Page 70 of Backed By You
The dusty pink, mermaid gown catches the light with every movement, thousands of hand-sewn sequins creating a subtle shimmer. It’s elegant without being flashy, and the fabric is cool against my skin. My hair is pinned back, makeup done professionally.
Shea sits across from us in a stunning, golden gown of her own design and gives me an encouraging smile. “Absolutely perfect.”
“Everyone knows the plan,” Ellen reminds us all. “Beau stays with you as security. The press has been briefed not to ask personal questions, but be prepared for some to try anyway. Keep responses focused on the film.”
The car slows, and my stomach drops as I catch sight of the crowd outside. It’s ten times larger than I expected, withbarricades holding back fans and photographers lined up three to four deep.
“Oh, god,” I whisper.
Beau squeezes my hand. “I’ve got you.”
I turn to him and blow out an anxious breath. Those three words steady me more than any breathing exercise could.
The car stops. Ellen exits first, then Shea, who turns to give me one last thumbs-up before disappearing into the flash of cameras. Then, it’s our turn.
Beau steps out first, all military precision in his movements as he extends his hand to help me from the car. The moment my heels touch the red carpet, the noise hits me. A wall of shouted names, camera shutters, and the dull roar of the crowd.
“Callie! Callie, over here!”
“Miss Ryan, this way, please!”
“Here, here!”
“Callie, who are you wearing?”
Beau’s hand rests on the small of my back, a reminder that I’m not alone. His presence behind me feels like a shield as I plaster on my practiced smile and begin to walk.
The first section is just photographers—no questions, just a flurry of flashes and shouted directions. I know the drill: pause every few feet, turn slightly, smile. Beau stays behind me but remains within reach. His face carefully neutral.
“You’re doing great, sweetheart,” he murmurs when I pause between photo spots.
I manage a genuine smile in response, and the cameras go wild, mistaking it for a posed shot.
The next section is the press line—television cameras and reporters with microphones, each allocated a few precious minutes. This is the part I dread most. It’s like being trapped, stuck in a mud that no one will tug you out of until they’ve gotten theirs.
“Callie Ryan.” The first reporter beams at me. “Congratulations on the film. How does it feel to be back after your hiatus?”
“Thank you,” I say, the practiced answer coming easily. “It feels wonderful to share this film with audiences. The entire team has worked incredibly hard.”
“And we understand this is the final part of the trilogy? Can you tell us what to expect from you next?”
I relax slightly, grateful for the focus on the creativity in my work. “The Devil’s Laketrilogy had a layer of mystery I aim to pull from in my next screenplay. Think, psychological thriller that explores a hidden darkness beneath seemingly perfect individuals.”
The interview continues smoothly, and I begin to find my rhythm. Beau remains a constant presence, his gaze scanning the crowd in a way that I desperately want to know what he thinks of all this.Is it too much for him?
Three interviews in, I spot Jack Turner farther down the carpet with a group of reporters. Our eyes meet briefly, and he makes his way toward me. “Callie,” he calls, approaching with his trademark, camera-ready smile. “You look stunning.”
“Thank you, Jack,” I say, aware of the cameras swiveling to capture our interaction.
He leans in for an air kiss, his hand finding my waist in a gesture that looks friendly to observers, but feels possessive. Behind me, the heat of Beau creeps forward. My heart rate kicks up a notch.
“The reviews are already coming in,” Jack says. “They’re calling it your best work yet.”
“It was a team effort,” I deflect.Just keep smiling.
“Always so modest,” he says with a laugh that’s a touch too familiar. “We should take some photos together for the press. The director and her leading man.”
Before I can respond, Ellen appears at my side. “Callie, the studio heads are waiting to speak with you,” she says smoothly. “Jack, I believe Entertainment Tonight is looking for you at position five.”
