One Wish

Chapter 5

From the moment we arrive at the movie theatre's entrance, we're assaulted by flashing lights. I blink, my head automatically turning to shield my eyes. How do they cope with this every day? It's a wonder they're not blind.

"What are you doing?" Eli asks when he notices that I'm reaching for the door handle.

Perplexed, I frown at him. "I'm getting out the car...?"

Eli barks out a laugh like it's the funniest thing he's heard all day. "You never let yourself out of the car, so why now? Besides, it's not correct etiquette."

Ignoring the jab at me never letting myself out, I reply, "There's an etiquette?"

Laughter continues as the driver opens the door for me and soon after, Eli is there waiting to take my hand. He flashes me the most precious smile—a smile that seems so out of character after the way he's been speaking tome. At the hotel he seemed almost callous, but right now his smile lights up his gorgeous sea green eyes. Eyes that only seem to hold the utmost love and devotion to his wife sitting before him.

I feel like an imposter as I take his hand and he helps me out of the car. An imposter in an extremely foreign body. This doesn't seem right to me.I'm Kendra Banks, famous model who's used to being in front of the camera; who's used to all this attention. But right now, all I can think about is how much I wish I were at home, away from prying eyes, cozying up on the couch in my jim-jams and feasting on popcorn as I watch one of Eli's movies. The only excitement I have about being here is that I get to see this brand new movie that I have been dying to see for... well, I have no clue how long. I just feel it in my gut that it's true, yet, for some reason... I'm the bad guy. A truth that I'm learning quickly, considering Eli seems to think so. I've been labelled a drunk, when in my heart, I know that's not true. It's also been insinuated that I don't care, when also in my heart, I know I haven't got a bad bone in my body. All this and more has been swirling in my head since I woke up this morning, but as my eyes scan up to the huge sign that reads Tonight, we present to you, famous Hollywood star Eli Prescott's new Movie, When Love Finds A Way, my heart does a merry little dance—all my troubles all but forgotten. 

Shrill screams of young girls are blasting from the crowds as we make our way to the theatre, light continually blinding us as we reach for the entrance. My stomach churns with excitement with each step we take. So much so, I don't even realize I'm getting way ahead of myself until Eli gently tugs on my hand, drawing my attention to a male reporter whose eyes are completely focused on Eli.

"Mr. Prescott, how are you feeling about tonight?" the reporter asks,shoving a microphone into Eli's face, the cameraman poised right next to him, hoping to get that all important video shot.

Eli pauses a second, causing everyone to remain silent, hanging on his every word. "The hours were a bitch and I almost got stampeded by Ralph,the pig, but luckily managed to escape before he trampled on me."

Everyone chuckles, but all I do is gape at him, mouth slightly parted. I remember hearing something about a rumpus with a naughty pig, which adds comedic value to the love story of a rich, big-city roller who stumbles across this small town and ends up falling in love with a farm girl.

"They say never work with children and animals," another reporter announces. "Would you say that's true?"

Eli chuckles under his breath. "After getting snouted by Ralph, my manparts would certainly agree."

Another round of laughter and then a female voice shouts, "Kendra,how are you feeling about watching a movie where critics are saying the kissing scene is one of the hottest they've ever watched?"

It takes a moment for me to realize that the reporter is addressing me.My eyes widen slightly, but I try and focus. The real Kendra Banks wouldn't miss a beat.