39. Stevens

THIRTY-NINE

Stevens

Love isn't easy; that's why they call it love.

~ The Big Sick

I ’m up early, but not early enough. As soon as I woke, I ran to Joel’s boat to try to head Alana off at the pass. Joel’s boat was already gone, which means, Alana’s on her way to LA—without me.

Last night Alana and I were up, strolling on Locals’ Cove beach with the stars in the sky and our hands intertwined late into the night. Alana had called to ask me to meet her there. She told me about her conversation with her mother. And then she broke the news to me.

She said, “This madness with the press won’t end. We might make it through this particular round without too much fallout—and that’s highly doubtful. You’re already being hounded and chased at work. You don’t know the media and the public like I do. This is a portal. And once it’s opened, you can never go back. Your life will cease to be your own.”

There weren’t enough words or promises in the world to convince her I wanted to walk that gauntlet with her. I literally said, “I don’t care what I have to endure if it means us staying together and building on what we’ve started to find in one another.”

She turned to me with a sadness in her eyes I had never seen before and hope I never have to see again. And then she kissed me. It was a kiss laced with regret and hopelessness. A kiss goodbye. We both knew it.

I questioned everything when I returned home, fighting the urge to call her, and then spiraling when I remembered who she is and what she does. Outside of my initial reaction to her, and the time I was blindsided at Ben and Summer’s barbecue, she’s been Alana, my SaturdayIslandGirl. Last night I was slammed with the fact that she’s Alana Graves . I’m just a marine biologist on a small island off the coast of California. Who am I to fight for her?

I’ve been up since four, out of bed and dressed. I tossed and turned all night when I finally went to bed. Sometime within the last hour, my conversation with Kai hit me like a pep talk in a locker room. It doesn’t matter what Alana does for a living. What matters is how we feel about one another. The more I thought about our childhood connection and our bantering on Play on Words , the more this relentless momentum built up in me. I couldn’t get to the private docks fast enough. I need to stop her before she publicly denies our relationship and commits herself to a farce that will force us to stay separated forever.

I grabbed my wallet and left my house, hoping to beat Alana and Joel to the boat before she left for her impromptu interview with Rex in Los Angeles—the one where she’s going to solidify the illusion that the two of them are a couple and I’m just some guy who ran lines with her for an upcoming movie.

I don’t know if I have an actual plan. I had thought I would go with her. We would face this—anything and everything—together. It’s obvious she’s never had someone who bears the load with her—someone who wants to absorb some of the backlash of her fame for her. Alana doesn’t believe I can withstand what she lives with daily. Stepping into the public eye may not be ideal, but losing her is not an option.

Last night, Alana explained to me that she was making this decision for me. She said, “Stevens, you may not see it now, but I’m choosing you. By letting you go, I’m choosing you.” She shed a few tears. I could tell she was doing everything in her power to hold herself together. I nearly shed tears of my own.

I suggested a clandestine relationship, staying together, but keeping things under the radar the way we had been doing all along. She stiffened, shoring herself up against the option. Then she said it would only be a matter of time until a hidden relationship blew up in our faces. And the outcome would be worse the second time the media got a whiff of me. So much worse.

She said she’s choosing me. And I believe she thinks she is. But she’s not the only one with a choice in this situation. I might have a plan—it’s forming as I stand here staring at the slip where Joel’s boat should be parked.

She chose me.

I’m going to show her that I’ll choose her every day from here forward if she’ll let me.

I pull out my cell phone and dial the one person I believe has the power, influence, and access to help me get through to Alana.

“Hello, Brigitte here. What took you so long, Stevens?”

“Long? The sun is barely up.”

“I figured you’d call me yesterday.”

“Alana only dropped the news on me last night. I tried to beat her to the water taxi this morning. I missed her. I should have slept on the dock.”

“That’s the spirit! Don’t worry. I’ve got you. What’s the plan?”

“That’s what I was hoping you could help me with. I need to get to Alana.”

“Oh. I’ve got that covered. I figured you’d need to get to Alana. I’ve got a car scheduled to meet you at the docks in Ventura harbor. How soon can you be there? ”

“A little over an hour? I have to get to my boat and I’ll drive it to Ventura.”

“Great. Do you have any thoughts as to what you’ll do once you reach her?”

“A few.”

“Well, get to your boat and fill me in on what you’re thinking. I’ve already given your information to the guard at the studio gate. You’re cleared to get in.”

“Thanks, Brigitte. You’re the best.”

“You know it. I live for this kind of thing. Grand gestures are my jam. And, to top it off, Cruella de Vil will lose her ever living mind over this.”

“Cruella de Vil?”

“Alana’s mom.”

I chuckle.

While I walk to my boat, I fill Brigitte in on the details of the plan that’s forming in my mind. She approves most of it, but has a few modifications and additions. By the time I’m parking my boat in a slip in Ventura, we’ve hung up and she’s set all the balls in motion. I walk down the dock toward the spot where Ken usually stands waiting to greet Alana.

As soon as I’m in the parking lot, Brigitte hops out of a Town Car.

“Heyyyy! It’s time to show those paps where it’s at!”

I climb in the back seat next to her. No security detail is in the car. Miguel isn’t our driver.

“We’re picking Rex up at his home,” Brigitte says. “Wait til you see this place, Stevens. It’s massive. Like, why does one guy need six bedrooms and three bathrooms? But you do you, boo. You know? Anyway, we’re picking him up and then we’re meeting Caroline at the studio.”

Brigitte’s so unaffected by the fame she’s surrounded by daily. It makes sense why she works so well with Alana. To Brigitte, these are all just people.

Brigitte runs through the plan we formed together. “You’ll be at the interview Alana and Caroline arranged on the Sharla Gibson show. After the interview, select media reps hand picked by Caroline will be allowed in for an exclusive.” Brigette looks over at me. “Sorry about all of this. She was miserable this morning, if that helps.”

“I don’t want her to be miserable. I understand why she made the choice she did. She explained it all last night. She thinks she’s protecting me.”

“Alana’s heart’s in the right place, even if she’s dead wrong.” Brigitte smiles. “She’s trying her utmost to keep you out of the insanity that is the public eye. She’s sacrificing her potential happiness to shield you. But she’s being dumb. I said just as much straight to her face two and a half hours ago when she arrived on the dock. We’re not stars, but we’re not wimps. What you’re about to do is one hundred percent awesome.”

I smile at Brigitte.

“Caroline got a hold of Rex,” Brigitte explains. “He knows what you and I are up to. Alana doesn’t know a thing. As far as she’s concerned, you’re still in Marbella today, tucked safely away from the media, her parents, and her fans. But, no! We’re turning what they were treating like trash into a five course meal at a three star Michelin restaurant on opening night. Invite only, baby. You want a piece of this? See the chef!”

I chuckle. Brigitte’s optimism is contagious.

We drive from Ventura to Beverly Hills. Rex’s home is up some winding streets and behind a sliding iron gate. The driver punches in a code and we pull up until we’re at the circle driveway right in front of the mansion. Rex comes walking down the front stairs looking like he’s playing a billionaire in a movie.

The driver steps out of the car, opens the front passenger door for Rex and Rex slides into the seat.

“Morning, lovely people.” He extends his hand back through the center console toward me. “Good to see you again, Stevens.”

“Thank you for doing this,” I tell him, trying to ignore the memory of our first meeting when I was dressed as a parrotfish .

“Anything for Alana,” Rex says. “She’s been my co-star in three films. And she covered for me and my girlfriend last year. I sort of owe her one, don’t you think?”

We drive to the studio and are met there by Caroline. Alana is expecting Rex. She is definitely not expecting me. Caroline leads us into the backstage area of the studio. A monitor near the entrance to the actual soundstage shows Alana sitting alone on a couch facing an empty loveseat. Rex walks past me, patting me on the back as he strides out onto the stage toward the couch where Alana is sitting.

I’m hidden from her sight for now.

Next, Sharla Gibson, the host of the talk show, appears from the opposite entryway. She walks on stage and takes her seat across from Alana and Rex.

I think I’m numb. I’m standing offstage, two world-famous stars and one of America’s favorite talk show hosts less than forty feet away from me. I’m just a simple marine biologist who fell in love playing Play on Words . Yet, here I am. This is now my life. And I’m going to fight for it—fight for her, the woman I love.

Brigitte steps up next to me. “You know when to walk out, right?”

“Yes. When Sharla says, ‘special surprise guest.’”

“Exactamundo. You’ve got this.”

“Thanks.”

On the set, Sharla says something to Alana and Rex. I can’t tell what because her mic isn’t on yet.

Brigitte squeezes my shoulder.

The cameraman gives a countdown and the show goes live.

“Well, America!” Sharla says in a very cheerful talk-show-host voice. “I have such a surprise for you today. Although, looking at the couch across from me, I’m guessing my surprise is mostly out of the bag. Today, it is my distinct pleasure to be hosting two of America’s hottest stars. With me are Alana Graves and Rex Fordham, the co-stars of the upcoming soon-to-be box-office smash, Blasted . And we’re all counting the days til that releases. But Rex and Alana are not here to talk about the movie today.

“No. Today we’re going to take an exclusive peek behind the very private and usually well-guarded doors of Alana’s love life.” Sharla turns from the camera, toward the couch across from her. “Alana, Rex, welcome.”

Alana is the embodiment of poise and confidence. “Thank you, Sharla. It’s a pleasure to be here.”

Rex smiles broadly at Sharla. “I wouldn’t miss this interview for anything.”

Alana gives Rex a barely perceptible questioning glance over her shoulder.

“Well, before we get into things, I have another surprise for everyone,” Sharla says with a wide smile. “A very special surprise guest!”

I glance quickly toward Brigitte. She gives me a thumbs up and I walk onto the soundstage.

Alana’s face morphs from confusion to concern. Our eyes lock and her mouth pops open for a beat, then she regains her stage presence and schools her features into a mask of neutrality, but her eyes never leave mine.

“Come join us, Stevens!” Sharla nearly shouts.

Rex scoots over so the spot on the couch between him and Alana is open to me.

Sharla turns toward the cameras and talks to the television audience who are watching live. “Alana had no idea Stevens was coming here today, so let’s give her a moment to get over the shock. Meanwhile, I’m going to introduce you to the man who many of you may have heard discussing sea cucumbers with Alana just yesterday. America, get ready to fall for a marine biologist! This is Stevens.”

“My fifteen minutes of fame,” I joke. “And I spent it discussing the finer points of the sea cucumber.”

Rex chuckles to my right. Alana is still quiet, looking at me with an expression that isn’t quite as extreme as when I first walked out. I smile a reassuring smile at her.

“So, Stevens, do you mind if I give a little backstory here?” Sharla asks.

“Be my guest.”

I lift my arm and drape it behind Alana. She reflexively leans into me.

But then she turns and mumbles under her breath, “What are you doing here?”

I lean into her so that my mouth is near her ear and my lips can’t be read by anyone watching the show. “I’m making what Brigitte calls a grand gesture.”

Alana shakes her head in disbelief. A soft smile spreads across her face.

I lean in toward her again and tell her, “I want this life—or any life—with you. And I don’t want a future without you, so I’m here to step into the whirlwind. We’ll face the public criticism, the paparazzi, and your parents, together from now on.”

Alana puts her hand on my knee and smiles up at me.

“Oh! I love you two already,” Sharla says. Then she turns toward the cameras. “I got a call asking me if I would host Rex and Alana. And you know I snatched that opportunity up like a housewife grabbing the last remaining toaster at a Black Friday sale. But then, this morning, I got another call from Alana’s publicist. And she told me Stevens wanted to be here to set the record straight with America. I know you’ve all been dying to hear the story behind the viral social media post. So, of course, I invited Stevens here.”

Sharla turns to Rex, “So, I take it you and Alana are definitely not dating.”

Rex smiles and chuckles softly. “No. We are not. Alana’s a good friend. She’s an amazing and talented actress, someone I deeply respect. Working together fosters the kinds of relationships that can lead to romance. For us, though, we’ve realized we make better friends than anything else. We were not dating when she and Stevens got involved with one another.” Rex turns toward the cameras. “And, to the guy who wrote the piece for the Hollywood Star Journal, she’s also not carrying anyone’s alien baby.”

Sharla laughs. “Tabloids, am I right?”

Then she asks Rex, “So, you give Alana and Stevens your official stamp of approval?”

“Not that they need it, but I definitely approve of how he makes her smile. They’re obviously good for one another.”

Sharla turns to me and Alana. “Well, that clears up a whole lot of speculation.”

Alana relaxes into me.

Sharla asks me, “Stevens, tell us how you came to know Alana.”

“We met through mutual friends. Though it feels like I’ve known her forever.”

“Awww.” Sharla smiles at me and then Alana.

“Any details you want to add to that, Alana?”

Alana looks up at me. I smile down at her. We’re here, together. And nothing has imploded or exploded yet. Maybe it will. And when it does, I’m going to scoop her up and block her from as much shrapnel as I can. And then we’ll dust off and move on.

I have no idea what Alana will tell Sharla. Will she admit we met building sandcastles on a private beach when we were kids? Or will she share that we were friendly competitors on Play on Words ? I doubt she’ll disclose that I happened to fill in as her water taxi driver. Maybe she’ll go with the least invasive disclosure, that we bumped into one another at a friend’s barbecue.

Alana surprises me by turning toward the camera and saying, “Actually, Stevens and I just discovered that we’ve known one another since childhood. But, as he said, we recently connected through mutual friends, among other things.”

Sharla lets out a little squeal. “So, you’re telling me you two just reconnected after knowing each other as children?”

“That’s right,” I say .

“That’s so romantic.” Sharla says, beaming at us and then the cameras.

When Sharla turns back to us, she asks, “What’s the thing about Alana that drew you to her—besides the obvious fact that she’s Alana Graves? I mean, how does a marine biologist end up dating a movie star?”

I laugh. “I really don’t know the answer to how this happened. Some things in life are just mysteries.” I wink at Alana and she smiles up at me. “But I wasn’t really attracted to her because of her stardom. If anything, that mostly intimidated me whenever I thought too deeply about it. I’m drawn to her despite her life as an actress. She’s got a kind heart, a bright mind, and those captivating eyes.” I look over at Alana and smile. “And her laugh.” I tell Alana, “I love her laugh.”

She’s beaming at me now, obviously adjusting to my insistence that I’m not backing away at the first sign of trouble.

“And Alana, I’m taking it by the way you’re leaning into Stevens that you have feelings for him too?”

“I do. He’s an amazing man. He’s smart, thoughtful, funny, and he’s got this quiet confidence that always makes me feel safe. He’s really good at flirting too.”

I glance from Alana to Sharla. “I’m really not. She’s seen my awkward side on more than one occasion.” I look back at Alana. “I think you just bring that out in me.”

Alana smiles at me and then she tells Sharla, “Stevens is actually …” Alana turns her head so she’s looking straight into my eyes. “... my boyfriend.”

“Your boyfriend!” Sharla exclaims, putting both hands to her cheeks. Then she turns toward the camera. “You heard it first here, America. Alana Graves has a boyfriend. Stevens Reed, a marine biologist. And for those of you who need glasses, I’ll confirm, he’s gorgeous, and you can already tell he’s got personality to spare.”

I feel the blush rise up my neck.

Sharla looks at me with a smile. “What America really wants to know is if you were a fan of Alana’s movies before you started seeing her romantically.”

“I do enjoy her work—especially the trilogy with Rex. My mom is a huge fan.”

“And have you met his mom yet?” Sharla asks Alana.

“Not yet.”

“Okay, well, we have some viewer questions coming in. Are you three open to answering some spontaneous questions from your fans?”

“Sure,” Alana says, placing her hand on my knee.

I cover her hand with mine.

“I just have to say,” Sharla says, “You two are too cute together. I think America is going to love you, Stevens. This is sort of a reverse Cinderella story, isn’t it?”

Alana answers before I can. “Not exactly. Stevens wasn’t sweeping chimneys for his evil stepmother. If anything, he’s my Prince Charming.”

“Awww. A real life Prince Charming. I love that.” Sharla turns to the teleprompter and reads the viewer's question. “Julie in Kettering, Ohio wants to know if you’re single, Rex.”

“I am single.” Rex smiles at Sharla and then the camera.

Sharla makes a show of fanning herself and then she says, “You heard that ladies! Rex is officially single.”

Sharla looks back at the teleprompter. “Okay. Dana from Rochester, New York wants to know if you have any brothers as handsome as you, Stevens.”

“I do have a brother, and a sister.”

“And … ?” Sharla raises her eyebrows.

“I guess my brother and I look a bit alike.”

“Good to know!”

“Susan from Scottsdale, Arizona wants to know if you have plans for the future, Alana and Stevens.”

Alana looks at me, and then she says, “Just spending as much time together as we can. We both have unconventional work schedules, so we’re going to have to figure out how to make room for one another between all the shoots and his trips up and down the coast. But we’ll make it work.”

We’ll make it work . That’s all I needed to hear from her. I squeeze her hand gently and she smiles over at me.

Sharla continues taking questions from the teleprompter and then we wrap up the show. I’m ready for a long nap, and more importantly, time alone with Alana, but a group of reporters enters the room and once we’ve had a chance to drink some water and take a short break, we return to the couch so the press can ask us a barrage of questions.

When it’s all over, Alana and I have our first moment where we’re almost alone. Rex is on his phone to our left, but he’s barely aware of us or anything right now. Alana and I are holding hands and I’m about to say something to her when Caroline approaches us.

“You did great! I think that should do it. We’ve set the tone, rewritten the narrative. The story is out there now from the mouths of the three people involved. I think America is going to eat this up. Rex, I think your car is here. You’re free to go.”

Rex hugs Alana and shakes my hand. We thank him for showing up, and then he’s out the door.

Caroline looks at me after Rex leaves. “Be prepared. There will be haters. But, I’m guessing you’ll have ten to one in your favor. America is going to love you. Just be careful on your social media, Stevens.”

“He doesn’t have social media and he’s not a follower of gossip sites,” Alana says.

“You’re kidding me. Wow. What a Renaissance man.”

The way she says it, I can’t tell if it’s a compliment or not.

“Well, as I was saying, there will be haters. But we can’t help that. Overall, I think we accomplished what we set out to do. Now we’ll just take some photos.”

Alana and I pose for the photographers who stayed around just to get pictures of us. I guess those will be published somewhere .

When the reporters and photographers have cleared out, I’m standing with Alana in a spot offstage, waiting for Ken to come escort us to our car.

“I can’t believe you came.” Alana says, looking up at me.

“I meant it when I said I’ll always come for you.”

She stands on tiptoe and kisses me and I pull her in and hold her to me.