Home

Chapter 3

At the same time...Los Angeles, CA

Waverly sat in the back of the limousine across from Champ, lost in her thoughts. She couldn't believe she was getting ready to walk the red carpet for the very first time. This was everything she wanted for herself, wasn't it? She had made it. She was a star. But why didn't she feel like a star. All she felt was sadness. She had a void that no amount of stardom, money, or fancy friends could fill.

She jumped when she felt a rough hand brush against her cheek, pulling her from her inner turmoil.

"Relax babe, it just me," Champ said as he looked at her with kind, understanding eyes. "I know how you are feeling. The first time definitely gets the good old nerves going in overdrive!" He slid next to her and put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her into him. "I promise it gets easier."

Waverly scoffed, not sure she would ever get used to this. The fame was one thing. She expected that. It was everything else that went along with it. She just never thought every aspect of her private life would be scripted now, too.

As if he were reading her mind, Champ turned to look Waverly in the eyes. "Hey, it's just acting. We are playing our parts. Just be happy that we actually like each other and get along!" He laughed, "Can you imagine doing this with me if I were an intolerable douchebag?"

Waverly shoved him on the shoulder before embracing him in a comforting hug. "Good point", she mumbled into his shoulder. "I am very lucky in that respect. I do love you, you know?"

"I know. I love you, too. You are my best friend."

Waverly smiled and grabbed his hand. "Well, let's go give them what they want."

He tugged on her hand gently, causing her to look back at him. "Just remember," he said. "This is our first official event as a couple, so they are going to want to pry. Big time. If you don't feel comfortable I'll take the lead, okay?"

Waverly nodded and turned, disappearing out of the door.

Champ smiled and followed Waverly out of the limousine, senses overloaded by the flashbulb frenzy of the paparazzi and the shouting from the adoring fans who couldn't wait to see their favorite Hollywood 'It' couple.

"Waverly!" "Champ" "Look this way!" "Over here!"

The competing shouts for their attention overwhelmed them as they approached the entertainment reporters lining the entrance to the theater.

They stopped in front of the reporter from Entertainment Nightly for their obligatory statements. After the usual questions about the film the reporter finally built up the nerve to get to what she had been clearly dying to ask all night.

"So, now that we've gotten the formalities out of the way," she paused and looked at Champ and Waverly, a mischievous smile spreading across her face, "your fans are dying to know, Waverly...are the rumors about Champ true? Is he as much of a gentleman in the bedroom as he is out of it?"

Champ could feel Waverly tense at the question. He released his grip on her hand and placed his arm around her waist, pulling her gently into him. "If you don't mind, I'll take that question," Champ said as he felt Waverly relax into him. He matched the mischievous smile of the reporter before uttering "No comment". He swiftly ushered Waverly away from the reporter before she could fire back a response, chuckling to himself. He leaned over to Waverly's ear and whispered "Are you okay?"

She nodded before telling him she just needed a minute to collect herself. Waverly stepped aside, out of the sight of the reporters and cameras, reaching into her clutch and pulling out her phone. Waverly stared at it, contemplating what she was actually considering doing at that moment. She knew it wasn't fair, but it was like she was acting on instinct. She needed to do it. Her voice is the only thing that is going to get her through the night. Waverly unlocked her phone and pulled up the all-too-familiar contact that she had stared at many nights since she left her hometown. But this time, she actually followed through and pushed the button.

She wasn't surprised that Nicole didn't answer. Why would she after how Waverly treated her? But Waverly was disappointed nonetheless. In that moment, Waverly decided she had to see Nicole so made up her mind. She was going home. And that was exactly what she told Nicole, well, Nicole's voicemail, before Champ called her back to reality. Without thinking it through, Waverly whispered "I miss you so much" as she hung up. Out loud. She said that out loud. On a voicemail. To Nicole. God Waverly, you are so stupid sometimes, she thought to herself as she rejoined Champ.

"Hey, you okay?" he whispered as he pulled her in close to him.

She looked up at him, grateful for having such a kind and understanding person in her life. "I will be, thanks."

Champ leaned down and kissed Waverly on her cheek, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
*********
The next day

Champ sat with Waverly as she waited for her Uber. "Are you sure you don't want me to drive you? I really don't mind at all. I don't have anything going on today and my family isn't getting into town until tomorrow. They are bummed they are going to miss seeing you, by the way."

"I know, I'm sorry. This was such a last minute thing but I really need to do this. Besides, I haven't seen my family in over a year and I really miss them."

"I understand. I'll see you when you get back...and I better be the first person you call when you get back. I don't want to have to learn about anything in the tabloids!" Champ laughed and pulled Waverly into a hug, kissing her on top of her head.

"Same here," she joked with him. "Just don't let the paparazzi catch you messing around on me, you hear?" She winked at him and grabbed her bag as the Uber approached the gate. "Thanks for everything, Champ. I don't care what they say about you. You are the best."

"Gee, thanks for the compliment," he laughed as he closed the door behind her.