Let It Be Me (Let It Be Me #1) (7 page)

“It’s already next month,” Deidre informed her excitedly. Kayla checked the invitation to see it was slated for the last weekend of August. “I’ll see you there, Kayla. Thank you.” She gave Kayla another hug, then left the meeting room without a goodbye.

Kayla walked back to her office feeling dazed. The hurt she’s managed to stow away after two years was creeping back. 

“Kayla, are you okay?” Jenny asked with worry.

“Yeah,” Kayla said, waving her hand. Kayla closed her office door behind her, sat on her seat and looked out the window.

She hated that part of her past. Every time she remembered, her insecurities would come out and she would hate herself a bit.

Obviously, she was no longer in a good mood.

Chapter 9

Kayla made herself busy for the following days, and somehow time flew by. It was finally the night of the premiere before she knew it.

Jenny has been counting the days for over a week know, announcing to Kayla every morning how many days there were left.

Bobby allowed the team to leave the office a bit early since he did say the team was doing great in the various projects. Kayla and Jenny dropped by the parlor to have their hair done before heading to Jenny’s place to change into the dresses they bought. They also shared the cost of renting a car for the night. Their credit cards weren’t happy, but it wasn’t everyday they got to attend a Hollywood premiere. It didn’t feel right taking a cab this time.

Indeed, Kayla was learning to live a little, bit by bit. She knew of course, it wouldn’t always be as grand as movie premieres.

“Oh honey you’re gorgeous,” Jenny gushed when they were done prepping up. They were looking at the full length mirror in Jenny and Ryan’s bedroom. Kayla was quite happy with how the updo, the long strapless sky blue dress and the silver studded shoes came all together. The stylist also did wonders with her makeup.

“Thank you,” Kayla said, “You’re a hot mama too!” Jenny chose a long peach dress that did wonders for her skin tone and blonde hair. 

Jenny, along with Ryan and Trey who were both wearing coats and neckties, made such a perfect family photo. After a quick photo op at the living room, they all headed to the rental car.

“I’m kind of nervous,” Kayla admitted during the ride. She kept her voice soft so only Jenny can hear. Ryan was seated at the front and Trey was seated between Kayla and Jenny. “What if we stand out like a sore thumb? What if our dresses aren’t expensive enough for a premiere?”

“Relax, girl,” Jenny said, still the confident cheerleader. “It’s not like we’re walking the red carpet. People would be too busy looking at the stars to notice us.”

Jenny was right. Kayla made sure with Alex that there was a way to get into the theater without passing through the red carpet. 

That was one of the thing Kayla had to work on. She worried about what people thought of her maybe a bit too much. 

As they approached the theater, they peered through the windows to see the mass of people surrounding the area. Kayla directed the driver to the side of the theater Alex told her about.

Thankfully hardly anyone paid attention to them as they stepped out of the rental. After showing their tickets to the attendants by the entrance, they made their way to the side of the theater where a bar was set up and cocktails were served. Kayla sent a text message to Brandon and Bobby to inform them where to meet.

They got some drinks and food while waiting for the rest. She and Jenny were engrossed while watching some Hollywood celebrities grace the red carpet. She didn’t see Alex yet though. Ryan and Trey, on the other hand, were more entertained with the decorations surrounding them -- there were asteroids hanging from the ceiling and twinkling lights.

Kayla could hardly eat out of both excitement and nervousness. She just wasn’t used to this kind of scene. Yes, she’s gone to functions that required gowns and tuxes, and she’s met some celebrities who have worked with the firm – athletes, supermodels, singers and celebrity chefs. But she’s never been to an event as high-profile as this one.

“Kayla,” she heard someone call out. She and Jenny turned to see Ben walking towards them. It was only then that Kayla noticed that Ben was also handsome in a more understated way. He was a bit of that boy next door type, but Kayla felt there was a bit more to him. He was also fit and carried his clothes very well.

“Hey Ben,” Kayla greeted warmly. Through the meetings, she’s gotten to be a bit more comfortable with Ben. Henry still remained more formal compared to Alex and Ben, but Kayla’s already gotten used to him. 

“Glad you’re here,” Ben said, smiling. “Hi Jenny.” Jenny introduced him to Ryan and Trey. Ben turned back to Kayla. “I will inform Alex you have arrived. He was asking about you all.”

“Is he here already?” Kayla asked curiously. 

“On his way. Grand entrance, you know,” Ben explained, grinning. 

Just then everyone else arrived – Bobby with his wife, Brandon and his girlfriend… Henry and his wife arrived too. Kayla felt better seeing more familiar faces. It wasn’t so bad after all. It was like they were in another meeting but just in a much fancier setting. 

Cynthia, Bobby’s wife, has always been kind to Kayla as they have seen each other in countless events for the past years.  Brandon’s girlfriend was fairly new so it was Kayla’s first time to meet the young veterinarian.

Ben and Henry left them shortly to talk to some other people, after Ben asked for Kayla’s number in case he needed to find them later on. He gave her his as well. Kayla almost chuckled, remembering how Alex demanded for everyone’s mobile numbers.

Their little group started chatting amongst themselves. Kayla talked to Cynthia, learning the latest about Bobby and Cynthia’s two sons and their respective families. They already had three grandkids.

Their attention shifted when they heard a cheer from the red carpet. The main stars must have arrived as the energy in the venue suddenly rose. Kayla felt excited herself. She convinced herself it was just because of the glamour of Hollywood.

They all watched from the sidelines as they saw the stars walk down the carpet, granting some interviews along the way. 

“There he is!” Jenny said excitedly, and Kayla knew of course who Jenny was referring to. 

Kayla surreptitiously shifted her view to see him. She saw him posing with his movie leading lady, Emily Harper. Emily had dark blonde hair, dark eyes and a supermodel body. She was a British actress that has been getting popular in Hollywood for the past couple of years. They made a beautiful pair. The sight of them together reminded Kayla about Alex’s stature and the world where he belonged. At least one day she can tell her kids that she was able to attend a movie premiere because she knew the actor who starred in it. 

Alex, Emily and the other cast members gave several interviews, and posed for probably hundreds of photos, which Kayla would be sure would be splashed all over websites and magazines moments after this. It was almost a good half hour till the red carpet was cleared. 

“That was quite a show,” Jenny observed.

“And we haven’t watched the movie yet,” Ryan said. 

Their group further chatted about what they just witnessed.

Suddenly they felt the commotion behind them. All of them peered back to see Alex, accompanied by Ben and a couple other people, walking towards them. 

Kayla couldn’t deny how handsome Alex was. And to see him in that setting left her in awe. Their eyes met, and Kayla quickly shifted her gaze. 

Alex first shook hands with Bobby and kissed Cynthia’s cheek. Alex has already met Cynthia in previous events. Cynthia was also in the office party a few weeks back when Kayla first met Alex. 

And kissed him. 

“Kayla,” he greeted, breaking into her thoughts, causing Kayla’s cheeks to burn. Forcing herself to stay focused, she introduced him to everyone he hasn’t met yet. Alex even shook hands with Trey, who acted like an adult. Trey kept on calling him Hawkman from the Justice League movie. It was hilarious. But Kayla admired the way Alex naturally talked to Trey. He even agreed when Jenny asked if she could take a photo of Alex and Trey together using her camera phone. 

“I have to go,” Alex announced. Kayla suddenly felt his hand on the small of her back as he leaned in to say softly, “You’re breathtaking. I’ll see you after the movie, okay?” Kayla felt like she stopped breathing for those few seconds. She blamed it on the fanfare of the occasion. 

Then he was swept away by someone from his entourage. Ben left as well.

“I saw that,” Jenny whispered, excitedly.

“What?” Kayla replied stupidly. But she still felt weak from Alex’s gesture and words.

“If I weren’t happily married I would be jealous,” Jenny declared.

“That’s exactly why,” Kayla said, defensively, still feeling unstable. “Obviously I’m the only one without a date here. He took pity on me.”

“He did give the tickets to you,” Jenny debated. Kayla eventually told Jenny last week – after Jenny’s insistence – that she knew about the tickets before they actually got them. 

“I was just the messenger,” Kayla said, shrugging, playing it down. Jenny had a romance novel written in her head. 

“Whatever you say, Kayla,” Jenny said giving up on her friend.

After a few minutes someone announced that the movie was about to begin, so everyone made their way into the theater. It was a bit chaotic – it took them a while to make it to their seats. Their group filled up a row at the side, excitedly chatting while waiting for the movie to start. 

They watched as the stars of the movie first stood at the front of the theater to thank everyone. Their speeches were almost like those acceptance speeches in the Oscars, thanking practically everyone who was part of making the movie. It was such a new experience for Kayla.

From a distance Kayla felt the magnitude of Alex’s fame, especially when it was his turn to talk and a cheer rang out. It was pretty wild. She found herself clapping for him too. 

“Thank you everyone for being here,” Alex said into the microphone. He had his signature charming smile on. “Just like every other movie I’ve done, this one is pretty special. And I’m not just saying that so you can all give raving reviews for this movie.” Laughter broke out. “Spending months filming a movie, of course it would leave imprints in our hearts and our memories. It was a privilege working with this amazing cast and crew. I hope you all enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it.”

There was another round of applause for him.

After everyone has spoken, the stars were ushered to their seats then the movie began.

It was two hours of action and spectacular effects. For those hours Kayla forgot she knew the actor as she totally bought the role he was portraying. She even wiped away a tear at one sad part by the end of the movie.

Kayla readily joined everyone else in applauding at the end of the movie. The stars and the director stood to accept the applause, gratitude evident in their faces. They were led out of the theater before everyone else was allowed to file out. 

Their little group was buzzed with excitement from the movie as they walked back out to the refreshments area. Trey was talking animatedly about his favorite scenes. 

“Cynthia and I will go ahead,” Bobby said to the group. “It was a very memorable night. Thanks everyone.” They walked away after hands were shook and goodbyes were said. Brandon and Sara also wandered away to go for more star sightings. 

“We have to go too,” Jenny said, apologetically to Kayla. Since they were sharing the rental they had to leave the same time. “It’s way past Trey’s bedtime. I doubt though if he would be able to sleep immediately after all the excitement tonight.”

“No problem,” Kayla said. She didn’t want to be left behind. “Let’s go –“

“Kayla, there you are,” Ben called the second time that night as they approached them.

“Hey Ben, we were just about to leave,” Kayla said.

“You were?” Ben asked, surprised.

“Trey here has to sleep,” Kayla explained contritely, “and we’re sharing a rental car.”

“I’ll drive you home then, Kayla,” Ben offered, like it was the obvious solution.

“Oh you don’t have to do that,” Kayla said automatically. 

“Alex said you were going to say that,” Ben said cheekily, grinning.

Kayla laughed. Jenny looked at her inquiringly.

“Come on, I won’t be staying long,” Ben urged. “Enjoy the night. Alex also just wanted to know how you found the movie.”

Kayla deliberated. He did give them tickets that made everyone quite happy. Maybe he did deserve the bit of stroking of his ego. 

“Stay, Kayla,” Jenny implored, soft enough for only Kayla to hear. “Allow me to live vicariously through you.”

Kayla knew she had to give in. She was also quite curious about what else was going on. She doubted she would be able to attend a movie premiere ever again.

After saying her goodbyes to the Martins, Kayla allowed herself to be escorted by Ben away. She looked around as well-dressed people scattered the place, enjoying the refreshments and the company. Kayla felt like she was stuck in a dream.

“Are you used to this?” Kayla asked Ben.

“Well it’s kind of part of the job,” Ben replied smilingly, “But it’s much easier now than the first one I ever attended.”

Kayla nodded, understanding. “So how long have you and Alex known each other?”

“We go way back. Junior high. Alex and I were both in the baseball team.”

“Junior high,” Kayla echoed. “Wow.” And Kayla wasn’t surprised he was an athlete. They both had the built that obviously wasn’t just from going to the gym.

They made their way to a more private, paparazzi-free portion of the venue where more cocktails and drinks were being served. The percentage of celebrities in that area was much higher. Kayla was overwhelmed, and felt a bit out of place.

Ben led her to an empty cocktail table. A waiter passed with flutes of wine, and Ben got for them.

“And what about Henry?” Kayla asked, after sipping a bit of wine. “How did he enter the picture?”