Page 146 of Reel Love

We drive to the studio and are met there by Caroline. Alana is expecting Rex. She is definitely not expecting me. Caroline leads us into the backstage area of the studio. A monitor near the entrance to the actual soundstage shows Alana sitting alone on a couch facing an empty loveseat. Rex walks past me, patting me on the back as he strides out onto the stage toward the couch where Alana is sitting.

I’m hidden from her sight for now.

Next, Sharla Gibson, the host of the talk show, appears from the opposite entryway. She walks on stage and takes her seat across from Alana and Rex.

I think I’m numb. I’m standing offstage, two world-famous stars and one of America’s favorite talk show hosts less than forty feet away from me. I’m just a simple marine biologist who fell in love playingPlay on Words. Yet, here I am. This is now my life. And I’m going to fight for it—fight for her, the woman I love.

Brigitte steps up next to me. “You know when to walk out, right?”

“Yes. When Sharla says, ‘special surprise guest.’”

“Exactamundo. You’ve got this.”

“Thanks.”

On the set, Sharla says something to Alana and Rex. I can’t tell what because her mic isn’t on yet.

Brigitte squeezes my shoulder.

The cameraman gives a countdown and the show goes live.

“Well, America!” Sharla says in a very cheerful talk-show-host voice. “I have such a surprise for you today. Although, looking at the couch across from me, I’m guessing my surprise is mostly out of the bag. Today, it is my distinct pleasure to be hosting two of America’s hottest stars. With me are Alana Graves and Rex Fordham, the co-stars of the upcoming soon-to-be box-office smash,Blasted. And we’re all counting the days tilthat releases. But Rex and Alana are not here to talk about the movie today.

“No. Today we’re going to take an exclusive peek behind the very private and usually well-guarded doors of Alana’s love life.” Sharla turns from the camera, toward the couch across from her. “Alana, Rex, welcome.”

Alana is the embodiment of poise and confidence. “Thank you, Sharla. It’s a pleasure to be here.”

Rex smiles broadly at Sharla. “I wouldn’t miss this interview for anything.”

Alana gives Rex a barely perceptible questioning glance over her shoulder.

“Well, before we get into things, I have another surprise for everyone,” Sharla says with a wide smile. “A very special surprise guest!”

I glance quickly toward Brigitte. She gives me a thumbs up and I walk onto the soundstage.

Alana’s face morphs from confusion to concern. Our eyes lock and her mouth pops open for a beat, then she regains her stage presence and schools her features into a mask of neutrality, but her eyes never leave mine.

“Come join us, Stevens!” Sharla nearly shouts.

Rex scoots over so the spot on the couch between him and Alana is open to me.

Sharla turns toward the cameras and talks to the television audience who are watching live. “Alana had no idea Stevens was coming here today, so let’s give her a moment to get over the shock. Meanwhile, I’m going to introduce you to the man who many of you may have heard discussing sea cucumbers with Alana just yesterday. America, get ready to fall for a marine biologist! This is Stevens.”

“My fifteen minutes of fame,” I joke. “And I spent it discussing the finer points of the sea cucumber.”

Rex chuckles to my right. Alana is still quiet, looking at mewith an expression that isn’t quite as extreme as when I first walked out. I smile a reassuring smile at her.

“So, Stevens, do you mind if I give a little backstory here?” Sharla asks.

“Be my guest.”

I lift my arm and drape it behind Alana. She reflexively leans into me.

But then she turns and mumbles under her breath, “What are you doing here?”

I lean into her so that my mouth is near her ear and my lips can’t be read by anyone watching the show. “I’m making what Brigitte calls a grand gesture.”

Alana shakes her head in disbelief. A soft smile spreads across her face.

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