Step Out
1102 Words
Kensley insisted on driving so Ida found herself fidgeting in the passenger seat glancing intermittently at him, unsure how to break the awkward silence.
“Um, thanks for what you did earlier.” Her voice came out as a stuttering whisper.
Kensley’s face was grim and his lips pursed tight. Ida fumbled with her fingers, her mind racing for something to say. Clearing her throat, she tried again.
“I wanted to apologize for not telling you about the dinner earlier… I… didn’t want you to see that.” Her voice trailed off. She swiped at the edge of her eyes, forcefully composing herself.
“Are you okay?”
Ida nodded, comforted by his soft tone. “Yeah.”
Kensley, with his eyes on the road, gently said, “You’re a Hendricks now. If anyone bullies you, tell me and I’ll set them straight.”
Ida whispered, “Okay.”
The two sunk back into silence to calm their tumultuous emotions.
***
Weeks passed and Ida found herself growing more comfortable with Kensley. For the first time, she didn’t feel the need to bristle and point her spikes out at the world. Through careful observation, she realized that Kensley never spoke a harsh word to her and he made it a point to compliment her whenever he got a chance. Their interactions became pleasant and she started to look forward to their daily meals together.
It was one of these evenings that Kensley cleared his throat. Ida looked up from her salad to meet his gaze.
“They finally have a premiere date for my latest movie.”
Ida wiped her mouth and gave a soft smile. “Congratulations.”
Kensley nodded. “Thanks. I was wondering if you would accompany me to the showing.”
Ida froze.
Kensley licked his lips and began again. He unconsciously rubbed the simple band on his ring finger with his thumb as he said, “Everyone has been wondering who I married. I know you don’t like the public eye but I’ve been waiting to show off my lovely wife.”
Ida took a deep breath to compose herself before speaking. “Okay.”
Kensley blinked rapidly in shock as if he was prepared to spend hours convincing her. His eyes brightened as a smile spread across his face. “Really?!”
Ida nodded.
Kensley reached over and took her hand, giving her a light squeeze. “Thank you, honey! It means so much to me. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help! We should also coordinate our outfits. Oh and–”
As Kensley rambled on excitedly, Ida resumed eating, lost in her thoughts. Going out in public was the least she could do. After Kensley’s altercation at the Jacques’ estate, relations between Kensley and Jason are strained to put it nicely. The band of four now became a band of three with Jason and Kensley alternating– the two never coming together. John had called Ida to ask her to mediate so she mentioned it to Kensley in passing but he just huffed: “I’ll reconcile with him as soon as he apologizes to you.” Jason, being a spiteful brat, refused to bow his head and so the war of nerves waged on.
Ida felt guilty, thinking that Kensley’s relationship with her brother would have never soured if it wasn’t for her so she told herself she would grant Kensley a wish, whatever it was. Although appearing before the public eye was concerning, it wasn’t like she had to go in bare face. Makeup is her armor and sharp wit is her sword. There was nothing to be afraid of.
***
“Why did I agree to this?!” Ida whimpered for the fifth time. She fixed her pearl earrings and smoothed her necklace, checking her face in the mirror again. Her makeup was bold but not ostentatious and her gold dress was classy, tastefully hiding her form. She gave one more look at her reflection and gave a definite nod in a bid to hypnotize herself.
“You got this. There’s no backing out now.”
Taking her clutch, she walked out of the bedroom and down the hall towards the stairs where she knew Kensley was waiting below. She let out a short breath and took a confident step.
Kensley’s head turned upwards when he heard her approaching and when their eyes met, he let out a low murmur.
“Wow.”
He extended a hand and Ida blushed as she placed her hand in his. Kensley helped her down the last two steps and pulled her close, leaning down to murmur in her ear.
“Who is this goddess I have in my arms?”
Ida snorted but couldn’t hide her smile. “Oh stop it. You’re wrinkling my dress.”
Kensley smirked. “Certainly, my love.” Straightening up, he took her hand and placed it on the crook of his arm to escort her to the waiting limousine.
Once they were comfortably seated, Kensley gave her a serious look. “I know you’re familiar with being in the public eye as Sophia but you have never been harassed by the paparazzi. Make sure to stay by my side at all times and I’ll steer you away from those bloody hyenas.
Ida nodded. “Thank you.”
Kensley nodded deftly and after a short pause, he patted her hands again. “Thanks again for coming out of your comfort zone, dear. I know it’s not easy for you.”
Ida didn’t say anything but gave him a knowing smile. The two made small talk until the car slowed down. Ida noticed the flashing lights outside the tinted windows and felt her chest tighten as her breathing increased.
Kensley took her hand and squeezed it again, his eyes full of worry. “Ida, are you okay?”
Ida pursed her lips and forcefully composed herself. “Yes. I’m fine.”
Kensley looked doubtful. “We can go home. It’s not a big deal.”
Ida shook her head, straightened her back, and locked eyes with him. “No, I’m fine. Let’s go.”
Kensley paused once more then let out a resigned sigh. “Alright. If you don’t feel comfortable, we can leave anytime, okay? Are you ready?”
Ida nodded.
The door swung open and Kensley stepped out first, blocking her from the flashing cameras before leaning back and extending his hand gallantly towards her, a beautiful smile gracing his features.
Ida took a deep breath and took his hand to step out.
- Writer
