Chapter 25. Under The Stars
950 Words
As the doors of the lifted limousine closed behind them, Jack
felt a wave of exhilaration wash over him. The soft hum of the
engine filled the air, and the interior was awash with a gentle
glow from the ambient lighting. He glanced at Missi, who was
adjusting her hair in the mirrored panel that stretched across
the ceiling. The sight of her, so effortlessly beautiful, sent his
heart racing. They were finally on their way to the red carptet and everything felt surreal. “Are you ready for this?” Missi asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Jack nodded, trying to suppress the nervous energy bubbling within him. “I’ve never done anything like this before,” he
admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s all a bit
overwhelming.” Missi laughed lightly, and the sound was like music to his ears. “Just be yourself. That’s all anyone wants. And trust me, you’re
going to look fantastic walking down that red carpet.”
With that, the limo began to move, gliding smoothly through
the streets. Jack watched as the city zipped by
outside the tinted windows, the lights of the buildings and the
flickering neon signs creating a dazzling backdrop. He felt a
rush of gratitude for this moment, for the chance to share it
with someone as remarkable as Missi.
As they approached the venue, the excitement in the air
became palpable. The streets were lined with fans, reporters,
and photographers, all eagerly awaiting the arrival of stars.
Jack could see the flash of cameras and hear the distant
murmur of the crowd. His heart raced faster, and he turned to
Missi, who was now gazing out the window, her expression a
mix of anticipation and calm“Are you nervous?” he asked, genuinely curious. “A little,” she confessed, turning to him with a smile. “But
mostly excited. This is part of my job, and I love it. It’s a
chance to celebrate the hard work we’ve all put in.”
Jack admired her poise. “You make it look so easy.”
Missi shrugged, a playful grin on her face. “It’s all about the
confidence, right? Just like JoJo said.” Jack chuckled, remembering JoJo’s words. “I guess I’ll have to channel my inner star tonight.”
As the limo slowed to a stop, the reality of the moment hit him
like a wave. They had arrived. The venue loomed ahead, a
grand structure adorned with shimmering lights and a massive
banner announcing the awards. Jack’s pulse quickened as he
took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
“Ready?” Missi asked, her voice soft yet firm.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” he replied, his heart pounding in his
chest. Missi reached for the door handle, but Jack placed his hand
over hers. “Wait,” he said, looking into her eyes. “Can I just
say… Thank you for being here with me. This means a lot.”
Her expression softened, and she squeezed his hand. “I’m
glad you’re here too, Jack. It wouldn’t be half as fun without
you.”With that, they shared a moment of unspoken understanding,
a connection that deepened in the stillness before the storm
of lights and cameras. Finally, Jack opened the door, and as
they stepped out into the chaos of the red carpet, he felt a
surge of adrenaline.
The moment they emerged, the world around them erupted
into a frenzy of flashes and cheers. Reporters shouted
questions, fans waved signs, and the atmosphere buzzed with
excitement. Jack instinctively reached for Missi’s hand,
intertwining their fingers as they walked forward together, the
cameras capturing every step they took. “Missi! Over here!” a voice called out, and she turned to smile at the flashing bulbs, her confidence radiating. Jack felt a mixture of pride and awe as he watched her effortlessly
navigate the attention. He was, after all, just a mechanic from
a small town, and here he was, standing beside a Hollywood
star.They paused for a moment, allowing the photographers to
capture their image. Missi leaned closer to Jack, whispering,
“Just smile and look natural.”
Jack did his best, flashing a grin that felt a bit awkward but
genuine. He was acutely aware of the way her presence
seemed to draw all the attention, and he felt a warmth
spreading through him, knowing he was right there beside her.
As they made their way down the carpet, Missi greeted fellow actors and actresses, exchanging friendly waves and quick
hugs. Jack stood slightly behind her, soaking in the spectacle
of it all. He admired the elegant gowns and sharp tuxedos, the
glimmering jewelry, and the vibrant personalities that
surrounded him. Yet, amidst all the glamour, his focus
remained on Missi, who appeared to shine even brighter than
the stars around her. “Jack! Over here!” A photographer called out, gesturing for them to pose. Missi turned to him, her eyes sparkling with
mischief. “Let’s give them something to talk about.”
Before Jack could fully process her words, Missi pulled him
closer, wrapping her arms around his neck, and leaned in for a
playful kiss on the cheek. The cameras went wild, capturing
the moment. Jack felt his cheeks heat up, a mix of
embarrassment and delight flooding through him.
“See? That wasn’t so hard!” Missi laughed, her voice light and
teasing as they continued down the carpet.
With each step, Jack felt more at ease. The initial nerves
began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of belonging. He was
here with Missi, and this was their moment.
- Writer
