He smiled. “Seriously, Marley? You’ve been through a lot. And look at you, getting through it all with a new superhero boyfriend now, too. Talk about thriving.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you, Shayne. Seriously. I love you.”
“Love you, too, girl. And Iamcoming to the studio when you go on Anderson’s show. He insisted… but I want to, anyway.”
Marley frowned. “You sure?”
He nodded. “Yeah, I’m sure. It’s time. I need to tell him the truth. My best friend taught me to do the hard thing even if it’s scary. Now go upstairs.Supermanis in your bed, for God’s sake. Why are you here with me?”
Marley grinned, kissed Shayne on the shoulder, and headed up the stairs where Nikhil was waiting for her. She’d never in her life felt more loved.
Three days later, Marley and Caroline were sitting under the bright lights atThe Confabstudio being interviewed by Anderson Lin. Marley’s hands were shaking and her heart was racing, but being in front of the camera wasn’t nearly as terrifying as she’d expected. It helped that Anderson was the one interviewing them—she’d always liked him.
They’d already finished filming the first segment, where Marley demonstrated on Caroline how she could style her clothes to minimize the appearance of her single mastectomy.
“So do you use those tricks in your day-to-day life?” he asked Caroline.
“Not daily, no. I’m a stunt coordinator, so I have a pretty physical job. Scarves and cowl-necks aren’t practical. I resort to baggy hoodies. But yeah, when I go out and want to look less lopsided, I’ll wear things like this. Or use a prosthetic.”
“Marley, how did you get involved with Still Glowing?”
Marley smiled but steeled herself inside. “I myself had a mastectomy last month. I’m a BRCA1 mutation carrier, which is a genetic mutation that puts me at a high risk for breast cancer. Caroline told me about the foundation and the amazing work they’re doing to help women be confident and stylish after changes to their body. I’m a fashion stylist, so I love the idea of helping women who are struggling with similar body issues as me. Making peoplefeelfabulous bylookingfabulous has been my passion, and my job, for years.”
Anderson smiled. “Yes, I think the whole world has been admiring your talent for that in the last few weeks, even if they didn’t realize that it wasyour workthey were admiring. Which, of course, ties into how you and Caroline know each other. Do you want to reveal to the viewers who introduced you two?”
Marley nodded. This question was, of course, planned. “Yes. Why don’t we bring him out?”
Anderson grinned at the camera. “Here’s a big surprise for you all. Marley and Caroline’s mutual friend and the star ofIronis 3, Nik Sharma!”
Nikhil came out then, and of course, the studio audience went wild. They had no idea he’d be there. Nikhil smiled, waving to the crowd, and sat on the sofa next to Marley.
“Nik, wow—the crowd loves you!” Anderson said.
Nikhil chuckled. “Still getting used to all this. But we’re not here to talk about me, are we?” He grinned at Marley.
“You two are old friends, right?”
“We’ve known each other a long, long time,” Marley said. “We were even prom dates.”
“So,” Anderson said. “With Nik in Toronto shooting the Ironis movie, can I assume he’s been helping you recover after your surgery last month?”
Marley nodded, looking at Nikhil. “I don’t know what I would have done without him.”
Nikhil smiled back at her. “Same goes for her.” He ran his hand over the deep-midnight-blue jacket with a Nehru collar he was wearing.
“Okay, you two are too cute. Are you sure you’re just old friends?”
Marley laughed and said, “No comment,” just as Nikhiltook Marley’s hand in his, indirectly confirming their relationship status.
“Now,” Anderson said, “I don’talwaysbelieve celebrity gossip, but there was some buzz going around about you being in a relationship with your co-star.”
Nikhil smiled. “Anderson, you should know not to believe everything you read online. Serena and I are friends. Great friends. She’s been so amazing helping me get used to action movies.”
Anderson looked at Marley. “You’ve met Serena Vox, too?”
Marley grinned. “Yes. In fact, the four of us recently had this huge meal together… My friend’s grandmother makes the best jerk chicken in the world.”
Anderson’s eyes widened, knowing exactly who Marley was talking about. “I would love to have been there for that.”
