Night Changes

France - Day One

Anna paces back and forth in my room, her long gown flowing out from behind her. "I don't know if I can do this."

"Anna, it's okay." I gently say, trying not to move as Tânia curls the ends of my hair.

"I don't know why I'm getting myself worked up." She huffs. "I've been around these people so many times! Why is tonight of all nights so stressful?"

"Because it's a premiere of your movie! I'm sure everyone is going to love it." I assure her.

Even though we've been to several premieres for the film, there were going to be several of Anna's close friends, other authors, critics, and fans attending this premiere.

I could understand why she was under a lot of pressure, but everyone loved her, and they believed in this story. I knew she was going to be okay.

Part of me wished I could tell her I knew how she felt, being under tons of pressure to keep the "keeping things professional between Hero and I" act up. But I didn't want to open that can of worms, especially with Maria sitting right next to me.

I could tell she was growing more and more aggravated with Hero and I's carelessness, but I was reaching the point of not giving a damn what anyone said or thought.

At this point, I knew I was all in with Hero.

Our relationship was far out of Maria's grasp by now.

"You're right." Anna says, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Never mind about me, how're you feeling?"

"A lot better." I tell her. "Still a bit tired, but I should be fully functioning by tomorrow."

That was a good thing, because Hero and I were scheduled for interviews tomorrow, as well as some sightseeing and a signing. I was not about to pass up another opportunity of enjoying this time with him while I had it.

I couldn't help but keep the idea of what's going to happen to us after this tour in the back of my mind. I knew if I thought too deeply about it, I would say or do something I regretted. But in case something was to happen, or perhaps one of us lands a project straight out of wrapping the tour, I wanted to have these moments with him to hold onto for the time being.

"Good. We're supposed to see the Eiffel Tower tomorrow. I'm so excited." Anna grins.

"That sounds fun." I say, lifting myself from the bed so I could get dressed.

"I'll give you a minute." Anna tells me before stepping out of my room.

"This one is a bit different, but I think you'll like it." Tara tells me.

My outfit for tonight was a black tulle netted dress with red roses and green leaves stitched into the fabric. Underneath the sheer netting of the dress was a sleeveless black body suit that rested just above my thighs.

I strap on a pair of black velvet heels before Tânia applies a shade of red lipstick, the final touch to my makeup.

"Brilliant." Tara says, nodding to herself in confirmation. "I knew I'd like this on you."

It wasn't a traditional styled dress, but I loved its sophistication and complexity.

"I'm bringing an extra outfit just in case." She informs me, lifting a bag onto her shoulder. "It may not seem like it, but that dress can get overwhelmingly hot."

Hero and Anna are waiting for me as usual when I come out of my room. Hero wore a silk black suit, the jacket buttoning off to the side. His hair was styled to perfection, and his overall presence gave off an alluring vibe.