Curvy Girls Can't Date Bad Boys - Kelsie Stelting Page 0,16
up to the movie premiere, I could see the crowd of paparazzi held back by a flimsy red rope and various stars in the process of being photographed as they moved toward the building.
“Look,” Ryde said, drawing my attention away from the window and all the glamor outside. “I know things are awkward, but can you at least act normal for the premiere?”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Act normal?”
“Like we’re in love.”
“That would be an act.”
“Every major outlet’s there,” he said desperately. “We need to look good.”
I raised my eyebrows and widened my eyes in mock surprise. “Oh, it’s possible to look good with me? What if I don’t stretch my neck far enough?”
He gave me a sardonic look.
“Yes,” I finally said. “I’m not going to make a scene.” Bhattas didn’t back down on their promises, and they certainly didn’t make headlines for anything other than positive remarks.
The limo pulled to a stop, and the driver got out.
Ryde took a deep breath. “Ready, camera...” The door opened. “Action.”
He stepped out of the limo and extended his hand to me with an adoring smile on his face. Man, he was a good actor. I slipped my hand into his, trying not to be completely repulsed by him and everything he stood for.
It was a challenge, but I wasn’t a bad actor myself. Poise and control were practically in my DNA. I could manage this for an evening, but not a second longer.
Cameras flashed in all directions, and I kept my eyes smoldering on Ryde, on the photographers, on the interviewers.
Someone from Pop! Television stopped us. “Ryde, tell us about this beauty you have here.”
“She’s the love of my life.” He pulled me closer to him. “Couldn’t be happier to celebrate my friend’s success with her by my side.”
The microphone came toward me. “And how does it feel to be here with a movie star? This must be every high school girl’s dream.”
I flashed an adoring smile at Ryde, feeling disgusted with myself all the while. “Amazing.”
“We better get inside,” Ryde said apologetically. “We’ll see you afterward with our positive review!”
After stopping for a few poses at the end of the carpet, we walked inside. Everyone thought premiers were this glamorous ordeal, but honestly, it was kind of a pain. You still had to wait in line. The popcorn still gave you gas. The soda was still flat. And the chairs you sat in were just as covered in farts as any other theater seat.
This time, though, I had Ryde with me, which made it ten times worse. The second we got through the doors, Ryde was interrupted by fans wanting autographs of various items. As I stood to the side while he signed and schmoozed, I couldn’t help wishing that I was at movie night with my friends in Kai's home theater. The spacious leather couches with room to spread out would have been much more comfortable than this, and I wouldn't have to stand next to someone who thought rice cakes were an ideal snack.
My stomach growled, so I excused myself and made my way to the concessions. If only to spite Ryde, I got a large non-diet soda, popcorn with a double dose of butter, and a box of Milk Duds just because I couldn’t watch a movie without them.
When I reached Ryde again, he was standing with Ambrose. They had a real bromance going on, always touching each other’s shoulders and making inside jokes. Of the two, Ryde was more attractive, but Ambrose was a close second with his smoldering gray eyes, hollowed cheeks and a jawline that could cut glass.
Noticing me, Ambrose grinned at me from under his dark, shaggy hair. “Hi, Zara.”
“Hi,” I answered. “Congratulations on your premiere. How exciting.” I took a long sip from my soda and caught Ryde’s disappointed look.
“Thanks, I can't stay long, but I wanted to make sure and say hi to you two. You have a spot reserved next to me. Right in the middle.”
“Great,” I answered.
Ryde tucked Ambrose under his arm and scruffed up his hair. “Go get ‘em, tiger.”
Ambrose punched his way out of the grip and held up a pointed finger. “I’m watching you, bro.”
“See you inside, man,” Ryde said, then he turned to me, disappointment dripping from his features. “You showed me.”
“Whatever do you mean?” I asked innocently and extended the Milk Duds to him. “Thought you might be hungry after all those rice cakes.”
He rolled his eyes and started toward the escalators leading up