The rest of the interview passes easily, talking about the film and our time shooting in Hawaii, getting the audience excited for the premiere in a few weeks. By the end, I’m almost giddy with relief — I couldn’t have asked for a better first appearance. There’s a buoyant sort of joy bubbling inside me when Eileen’s face twists into a mischievous grin that tells me she’s about to throw a curve ball my way.
The buoyancy dissipates in an instant.
“We’re just about out of time, but I’d be remiss if I let you go without asking one final question that’s justkillingme.”
My eyebrows lift.
Eileen leans in, like we’re friends gossiping over margaritas. “How on earth did you spend two weeks on a tropical island with this guy and not fall in love with him?”
“Um, I… I…” I stammer, feeling my cheeks heat. My mouth goes dry. My tongue feels swollen to twice its normal size as the seconds tick on and I try desperately to think of something —anything— to say besides the truth.
I did fall in love with him.
There’s a swell of anticipation from the audience. They want the answer to this question, too.
Grayson scoots a fraction closer to me on the settee, sensing my panic.
“Oh, come on. Give us the dirt, won’t you Kat?” Eileen prompts. “Just a few juicy details.”
“Well, we… we…”
There’s a glint in Eileen’s eyes. She’s a shark, smelling blood in the water. Sensing a good story.
“Imustknow…” She jerks her thumb at the screen behind us. “Was any of that chemistry real? Or was it all for the cameras?”
You’re not supposed to ask me that!I want to yell.This is none of your business!
I feel anger rise up inside me. Eileen’s bright smile and light laughter were a well-laid trap. A parlor trick, designed to loosen me up so I’d easily spill my secrets… and boost her ratings.
I open my mouth to say something I’ll likely regret, but Grayson beats me to it. Before I can get out a single word, his hand lands on top of mine, stilling me to silence.
“Actually, Eileen, the truth is… we’ve been trying to keep this quiet. Kat didn’t want to tell anyone yet, because it’s new and, well, we’re still figuring things out.” His booming voice carries across the set. Every member of the audience is listening intently, leaning forward in their seats to catch his words.
“Figuring what out, Grayson?” Eileen sounds breathy with excitement.
He squeezes my hand. “Our relationship.Us.”
My mouth gapes. I shoot him a look of disbelief and find he’s staring at me with an indecipherable expression.
“Grayson!” Eileen gasps. “I’m sorry, are you saying what I think you’re saying? Are you two… are you and Kat…together?”
He doesn’t hesitate. “Yes. That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
There’s a collective gasp from the crowd.
I try to speak, try to force out the words to counteract his lies, but nothing escapes my lips except a squeak of distress.
Grayson scoots over until our shoulders press together. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I just couldn’t keep it a secret anymore. Don’t be mad at me.” His warm fingers twine with my limp ones as he pulls my hand up to his mouth and presses a soft kiss to my skin. He slides his other arm around my shoulders and pulls me in close. “I want the world to know how I feel about you.”
I cannot breathe.
“My goodness!” Eileen’s eyes are welling with fake tears. “If that isn’t just the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen!”
Several women in the crowd are weeping audibly. I feel like joining them, though my own tears will not be joyful.
“What do you say, Kat? Do you forgive him for letting thecatout of the bag?” Eileen asks me. “How could you not, right?”
The cameras push in on my face. I look out at the audience and see they’re all buzzing with delight about my new relationship. And I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I have no choice. I have been neatly boxed into a corner.