“And we’re live in 5…4…3...2,” a producer tapped on her headphones and stepped off the stage.
“Good afternoon and welcome to E News!” Ryan smiled. “Today is the first day of our New York City special and we have a treat for all of you watching at home! Newly engaged Hollywood stars Selena Ross and Matt Sterling are here in our studio and are doing their first joint interview live!”
The cameras panned over to the two of us. Selena held my hand and leaned closer.
“Let’s start with you, Selena. What was going through your mind when Matt proposed?”
She laughed. “I was just like, Wow, you know? I couldn’t believe it. I had no idea he was going to propose or was even thinking about marriage. Like, we’ve been dating for two years and I knew we were in love but…It was just such a surprise. I still can’t believe it.”
She’s definitely going to get an Oscar before me...
“What about you Matt?” Ryan looked at me. “When did you know Selena was the one?”
She’s not!
“The day we first met. There was just something about her. I couldn’t get her out of my mind,” I clenched every muscle to avoid rolling my eyes.
“Where did you first meet?”
I took a sip of water. “We met at a coffee house in Tribeca. We were both hiding out from the press.”
Selena laughed. “Back when that was a lot easier!”
“Yes. It was a lot calmer then,” I agreed.
“But now that you guys are such, excuse my corniness, box office magnets, do you feel like you have to actually schedule private time? Like, with cameras everywhere you go, do you have to coordinate a secret getaway?”
Like she would allow that…
“Of course,” Selena nodded. “A lot of times we’ll eat dinner at home to avoid having our pictures taken. And actually, last month, we literally had to get a security team together so we could get away for a weekend.”
“I see. Selena, you’ve landed the starring role in the newest Spielberg film. Do you all have plans to get married before that begins filming?”
“Well, filming doesn’t begin until spring next year so you’ll have to ask Matt,” she looked at me. “I’m letting him handle that.”
“You’re letting the groom handle the wedding planning?” Ryan raised his eyebrow. “That’s a first!”
“No, no, not the whole wedding,” she laughed. “He’s responsible for the date and the location. I figured that since he’s actually from New York and knows a lot more about the city than I do, those things would be better left up to him.”
“Oh, I get it!” Ryan looked at me. “Have you thought of any locations Matt?”
The seventh circle of hell.
“I considered Central Park, but I don’t want to have to deal with extra security. So, I’m thinking somewhere indoors. It’ll be a surprise for her.”
“You guys are adorable,” he said. “Tell me about this big announcement you guys wanted to share with us.”
Big announcement?
“We are expecting a new addition!” Selena rubbed her stomach. “We wanted to let everyone know before the tabloids got a hold of it.”
WHAT THE FUCK? Stay cool. Stay calm. It’s almost over…
“That’s amazing! Matt, do you have any preference? Boy or girl?”
“Just…a healthy baby,” I barely managed.
“Congratulations to you both!” he looked excited. “We’ll be right back for more with Selena Ross and Matt Sterling!”
“Two minutes ‘til we’re live again!” a producer shouted.
Hair and makeup rushed over to Selena and me, touching up our faces. A couple of cameramen shook my hand and wished me well with the baby.
I couldn’t nod my head in thanks. I couldn’t even speak.
“And we’re going live in 5…4…3…2,” the producer snapped her fingers and the set fell quiet.
“We’re back with Selena Ross and Matt Sterling. They’ve just announced that they are expecting a baby! Selena, it seems like you’re having the best month ever. You’re newly engaged, pregnant, and you’ve landed the role of a lifetime. Are you feeling overwhelmed at all?”
“A little bit, Ryan. It’s like I’ve dreamed of getting married and having kids for forever, so to finally have that, it’s just, I can’t even put it into words.”
“I can imagine. Matt, are you overwhelmed as well? You have two more projects coming out this year and studios are practically breaking down your door to get you in their films.”
“I am utterly speechless, Ryan.”
Ryan laughed. “I bet! I know you guys can’t stay much longer, so we at E sincerely wish you the absolute best for your careers and the new baby.”
“Thank you so much for having us!” Selena kissed him on the cheek.
“Thanks man,” I shook his hand.
“Now, live in the studio is Giuliana Rancic with celebrity news updates!”
The cameras panned over to another set and I tore out my earpiece. Ryan congratulated us both again and I stormed to the elevator, ignoring my security detail.
“Matt! Wait!” Selena squeezed in before the doors could close.