The meme on top is honestly me and my friend Jessie. It physically pains me whenever she talks about whatever dorky thing George just did and I'm just thinking enjoy it while it lasts. 😭

I was struggling with my tie when Erica walked out of my bathroom, having just changed into her dress. She had minimal makeup on, which I liked because so many celebrities were so... fake and plastic.

She came over and started knotting my tie, almost giving me a heart attack. I breathed in the intoxicating smell of lilacs and gunpowder, and instantly relaxed. 

When she was done knotting my tie, she took my hand and we headed towards my silver Ferrari Portofino which I always rode to special events in. Truthfully, I would much rather drive my beat-up pickup truck, but I knew the press wouldn't approve.

I opened the passenger door for her, cheekily winking. She just shook her head and laughed. I slid into the driver's seat and started driving us. In traffic, everyone recognized us, due to my license plate, which said "Agt. Ripley." The paparazzi took tons of photos, fans waved, but woven in between them were countless other celebrities.'

I waved at Reese Witherspoon, and she shouted: "I object!" And winked, letting me know she was joking. Reese was probably here for the same premiere I was because one of her husband's clients was in the film.

I nodded at the Rock and received a nod from him. "Now that guy can smolder." Erica teased, and I replied, "Maybe I should take lessons from him." She laughed, and we continued the drive chattering away about everything and nothing. 

Sadly, our moment was ruined when my agent pulled up next to us in his Corvette (You make a lot of money being my agent) And shouted: "Strut your stuff guys!" 

I rolled my eyes, and turned back to Erica, whispering "Does he think we're models and the Red Carpet is a runway?" She giggled very Un Erica-like, and I felt a bit confused. 

I shrugged it away and pulled into the giant parking lot, leading her to the red carpet area where we were supposed to pose. As soon as we hit the carpet, the camera's started flashing, and people were shouting "Ben, Erica, look here!" and "What're your plans for the future?" I ignored all of this, and just held Erica around the waist and smiled.

Hugh had done a fantastic job on the outfits, and we were getting appreciative stares. I had to stop myself from staring at Erica, who looked absolutely wonderful. I myself looked dashing, but Erica was the best looking woman there by far. Not that I cared. I liked Erica because of her personality. There really was a fantastic person under the icy wall she put up.

Surprising everyone, including myself, I swept Erica off her feet and held her bridal style. We were both laughing, our foreheads so close they were touching. It seemed much more intimate than the stage kisses we had shared on set.

At that moment, I realized that Erica wasn't just a crush. I loved her. Erica would never, ever be a just in my eyes. She would never be "Just Erica" or "That famous lady." She was Erica Hale, the woman I loved with everything in me. The scariest thing about loving her was that I didn't know if she even liked me like that.

"Erica..." I breathed. She looked up at me, and I swear I could see it in her eyes too, although I wasn't sure. "You look wonderful," I said, chickening out. She blushed, and said, "You too." 

Everyone in the crowd was wondering what Ben had said to make Erica blush, and the paparazzi were taking photos of every moment.

Briefly, I wondered what it would feel like to kiss Erica for real, not an act, but for real.

Then I snapped back to reality and carried her off the red carpet.

As soon as we were away from the cameras, I set her down on a bench, completely ignoring the movie that was playing, instead choosing to focus on Erica, and her piercing ice-blue eyes, and the sparkles of happiness that were glimmering in them.

That's because of me. I thought in awe. Erica was happy because of me. Our moment was ruined yet again by our agents, who barged onto the scene and dragged us to our seats. I didn't notice the fact that we were seated right next to Josh and Ashley. I was too happy with Erica, and she didn't notice either.

I love you, Erica. I thought. Everything about you I love.