Talk Of The Town ✔️

18

Whether it was a coincidence or not, Noah arrived at the same time as the girls.

Taylor flashed a devilish smile as Anya rolled her eyes. They greeted the man of the hour with a brief hug. Hundreds of people standing outside the barrier set around the perimeter called for his name.

"NOAH, MARRY ME," one woman shouted at the top of her lungs, prompting similar slogans.

The two young women looked away to avoid bursting into laughter at his handsome face. Noah shook his head, waving at them.

"You're used to this," Taylor concluded.

"Trust me, 'marry me' is not the worst out there."

Anya checked her wristwatch. Five minutes to six, they are on time. She held her head high, grateful for the internal fleece of her mustard yellow suit. The girls spent five hours shopping this morning before landing this perfect November attire. She's been quite adamant about not wearing a dress. Taylor agreed to bore the chilly air in her formal black dress.

They followed the scattered crowd. Camera operators from various news channels and magazines have lined up.

"This is an actual red carpet," she stated, stopping in her tracks. "I'm going to walk a red carpet."

"Yes, you'll have to walk alone. I can spend time inside. However, I can't watch the show and walk the red carpet. I don't have all the privileges. Catch you inside," Taylor announced before dashing behind the photographers.

Anya dug her manicured nails into her palms, moving out of the way as another young girl walked the carpet. She gulped. Her body grew tense to the point of shaking.

Turning his back to the limelight, Noah extended his hand with a smile.

"You'll be fine. You are a brave girl."

"Won't they publish something dumb if we walk hand in hand?"

"Leave that to me."

"Make sure I don't trip."

"Consider it done."

Nodding, Anya placed her hand in his.

The chant of the paparazzi began. They are allowing a minimum of five to six people with a reasonable distance in between on the red carpet. As soon as a couple left, they walked. Camera lights went off like a bolt of non-stop white lightning. They stopped on the mark, holding their head high, tightening their lips.

"Over here, over here."

"To your right."

"That's perfect."

"You're gorgeous, Anya."

"A smile, please."

"Noah, solo picture, please."

With a brief eye contact, Anya let go of his hand. She stood in the middle, placed one hand on her waist and posed. The photographers continued with the praises. She changed her pose, standing to the side, arms vertical and head a little tilted to the back.

"Wonderful"

"You're amazing, Anya."

She smiled to herself as she continued the walk to the main entrance. The compliments boosted her confidence. Noah arrived, placing a hand on the small of her back.