The Hollywood Effect, page 15
Liam had a charming grin plastered on his face as he led me slowly up the red carpet.
“You look great,” he said to me again. I glanced up at him. He was smiling softly down at me, ignoring the people around us.
“You don’t scrub up too bad yourself, Mr Burns.” I felt like I’d already said that a few times, but I couldn’t think of anything else to say. Compliments were not my forte.
“I always feel like I should steeple my fingers together evilly whenever anyone calls me Mr Burns,” he said quietly to me. I laughed. I couldn’t imagine anyone who looked less like Montgomery Burns than Liam. Definitely less yellow and stooped, and much more hair.
“Liam! Congratulations on the new movie. We’re sure it’ll be a great hit.” A blonde woman in a busty red dress leaned over and shoved a microphone near Liam’s face.
“Thanks, I appreciate it.”
I resisted the urge to snort and managed to stand there dutifully while Busty McReporter flirted with Liam in the guise of running an interview. She asked him about the film, and Liam spieled off a statement that he’d probably practised in the mirror, because I heard it a few times that night.
“And who is this lovely, lucky lady you have on your arm tonight?” I zoned back into the conversation when I realised they were talking about me.
“This is Jen,” Liam said, and shot another smile at me.
“Oh, come on. Is that all you’re going to give us?”
I felt strangely invisible. She didn’t direct a single question to me, just to Liam, about me. It felt very strange to be talked about when I was standing right next to him.
“Jen’s one of my oldest and best friends. She’s visiting from back home,” Liam relented after a moment. He started to pull me away, up the carpet. I trotted faithfully after him, one foot in front of the other.
“Don’t go too fast,” I muttered to him. “These heels could murder me. And I have little legs.”
“Sorry.” Liam slowed down for me. More cameras were thrust in our face. We were asked to pose in front of the studio and movie logos.
“You all right?” Liam whispered to me.
“I can’t pose. I don’t know what to do with my arms. Or my face.”
Liam laughed and grinned down at me. “Just be yourself.”
“Easy for you to say,” I grumbled. I should have practised smiling in the mirror, or something. I glanced around me to see what other women were doing. Some of them were posing for the camera, looking graceful and deliberate. A few others looked just as awkward as I felt. Lily was a natural, switching between laughing with reporters, fans, fellow actors and photographers, and then standing still and poised, looking directly at whichever camera she’d been told to.
I stood back while Liam talked to some of his fans, signed pictures for them, and subjected himself to group selfies. Perhaps it had something to do with growing up in the middle of nowhere, but it had never occurred to me to go to these kind of events, even when they were in Melbourne. Maybe it was because I wasn’t a screamer. My ears were starting to ring from the collective noise of the mass of teenage girls. Oh to be that enthusiastic about something. The teacher in me hoped that they were also that enthusiastic about their education, but I somehow doubted it.
Eventually Liam extracted himself from the clutches of the girls and swaggered back over to me.
“I can see your head expanding under all of this adoration,” I said with a slight smirk. He just rolled his eyes at me and grinned.
“I still haven’t entirely gotten used to it,” he admitted as he reached for my hand and we started walking slowly towards the entrance again.
“It’s a weird thing to get used to,” I said. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to. This was such an alien experience, and I didn’t even have anyone squealing in my direction. Just a few curious looks and glances, and a few death glares. I let it wash over me.
We were shown to our seats. Liam reassured me that no cameras were allowed in the theatre, so we could relax a bit. I lost track of all the people Liam introduced me to. They became a blur of faces and names. Most of them had worked on the film. I just smiled politely, and made small talk with the few that stuck around long enough to make their way down to me. There was an excited hum of conversation over the theatre.
Liam turned to me during a brief lull where he didn’t have anyone trying to get his attention or congratulate him. “Do you want popcorn or a drink or anything?”
“Some popcorn would be good. Although I’d better not spill any on this dress.”
“Let’s go get some then. You always need popcorn when you’re at the movies.”
“The popcorn industry sure did get their marketing right,” I laughed. Liam started leading me towards where I assumed the concession stand was.
“And the good thing about premieres is the popcorn is free!”
I laughed again and shook my head. Just what over-paid celebrities needed - more free stuff.
“That’s the only reason you got into acting, wasn’t it? So you could go to premieres and get free popcorn.”
“You’ve found me out,” Liam said with a wink.
“Liam! Mate!”
We both turned. I vaguely recognised the bearded man waving at us. At Liam. Liam grinned and dropped my hand, striding over to the man. They hugged each other.
“Hugh! Great to see you. I didn’t know you were coming to this?”
“Ah, bit of a last minute decision, honestly.”
“We were just going to go grab some popcorn.”
“It’s okay,” I said. “I’ll go and get it. You stay here.”
Liam smiled gratefully at me and turned back to Hugh. I wove my way through the crowd. They didn’t seem to part as easily now I was on my own and didn’t have a burly 6ft 4 guy’s wake to follow in.
I left the theatre, walking past security guards who were checking peoples bags and confiscating cameras and phones. I had a brief moment of panic when I realised I didn’t have my clutch with me, before I remembered putting it under my seat. Hopefully no one would steal it, but it just had my Australian driver’s license which wouldn’t be much use to anyone over here, and some lip gloss and an eye-liner pencil that Raquel had given me just in case I needed a touch up during the evening.
I quickly spotted the concession stand, and sure enough there were buckets of pop-corn being lined up for people to take. I tottered over there, promising my poor feet that we’d soon be able to sit down and that I wouldn’t make them wear anything like this ever again. I grabbed a bucket (it really was a bucket, Americans must feel very ripped off when they came out to Australia and saw how small our coffees, soft drinks and popcorn sizes were, I decided) and started my slow, careful walk back, now worried about both keeping my ankles intact and not spilling buttery popcorn everywhere.
“Ticket please,” one of the burly security guards stepped in front of me.
“Sorry?”
“Your ticket, ma’am. Or your pass,” he said, holding his hand out. “You need it to get in,” he said with a slow drawl when I just blinked at him. We hadn’t been asked on the way in and it hadn’t even occurred to me.
“I don’t have one.”
The man frowned at me.
“I’m with Liam Burns,” I amended. “I’m his guest.”
“Uh huh.” The man looked me up and down, skeptically. “Well, I’ll need to see your pass. Or get Mr Burns out here.”
“But I don’t have my purse…” I stared helplessly at him, and looked hopefully over his shoulder, but I couldn’t see anyone I knew, let alone Liam.
“I’m sorry but I can’t let you in without-”
I could feel tears start to well up, and bit my lip to make them stop.
“It’s okay, I can vouch for her.” With a swish, Lily Bristowe glided up next to me and put her hand comfortingly on my arm. “She really is with Liam Burns. I can go and get him if you’d like?”
“That won’t be necessary, Miss Bristowe.” He tuned to me. “You can go in.”
Lily grabbed my free hand and all but dragged me into the theatre.
“Honestly! Sometimes they take their job too seriously, although it is nice to know not any random stalker can get in, but still!”
“Thanks for your help,” I said, feeling very out of place again.
“Oh, no problem, Jen. Come on, the directors going to start things off in a couple of minutes. Let’s get back to our seats.”
I obediently followed the actress back through the throng. It was rather slow going, as everyone seemed to want to say hello to Lily. Eventually we got back to our seats - Lily and her guest were sitting next to Liam and I, along with some of the other stars.
“I was starting to think you fell in a toilet or something,” Liam joked when I handed him the popcorn. I shrugged. “Security didn’t want to let me back in.”
“What?” Liam frowned, handful of popcorn halfway to his face.
“It’s okay. Lily came to my rescue.”
Liam turned to her and thanked her.
“Pfft.” She waved away his thanks. “It happens. I remember my first premiere, I only had a tiny bit part and I -” Lily was cut off by the emcee calling for everyone’s attention.
“Welcome, a big welcome to you all. Welcome to the grand premiere of the film Gertrude’s Promise. We are privileged to have the director, Archibald Douglas here with us tonight to introduce the film. Please make him welcome.”
Polite applause rippled out.
A scruffy looking man with thick, black glasses took the stage and microphone.
“Thank you all so much for coming. This film has been very close to my heart, and has been in production for over a decade. To see it finally up on the big screen is a privilege and wonderful achievement. I’d like to tell you a bit about the film before we get started…”
I listened attentively as he told a story about his grandmother, and how much she and her life had inspired him, how he wanted to honour her by sharing her story.
“… And of course, a big thank you to our stars, Lily Bristowe and Liam Burns. You both worked so hard and with such passion. It was a pleasure to bring this film to life with you. Thank you.” Archibald Douglas held up his hands as the audience began to clap. “I suppose that’s enough rambling from me. Without any further ado, I give you Gertrude’s Promise.” He stepped backwards off the stage and I found myself hoping that he wouldn’t trip over and fall off. I probably would have.
The final credits rolled. Applause rang out. I squeezed Liam’s hand.
“You were great,” I said, leaning towards him so he could hear.
“You liked it?” he asked earnestly.
“Of course. It was wonderful. I even cried.”
Liam scoffed. “You cry in every movie. You cried in The Lion King.”
“What’s wrong with that? Everyone cries when Mustafa dies.”
“You cried when we watched it last year… for what, the twentieth time?!”
I shrugged. “I have no defence. I’m a sucker for a tear jerker. But, still. It was good. You were great.” I leant over and gave him a quick, awkward side hug and peck on the cheek.
“Thanks, Jen. I know you’re biased, but it still means a lot.”
I smiled and squeezed his hand again. We stood up. Lily turned to Liam and gave him a big hug.
“I had so much fun working with you, Liam. I told you that, didn’t I?”
“Just a few times.” He grinned at her. She laughed and started talking about someone I didn’t know.
“You’re coming to the afterparty, right? Please tell me you’re coming.” Liam elbowed me subtly. I’d zoned out again. Lily was talking to me, not Liam.
“Sorry. Yeah, we are. Aren’t we?” I looked up at Liam. He nodded.
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
“Great. Oh my god, I’m so famished. I didn’t eat before this. I was paranoid I wouldn’t fit into this stupid dress!” Lily put her hand to her flat stomach and laughed at herself. “Wanna grab some food on the way? Real food. Like a burger or something. I’m dying for a burger. They’ll probably just have a bunch of fancy finger food at the party.”
Liam turned to me, question on his face. Burgers with Lily Bristowe? Was he crazy? Of course I would. I nodded and looked at him like he was an idiot.
We slowly made our way out of the theatre. I ended up next to Lily’s brother Billy while the two actors mingled and answered questions.
“I don’t know how she does it,” Billy said quietly to me. “All this, and she’s still the same down to earth, annoying little sister that I’ve always had.”
“Yeah. Liam hasn’t changed too much either, thankfully!”
Billy nodded. “Yeah. He seems like a nice guy. Not like a lot of the people I’ve met here. It’s a very strange place that’s for sure. So many plastic people. I’m looking forward to be going back home, I can honestly say. It might be a small town, and everyone might still know who you are, but they don’t want your damn photograph at every corner!”
“When are you leaving?” I asked. We were a few metres behind Liam and Lily, and being mostly ignored.
“Tuesday. It’s nice to spend some time with my sister, but…” Billy shook his head.
“I know what you mean. It’s so surreal. I’m going to be back in my classroom in about a week. They’re completely different worlds.”
Billy nodded. “I used to think I wanted to be famous. Not anymore. Not after I’ve seen what Lily’s gone through.”
“Is it that bad?”
Billy shrugged. “It’s getting worse, I think. She has a security detail now. But she won’t let on that it bothers her too much. But it does. I can tell. Ah, we’re on the move again.”
Lily and Liam were moving towards a limo, gesturing us to follow. A small crowd of people had surrounded them, but as Lily was smiling warmly at them, they seemed welcome enough.
Billy kept pace with my slow, careful walk. I smiled gratefully at him.
“I don’t usually wear shoes like this. I should have word flats.”
Billy laughed and shook his head. “Don’t know how you girls to it, to be honest. They look like torture devices or something.”
“You could probably use one as a torture device. I’m sure it’s been done before.”
“What are you two laughing at?” Liam asked when we finally caught up with them.
“The merits of high heels as a torture device.”
Liam just raised his eyebrows and shook his head.
“Jen, I want to introduce you.” Lily grabbed my hand and pulled me closer. “Jen, this is my assistant and angel, Jasmine.” I smiled and nodded at a young woman with slicked back dark hair. She looked very… competent. Jasmine smiled tightly at me and nodded back before looking back down at her phone. “And this is my stylist, Connie.” Another smile and nod. “And these are Gary and Suresh, my muscles.” Just a nod from these two. They were more interested in scanning the people around us. It took me longer than it should have to realise they were bodyguards. So weird. Sometimes, on particularly crowded walks up the corridor, I’d felt like a body guard would be nice, but to actually need one…
We all piled into the limousine. Liam pulled me down next to him.
“Where’s your entourage?” I smirked at him.
“You’re it, I’m afraid.” He winked at me. I rolled my eyes back at him, and made a mental note to ask him why he didn’t have an assistant like Lily did later. I knew Holly had one as well, and probably most actors and celebrities of Liam’s situation. I wouldn’t mind an assistant sometimes.
“So where do you want to go, Lily?” Jasmine asked.
“Oh, um. How does everyone feel about In-and-Out? I’ll be honest, I’ve been craving them all week.”
“Sure,” Liam shrugged.
“Billy?”
“Fine with me.”
“Jen?”
“Uh….”
“Have you been to In-and-Out? Liam, have you taken her there yet? Please say yes.”
“Well, actually…”
“Oh my god. Liam! You fail as a tour guide. Utterly fail.” Lily shook her pretty head in disgust, although her eyes were laughing.
Liam looked at me, bemused and ran his hand through his hair.
“Jen, trust me,” Lily turned to me. “You’ll love it. It’s an institution.”
“I’ve heard of it… I just…”
“Well, I’m so happy that I am going to be there when you try that delicious, juicy, wonderful burger for the first time.”
“Uh…” I started. This moment was always vaguely awkward. I didn’t want anyone to think I was a pretentious wanker.
“Oh, wait. Jen’s vegetarian.” Liam belatedly came to my rescue.
“Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t realise.” I didn’t see how she would, I didn’t exactly have a giant V tattooed to my forehead. “That’s okay,” Lily continued after a moment. “You could get a grilled cheese, or I think they also do the burger but without the patty?”
“Have you studied the secret menu or something?” Liam laughed. Billy grinned.
“Er… maybe. Don’t judge me.” She leaned over Billy and pushed Liam.
“Not judging.” Liam tried to keep a straight face and held up his hands in self defence.
“Sure you’re not. I know you, Liam Burns.” She glared at him.
“You do eat fries don’t you?” Lily turned back to me, alarmed.
I laughed. “Of course I do.”
“Phew. Half the girls I know don’t eat potato. They’re crazy.”
“Oh…” I didn’t even know that was a thing. “What’s wrong with potato?”
“Carbs. Or something. I dunno. Stupid fad diets.” Lily waved her hand dismissively.
Jasmine must have relayed the decision to the driver somehow, because we were soon pulling into a drive-thru. I’d never been through a drive-thru in a limo. Hell, this was only the third time I’d even been in a limousine. My friend Sophie’s parents had hired a limo for her as a high school graduation treat, and she’d picked us all up so we could arrive at the graduation dinner in style. It had been fun, but it being Tarang, there wasn’t exactly many places to go, and we had a whole hour to fill in. The nearest drive-thru was 50 kilometres away in Warrnambool, which technically I suppose we could have made it to. But we had settled on doing laps of the town… which didn’t exactly take much time.
