Catfish

Chapter One

Ethan's POV:

"Big day today!" My manager says as we walk into the coffee shop for the event.

"There's so many people, never been this crazy before." I respond back, motioning towards the lines with my head. I reach for the door handle, opening it ajar then fully opening it. The warm air, and mixed scents from inside hitting me all at once.

"You're becoming a big deal, Ethan. Better get used to this."

We walk inside, heading towards the register.

"We're here for the press event, Ethan Cutkosky and manager, Mark Reese." He states to the employee, as I look through the glass counter at all the different baked goods lining the shelves. I'm trying to distract myself from the fact that there is well over 100 girls outside, waiting for me. For me...Why?

I'm still a regular kid, despite playing Carl Gallagher on Shameless. It's strange having tons of girls swoon over my every move. Don't get me wrong, I love everyone who supports both me and my career. It's just, I could sneeze the wrong way and everyone would have a panic attack. "Ethan Cutkosky sneezed! Oh my god!"
"That Carl guy from Shameless just blew his nose! I'd pay to be that tissue."
It's going to take some getting used to, like my manager, Mark, said when we walked in.

My thoughts were interrupted by the employee's voice:

"Oh, right! Let me go get my boss for you. Would you like anything while you wait?"

I was about to speak up, but was cut off by Mark responding back with a head shake, as if to say 'No.'

The sight (and smell) of all these pastries is making me hungry. Damn.

A few minutes later, the barista comes back out following who I presume is the manager of this place. I read his name tag: John. Both him and the barista shaking Mark and I's hands. I searched for her name tag, nowhere to be seen.

"Sam." She speaks up, "I saw you staring. I assumed you were looking for my tag."

I nod and focus my attention on the conversation between my manager and hers.

"Yeah! The meet and greet will start in 20, right out here. Then we let the press, paparazzi, and whoever else in. We bring out a stool, Ethan answers some questions from the fans and press, and you're done. Whole thing should last about 3 hours, tops." He points toward the corner of the room, where I'd be meeting everyone and then looks back at my manager and I.

"Great!" Mark responds, shaking John's hand for the second time.

"Yeah, sounds great...um, do you know how many girls are out waiting? Approximately?" I question, focusing my gaze outside the window.

"Hard to tell. They started lining up around 7,"

It's now 12:31.

"but if I had to guess, I'd say 150-200." He finishes and walks off heading toward his office.

Jeez. The most I've seen at an event like this is maybe 50. 75 at the most.....man, I really wish I had a donut right now.

Off topic, sorry.

I head over to where the Q&A/M&G was going to take place, sitting on a wooden stool.

"Let the meet and greet begin!" I shout with a smile, a wave of anxiety rushing through my veins as the doors open.