Page 64 of The Fake Script
“Right.” I nod, gritting my teeth. Really, Robyn? I didn’t need that nugget of information. It’s hard enough to resist him as it is. Ugh. Who am I kidding? I always knew he was a good person. I saw it in Porthaven, and in every interaction he’s had with the crew on set.
He hustles back toward us, and we step onto the red carpet. Auston poses for some shots by himself first. Immediately, the photographers shift from standing puppets to fully-animated movie characters, waving and yelling for him to look left or right. To smile.To wave. He does as he’s told, then he beckons me to join him.
His arm loops around my waist, bringing me close, and I do everything in my power to remain standing and smile for the cameras. Tugging on my dress to make sure it still covers most of my legs, I try to appear more confident than I feel. After a minute, we move to the right to stand on the next cue, and he turns to me.
“Hold on,” he says, brushing a loose strand of hair to free my eyes. I didn’t even notice it was out of place. Satisfied, he secures his arm around my waist again, and we look straight at the photographers. Some of them are asking for a kiss, but thankfully, Auston doesn’t seem to hear them.
Just when I think we’re done with the photo ops, Auston’s co-star steps onto the red carpet, and he’s asked to take a few shots with her.
I step back, forcing a serene expression. I’ve never hated anyone so much in my entire life. She’s absolutely gorgeous, and Auston has his arm around her just like he did around me a few minutes ago.
Acting, Emma. That’s what you’re doing. Whathe’sdoing. The proof is right there. Now, it’s time you believed it.
26
Not Ready
Auston
“Sorry,” I mutter to Emma once I leave my last red-carpet interview. “It’s always a little crazy at premieres.”
“Don’t worry,” she says with a smile. “I get it. It’s part of the job.”
I breathe a shallow sigh. “Yeah.”
With the red-carpet theatrics out of the way, we follow Robyn and Cillian inside the theater. Everyone greets me, stopping me for a chat, and I have to oblige. That’s what I’m here for, after all.
“The movie will start soon. Then, we’ll be in the clear,” I whisper to Emma.
“Wait.” She turns toward me. “If you never actually watch the movie, what are we going to do? Are we going home?”
I shake my head. “No. I have to show up at the end, but we’ll sneak out during the screening.”
That’s the moment I’m looking forward to most. Some alone time with Emma.
Finally, everyone takes their seats, and it’s time for Jerry, the director, my co-star, Jennifer, and me to say a few words about the movie. A loud round of applause fills the theater, and most of my co-stars slip out through the side door, flanked by their security and assistants. I grab Emma’s hand and follow them. As we step through the door, I try to breathe normally, pretending those sparks that start flying every time we touch are normal, but I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it.
“We’re going to get something to eat,” Jennifer says to Emma and me. “Are you guys coming?”
I glance at Emma, who just shrugs. “Nah,” I say. “We’ll catch up with you later.”
I turn to Robyn and Cillian. “You guys can go ahead and watch the movie, if you want. We’ll stay in the cinema.”
Cillian narrows his eyes, but I give him a pointed look, and he agrees.
I come to this theater every time I have a premiere in New York, whether for one of my movies or someone else’s, so I know it pretty well. I lead Emma to the concession stands, and her eyes sparkle.
“Oh, I like the way you think.”
I chuckle. “Candy or chocolate?”
She tilts her head to the side. “Both?”
We tour the candy displays, placing everything that looks delicious in our bag, and soon it’s crammed full.
“Do you think we have enough?” I joke.
She hesitates, then nods. “Yeah. We’ll survive on this.”