Page 95 of Doc Hollywood

“Fabulous. We have fifteen minutes until the movie starts. I’ll grab us both a drink. Champagne?” Gloria didn’t wait for Clara to answer before she gestured to one of the circulating waiters and plucked two champagne flutes off the tray.

“Thanks,” Clara said, taking hers and sipping appreciatively. It was cold, crisp, and some of the best champagne she had ever tasted.

She took the opportunity to scan the room while Gloria was silent. There were so many faces she recognised, some because she had met them on the movie set, but a lot because they were faces that most people in the world would recognise.

There was no sign of Taylor, but he had told her that he and Devon would arrive last and spend as long as possible on the red carpet courting the press before they were escorted straight to their seats.

One woman looked familiar. Clara didn’t think they were an actress and she couldn’t place them. The shifting crowd quickly blocked her view of them, and she stood on tiptoes to try and get a better look as something at the back of her mind rang alarm bells, but Gloria drew her attention away.

“I’m grabbing another drink. Do you want one?” Gloria asked, waving her empty glass at Clara.

Shaking her head, Clara took another sip of her still half-full glass before she replied, “No thanks.”

Gloria plucked up another champagne and took a large swig, which made Clara dip her head to hide her giggle as she recalled Taylor complaining about his mum drinking all his good wine.

A voice came over the cinema’s speakers. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. The premiere of ‘Dreamless Sleep’ will be starting in ten minutes. We would like to request that you all take your seats.”

Clara turned around and placed her now empty glass on the tray of a passing waiter, hoping that Gloria would lead the way.

“I already found out where our seats are. Usually, you have to wait in that line,” Gloria nattered, gesturing across to a queue of people who were being escorted one at a time into the cinema. “But now we don’t have to. So let’s go.”

Gloria grabbed her arm again and led her in, weaving through people so they bypassed the line and went straight to their seats.

Clara swept her flowing skirts out of the way and sat down, half listening to Gloria’s chatter as she watched everyone take their seats around her. When it looked like the room was full, another announcement came over the speakers.

“Welcome to ‘Dreamless Sleep.’ I am pleased to introduce the director, Mr Atrosky, to the stage with his leading actors, Taylor Anderson and Devon LaSalle.”

Applause started through the theatre and increased in volume as Damien, Taylor, and Devon strode onto the stage, waving at the cheering crowd.

Damien raised his hand to signal for silence and brought a microphone to his mouth. He spent a few minutes thanking everyone for attending and telling them about the inspiration behind the film and how proud he was of the final result.

Clara listened to Damien but couldn’t stop staring at Taylor, who looked so handsome in his suit.

“He always looks so handsome in his suit.” Gloria leaned over and whispered.

Clara’s head snapped to the older woman, for a moment convinced that her mind had been read. She was going to saysomething when Damien’s next sentence had her spinning her head back to the stage.

“As many of you know or have heard rumours about, I had a medical episode in the middle of shooting this movie. I’ve downplayed the event’s seriousness, as I didn’t want to distract from the film I’ve made. However, I feel it would be remiss of me not to give credit to a remarkable young lady who is the reason you see me standing here today.”

Clara gripped the arm of her chair; she knew he was talking about her.

“Somehow, we managed to keep out of the press that I had a cardiac arrest on set while we were rehearsing, and I was technically dead for several minutes. But thanks to our medical adviser, Doctor Clara Upford, who immediately assessed the situation and swept into action. I was saved.

“I won’t make her come up on stage, as I know she wouldn’t thank me. But I would like you to join me in a round of applause for this remarkable doctor.”

Clara blushed deeply as the whole cinema erupted into loud applause. Staring down at the stage, she saw Taylor clapping along enthusiastically and cheering for her.

She grinned when Gloria reached over and clasped her hand, whispering in her ear, “Well done.”

“Thanks,” Clara murmured back.

Once the applause died down, Damien finished his introduction of the film, introduced his two lead actors and then the three of them moved off the stage and took their seats in the audience.

Taylor was so tall that it was easy for Clara to see the back of his head, and she was staring at it when he turned in his seat and began to scan the audience. When his eyes fell on hers, a smile split his face, and he gave her a little wave.

“Taylor’s trying to get your attention,” Clara said, nudging Gloria.

Gloria snorted with laughter. “No, he’s not. That wave is most definitely for you.”

---