You had been invited to the 2019 Met Gala ahead of the release of your movie, Emma. After having some success in supporting roles, it was your first starring role, and it felt strange to be invited to an event by yourself, instead of as part of a larger cast. At least you knew Alessandro Michele from the perfume campaign you shot for Gucci earlier in the year, but since he was co-chair of the event he would probably be busy the whole night with people way more famous than you'd ever be. You were honestly kind of surprised that you were even invited.
In the back of the limo taking you to the event, you were frantically texting Joey King. The two of you had gotten close on the set of Summer '03, and had been nearly inseparable ever since.
u should be the one on the way to the met gala rn, not me!!!! You sent.
stop! u deserve this as much as anyone! She responded. Your phone then vibrated three times in rapid succession with new messages.
more than anyone, actually.
i'm just a teen rom-com nobody, but YOU were the face of gucci bloom!!!
also, no one under 21 is allowed :(
i'm literally about to throw up all over my dress
you'll be fine, i promise. just be confident, and when in doubt, talk about the movie. and think about next year - we'll be there together as an iconic bff duo. we can wear matching outfits!
if i get invited back, which i probably won't if i show up with puke all over me
lol! just take deep breaths. and just think - maybe you'll sit next to harry styles!
a girl can dream... that would definitely make me throw up, though.
gtg, we're pulling up front ahhhhh!
i'll try to steal you a souvenir
and this is why i love you! (laughing emoji) go kill it, bestie!
You smiled down at your phone, grateful for Joey's ability to always cheer you up. Although you were still sick with nerves, you felt a little better knowing that at least you looked good. Smiling a little, you smoothed the skirt of your dress before grabbing the driver's hand and letting him help you out of the car. You joined the line of people waiting for their turn on the pink carpet out front.
After about ten minutes, it was your turn to step up. You were photographed alone, first, before being ushered next to Alessandro. His metallic pink look complimented your own nicely; he had styled you in a baby-pink empire-waist dress in homage to your upcoming movie, but with a full tulle skirt and giant, exaggerated puff sleeves. The dress was tea-length, showing off the delicate gold strappy stilettos on your feet, which matched the gold headpiece weaved into the intricate updo that you were sure you'd need help to take out.
"You look gorgeous, darling," Alessandro whispered as you posed together, and your smile brightened. "I'll find you when I'm inside, there's someone I want you to meet!" You nodded, and he kissed your hands before you were whisked away by an assistant. She was explaining something to you about how the night would go, and you nodded along at all of the right moments. Once inside, you saw people talking over cocktails spread throughout the entryway.
"Once everyone's here, you'll head into the main room," the assistant explained. You thanked her and headed straight for the bar for a glass of white wine. When the bartender handed it over not a minute later, you regretted not ordering something more complicated, but you thanked him and turned around to scan the room. Your heart sped up as you realized that most of the people here were either a lot older than you, or had been child stars, and just as you were about to go hide in the bathroom until dinner started, the woman standing next to you at the bar started up a conversation. You breathed a sigh of relief, and let her talk about all of her charity work. She was some New York socialite you'd never heard of until then. With a forced smile, you asked for more information about one of the organizations she supports, hoping to buy time until Alessandro was done outside.
