Limelight || A Shourtney Story

.24 live from el capitan (courtney)

Knowing that Courtney wasn't meant to be on the carpet was a bit of a relief. Rather than obsess over her hair and make up, she elected to get ready by herself.

The dress Shayne bought for her for their first date had been hanging in her closet since that night, and it was the perfect time to break it out. It's not like she had any other occasion to wear a dress like that. The fragile, robin-blue fabric floated on her skin sweetly. The floral accents on each shoulder heightened her posture, while the gathering released below the waistline akin to a ballgown.

Surely, he would recognize the garment and smile. It would be their little secret. She wouldn't stand near him throughout the evening, but he'd see her and know. And that's all she needed. 

With her hair pinned up and a light dusting of make up, she took an Uber to the meeting location where Shayne's limo would pick up the two of them. The sleek black vehicle had already arrived by the time she got there, and the driver greeted her with a polite tip of the hat. The driver began to walk towards the back door on behalf of Courtney, but it opened from the inside.

Emerged Shayne with a million-dollar smile. Soft, dirty blond hairs were lightly tousled with a styling cream. The tuxedo he wore took her breath away. A black collared shirt sat underneath a finely tailored two-piece. Navy fabric with swirling paisley imprints shined in the daylight. The full ensemble was both romantic and regal.

He looked like Prince Charming, even more so when he stood outside the limo with arms outstretched widely for an embrace.

"Hi," she said simply. Words seemed hard to string together when he looked like that.

"Hi," he repeated. Sky-blue eyes sparkled with unfiltered admiration.

As best she could, Courtney ran towards him with a joyous smile. The billows of fabric from her gown flew behind her in the wind. With little effort, she ran into his arms, swinging above ground as he twirled her. It resembled something out of a Nicholas Sparks movie, but she could have cared less.

"You look amazing," she added quietly, her face flushing. Softly, her heeled feet landed back on the ground.

"Shouldn't I be saying that?" he chuckled. "But seriously. I love this dress. Brings me back to the beginning."

It was the reaction for which she had hoped. Somehow sounded even better when it came from his lips instead of her mind. Her insides warmed with delight. 

The interior of the limo had black leathers seats which lined the entire back side. A few miscellaneous consoles stored glass water bottles, while a bottle of champagne sat in the corner, perfectly iced. Courtney took her seat beside Shayne, tucking her knees to the side of his leg. She leaned on her shoulder out of habit - completely enamored by his company.

"So, what should I expect?" she asked. The drive began, passing through the Los Angeles homes basking at sunset. The balmy sunset paled in comparison to Shayne's eyes.

"Oh, not much. I'll have to wait with the other actors when we get there to walk the carpet, but there's plenty of space for you to hang out and talk to people. They'll usher everyone into the theater, and we'll watch the movie. And I have a surprise for after," he explained. Nervous hands twitched in his lap.

"Oh, really?" she smiled, an eyebrow raising.

"Yeah," he added. "Sarah just told me that I have to sit with the cast for the screening. So we can't sit with each other. I'm sorry," he groaned. "But I promise I'll make it up to you after."

Her smile dissipated into a ghost of a frown. She'd been looking forward to the premiere all week, and her excitement was more than she wanted to admit. It seemed like he wouldn't have any time to spend with her until after the movie concluded. Would he just forget about her, letting her fade into the background like she always did? It made sense after all, given the famous nature of everyone surrounding her.