When You're Not Trying To

Kimmel

Author's note:

Hi guys! I'm sorry I haven't updated in ages. Life is..well, life. Anyhow, here's the next part but this is set in the future. 

I wrote this about the same time I wrote the first two parts. My original plan was to jump back and forth from one timeline to another after the first two parts, but obviously, I lack the discipline to follow through. :(

That said, I hope you enjoy this chapter. No idea yet when I might be able to update, but I'll work on it. Scout's honor!

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Jimmy took a sip from his soda-filled mug as he heard his producer yell, "We are back in 5...4...3..."

He took a deep breath and pointed to his house band, Cleto and the Cletones, then gave them and the audience a winning smile.

"Alright, folks! If you're just tuning in, our guest for tonight is the actor who has a very particular set of skills--" Jimmy quipped, trying his best to imitate Liam's accent, "--and who recently got married to the Queen of Country. We will talk about his upcoming new film--for just a little bit--cause that's basically why he's here--but really, I have a lot of questions about a certain redhead."

Liam was getting ready to walk upfront; he was standing in the hallway, just a few steps away from the main stage. He saw the whole introduction bit that JImmy did as he watched the show on the little monitor backstage. The Irish actor snickered and scratched his forehead in amusement; he couldn't help the smirk that resided on his face. Good thing he called his wife earlier to get a clearance from her on what he could and could not talk about tonight.

"Just no sexual--graphic talks, or I swear you--"

"What? You don't want me to tell them how I make you--"

Reba groaned, "Cut it out, you butt! No!" The singer giggled, but could feel the blood rushing in her face, remembering their previous night's antics.

Kimmel's show was the last leg on all the promotions Liam was scheduled to show up for that day. Though the actor was excited to be on Kimmel, as it was always fun to spend some good 'ole fun with his buddy, he was also pretty tired from all the press conferences he had done just for that day; he couldn't wait to call it a day and relax with Reba at their place here in L.A.

He lost his focus for a few seconds, his mind wandered, yet again, to his new wife--it was becoming a habit, if he was being honest. But he finally got back on track when he heard the PA's voice trying to get his attention, telling him to go right on, and pointed his way.

The audience cheered wildly as Liam crossed the little stage in Jimmy Kimmel's show. Jimmy walked up to him, shook his hand, and the men side-hugged as they both gave the audience their mega-watt smiles.

Both men finally sat down; Liam crossed his legs and faced Jimmy. The actor reached for the mug in front of him and took a little sip of his drink of choice: iced tea. Gotta thank his wife for his newfound love for the drink.

"So, how's it going, Liam? Anything new since the last time you were here?" Jimmy quipped and even wiggled his eyebrows teasingly.

Liam laughed remembering the last time he was on Kimmel.

He was still dating Reba then, but they hadn't confirmed anything to the public. All things considered, it was futile, really, to deny their relationship when they'd been photographed numerous times: exploring the streets of New York, getting out of a couple of restaurants in Nashville, walking toward the SUV that was waiting for them after Reba's show in Raleigh, and so many other photos that were taken by fans that were immediately posted on all social media sites possible.

The common theme among all the photos, aside from Reba's boots, was the couple holding hands. So much for denying the rumors that they were a couple.

At one point, there was even a video of them on a New York street where Reba appeared having a hard time fixing something on the lining of her jeans, using just her right hand (as Liam was holding onto her left), while Liam remained unaware, busy checking something on his phone. Fans were amazed and laughed at the video, making jokes about it, but most were swooning, especially when the latter part of the video showed Liam finally realizing what was going on. The actor let go of Reba's hand, bent on his knees, and fixed Reba's jeans for her. That video circulated pretty early on in their relationship which won all the hearts of Reba's fans.

The Irish man was big on holding Reba's hands and the redhead learned about this early on in their relationship. Reba loved it, of course, and treasured every minute of it. She felt completely protected whenever she's with Liam and she couldn't be more thankful God sent him her way.

That said, among all the evidence that surfaced, the main giveaway of their relationship were the paparazzi photos of them vacationing in Barbados.

It was the first time of Reba to visit the islands and she instantly fell in love with it. Little did she know that since Barbados was a big hit to Hollywood celebrities, it was practically crawling with paparazzi though they could hardly be spotted.

A few days after they left the island, several magazines and rags, including Page Six, released several photos of Reba and Liam--one of which they were caught making out as they were lounging in front of their villa. There was no denying then that the two were dating.

Reba never denied that Liam and her were seeing each other, but she wasn't also directly admitting it. In her defense, she had already posted several photos on her Instagram where Liam was part of. She figured her fans were all smart, they didn't need any more reaffirmation. It was plain as day, she reasoned.

A month after all the photos, Liam was a guest on Kimmel to promote his new film at that time. Liam asked Jimmy beforehand not to ask anything about his personal life, though he did confirm to the host, in private and as a friend of his, that he and Reba were in a serious relationship. Kimmel agreed not to bring it up, but didn't miss the opportunity to mess with his friend a little.

When he introduced Liam that night, his band played the intro of Reba's song Fancy, and Liam recognized it in an instant. He just laughed it off and took his seat. He was sport as he smiled at Kimmel and said, "That's a good one."

It was a fun-filled interview night as Jimmy kept dropping hints about the color red, and even sang a little of I'm a Survivor.

Out of nowhere Jimmy said to Liam, "I have a new favorite song, by the way,"

"Yeah?" Liam replied, although he already had a gut feeling that Kimmel was gonna sing one of Reba's song.

"Yeah, I think you know, 'a single mom who works too hard, who loves her kids and never stops'." The audience roared with laughter as they all recognized the song.

For some reason, Liam's cheeks went all red as he laughed right along with the audience.

"Yeah, I've heard that," the actor gamely replied.

Jimmy nodded, as he perfected the innocent look on his face, "I bet."

Now, the actor was sat on that same chair, but this time, he was sure to answer all of Kimmel's questions as best as he could.

Remembering Jimmy's query, Liam just shook his head smiling as he answered the host. "Oh you know, new film, new beginnings in life... beautiful wife at home right now making music."

"YES! Finally!" The audience laughed. "I'm telling you people, the last time he was here, I was trying so hard to avoid--not ask him anything about Reba. But tonight, worry not as I got permission to ask stuff so you all can thank me later," Kimmel said proudly and banged his palms on the table excitedly.

Liam shook his head smirking. It was going to be one helluva an interview, he could tell.

"We'll start with all the questions in a little bit, but for now, let's watch this clip. It's the trailer for Liam's new movie called Train. I saw it earlier cause you guys had the special screening," Kimmel said talking to Liam, "and it's pure genius!" Liam nodded in thanks and smiled sincerely at his friend. "It's hitting theaters in four days folks--you can't miss this Train. Watch."

The audience's cheers and claps roared in the studio after seeing the clip.

"What you guys saw is the trailer of Liam Neeson's new movie--Train--and it's showing in theaters this coming Friday. You guys have a special screening tomorrow here in L.A., right?"

"Yes, we do,"

"You bringin' the Queen of Country?"

Liam chuckled. "Yes, she'll be there,"

"Good. That's very good. We got plenty more to talk about, but we have to take a quick break, folks. Don't go switching channels 'cause it's going to be a great show tonight. I will grill this man right here," Kimmel points to Liam with both of his hands as Liam shook his head grinning, "..about his new wife, the Queen of Country Music, Reba McEntire. And then we'll play a little game called 'Fill-in-the-lyrics, you mo-ron'," Jimmy gushed, mimicking Reba's accent. "It's gonna be fun!" Jimmy chuckled. He paused a bit, smiling, as he waited for the audience's laugh to die down a little before he proceeded. "I love saying mo-ron the way Reba says it: 'mo-ron'. Does she really say it like that, like in real life? Has she called you a mo-ron yet?"

Liam laughed, "Yes, she says it like that. And yes, I've been called mo-ron several times," the Irish man replied, as he emphasized the word mo-ron, doing his best to imitate his wife's Southern accent while his own accent was mixed in. 

Kimmel laughed out loud, "See, promising show tonight, everyone! We will be right back!"