More Than Famous (Famous #2) by Kahlen Aymes

you before you even get out of the gate.  So who did your shoes?"
    I laughed out loud. "Why would I want to be the next Angelina Jolie?  She’s strange. First she's wearing some dude's blood around her neck, then she's a home wrecker and she's adopting and popping out so many kids, she can't even remember all of their names. Not to mention all those tattoos.  What a nightmare. Jesus." I shook my head. "Cade would flip if I got any tattoos, or you know, wore a vial of his blood around my neck," I said and smirked at her. Really, I didn’t think the actress was weird at all, I mean, to each their own, but playing with Ruth was fun.
    I was making fun of her and she was getting frustrated. I bit my lip to keep from smiling as I peered at her reflection in the mirror.  She was getting hot.
    "Brook! Your shoes ?" Her eyes widened and her mouth set as she glared at me.
    "Ugh!  Ruth!"  I stood up and picked up the shoes to put them on, glancing at the label in the bottom as I did so. 
    "Um... Christian La-boo-tin, okay?" I read it off and looked at her with a shrug.
    "No.  Not okay.  That's pronounced loo-bow-tawn!  Got it?" 
    I was laughing again as I shoved my bare feet into the shoes.
    "What the fuck am I doing here if you're just going to make fun of me, huh?" she huffed at me.
    I sobered up and went to give her a hug. "I'm sorry, Ruth. You're right.  I'm just nervous and am trying to have a little fun.  I knew the shoes and purse were Louboutin.” I made sure to pronounce it correctly this time.  “I was only playing with you, okay?" 
    Ruth cocked her head to one side and I could see her tongue in her cheek.
    "You know you love me." I was smiling at her again.
    She let out a huge sigh and relaxed.  "Yeah, I love you, all right."
    "I know." I moved toward the door when my mother called from downstairs to tell me the limo was outside.  Cade would already be in the car.
    "Relax, Ruth.  I got this, I promise.  I won't embarrass you."
    Downstairs, I hugged my parents and brother goodbye as Cade’s driver, Shane, waited in the foyer.  They were all dressed to kill and looked very stylish.
    "Wow, you guys look amazing."
    "We're very proud of you, Brooklyn.  Tonight is your night and you look beautiful."  My dad hugged me again, and my mom handed me my wrap as the driver waited for me in the hall.  The fans camped outside my house prevented Cade from coming in.
    "Good evening.” The driver said, nodding at my parents and then my brother and me. “Mr. Carlisle offers his regrets at not being able to come inside to collect Miss Brooklyn, and begs your pardon.  He said he would like to spend some time with you at the after party so he can introduce you all to his family.  Would that be acceptable?"
    My mom's face glowed at the English formality and respect Cade was exhibiting, even if he couldn’t do as he wished.  My heart thumped in my chest at the look on her face. My father’s lips lifted in a smile and I breathed a sigh of relief. Cade had met my mother, but had yet to spend any time with my father.
    "Why, yes, thank you.  Tell Cade that’s just fine, Shane." 
    He bowed his head to her, and then ushered me to the door. "Shall we go, miss?"
    "Yes, thank you," I answered and preceded him through, as he held the door open for me.
    This was it; the big U.S. premiere. It was finally here, and I was nervous.  From our phone conversations earlier in the day, it was clear Cade was a little out of sorts as well.  Neither one of us knew what to expect. If Rome had given us a taste, this would be madness.
    Shane opened the door for me and I slid in next to Cade.  He was impeccable in all black, his shirt, suit and tie all the same tone. His hair was perfectly messy as usual, and his eyes were bright as he looked at me, with a beautiful smile on his face.
    The minute Shane closed the door; he took me in his arms and placed a hot kiss on my mouth.
    "You look gorgeous, love.  I missed you." His blue eyes