Chapter 9 - Jordan W.

Jordan looked out of the SUV's tinted back window. He heard the hoards of cheering fans lined up along the red carpet waiting in great anticipation for him to step out. Just three days earlier, he'd imagined Alex sitting next to him, brushing something off of his collar and giving him a kiss before the vehicle door opened. Holding hands, they would have walked the red carpet together, bashfully smiling when people asked if they were officially a couple. This is new, but it's definitely special, Jordan had planned on saying to reporters about his relationship, with Alex. But that was all a fantasy, now.

Promoting the film was exhausting. He was doing three to four interviews and appearances a day, and once tonight's premiere was over, he would be packing fast to catch a red-eye to New York for more promotion before the movie's release. Jordan didn't mind all the work, though. The best thing about being so busy was that he had plenty to distract him from thinking about Alex. He couldn't understand why after less than a week of knowing her, so many things reminded him of her. Someone would mention a TV show or color which happened to be her favorite; or, his driver would order a sandwich and he would remember the sandwich rap song they free styled on the plane to Sacramento. He loved how she didn't take herself so seriously and how he could let his guard down around her; even if he was being corny. Alex never judged him.

With Alex, the conversation was easy, her sense of humor matched his, she fit in so well with his family, and he admired her talent. But it was clear she didn't think so highly of him, or she would have never believed he would use her as a PR stunt.

The crowd erupted and camera bulbs cracked lightning in rapid succession once Jordan's foot landed on the red carpet. He put on his signature smile and jogged to the right, where people were crushing one another against the barrier with posters in stretched-out hands, hoping for his signature. Jordan went through the motions of autographing, taking selfies, and giving hugs on both sides of the carpet, before getting to the cameras and reporters further down.

He'd have to try his best to live in the moment and push thoughts of Alex back. Right now, he would enjoy the love from his fans. He wouldn't wonder why she never tried to reach out to him. He had to stop himself several times a day from calling and letting her know that all he needed was a sign that she was ready to be with him, and he would drop everything to go to her.

"Jordan! Congratulations! Do you have a minute for Access Entertainment?" a petite woman standing on a platform asked.

"I always have a moment for AE." Jordan replied stepping up onto the platform and positioning himself in front of the camera.

"You've been making big moves for a while now, but tonight, you've reached new heights. How do you feel right now?'

"You know, it's so humbling to work so hard and see the fruits of your labor manifest in opportunities like this. I truly feel blessed right now, and I'm excited for you all to see my new film."

"We're excited too! Now, the cast of the new series, Best Kept Secret, featuring Alexandra Montgomery, will be walking the carpet. Are you especially happy to see her and have her support, tonight?"

"Honestly, it's amazing that so many people, fans and industry alike, took time out to support me and everyone who's worked on the film. I'm grateful for each and everyone."

"Thanks, Jordan!" The woman said, before motioning the cameraman to stop filming. "Jordan, do you mind holding on for just a second while we adjust the angle?"

"Sure, no problem," Jordan said, stepping back and taking advantage of an elevated view from the platform. As he scanned the area, his gaze stopped once he saw Alex stepping out of a car. She looked stunning and Jordan found himself reaching into his pocket for his phone. What's one text message?  He thought, finding her name in his contacts and typing quickly. He'd held out on contacting her for long enough. He understood that she was scared of getting hurt and under pressure from her mother, so he needed to make the first move if they would ever have a chance.

[Draft text from Jordan to Alex] Hey gorgeous, please don't leave the premiere without seeing me first. I think we should talk things through.

Jordan hesitated to press the send button, wondering if he would regret acting so impulsively. He looked up towards Alex again, this time seeing a young man in a tux stepping out of the car behind Alex. Who is that?  Jordan watched as the stranger gently pressed his hand onto Alex's back, moving in close to whisper in her ear. Damn, that was quick, Jordan thought as he watched the guy kiss Alex on the cheek before walking away.

I guess all that talk about staying focused for her mother was Alex's way of turning me down gently. Jordan deleted the draft text and put his phone away. He was officially done with Alex Montgomery.

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Jordan's personal stylist had done most of his packing for New York, so he caught up on reports of the Midnight Sun's LA premiere while he threw some last minute personal items into a small carry-on bag.

He was only listening passively until he heard her name on the television. Looking up, he immediately increased the volume.

"Alex, you look beautiful!" A male reporter remarked as Alex beamed on the screen. "Are you here with anyone tonight?" he continued.

"No, I don't have a date, if that's what you mean. But I am here with my cast mates, and it's been really fun walking the carpet."

Jordan exhaled feeling relieved that the guy he'd seen Alex with wasn't her date, after all.

"When you say cast mates, you mean the cast of Best Kept Secret, don't you?"

"Yes, Best Kept Secret premieres at the end of this month, and we're so excited about it. Check your local listings for times, I promise you're really going to love it!"

I guess she only came to the premiere to promote her show.

"We will be sure to tune in, Alex, but I have to ask: there's a lot of hype around tonight's movie and Jordan W.... You seem to know him well, should we believe the hype?"

Jordan's jaw tensed while watching Alex look down, thoughtfully. She then looked into the camera, as if she somehow knew Jordan would be alone at his house quietly listening to her speak.

"In the short amount of time that I've been acquainted with Jordan, I've learned a lot of things. He is an extremely focused and intelligent young man, who cares about his craft and cares about the people around him.   He's just as charming off screen as he is on screen and his success is well earned...very well deserved. With him as the lead, this movie is bound to be amazing. He was born to do this. So yes, I would definitely believe the hype--because it's facts."

"What an endorsement!" The reporter gushed. "Well you know I have to ask if you two--"

"I'm so sorry, I'm being called over for a cast picture. Thank you so much, Charles!"

"Thank you, Alex. Enjoy the movie!" Turning to face the camera straight on, the reporter then smiled saying, "This is  Charles, coming to you from the Midnight Sun red carpet in Los Angeles, for People Magazine!"

Turning off the television, Jordan smiled and felt overwhelmed. Had he seen her in person during that interview, he would have pulled her into a kiss on the spot, cameras be damned.

Jordan laid back onto his bed contemplating everything Alex said, feeling it was a sign for him to make a move. Alex had to have known Jordan would see or hear about her statement and she didn't have to give such a long comment. Was that just for the cameras, or does she really feel that way about me? He hoped for the latter but decided the only way to really know was to call Alex.

He dialed her number and listened to the phone ring, this time feeling no doubts. The truth was, he had missed hearing her voice and wanted to see her more than anything. Not having any communication with Alex for the past two days was killing him, which confirmed that he could never really write her off.

After ringing four times, Jordan wondered whether he should leave a voice message or call back another time. It was plausible that she was at an after party and couldn't hear her phone ringing. He figured it was best to call her back at another time. However, just as he was about to hang up, he heard her voice.

"Hello?" Alex sounded uncertain, like she couldn't believe it was really him. This made Jordan smile as he said,

"Hey beautiful, it's Jordan. We need to talk about some things."