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In the shower, I have time to think and analyze. I would think Aaron was trying to woo me if I didn't know any better. The only reason he would do that is if he had feelings. With that thought, my spirits rise, and I hum the tune of my song lyrics while I wash my hair.
Toweled off and dressed in a plush robe, I walk into the living room, which has been transformed into a luxury salon. While my hair is wrapped in a towel, I sit in the luxurious chair and get pampered from head to toe. My hair is an updo, so the tiara will stay in place. Ringlets frame my face. They help me into my dress, which, with a bit of help from the Spanx, contains any bloating or perceived bump anyone might mistake for a baby. I don't want the world to know before I have a chance to tell Aaron. I slip on the silver kitten heels and look at myself in the full-length mirror. I don't even recognize myself. I look like a real-life princess. My caretakers for the event ooh and awe over their handy work.
Aaron comes out of his bedroom in his tux, and my jaw drops. He is so handsome and confident. When he looks up and sees me, he takes a step back. On his face, I read many emotions.
"Wow. You look breathtaking," Aaron whispers the last word and continues to take me in.
I can feel myself blushing under his gaze and look away. Aaron has never looked at me like that before. Why is he making such a big deal about me when this is his event?
"Aaron, I don't know what to say right now." I try to find words to describe how I feel, but none of the comments express my gratitude for all he's done for me tonight.
He walks over to me and then circles around me. He gently takes my chin and lifts it till my eyes meet his. "I would do anything for you."
Maybe it's the hormones, but I feel tears sting my eyes and quickly blink them away. I want to ensure all the work is done to make me look amazing. Aaron puts his hand on the small of my back and leads me out to the limousine. Inside, there is more champagne on the ice and fresh roses. We toast to a beautiful evening, but again, I avoid taking a real sip.
I fidget the whole way to Grauman's Chinese Theatre, where the premiere is. As we pull up to the red carpet, there are photographers, held back by a velvet rope, lining the path to the entrance. The driver opens the door, and Aaron gets out. I let him have the carpet since this is his big night. He reaches back for me, and I grab his hand and timidly step onto the red carpet. We stand there, letting the photographers have their time with us as we smile and wave and ignore all the questions being asked about our relationship. After a few minutes, Aarons guides me up the red carpet.
The theater is magnificent, with its oriental theme, red and gold colors, and massive ornate doors. We walk through the opened doors, and I'm transported through time. There are vintage dresses worn by historic actresses behind glass cases that tell a story.
I leave Aaron to freshen up in the ladies' bathroom and walk into a timeless vanity. There are mirrors along the wall with little shelves for your handbag and velvet ottomans to sit on and freshen up. I take a seat on one and try to relax. This whole evening so far has been unforgettable, and we haven't even seen the film yet.
I see a woman heading directly for me.
"Hi," she says. "You must be Erica."
"I am," I reply and shake her hand.
"I'm Aaron's PR rep. How are you?"
"I'm okay, I think. Aaron's world feels very overwhelming." I give her a tight smile.
"You will do just fine." She gives me a warm smile in return.
"I am assuming you know all about our situation. The fake engagement?"
"I do. In this business, I see many fake people, fake situations, and even fake faces. I'm surrounded by it every day. I saw how Aaron looked at you on the red carpet tonight, though, and saw only genuine love. Aaron is head over heels in love with you."
I laugh. "I don't think so. I have had a crush on that man since high school. I spent a lot of my life wishing he would look my way. If he did have feelings, I think I would know."
"Would you?" she asks. "Sometimes it takes someone from outside the relationship to see what is truly going on. I'm as objective as they come, and I'm letting you know Aaron cares for you deeply."
I can feel burning in my eyes at her words. I shut my eyes against the tears that threaten to spill over. I've waited so long for Aaron.
I hug her. "Thank you for sharing that with me."
I check my makeup in the mirror and enter the lobby, searching for Aaron. I see him getting us drinks, and I walk over to him and thread my arm through his.
"Dirty martini for you, and an Old Fashioned for me." He hands me my drink, and I pretend to sip it while looking for a place to put it down.
Avoiding drinking is turning out to be a pain in the butt until I can tell him about the baby.
At that thought, my elation diminishes. What will Aaron think about the baby? I want to be excited about it, but not knowing his response is making it complicated. He may be happy about the baby if he genuinely has felt like his PR rep says.
As we walk into the theater, arm in arm, I feel proud to be with Aaron, fake engagement and all. I'll worry about his reaction to the baby tomorrow.
Chapter Nineteen
Aaron
