Almost Everything

Chapter 17 - Force of Nature

Brad gets out of the limo before me and holds out his hand for me to grab. We just arrived at Westwood Village for the movie premiere of Missing Persons. I grab his hand and let him gently pull me from the car. Lexie and Melissa are standing in front of us the instant I'm out of the car.

Brad and Lexie form a small wall around me while Melissa grabs the front of my dress and pulls up the strapless, beaded bodice. She fixes my hair and touches up my lip gloss.

The crowd behind us starts screaming and shouting our names, Brad turns and waves to them. My boyfriend looks rather dashing in his custom Tom Ford tux, the fresh haircut, and the way his blue eyes sparkle in the California sun. My favorite part was the slight stubble he left on his face for me. He looks good with a little facial hair.

We walk across the street together and sign autographs for the fans that have been waiting all day for us. I pose for as many pictures as I can before we are pushed back across the street. On the walk, Lexie informs me that I have a bunch of media waiting and I need to start with E! News.

On the walk, Brad ditches me to bomb Matthew's interview with a local new station.

Generally, the questions are the same throughout the entire line of media. Who was I wearing tonight? Elle Saab. Am I happy with the end product? How is life with Brad? Does he get bothered having Jackson living with me? Did I know that Jackson is here, and he gave me a stunning praise for all my work?

"Well...Jackson has never missed a premiere, so yes I know he's here. I think he loves these more than I do. Also, he has to say that I'm good or he might not get invited back and need to find somewhere else to live."

The reporter laughs. "How do you feel about Jackson's first movie premiere coming up? Word on the street is that his performance is very good."

"I just want him to be happy and if that's this crazy life, then it's good. Jackson is good at whatever he does." I smile and say my goodbyes.

Lexie pushes me towards Matthew and Brad. The three of us pose for cameras and then Brad walks out of the frame. My face hurts from smiling by the time we make it inside the theater. I close my eyes and take a huge breath, my nanosecond to relax.

"My sister the movie star!" My brother's voice rings out from somewhere in front of me. I open my eyes and see him standing in front of me.

Quickly, I push my way through the group of people blocking our path and hug him tight.

"I didn't know you were coming," I whisper.

I notice Jackson and Oliver standing right behind him, both looking handsome in their suits.

Nate grins. "Of course. Like this idiot..." he points behind him to Jackson. "I would never miss the chance at free booze and women."

"I'm so happy that you're here." I hug him again.

When we break apart, Brad holds out his hand and shakes a hello to my brother. Lexie ushers the boys into their seats. Matthew and I wait with the rest of the cast, we are entering after everyone else is seated. As a group, we introduce the movie to the packed theater and find our seats.

Fifteen minutes into the movie, my brother nudges a silver flask at me. Giggling, I grab it from him. This is another premiere tradition since alcohol wasn't served until the afterparty. I take a huge gulp of the burning liquid and continue to pass it down the row.

Nate leans over and whispers in my ear. "I'm officially your brother, but we both knew that." He kisses my temple before pulling away.

We had done the DNA test when I was in New York for the promo tour, I had no idea the results were back. My breathing got labored and I feel like I'm choking. I can't focus on the screen in front of us because there were too many questions floating through my mind now. When I feel like the walls of the theater are closing on me, I jump from my seat and hurry out of the exit.