Growing Up - Jenna Ortega x Fem Reader

52.

January 13th

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the windows as you lounged at home, enjoying a rare moment of quiet back in LA. Just as you were about to dive into a movie, your phone buzzed with Jenna's incoming call, which you weren't expecting at all. You hesitated, considering whether to answer right away or let it go to voicemail, but curiosity and a touch of unresolved emotion got the better of you.

"Hey," Jenna's voice greeted you warmly through the receiver, a mix of hope and hesitation in her tone. "I've got this thing tonight—the Motion Picture & Television Fund Annual Benefit. I was wondering if you'd come with me."

You sighed inwardly, knowing this wasn't just a casual invite. "Jen," you started, buying time as you glanced around your cozy living room. "I'm not sure if—"

"Please," she interjected, her voice softening with a blend of sincerity and affection. "It would mean a lot to me if you came. I could really use some support tonight."

You could hear the earnestness in her voice, and it tugged at you despite your reservations. "Alright," you finally conceded, feeling a mix of warmth and apprehension. "I'll go with you."

"Thank you," Jenna replied, her relief evident. "I'll pick you up later. Dress nice, okay?"

Before hanging up, you decided to lighten the mood. "So, I'm guessing this is your way of trying to win me over?" you teased, trying to mask your uncertainty. "Pretty clever move."

Jenna laughed softly. "Maybe," she admitted, her tone warm and appreciative. "But seriously, I'm so happy you're coming. See you tonight!"

As you prepared for the evening, you tried your best to dress the part, opting for a black suit with a white v-neck underneath. Even wearing light make-up, which most times you hated, not tonight though. You glanced at yourself in the mirror, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation.

When Jenna arrived to pick you up, you observed her striking ensemble. She wore a sleek black outfit that radiated confidence and elegance. The fitted jacket and high-waisted pants accentuated her frame, while the sheer, lace-up bodice revealed just enough to catch your eye. Her hair and makeup completed the look, making her look every bit the Hollywood star.

"You've really outdone yourself this time," you joked to the stylist riding shotgun.

"You don't look too bad yourself," the Puerto Rican stylist teased back.

As Jenna greeted you with a warm smile, you felt a familiar stir of emotion. The way she looked at you and the sound of her voice brought back memories of your time together. You tried to keep things light, though, feeling a mixture of tension and nostalgia.

"Hey there," Jenna said, her tone flirtatious but cautious.

You returned her smile, the conversation flowing naturally despite the unresolved feelings between you.

---

As you arrived at the Fox Studios' backlot for the MPTF Annual Benefit, the evening shimmered with Hollywood's brightest stars, a sea of elegant gowns and tailored suits mingling under the dazzling lights. You followed Jenna closely, keeping a low profile as part of her entourage, blending in with Enrique, her stylist. The crowd's curious glances brushed past you as you maintained a discreet presence, acutely aware of the significance of the evening for both you and Jenna.

Jenna moved confidently through the crowd, greeting familiar faces with ease. You were a part of her world tonight, as a behind-the-scenes fixture, just another detail in the glamorous spectacle. The space you occupied was both physically and metaphorically distant from the spotlight, reinforcing the boundaries that still defined your relationship.