The Writer & The Player #Wattys2016

Chapter 12

"Will you please breathe?" A voice flows through my ears. "I can see you holding your breath from here." 

I huff and roll my eyes at Zac beside me. I wasn't holding my breath, I was just waiting for the air to make it's way into my system without my help.

I wring my hands and look out the window of the limo, anxiously hoping that the next building I'd lay eyes on would be the one we would be making our debut at tonight. This car ride felt like forever.

The limo pulls to a stop outside of a large sky rise building, with a large banner that read 'United Charities Gala'. 

I inhale all the air I can find,  as my eyes find the long length of red carpet that rolls up to the grand doors of the Ritz-Carlton, but more importantly, the abundance of paparazzi that overflow both sides behind the fence.

"You two will stop in front of the banner for a photo, then Zac you'll have two very short interviews, one with 'E-news' and the other with 'Designr Weekly'." Rafael starts. "Remember, keep it simple, not too much detail and smile. That's all they want, really."

My eyes find Zac's with a glint of fear. He nods to me, and laces my hand with his, as my heart beat picks up an all new rate of speed. Might as well start the fake relationship now. "We got this." 

He sends me a reassuring smile, easing my nerves ever so slightly, then steps out of the car to hold the door open or me. I slide awkwardly in my dress, dragging the tail with me, then find Zac's hand again as he hauls me up and out of the car with grace. 

My eyes are blinded by the flashes, and my ears are deafened by the shouts, demands and screams from the paparazzi and fans. I steady myself on Zac's arm, as he guides us up to the spot Rafael mentioned for the photo. I somehow find it within me to smile, as the world swirls around me. 

"You're doing fine." Zac whispers in my ear as we continue along the carpet, and find our way to the first interview with 'E-news'. I finally find some balance when we come to a stop at the interview station, where a camera, portable lighting and a reporter awaited. She was dressed for the attire of the night, in a gorgeous yellow fitted dress with an embellished bodice, that flowed down to the floor in cascades.

She quickly introduces herself before the camera's go live. "Jenny Trinity." She beams at both Zac and I, as I stand unsure as to whether I should step aside for his interview. I go to step away but Zac maintains his light grip on my arm, keeping me in place. 

"Stay with me." 

The camera goes live as Jenny begins the general introduction to her E-News broadcast. "We are live from the red carpet at the United Charities Gala in Los Angeles. I am here with Football Star Zac Bleu, and his mystery lady."

"Emilie Housten, no mystery lady." Before I can stop myself, it comes out, and surprisingly I had beaten Zac to it by a millisecond. 

"Emilie! It is so great to put a name to a face. After all there is only one question that is burning in everyone's minds since those photos were released yesterday, is Zac officially off the market?"

I struggle to hear her over the noise and energy that circulates us, but when I finally work out what she said, I raise my eyebrows in disbelief. 'Off the market' like he is meat? And she's asking me? 

Zac butts in for me, seeing my look of disbelief. He chuckles lightly, "I am officially off the market." His hand slides around my waist and pulls me closer, making me feel more off balance as my senses are engulfed by his cologne. I smile, making an attempt to look like a couple, and to get this interview over and done with.

"You've heard it here first! Zac Bleu is officially off the market ladies!" Jenny looks directly in the camera, as if she was talking directly to a bunch of obsessive 16-year-old crazed girls, who were desperately waiting on the news.