Hollywood Heaven

Chapter 2

Hollywood Heaven

As the room begins to filter out, the regret of my public quarrel with Auden Andrews begins to sink in; I wince as Adelyn shakes her head in her usual disapproving way.

     "I'm sorry okay? But Addy, I couldn't let him get away with it," I begin, pleading for my best friend's sympathy. "I just don't know what got over me, you know I hate any sort of public speaking."

A sigh of relief hits me as a small smile creeps upon Adelyn's face and I know that I'm not in trouble.

     "He was being an arsehole, Navy. Damn right you showed him up in front of the crowd," she says with a sense of pride, and I can't help but grin at Adelyn's words despite my embarrassment.

     "Sorry for showing up your celebrity crush," I say.

Replaying the events in my head, I quickly realise that Auden Andrews came off worse in that scenario than me. Adelyn can't help but laugh in response and gives me a quick hug.

     "Don't worry about it, you're practically famous now! And besides, I saw him giving you some serious eyes."

     "Yes, some serious evil glare, if looks could kill," I joke, laughing slightly at the thought.

     "Can we get out of here now? I can't bear to be in this room any longer," I ask, noticing the sudden lack of people in the room and how we are some of the only people left in the seats. I am, however, made aware suddenly that several girls have migrated near the stage, and are waiting eagerly with their phones in hand.

     "I was kinda hoping we could stay for a few more minutes, I heard that actors sometimes come back out to take photos with fans," Adelyn pleads as she flutters her eyelashes and frowns slightly in an attempt to sway me.

     "Yes, okay do what you want. But I can't see Auden Andrews again, I'm embarrassed enough," I say, "I'm going to find a restroom to use, and then I'll meet you outside in 10?"

     "Sure," Adelyn agrees willingly and gives me a wave before heading towards the stage, and I can't help but pause to laugh at the height difference between Adelyn and the other girls before walking out of the event room.

Immediately, I find myself wondering why the event doesn't have any obvious restroom signs and instead take it upon myself to wander down the first corridor I see. The corridor is long but thin, with a glossy wooden floor and plain white walls - my first impressions are that the corridor is too boring and simple, but I soon stop when I come to the first piece of artwork on one of the walls. Taking in the large canvas, I smile once I realise that it's a painting of the Hollywood sign in all its glory; each stroke creates a different texture on the painting, giving the image a glorious 3D effect.

     "Beautiful, isn't it?"

I am snapped out of my thoughts as I jump, not knowing that anyone else is around. I turn towards the voice and struggle to keep my mouth from gasping once I realise that the deep, husky voice belongs to Auden Andrews.

     "What?" I say, not being able to help my rude tone as I struggle to comprehend who is talking to me. I pray that he doesn't recognise me from our previous encounter.

     "The painting, it's beautiful," he says.

I can't help but study his beautiful features up close, his jaw appears to be perfectly chiselled and his bronzed skin looks soft, almost airbrushed.