My parents are one of Hollywood’s golden couples, and attending industry events was the norm for Reeve and me growing up. Mom has won several Oscar nominations and awards for her acting, and Dad’s trophy collection isn’t too shabby either. Last year, he took home the Golden Globe and the Oscar for best director. What’s even more noteworthy is the fact they are happily married and they genuinely adore one another. They manage to have successful careers and a successful relationship, and that’s not an easy feat in Hollywood.
They are my idols, and I look up to them in so many ways.
“That had better be a joke, young lady,” Mom says, finally letting Reeve go. Her vibrant green eyes pin me in place, and I know she’s semi-serious.
It’s not a joke though. Those events can get crazy, and Reeve and I always found a way to sneak some champagne. As we’ve gotten older, my parents have let us drink on special occasions, but it’s strictly one glass. I’m sure they know we drink when we’re out with our friends, but they don’t hassle us about it too much.
My dad squeezes Reeve on the shoulder as he offers his congratulations. I give Mom a quick hug. “Thanks for doing this.”
“Has he even called him?” she whispers.
I shake my head, and she sighs. “Felicia would be so disappointed in Simon,” she adds, careful to keep her voice down so Reeve doesn’t overhear. “This is a big milestone in Reeve’s life, and his father should be here.”
“He should, but I can’t say I’m surprised. He always lets him down.”
I hate Simon Lancaster.
I really do.
Even when he is around, he’s absent. He’s cold and selfish, and Reeve is usually an afterthought to him. Simon is a few years older than my mom but a few years younger than my dad, and he’s still a very handsome man. As head of Studio 27, one of Hollywood’s most reputable production studios, Simon Lancaster is a busy man and a desirable catch. If he’s not burning the midnight oil, he’s bumping uglies with his latest fuck buddy. I haven’t mentioned it to Mom—as I’m fearful she would stop me from staying over at Reeve’s—but we have regularly run into naked women roaming the house at all hours.
It disgusts me and upsets Reeve, and anyone who upsets my love is an automatic addition to my shit list.
“A toast,” Dad says, drawing Mom and me back into the conversation.
I walk to my boyfriend, wrapping my arm around his back as his arm encircles my shoulders. My parents mirror our position, and we raise our glasses. “To Reeve. May your star shine bright and your career ascend dizzy heights.”
We all clink glasses.
“We’re so proud of you, Reeve,” Mom adds. “Not just for winning such a prestigious role but for the man you are becoming. It’s been a pleasure watching you grow up.”
A messy ball of emotion clogs my throat as my parents shower my boyfriend with love.
I definitely won the parent lottery, and I couldn’t be more grateful for all the ways they have nurtured and protected me while still giving me space to make my own choices and decisions. More than that, they have set the best example in the beautiful way they love one another. My whole life, I have aspired to a love like theirs, and I know I have found that in Reeve. It’s remarkable in any situation, but especially with the industry we’ve grown up in where constant affairs and quickie divorces are the norm.
My parents are true role models, and I love the relationship I have with them. Sure, they piss me off at times, all parents do, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
“Thank you so much,” Reeve says, his voice sounding choked up. He waves his hand around. “Not just for this but for everything.”
“You’re family,” Dad simply says, running a hand through his brown hair. Strands of gray have appeared lately, and I love that he’s not hiding them. It only makes him look more distinguished, and more handsome, though I could be biased. Some of the staff carry steaming plates of food into the room as we talk. “You’re as much our son as Vivien is our daughter. There will always be a place for you at this table and in our home.”
I swipe at the errant tears leaking out of my eyes, while Reeve steers me over to the table.
“Can I adopt your parents?” he whispers, holding my chair out for me. “I don’t think I can wait until we’re married to make it official.”
I smile, kissing him softly before claiming my seat.
“I’m hearing a lot of buzz about your movie,” Mom says a few minutes later when we are all seated and diving into a gorgeous steak dinner.
“Me too,” Dad says, in between bites. “It’ll be interesting to see how the public at large engages with a darker young adult movie.”
“It’s going to push boundaries, for sure.” I take a sip of my sparkling water. “I hope they remain true to the books. They are so good.” When Reeve first auditioned for the role a couple of months ago, I bought all the books in the Rydeville Elite series, and I literally could not put them down.
“Me too, and from what I’ve seen so far, they seem determined to remain as authentic as possible. I’m hella excited to play this part.”
“Cam is such an asshole in Cruel Intentions,” I say, cutting my steak into bite-sized pieces, “and he is so different from you. It will definitely stretch you out of your comfort zone.”
“That’s one of the reasons I wanted the part so bad.”
“Is the contract for one movie only or with an option for more?” Mom asks.
“One with the option of another two,” Reeve confirms. “And the author has written more books about other couples, so if it proves popular, it could turn into a franchise and keep going for years.”
“Be careful you don’t get pigeonholed,” Dad warns. “Look at how much Robert Pattinson struggled after the Twilight franchise.”
“Jon.” Mom drills a look at Dad. “Don’t rain on Reeve’s parade.” She smiles across the table at my boyfriend. “That would be a great problem to have, and you are young enough and talented enough to break out of any mold.”
“If it comes down to it, I would value your advice.” Reeve places his silverware down on his empty plate.
“We are always here for you,” Mom says. “And my offer to talk to Margaret still stands.” Margaret Andre is Mom’s long-term agent, and she is well-respected and well-known in the industry. She comes from a long line of Andres who worked in the industry, and she only takes on a select number of clients. Mom had offered to speak to her on Reeve’s behalf last year when he ditched his old agent, but he wanted to find new representation himself. While I don’t like Bianca Remington—Reeve’s new agent—I can’t deny she has pulled out all the stops for him. As long as she has his best interests at heart, I can tolerate her surgically enhanced resting bitchface.
“Thanks, Lauren, but I’m happy with Bianca right now. You should have seen her in the negotiations this morning. I can see how she has earned her rottweiler reputation.”
“Have they cast your leading lady yet?” Dad asks.
Reeve shakes his head. “They are having trouble casting Abby. They have rejected all the girls I tested with. However, there is someone they are talking to currently who they are very interested in. I’ll be filming a few scenes with her next week to see if we have chemistry.”