“I will, if I see him,” I mumble under my breath.
“Aw, honey.” Mom threads her fingers in mine. “I hate that we have to enter through the back like thieves in the night, but Reeve knows we are there, and it’s our support he needs.”
“I’m trying to be less selfish, but it’s hard. I hate that I can’t walk the red carpet with my boyfriend on his big night. Even worse, I hate thatshewill be hanging off his every word, fueling the rumors and getting one over on me at the same time.”
“You have his heart,” Mom reminds me. “Something she will never have.” Her expression softens. “And Reeve will die when he sees you in this creation. It’s perfect, Vivien. Truly perfect. Regal and sophisticated, yet not too ostentatious. No one can accuse you of trying to upstage that attention-seeking madam.”
I grin despite my anxiety. Mom always knows the perfect thing to say to settle my frayed nerves. “You look incredible, Mom,” I say, admiring the white silk Ralph Lauren gown. It’s a classic figure-hugging design, and the material clings to Mom’s enviable curves. It dips low at the front, showcasing her cleavage, but it’s still classy and elegant. Mom has paired it with diamond studs in her ears and a matching bracelet and necklace.
“Wow. I’m going to be the envy of every man at this premiere tonight,” Dad says, entering the room. “You both look beautiful.” He kisses us gently on the cheeks, careful not to mess up our makeup. “This is for you from Reeve.” Dad hands me a small black velvet box.
“No crying,” Mom warns, spotting the emotion building in my eyes.
I pop the lid on the box, gasping at the gorgeous diamond earrings. My chest swells as my heart soars at the physical confirmation of his love. While I don’t need or want expensive gifts, it is the thought that counts. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s the truth. Just knowing he was thinking about me on his special night warms all the frozen parts of me. This is the Reeve I know, and I cling to that sentiment as we make our way to the limo and travel to the theater, because I know I’m going to need that reminder to survive this ordeal.
* * *
“Don’t make a scene, Mom.” I grab her arm to halt her forward trajectory. “I’m fine to sit here,” I lie, struggling to maintain my composure. I knew I wouldn’t be seated at the front, but shoving me into a seat by myself in the very back row of the theater over in the corner was not anticipated. If Bianca wanted to remind me of my place in Reeve’s life, she’s found a good way of driving the point home. My heart hurts. I’m in actual physical pain, and I don’t know if I’m strong enough to do this. Maybe it would’ve been better for everyone if I had bowed out, but I want to be here to support him. Even if he won’t see me hidden away like I’m an embarrassment.
I know Reeve would have requested I be seated with my parents, but no one in this town would dare relegate Lauren and Jonathon Mills to the shadows. They have no issue in disrespecting their daughter though.
“Absolutely not,” Dad says, scrubbing a hand over his chin. “Take my seat for now while I find someone to fix this.”
Mom extends her hand, and I clasp it as we walk down the center aisle to my parents’ seats, which are about ten rows from the front. “This isn’t good enough,” Mom says, as we sit down. “Reeve should’ve ensured you were looked after.”
“I’m sure he trusted it to someone else and they let him down.”
Mom opens and closes her mouth in fast succession.
“What?” I can tell something is on her mind.
She shakes her head. “It can wait. Let’s just try and enjoy the night.”
I spot Simon Lancaster, Reeve’s dad, talking to a couple of men in suits a few rows in front of us, and I’m glad he showed his face. All week, Reeve has been terrified he was going to pull out of attending. Noticing my attention, Simon waves to Mom and me, and we nod our heads in his direction.
Seats fill up fast, and there’s still no sign of Dad or the main cast members. A large crowd turned up to greet them, and I’m betting they are still outside on the red carpet giving interviews, signing autographs, and posing for photos with the fans. I’ve deliberately avoided checking the coverage on my phone, because I don’t want to witness Reeve and Saffron faking it for the public. I feel sick enough as it is.
“Hey.” Dad materializes at the end of our row, crouching down. “There’s nothing that can be done. They are at full capacity. I could make a scene, but that would force someone else to be moved, and I didn’t think you’d want that, honey,” he says to me.
“I wouldn’t.” I stand. “It’s fine. Don’t worry about me.” I’ll just go lick my wounds in the corner.
“Sit back down, Vivien. I’ll take your seat. You stay with your mom.”
“But Dad—”
“No buts, honey. No one puts my baby in the corner.”
I bark out a laugh despite the pain slicing through my chest. “So cheesy.”
“But so true. And it removed that sad look from your face.” Leaning in, he kisses me on the cheek. “I’ll be having words with that young man of yours later. This is not acceptable.”
I shake my head. “No, Dad.”
“I agree, Vivien. I’m disappointed in Reeve,” Mom says.
“Don’t say anything to him tonight, either of you. Please,” I beg. “This is his big night, and I don’t want to ruin it by upsetting him or arguing with him.”
“As you wish,” Mom says. “But this isn’t right. I haven’t said anything before now, because I didn’t want to interfere, but Reeve isn’t treating you right, and that isn’t okay with me or your father. Frankly, we expect more from him.”