Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(65)

As Denise double checks my dress, Jared informs me that he took a few behind the scene photos while I was getting dressed and has been posting them on social media. He’s created a buzz about us attending the event with our followers, and it sounds like a lot of the local fans might show up to see us live and in-person on the red carpet at Grauman’s Theater.

Jared takes a quick photo of Chris and me right as we’re about to get into the limo. He kisses me on the cheek and hands me off to Chris to usher me into the vehicle. A lump catches in my throat when I realize that Sadie nor any of my friends will be with me — I need at least one of my friend to help with my car issue.

My phone buzzes from a text message just before Chris slides in. It’s Joe reassuring me for the ride. My nerves ease a little.

As the limo ventures into the street, my leg shakes uncontrollably. Chris takes my hand in his and I don’t object for selfish reasons. We don’t say anything during the ride until we’re finally in line to be dropped off. Chris is a gentleman the entire time, which helps. He tries to strike up small talk and graciously answers any questions I have about the movie. He teases me about asking so many questions before we watch the movie that there won’t be any surprises, but Chris honestly doesn’t seem to mind.

“You ready?” he says, looking to me after the limo has positioned itself at the entrance to the theater.

I take a deep breath in. “I guess so,” I truthfully reply.

Chris leans in, kisses me on the cheek and then the door springs open.

Lights flash inward and a moment of panic consumes me as images of the nightmare appearing in my line of sight. My body scurries to the back of the car, shaking from the memories flooding my brain. The sounds from outside become muffled as the car rocks underneath me.

“Emma,” Jared’s voice calls.

My eyes pop open, not believing he’s with me.

“Emma, it’s okay,” he soothes. “What happened?”

“What?” my voice falters, confused by his question.

“Chris said he stepped out and when he turn to offer you his hand, he saw a terrified look on your face,” Jared explains.

“I’m okay,” I announce.

“You sure?” he checks.

“Yeah,” I confirm.

“I won’t be far from you at any point tonight. I promise,” he assures.


“Thanks,” I accept.

“You can do this,” he coaxes. “I’m right here with you.”

I nod, feeling more confident.

Jared taps on the door and it immediately opens. I shield my eyes from the lights, expecting them this time. Shadows dance in front of me, but I’m able to see two hands reaching in. I gladly take them both for support as I step out onto the carpet.

Jared steps aside quickly, letting Chris and I take the lead. I look back over my shoulder and find Jared and Nathan are hand in hand, just a few feet behind me. Jared nods and smiles reassuringly, which gives me the final support I need to turn forward and take this night head-on.

My chin is up, my smile is on and business Emma is now in play.

The line to get into the theater moves painstakingly slow as we have to stop every so often to pose for photos in front of the crowd and news teams. The onlookers scream and shout so loudly that their words cannot be understood clearly. On a few occasions, I think I hear women shouting Chris’ name.

“Chris! Chris! Over here,” a woman with a microphone calls.

Chris guides us over to the woman without hesitation. As she poses her first question to him, my ears fail to hear her when I notice that Chris has my hand in his with our fingers laced together.

“Emma?” Chris says, releasing my hand and placing it around my waist.

“Yes,” I check, hoping I don’t look like a fool.

“This is Amanda Anderson with E-News,” Chris informs me.

“Hello,” I greet.

Amanda smiles politely. “Hello. Emma, is it?” She leans the microphone toward me.

“Yes,” I confirm. “My apologies. I wasn’t expecting so many flashing lights.”

Her smile widens, catching my implication and quickly returns banter. “It can be overwhelming for any newbie to the carpet. I darn near puked five minutes into my first time.”

“Did you?” I encourage her to keep talking.

“Thankfully, no,” she verifies.

“Wonderful,” I commend.

“Emma,” she begins, moving our conversation forward. “I just have to ask, who the heck are you wearing right now? This dress is stunning, absolutely stunning!”

“Thank you,” I return sweetly. “It’s actually designed by one of my best friends who has a shop right here in West Hollywood.”

“And, who is that? I need to get him to build my wardrobe,” she comments.

“Nathan Young of Nathaniel’s on Santa Monica,” I explain. “Chris is wearing one of his suits too.”

“Wow!” she exclaims. “This Nathaniel can dress men and women. I’m amazed. He did a wonderful job making your outfights similar with the theme of the movie. I bet he’s excited right now having both of you wear some of his pieces.”

“You can ask him yourself,” Chris mentions, eager to support. “He’s here with us tonight.”