Page 159 of Now Their Starlet

“We’ve loved our time with you, Andi!” Adam Crossgrave, the alpha host of one of the biggest talk shows around, booms, his voice projecting far more than necessary, considering the microphones we’re both wearing. “We know you’re a busy woman, but we have a few more questions for you.”

“It’s been a real privilege speaking with you today,” I say, my smile natural and easy. “Ask away!”

“Tonight is the last stop of your bondmate, Beckham Knight’s record-shattering tour. We know you’ve been working on a project showcasing his journey; how does it feel to move on to a more lighthearted project?”

“That’s an excellent question,” I nod. “While it’s certainly been a wonderful time getting to travel with Beck and witness him sharing his gift with the world, I wouldn’t say the docuseries intends to be entirely lighthearted. Beck is one of the first few male omegas in the industry, and that comes with its own set of challenges. My goal with my projects has always been to pull back the curtain and showcase reality, no matter how gritty or unpolished it may be. Things won’t change overnight, but I personally think the first step to change is awareness.”

The words leave my mouth easily. I’m sure it has something to do with the fact that Leo’s a kick-ass publicist that always makes sure I’m prepared for my interviews and the questions they’ll ask, but because I believe every word I’m saying.

It’s not like those confessionals I grew up with, where every statement was carefully curated to push forward an agenda that didn’t belong to me. My words, my actions, and my purpose are all my own.

“That said,” I say, my smile growing with Beck being the topic of conversation. “Even though I wouldn’t call it lighthearted, I’ve certainly had a beautiful time working on it, and I can’t wait for everyone to get to know Beck and what he stands for.”

“How has your experience with Beckham’s docuseries differed from your first?”

“Well, I’ve certainly had a preference for this project with Beck. I’m sure everyone can agree that he’s incredibly easy on the eyes. But I think I’ve learned that while I needed to tell my own story, given everything that’s happened over the last couple of years, I far prefer being on the other end of the camera.”

“You certainly have a gift! I’m sure your father must be incredibly proud. It looks like our time together is coming to a close. Do you have any last comments for us, Andi?”

“I hope my projects resonate with people. In a way, I think they’re almost like love letters to the person they’re about. I think I’ve learned that love is being truly seen and seeing someone in turn. But my projects aren’t just for the person they’re about. They’re for the world. They’re for everyone who has grown up in systems that don’t serve them. I’m endlessly lucky to have the opportunities I have now, but I never thought I’d be here. So I hope... I hope my projects inspire people to aim for the stars.”

The live audience applauds, and the cameras are eventually cut.

The adrenaline as I meet Leo and Cameron off stage makes me feel like I’m floating.

“Did I do a good job?” I ask, grinning sheepishly up at them.

“You know you did a good job, Sweet Tea,” Cameron chuckles. “You’re just fishing for compliments.”

“So?” I huff playfully as we make our way through the back hallways of the venue.

“We’ll give them to you,” Leo murmurs before leaning down and pressing a kiss to my cheek.

One significant aspect of the docuseries I released about myself was about my relationship with my pack. While there was some backlash, things seem to have settled. Even if there had been more backlash, I would’ve never let it get in the way of being with my guys.

I’ve spent enough of my life living for someone else. Why would I spend any more time doing so?

The three of us hop into the back of a black SUV with tinted windows. The driver immediately starts booking it towards Madison Square Garden, successfully squeezing through spaces between illegally parked cars that I personally wouldn’t even try to attempt.

It’s not the biggest venue Beck has played at, but there’s something poetic about ending the tour at a stop I know Beck had pinned to his vision boards as a teenager.

“Beck’s only starting his sound check, so we’ll still make it before he’s done,” Leo says, glancing up from his phone.

“Did Eli say that?” I ask, peering over his shoulder.

“Yeah,” Leo nods.

“You’d think, considering this is the last stop of the tour, Beck would be a little less insistent about me being there for his sound check, every time.” Despite my words, I can’t help the fond smile tugging at my lips.

“Can you blame him? You are our Lucky Duck, after all,” Leo says.

It takes us a lot longer than the GPS said it would to make it back to the venue, but when we finally do, I can hear Beck’s voice over the speakers. It washes over me like a soothing balm. I know the set list like the back of my hand at this point. I’m pretty sure I could do the show if push came to shove.

I’d be booed off the stage before I even finished the first song, considering my talents remain firmly in film-related things and not singing, but still.

Instead of bringing me to our usual spot in the wings where we wait during sound checks, Leo and Cameron bring me to the front row of the VIP section. We’re not the only ones there.

“Ever!” I call out, my kitten heels clicking against the floor as I run to him, throwing my arms around his shoulders.