Almost Everything

Chapter 19 - I'll Keep You Safe

I step out of the limo after Brad, he grabs my hand while waving to the group of people shouting his name. I get out, adjust my nude Zac Posen dress and smile at the crowd across the street. The two of us are very relaxed because this isn't our movie premiere, it's Jackson's third. This time it is for an action movie and he was the star. I knew his family was already here and waiting inside.

Brad and I are halfway down the row of media when the crowd goes wild behind us, I was deaf. Teenage girls can make the highest-pitch screams. One of the reporters laughs it off and announces that Jackson has arrived in case anyone missed it.

I turn to see him looking at me, and I give him a small wave and smile. We haven't been in the same city for over a year. Jackson nods with a grin back at me.

Olivia Kiley steps out of his car and grabs his waiting hand. I feel sick knowing how close they are getting; he was mine and I didn't want anyone else touching him.

My boyfriend wraps an arm around my waist, and I look up at him, he is still talking with MTV. "Sure, we're proud of our boy." He smiles finishing the answer to the question.

"Do you think he'll pass Avery at the box office this weekend?" They ask Brad.

My movie opened last weekend in the number one spot, another romantic comedy. Jackson had been texting me all week that he was about to knock me from the top and I was more than willing to let him.

Suddenly, I was getting tired of this whole Hollywood life and lies. I need a break and was trying to figure out how to break that news to my team.

"Jackson's movie might be good, but Aves is better looking." Brad smiles and gives his 'we're done' nod to the interviewer.

We turn and walk off the mark. The two of us make our way inside the theater without stopping for another reporter. Brad reaches for a glass of wine for me and a mixed drink for himself while I search for Jackson's family.

"Avery?" A familiar voice rings out with a slight evil edge to it.

I turn to see Amy George glaring at me.

"What are you doing here?" I ask with little enthusiasm in my voice.

"Just got a new client last week and I'm here to help him mingle. To be seen with the right people." She announces proudly.

"Congrats," I say, and I start walking away.

"It's Jackson, and you're not on that right people list. You are the exact opposite of what his career needs." She informs me.

Snapping my head around, I walk back to her until we are nose-to-nose. "He doesn't have a publicist or ever wanted one."

She nods. "He didn't until he signed a movie contract agreement that tied him to me. I think you and Jackson need to read his contract this evening, I'll email you a copy. Please pay close attention to the moral's clause. Enjoy your night, it might be the last for a while." She laughs and walks away from me.

I turn to walk away and run right into Jackson, he wraps his arms around my shoulders and pulls me close to him. If he wouldn't, I would have fallen on my face.

"Hi," I whisper up at him.

"Hi." He smiles down at me. "You look naked in that dress, Glitter-Bug."

Looking down at my nude gown, I'm quick to point out the gold sequins sewn throughout the dress. I twirl to prove my point. I can't get over how gorgeous he looks in his suit. Jackson has a slight tan from vacationing in Hawaii and his hair had sun-kissed highlights.

"I miss you." He whispers so just the two of us could hear.

"I miss you too!" I hug him tight.

Putting my head on his chest, I hear his heart racing and I ask him if he's okay.