Limelight || A Shourtney Story

.29 simple, really (courtney)

"What did you just say?" her breath caught in her chest. Suddenly the oxygen seemed to disappear in the room. Courtney found herself frozen in place, fearful that what she just heard was a figment of her imagination.

Next to her, Shayne's grin widened with delight. "I know you heard me," he chuckled.

Just as she remembered, the effortless, cool demeanor of Shayne's acting persona returned. She was suddenly transported to the night they met - vague expressions under the dimness of coffee house lighting, gentle teases leading to a longing far deeper than she could have known at the time.

"Shayne, I'm serious. Please," she begged. "Say it again."

His expression sobered. Thick, muscular, warm hands clasped around her shoulders. Cerulean eyes zeroed into hers. Akin to a bug under a microscope, Courtney suddenly felt very exposed and vulnerable.

"I love you."

Like the sun peaking through the darkness of a stormy, cloudy day, her heart sparked. The stress and pain of the past 24 hours felt a little lighter. Her chest flooded with warmth.

Shayne represented everything good in the world. Sure, he was flawed - any human being was, really. But he saw her for who she was. Strong. Smart. Capable. Beautiful. Validation reaffirmed her confidence in herself and her trust in the world. Courtney never thought she deserved a love like his throughout her entire life.

Maybe she was wrong. Maybe she wasn't a burden to him after all. Maybe there was hope - for her past, his present, and their future. Or maybe not.

"You're kind of leaving me hanging here..." he laughed lightly.

"No, I'm sorry, I just wasn't expecting that, and I'm not really sure what to say-" she stuttered.

His hands gave a reassuring squeeze to her shoulders.

"You're rambling," he observed.

"Sorry. It's been a long day. My brain is fried," she shook her head. "I want to say it back, but I can't yet. We still have to deal with our problems. I'm still hiding like a fugitive, and you're still not supposed to be here. It doesn't feel right to say it right now."

And the distance, she wanted to add. A shaky exhale escaped her lips. Despite the fact that Shayne did truly care about her, their issues remained. David was out to get her, and Shayne's presence and publicity jeopardized both of their safety. The celebrity situation remained difficult, too. Courtney couldn't date someone like him with without sacrificing at least some of his career. And though he didn't seem to mind, she truly did. Being the reason for him losing his passion just didn't seem right. Plus, the long distance relationship that now seemed inevitable needed to be handled.

They couldn't wait around for each other forever. Though, if he asked her to wait, she probably would. She had never known a love like his. Staring at the pure concern streaming through his eyes, she suddenly had the urge to fight for him. Something as special as theirs might be worth holding on.

Shayne nodded patiently, "First off, you don't need to feel pressured to say it - just whenever you're ready, okay? And two, we're going to get through this together. I have a plan."

"You do?" she asked, eyebrows arched in confusion.

He smiled. "Oh yeah. I had plenty of time to stew things over on the flight here. It'll all be over soon."

Courtney hoped he was right.

***

Just as she had done all those days earlier, Courtney began to prepare for the day ahead. Shayne had been uncharacteristically vague about his so-called plan - instructing Courtney to be red carpet formal by 4pm.