The crowd goes crazy again, and I press my hands to my face to hold back tears. It doesn’t work. I have to wipe them away.
When the crowd calms again, and I’ve gained my composure, Lila hands me a tissue and asks, “Okay, girl tell us where you’ve been hiding the last three years?”
“You've probably already read about it, but just in case you haven’t seen the story my ex published, I’m going to keep it a secret.” I grin at the surprised look on her face. I’ve aced her by bringing up Brandon first.
“Yeah, I saw the story this morning about you and…what’s his name?” She lifts a note card, pretending to scan it for info she already knows. “Brandon McVey? How long were you married? A minute? Two?”
I lift my shoulder. “Closer to thirty seconds, to be honest. But it felt like thirty years.”
Everyone laughs, and I feel a bit guilty it’s at Brandon’s expense, but that feeling passes quickly.
“Did you miss Hollywood?” she asks, and with the change of subject, I relax into the surprisingly comfortable upholstered chair.
“Parts, yeah. Friends and family. But, no matter where we go, Dex, Rhys, Archie and I will always have each other’s backs. But I also made friends and found family where I was.” I scanthe audience for Archie and Piper, who promised to be here, but the lights are too bright to make out any faces. And Archie might murder me if I call him out. He’s been over the spotlight since beforeSurf Cityended.
“Speaking of family, I was sorry to hear you lost your dad. Sounds like it’s been a rough week for you.” Lila’s sympathy is less genuine than the smile she gave me a few minutes ago, but I knew going into this interview that she might bring up Dad.
“Nah, yeah, cheers. It’s been an interesting week, for sure. I’ve had some proper lows, but also some proper highs. I lost my dad…” I won’t bring up Cal, but leaving him, Junie, and Serenity Cove was definitely the lowest low. “But I also got the part in Frederica, and I got the welcome I’ve had here tonight. Those highs balance out the lows.”
The crowd cheers again, and someone yells, “We love you, Frankie!”
I cross my hands over my heart and blink back a second round of tears. I wasn’t expecting this kind of reception. Not after being attacked online and having people disregard my privacy and my feelings over and over again.
Lila asks me a few more questions. We banter back and forth. And then she grows serious again. “So, you found family wherever it is you went. But what about anyspecialfriends.” She makes air quotes around special, and I try to keep my face neutral. I wasn’t expecting this question. “I mean, after Brandon, was there anyone special?Isthere anyone special?”
I force a laugh. “My relationship with Brandon was special while it lasted, and I wish him well.”
“Yeah, yeah. We all wish Mr. McVey well.” Lila waves her hands like she’s swatting away a fly. “But is there anyone in your life now?”
I laugh again, hoping to hide the sink hole opening in my chest. “Getting a bit personal, Lila, yeah?”
She shrugs, and the silver strap of her dress catches the bright lights and shines against her dark skin. “I’ve heard rumors. I just thought you might like to get ahead of them.”
I'm not sure if she’s telling the truth or trying to needle info out of me. I don’t want to expose Cal to any unwanted attention, but however I answer could invite it.
I have to go with the truth. “There was someone. But it turned out to be a bit too complicated. Sometimes being famous isn’t all it’s cracked up to be when it comes to love. Fame can be an obstacle to a proper relationship.”
Lila nods sympathetically. “Frankie, it’s so great having you here. Thanks for being so real with us. I wonder if you’re up for a few more questions.”
“You’ve got more? I don’t think I have anything left to tell you.” I laugh nervously.
“I don’t, but our audience would love to ask you a few questions. We don’t usually do this, but would you mind? This audience has been so great, and I think I got all the tough questions out of the way.”
I look out over the audience, but I can’t make out any faces, but after all their applause, I can’t say no. “Yeah, alright. Why not?”
I have a million reasons why not, but I fake a smile anyway.
The lights go on in the audience, and the host walks toward them. Faces are easier to see without the lights shining directly on me, so I search the audience again for Archie.
A man in a hat raises his hand, and Lila jogs toward him with the microphone. I squint, trying to make out the guy’s face. I swear Archie’s next to him. And the hat has a patch on it that’s very similar to Barry’s Bait and Tackle.
Lila hands the guy the mic. He stands and takes off his hat.
And either the light’s playing tricks on me or the man inthe hat is…Cal.
I scoot to the edge of my seat, angling for a better look.
“Yeah, Frankie…hi,” he says, and I freeze at the sound of Cal’s voice. “Let’s say that man you were talking about—the one who was dumb enough to think a relationship with you was too complicated?—”
