video of red-carpet events.
“Let’s do this,” Easton replies.
The door opens, and Lainey’s grip on my hand tightens. I glance down, giving her a loving smile before I look up again as we move forward.
“Easton’s here!” someone calls out, and a second later, cameras start flashing. Luckily, it all seems organized as Easton keeps walking.
“Easton, can you look here?” a reporter calls out, and Easton pauses for a moment so the man can take a photo.
This keeps happening all the way to an area that’s been converted into some kind of lounge slash dressing room. Milla Hamilton is already here talking with another actress, Angela Reeves, who plays Milla’s mother in the movie.
From what Easton has told me, Angela dies early in the movie, and that’s when his character makes a vow to protect Milla’s character.
Angela notices Easton and smiles. “Hey, look who’s here. I haven’t seen you since New Zealand.” She walks closer. “I’m so sorry to hear about your sister.”
“Thanks, Angela.”
Lainey lets go of my hand, and she makes a beeline for Milla.
Sean Russell comes into the room hollering, “Let’s get this show on the road, people. The main star has arrived.”
He’s met with barks of laughter before they all talk about the convention.
I glance around, and spotting a couch that’s about to become my best friend, I walk to it and take a seat. The high heels might be the end of me today. It’s going to take me a while to get used to wearing them.
I watch as Easton interacts with his costars, wondering if I’ll ever get used to all his fame.
Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. It doesn’t really matter, does it? And honestly, I think I’ve handled it pretty okay so far.
Sylvia comes into the room with Robert, the producer, and they talk with the actors for a short while before everyone begins to move toward the door.
When Easton glances around and sees me sitting on the couch, he comes toward me, holding out his hand.
I get up quickly, and placing my palm in his, I ask, “What’s happening next?”
“You and Lainey can wait with Sylvia while I answer a few questions. Once we’re done promoting the movie, you’ll join me onstage, and I’ll make the announcement.”
My stomach feels like it’s going for the gold medal in gymnastics as it dips and spins. “Okay.”
We leave the lounge, and Lainey comes to take my other hand. As we near the auditorium, where a long table has been set up on a stage, I can hear what sounds like hundreds of voices.
Dear Lord.
Sylvia joins me and Lainey, and smiling, she says, “You look gorgeous, Nova.”
“Thank you.”
Lainey and I hang back with her while the actors and producer walk out onstage.
A roar erupts, then Sylvia takes hold of my arm and says, “If you stand here, you’ll have a clear view of Easton. When he indicates for you to come, just walk straight to him, and don’t forget to smile.”
Oh, sweet baby Jesus in a manger.
Sylvia doesn’t notice my nerves spiraling and continues to give instructions. “You’ll alternate between smiling at the reporters and looking at Easton as if you’re madly in love.”
“I am,” I blurt out the words.
A wide smile spreads over her face. “I know, but right now, it looks like you’re going to puke.” She digs something out of her handbag. “Take one of these. They’re travel sickness pills. They’ll help.”
I wave my hand quickly. “Oh no, I’m not nauseated at all. Just nervous.”
“Okay. Remember,” she ticks off what I have to do on her fingers, “smile at the reporters, and look madly in love with Easton. If you’re asked a question and you feel you can answer it confidently, then go for it.” She spots someone and says, “Excuse me.”
While she hurries off, I glance down at Lainey. “How are you holding up?”
She pulls her hand from mine. “I’m bored. Can I go sit in the lounge and play on my phone?”
I glance at her bodyguard while I nod. “Just take Eddie with you.”
Once she walks safely into the lounge area, I turn my attention to Easton and watch as he laughs at something Sean is saying.
I get lost in looking at my man, being all charming and playful while answering questions.
God, I’m the luckiest woman in the world.
An hour passes before all the actors stand up, and the producer is the first out the door, saying, “Good luck, little lady.”
“Thank you.”
Easton hangs back, listening to a reporter asking, “What’s next for you?”
“Another action movie, of course,” Easton answers with a chuckle.
“Will you ever consider acting in a romance?” someone shouts.
“Romance movies aren’t my thing,” he holds up a hand, “but I do have something romantic to share with you all.” He looks at me and holds his hand out.
Here goes nothing.
I walk toward him, and my nervous gaze sweeps over hundreds of people.
Oh. My. God.
Instead of taking my hand, Easton wraps his arm around my shoulder, giving me a sideways hug, and I quickly return it while making sure I’m smiling.
“I’d like to introduce you all to my girlfriend, Nova Allen,” he announces.
“So the rumors were true?” a man shouts. “How long have you been dating?”
“A month,” Easton answers. “But I’ve known Nova since we were kids.”
“Was she your sister’s friend?” a woman asks.
“Yes. Rachel and Nova were best friends since their first day of elementary school.” Easton holds me tighter to his side. “Nova came to help us through Rachel’s last weeks. We wouldn’t have made it without her.”
I place my hand over his heart and look up at him.
When he glances down at me, someone shouts, “Kiss her!”
He doesn’t miss a beat, and leaning down, he presses his mouth to mine for a few seconds before smiling at the crowd again.
When everyone cheers, I let out a chuckle and grin at the flashing cameras.
That’s right. This amazing man belongs to me.
“You make a beautiful couple,” a woman in the front comments. “Nova, when did you realize you love Easton?”
“When I discovered I had hormones at fourteen,” I answer honestly. “But Easton was focused on raising Rachel and starting his career, which I fully supported. I mean, any girl would wait fourteen years if it meant she would get a chance with the love of her life.”
“Oh, definitely,” she replies with a chuckle. “I love your dress. Where did you get it?”
“Actually, I don’t remember. Lainey picked it for me.”
“Will you and Easton coparent Lainey?”
I nod. “Yes.”
“Do you find it difficult becoming a mother figure for her?”
I shake my head. “Lainey is an amazing little girl. Sometimes, it feels like she’s the parent in the house.”
Laughter erupts, then a man asks me, “So you’re living with Easton?”
Easton takes over, answering, “Yes.”
“Can we expect wedding bells in the near future?” the man asks.
Easton glances at me, and the corner of his mouth lifts. “If it were up to me, I’d marry her right now. You’ll have to ask Nova that question.”
Crap.
I look from Easton to the reporters and let out a chuckle before saying, “I guess he’ll have to propose and find out.”
They love my reply, and I slowly let out a breath of relief.
I don’t read too much into what Easton said and continue to answer questions before posing for what feels like a thousand photos.
When we’re finally done, Easton leads me off the stage and presses a kiss to the back of my hand. “Welcome to my world. There’s no escaping the madness now.”
I let out a burst of laughter. “It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.”
“They loved you,” he comments. “You were amazing.”
I lean into his side as we walk and rub my hand over his chest. “Not half as amazing as you were.”