"I remember how upset you were when you entered the hotel that day in New York," recalled Lisa. "Luckily, just about an hour before you arrived, Steve had explained to all of us exactly where the bear crapped in the woods."
"It was everything I could do just to get Gwen to leave the cab," added Charlotte. "I had never seen her so depressed and upset. I was pretty worried about her mental state."
"I was a mess when Charlotte finally convinced me that I had responsibilities to the company, our investors, and to my family and friends. I was scared to death when I reached the hotel. I didn't know what to expect," admitted Gwen as her memory of the events of that weekend came flooding back.
"Come on, Gwen! You're a big girl and you're obligated to do this. A lover's spat is not more important that all the people that depend on you. You can cry and whine after we're done," insisted Charlotte as she practically dragged Gwen into the hotel.
Gwen reluctantly allowed Charlotte to lead her inside, but she dreaded meeting her family, friends, and especially Steve. She was just inside the door when Lisa hurried up to her and wrapped her arms around her in a warm embrace.
"Lisa, I'm so sorry," began Gwen before Lisa cut her off.
"Yeah, yeah. You're sorry. We don't have time Gwen. I have your clothes laid out and a small team of beauty experts is waiting to fix your face, hair and nails. We need to get a move on. Both of you need to come with me now!" insisted Lisa as she led the two girls to the elevators.
"There was some concern about all of us missing the premiere if we waited at the hotel until you were ready, so everyone else has gone ahead. They're waiting in limos down the street from the premiere so they can't be delayed by traffic or any other issue. I promised everyone that I'd wait for you two and do my best to get you there on time. Now get those clothes off and let these ladies work their magic. We have less than an hour!"
Gwen was relieved that everyone had already left, at least until she considered the situation more thoroughly. The first time she'd see Steve and Nadiya would be at the premiere, possibly on the red carpet, or very close to it. Photographers would be everywhere. Would she be able to hold it together when she saw Steve with Nadiya?
Thinking it all over, Gwen decided that she had been foolish long enough. She had to accept her situation like an adult and uphold her obligations. Being self centered and childish was what had placed in her miserable situation. No more pathetic scenes in front of hundreds of cameras for her. She'd even wish Nadiya well when she saw her!
Lisa kept constant pressure on the people getting Gwen prepared for the evening's events. She managed to lead Gwen and Charlotte to their waiting limo only a few minutes later than she'd hoped.
"This reminds me of a year ago when I spent so much time helping you get ready for your first date. I even loaned you my red dress. To think it was the start of the famous "Lady in Red" production company, music, movies, TV shows, concerts, and one of the greatest romances of modern times. I have to pat myself on the back," laughed Lisa. "I'm so proud of you, Gwen, I'm almost bursting. You and Steve have accomplished so much in such a short time and you've been so good for the rest of us. Now I have a great boyfriend that I never would've even met if it hadn't been for you."
"Oh, Lisa! You're showing me how foolish I've been! You're a great sister, and a better friend. I'm sorry I let you down last night. I just hope I didn't ruin everything for our company and for everyone that depends on us," Gwen somehow managed to express without breaking into tears and destroying her make-up.
"Gwen, you didn't ruin anything. That boyfriend of yours is not your average dumb jock. You must know that you can't make him not love you. Trust him always, and above all others. He'll never hurt you. You're very lucky, as well as talented and beautiful!
"I just got a text from Mom that they've begun walking the red carpet," announced Lisa as she looked at her phone. "You're a star and you're scheduled to arrive last. Jordan will be with Charlie. Steve and Nadiya will be right behind them. You've been selected to have top billing and to enter last."
"Will Steve and Nadiya be gone when I get out of the limo? I don't know if I'll be able to hold up if they're very close," confessed Gwen. "I'm determined to keep it together, but I might get emotional."
"I'm sure that you will," grinned Lisa as the limo slowed down and pulled in behind another one just like it. "Look! We're on time! Steve and Nadiya are just getting out of their car. Give them a couple minutes and then we'll follow. This is awfully exciting for me!
"I'm supposed to show you this text message just before you step onto the carpet. I guess we'll get to see what kind of an actress you really are," grinned Lisa as she held her phone up for Gwen to read.
Gwen worked to quell the butterflies in her stomach as she contemplated what the next few minutes held. It would be interesting, at the very least. The driver opened the door and Lisa gracefully swung out and stood, followed by Charlotte. They both walked ahead a short distance and were quickly joined by Jason and Billy, who seemed to materialize from nowhere. The two couples waited for Gwen to emerge. The crowd cheered and whistled when Gwen appeared from inside the limo. She smiled and waved as dozens of cameras flashed around her. She followed Lisa, Jason, Charlotte, and Billy as they began walking toward the theater entrance.
A short distance in front of her, Gwen saw Steve and Naydia answering questions posed by Amber Stahl. Cameras seemed to be were everywhere. People called to Gwen. A couple of reporters tried to get her to stop for a quick interview. Gwen held her head high and ignored pleas from the press as she rapidly approached Steve.
He was dressed in his uniform and looked even more handsome than she remembered. Nadiya was radiant in a blue dress that exposed a great deal of her ample cleavage. They looked like such a happy couple, at least until they saw Gwen approach.
Paula, Ted, and the rest of the Anderson family and friends had already entered the building and were watching Gwen's grand entrance on a large TV screen in a private room.
"Mom! It looks like Gwen's headed right for Steve and Nadiya! Do you think she's going to make a scene? I knew we should have called her and explained that Steve wasn't all mad at her. Why wouldn't he let us call her, anyway?" worried Kate as she watched events unfold outside on the red carpet.
Paula gripped Ted's arm as she watched her middle daughter approach Steve and his very attractive companion. She had been present, along with the rest of the group, earlier at the hotel when Steve, for the first time since she had met him, revealed his annoyance almost to the point of anger at Gwen's family and friends. It had taken her and Ted, as well as everyone else, completely by surprise.
"Wow!" Jordan had exclaimed seconds after Steve marched from the room leaving everyone with open mouths and stunned expressions. "Steve sure didn't leave any room for doubt about how he felt! I wonder if Gwen has any idea just what she has with that guy. That was amazing."
