No Matter What

by Michelle Betham

  A knock at the door made them jump apart.

  “India? It’s Terry. Are you in there?”

  Kenny gave her one last, lingering kiss before walking over to the door, opening it and smiling at Terry, winking at India as he left them to it.

  Terry watched him leave, kicking the door shut behind him. “What was he doing in here?”

  “Wishing me luck.”

  Terry looked at his sister. Kenny’s influence was written all over her but he couldn’t deny she looked beautiful. Not your average red-carpet outfit but she carried it off effortlessly. There was nothing of their mother in her at all and he could only assume that her father had been one hell of a good looking bloke.

  “Come here, you.” He smiled at her as she came over for a hug. “I’m so proud of you India, you know that, don’t you?”

  “Even if I have given you endless sleepless nights and tons of worry?”

  “I’m starting to learn it comes with the territory. I just want you to be happy.”

  “I am happy, Terry. I’m very happy.”

  He kissed her forehead. “Don’t you forget, though, I’m your brother and anytime you need me, anytime at all you just call me, ok?”

  “Ok.”

  He gave her one more hug. “So, what was he doing in here?”

  “You just can’t stop yourself, can you?” India checked herself one last time in the mirror. “He was just wishing me luck, like I said.” Just not in a way her brother needed to know about. “I really wish you’d just talk to him, Terry.”

  He didn’t say anything to that and she turned around to look at him, watching him fiddle with his watch. She’d always took that as a sign he was nervous about something. “Everything ok with you and Charley?”

  She still found it hard to believe that her brother and Charley were an item now. But then, she herself had proved that things you think will never happen sometimes just do.

  Charley seemed to have changed though. She didn’t seem like the same girl India had left behind in Newcastle and this foray into the world of glamour modelling concerned her. Charley might think she knew what she was doing but did she really have anyone looking out for her?

  “Everything’s fine,” Terry replied, sticking his hands in his pockets.

  India wasn’t 100% convinced by her brother’s answer but she decided not to dig any further. There wasn’t time anyway; they really had to be going.

  “Come on then,” she said, taking a deep breath as she walked over to him, taking one of his hands and giving it a quick squeeze. “Go get Charley and let’s get this show on the road.”

  CHAPTER 9

  The noise was deafening. She’d never heard anything like it. As they turned the corner leading up to the theatre India could hear the shouts and screams getting even louder, the clicking of the cameras, the lights and the people - the immense amount of people - suddenly coming into view.

  She looked out of the limo window at the huge movie poster that seemed to fill the sky - a poster of her and Kenny - and it seemed so unreal that that was her up there. But she felt no nerves, nerves were pointless. Whatever happened would happen and she might as well enjoy this night. She may never get another one like it.

  Kenny gave her hand a squeeze, bringing it up to his mouth, kissing it gently. “It’s gonna be ok, babe,” he smiled.

  She smiled back. “Yeah. I know.”

  The limo slowly drew to a halt and, before she had time to think about anything, the door opened, the lights of the camera flashes almost blinding her.

  Kenny got out first, holding out his hand for her to take and she gripped it tight as she stepped out of the car, clinging onto him as a wall of sound hit her head on, a cacophony of people yelling out their names. They were being shouted at from all angles, asked to turn this way and that way until it made her head spin. It was crazy, total madness but it was exhilarating! Everyone seemed to want a glimpse of her, to see who this new, young movie-star-in-waiting was. Every photographer wanted her picture, but they wanted her picture with Kenny even more.

  They were being told where to go, where to stand as people guided them towards the photographers and reporters that were lining the red carpet and she never let go of Kenny once. She wasn’t brave enough just yet, but with him beside her she could do this. She knew she could. She could do it. India Steven was living the dream and she never wanted to wake up.

  ***

  Reece was close behind India and Kenny, watching the way everyone fell over themselves to get close to this brand new dream Hollywood pairing and none of it was a surprise to him. Their reactions were just what he’d expected because India looked amazing, although he’d been slightly taken aback at first at her choice of outfit, but nobody could deny she looked stunning. She wasn’t the scared and nervous girl he’d brought over from England anymore, but he had a feeling that this was the real India. This journey was bringing out who she really was, and if Kenny Ross was helping her find her true self then he couldn’t be all that bad, could he? Reece had to try and accept that. But he also needed to keep India within reach, that was imperative. He needed to keep her close, make sure she was safe, make sure she came to no harm. He didn’t want to interfere with her life; he didn’t want to take over. He just wanted to make sure she was ok.

  Photographers were shouting at him to have his picture taken with India and he watched as she reluctantly let go of Kenny and walked over to him. Was that just a hint of nerves creeping over her beautiful face just then?

  Reece pulled her close and felt her relax as he held her, telling her everything was fine, she was doing great, it was all going perfectly and she smiled up at him. This was the start of her new life, right here, right now; this was where it all began. And he’d be there with her every step of the way. Every single step.

  ***

  Michael felt sick. Did Kenny Ross have to hold her so close? Surely she was big enough to walk the red carpet on her own? Maybe he should have insisted he walk it with her, he was the director after all. Kenny Ross may be the star of this movie but Michael was the director, he was just as important, if not more so.

  He was finding it hard to concentrate if he was honest. Trying to focus his attention on the interviews he was supposed to be giving to various reporters along the red carpet was proving difficult when he didn’t want to take his eyes off India. She looked like something straight off the cover of a magazine; young and beautiful and different. That’s what was so special about her, she was different. Different to anyone else he’d ever wanted to be close to and that’s why he was desperate for her not to disappear from his life when all this was over. He couldn’t let that happen. He didn’t know if he’d be able to deal with her not being there. But if he had no reason to contact her, no reason to be around her then how could he make sure she’d always be there?

  That familiar punch to the stomach he felt every time he saw Kenny Ross touch her happened again as he watched India leave the side of Reece and go back to her young, handsome co-star. Kenny’s arm immediately fell back around her waist, his hand resting lightly on her hip, and Michael felt as though the pain was becoming unbearable. It was literally making his chest hurt. Was there something going on there? He didn’t know. He wished he did but he didn’t know. He knew they had an extremely close friendship, that was no secret, and even that bothered him. Why wasn’t he ten years younger? Why couldn’t he be to her what Kenny Ross was? But then, if she and Kenny were nothing but friends what was stopping him from making a move? Because she didn’t look at him that way, that’s why.

  He turned his attention back to the crowd, back to the job in hand, smiling as he realised she may not look at him that way right now, but that just meant he’d have to work that little bit harder. And Michael Walsh was no stranger to hard work. If he wanted something he usually got it. And he wanted India Steven.

  ***

  Terry had already gone inside the theatre. He was standing near the entrance, watching his sister as sh
e mingled with the other stars, talking to reporters with the ease of someone who’d been doing this sort of thing for years and it was a strange thing to watch. He’d never imagined her doing this. She’d always been the kind of person who hated being the centre of attention, despite her outgoing personality. Attention seeking was definitely more Charley’s bag. But she was right there now, someone who was commanding attention everywhere she went and she was handling it so well. She looked just like the professional young actress she was. And the movie star she was going to be.

  Kenny was never far from her side though, Terry noticed. Although glued to it would be a better description. But he had to remember this was their movie, they were the stars, they were going to be doing a lot of promotional work together, he had to get used to that. He just wished he was closer, wished he could keep a better eye on her. Being so far away in Britain when she was here in L.A. wasn’t something he felt comfortable with.

  “You worry about her, don’t you?”

  Terry turned to see Reece Brogan standing next to him, and he couldn’t help but flinch slightly at the close proximity of such a famous movie star. He still couldn’t quite get used to being in L.A. “Of course I do. I’m her brother. And we’ve really only got each other.”

  “What about your parents?” Reece asked, watching India as she talked to a TV reporter. She’d taken to this so naturally. She was born to do it, but he already knew that.

  Terry looked back out at the crowded red carpet. “Hasn’t she told you anything?” he replied, starting to fiddle with his watch again. It was becoming a nervous habit.

  “She’s told me you don’t have the same father. That she doesn’t know who her real father is.”

  “Then you’ll understand that she needs looking after.”

  Reece nodded. “I want her to be ok too, Terry. I’m only looking out for her, you have to believe that. There’s nothing sinister going on. I just want her to be ok.”

  Terry relaxed slightly. He really had to start letting himself do that. Some things he just couldn’t control, no matter how much he wanted to. Reece had done nothing but care for his sister since she’d moved over here; finding her somewhere to live, making sure she got the right advice, saw the right people. Maybe he should cut him a bit of slack and start trusting him. If he couldn’t be there to keep an eye on India then maybe Reece could do that job for him.

  “It might take some of the weight off you shoulders,” Reece said, almost reading Terry’s mind. “She really will be ok. I’ll make sure of that.”

  Terry smiled, holding out his hand for Reece to shake. “Thanks.”

  Reece smiled back, glad that Terry was finally letting someone in. He needed India’s brother’s trust more than anything.

  “It’s my pleasure. Come on. Let’s go and get a drink.”

  One step at a time, thought Reece, as he followed Terry to the bar. One little step at a time.

  ***

  Charley was irritated. They’d been herded up that red carpet like they didn’t matter, and Terry had told her they didn’t, in reality. Nobody was there to see them. They wanted India, Kenny, Reece and Michael. But Charley wanted to be noticed too, especially here in L.A. The city of dreams. Because she had dreams too, didn’t Terry realise that?

  They were all inside the theatre now, photographers and reporters still milling around looking for that perfect picture, that exclusive interview and she’d tried to make sure she was seen, tried to get close to Kenny Ross especially, but anyone who might provide a photo opportunity was fair game to Charley.

  She’d been grateful to India for bringing her forward and introducing her to a couple of people as her close friend from England, although she wished she’d told them she was a model, let her talk to some of these people for a bit longer. Everything was so busy, moving along at such breakneck speed that Charley was finding it hard to keep up with it all, and even Terry had disappeared now.

  She stood up on her tip-toes, scanning the room, suddenly spotting Kenny Ross on his own. Grabbing her chance she made her way over to him, moving alongside him, gently bumping into him with her handbag as nonchalantly as she could manage.

  He looked around, recognition taking a few seconds to sink in.

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” Charley said, smiling at him.

  He gave her a small smile back as he finally recognised India’s friend. “Charley, isn’t it? You having a good time?”

  “It’s amazing! I’ve never experienced anything like this before!”

  Shut up Charley, she thought, you’re gushing.

  He was still smiling at her, and the jealousy she felt at India being so close to this man washed over her with an intensity she’d never felt before.

  “India’s handling it like a professional though, don’t you think?” Kenny asked, looking around the room as if searching for her.

  Why did he have to start talking about India again? She’d had a whole speech planned and now he’d thrown her right off track.

  “Oh, great, just what I need,” Charley muttered under her breath as India ran over to Kenny, almost flinging herself into his arms, and Charley felt that stab of jealousy again. She couldn’t help it. They way they were with each other, it was something she’d kill for.

  “Charley!” India squealed, all smiles and Californian tan. And what was with that outfit anyway? Both of them looked like they should be at a rock concert not a red carpet premiere. But then, India had never really had much sense of style, Charley thought, pulling the hem of her dress down slightly.

  “Come over here and talk to Vince,” India went on. “You’ll like Vince. He’s Michael’s co-producer and business partner and he owns this amazing hotel in Las Vegas. We always wanted to go to Vegas, didn’t we? Maybe if we’re nice to him he’ll give us some free rooms, huh?”

  She grabbed Charley’s hand and pulled her away from Kenny, dragging her over to meet Vince Maine, and all Charley could do was run with it. She’d bide her time, and that time would come. Charley would make sure of that.

  CHAPTER 10

  The screening was over and the post-premiere party was in full swing. It was crawling with famous faces Terry recognised and it had to be the most surreal experience he could remember having in a long time. All these people he’d seen in magazines and movies, and they were just feet away from him. He was finding it all a bit weird, especially as his sister was now one of them. She was a movie star! And if the movie he’d just watched was anything to go by she was going to be a very big movie star. Where the hell had she got that talent from?

  He took another swig of beer and watched his little sister as she flitted from person to person, a smile never leaving her face. Watching her up there on the big screen had been a strange experience. It was hard to believe that just a few months ago she’d been an ordinary legal secretary living an ordinary life in an ordinary city. Now she was on the road to becoming a Hollywood actress and it was still quite hard to take in.

  He’d been so sceptical when she’d told him all about Reece and coming over to L.A., he’d been more than suspicious of everything, but it looked as though she’d proved him and all those other doubters wrong.

  He grabbed another beer from a passing waiter and watched India as she joined Kenny Ross to talk to a group of journalists, slipping her hand down the back pocket of his leather jeans. Was there something going on there that he didn’t know about?

  “Go and get me a drink will you, Terry?” Charley appeared by his side, twirling her long dark hair round her finger.

  “When did I become your bloody slave?”

  She looked at him, giving him one of her best smiles, kissing him quickly.

  “Go on, babe. My feet are killing me in these shoes.”

  He wasn’t sure he believed that one considering she’d done nothing but spend this entire party wandering around and talking to people. Why didn’t she sit down if they were hurting her that much?

  “What do you want then?” he sighed, sudd
enly feeling very tired. They were back on a ‘plane and back home to the U.K. tomorrow and he was quite looking forward to getting back to normality. Whatever that was, he wasn’t quite sure anymore. He couldn’t keep up with the pace of things round here though, that was for sure.

  “Any of those fabulous cocktails will do,” Charley smiled, watching him leave before turning her attention back to the room. She’d been talking to a lovely man who claimed he owned his own movie company and he’d been really impressed with her. He’d told her she had what it took to be a star thus proving her right. She’d known it was only a matter of time before somebody spotted her potential.

  She turned his business card over in her fingers before sliding it discreetly down the front of her dress, smiling to herself. He wanted her to come back to L.A. and do a screen test and she hadn’t had to think twice. She had everything planned already. She’d go back to the U.K. with Terry, grab everything she needed, and come back here as soon as she could. It wouldn’t hurt to get a few more photographs taken while she was back in Britain though, maybe do a couple more modelling jobs. The more exposure she could get the better.

  A wave of excitement coursed through her as she thought about what the future might hold. Maybe one day she’d get her chance to walk the red carpet just like India. And maybe one day she’d also get the chance to walk that red carpet with Kenny Ross. He’d see sense, she figured. He’d soon see that India wasn’t the exciting one; he’d see she wasn’t the one he should be hanging around with.

  Shaking her hair out and fluffing it up, making sure her dress was positioned over her greatest assets just right, she smiled to herself once more. Time for one last mingle with this Hollywood crowd; make sure they knew her name, because, when she came back to L.A., she was going to make sure they never forgot it.