Hey folks! So, as you may already know from other stories I've posted here, I play the visual novel game Choices: Stories You Play. I have a couple of books I love, but one that I didn't expect to love is Red Carpet Diaries. In fact, I postponed playing it because I didn't want to waste my keys or diamonds. But, finally, I went ahead and played two chapters and became instantly addicted. I would say the thing that drew me in more than the concept of a small town girl turned Hollywood megastar story is the moment I first laid eyes on Mateo (aka Matt) Rodriguez. I thought he was gorgeous, of course, but his personality is really what won me over. He's kind of a nerd, very charming, sweet, talented, intelligent, down-to-earth, has a good sense of humor, and he adores the MC. :) So naturally, I knew he would be her LI. Even with the drama going on in Book 2, I can foresee things going really well for them.

Anyway, back to this chapter. After reading chapter 3 of book 2 where she was scheduled to meet with who we eventually find out is Viktor Montmartre, I imagined a different version of that meeting than what happened. This chapter does have a little implication of sexual harassment as a warning for readers who may be triggered by that. It is a very light hinting and it's not the main focus so hopefully that helps anyone feel at ease. Also, though we know who she met in canon and how it went, the executive in this story is not necessarily Viktor. Again, this was more of a non-canon imaginary scenario that I wrote before she even met him.

Okay, enough of the longest note ever. Please enjoy!

She stood in the empty hallway outside of the studio executive's office, her breath coming in short gasps and her entire body shaking. She couldn't believe what had just happened. This 'meeting' to discuss her future had turned into something so horrifying, that she could barely take it.

She swiped at her eyes, not wanting anyone to see her so shaken up. She took several deep breaths as she tried to compose herself while standing alone in the elevator. It made its descent toward the ground floor and she released a shuddering sigh. All she wanted to do was talk to Matt. Somehow she knew he would make this whole thing so much more tolerable.

As the elevator announced the final destination, her phone buzzed. She glanced down to see a text from Chazz asking how the meeting went. He'd been unable to come with her because another client needed him. She shook her head and sighed, slipping her phone back into her purse. She didn't have the energy or desire to give him details right then.

The elevator door slid open and she prepared to make a beeline for the exit, hoping to avoid any small talk with anyone in her path. She took a quick glance around the lobby, scanning for any obstacles she might need to avoid when her eyes fell on the one person she least expected to see.

"Matt…" she breathed and she felt her throat tighten up. She was barely holding it together as it was and seeing his warm, kind, expression was pushing her to the edge of breaking down.

"Hey, you. I just wanted to stop by and see how…" The bright smile he'd initially flashed when he saw her quickly faded as he took in her expression. "What happened? Was the meeting that bad?"

She didn't speak or respond. She simply leaned against him, slipping her arms around his waist and resting her head against his chest. He wrapped her up firmly, his lips instinctively pressing to her temple. She felt more than heard his gentle murmur, "God, you're shaking like a leaf."

Momentarily, he pulled her away and searched her eyes in concern. "Are you okay?"

She sighed in defeat, slightly shaking her head. "Honestly, I don't know. I just need to get out of here. Now." Her voice caught at the end of her statement and she saw a flash of pain cross Matt's expression.

"Of course. Let's go somewhere private. How about my place?"

She nodded weakly and he slipped an arm around her as they walked briskly out of the building. The car Matt had come in was still waiting outside and they both quickly slipped inside, unnoticed. They spent the entire car ride in silence, with her nestled in Matt's strong embrace and him gently stroking her arm.

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at his place and entered through the front gate. The house staff had cleared out for the night except the security who was on patrol most days and nights.

Matt immediately motioned for her to sit down on the couch while he set about pouring them both drinks. She gratefully took the glass of whiskey from him and took a swig. It burned going down but it was just the pain she needed to help ground herself after what had happened only hours before. She noticed her hand slightly shaking as she held the glass and she hurriedly set it down on a nearby coffee table. At least she wasn't as upset overall, but her hand betrayed the fear that still lingered.

Matt finally settled in next to her taking a quick sip himself but immediately set down his drink and turned toward her. He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear ever so gently and she caught his hand before he could pull away. She could feel warmth emanating from his touch and it helped to calm her.

"I know you're probably anxious to know what happened. I'm sorry for not saying anything until now. It's just...not an easy thing for me to talk about. But I really appreciate your patience with me."

Matt lifted the back of her hand to his lips, leaving a warm kiss there. "There's nothing to apologize for. I can tell that you're really shaken up and, as much as I want to help, I would never make you feel uncomfortable. Just take your time, okay?"

"Okay," she breathed, taking in a shuddered breath and then releasing it. She turned over the events of the afternoon in her head, trying to determine the best way to tell him what happened without freaking him out. Finally, she decided the direct approach would be best.

"So, today at the meeting, I think I was...sexually harassed." She choked the words out and then looked into his eyes uncertainly. They narrowed in concern and what looked like the initial phase of anger.

"What?!"

She pressed on, swallowing the lump in her throat as tears stung at the backs of her eyelids. "Yeah. The meeting was going fine until he started talking about how great my 'look' was. He asked me to join him across the office to look at some vintage movie posters he had, but then things got...awkward."

She felt Matt tense up, though his grip around her hand remained warm and gentle.

"He, um...put his hands on my waist and said he hadn't seen an actress as beautiful in a very long time. Said I could go just as far if not further than any actress out there if I were only willing to provide some...services."

She bit her lip, glancing down at her lap and that's when she felt hot tears spill down her cheeks. Just the memory of his breath against her neck and his hand on her made her feel sick. She decided to keep pressing on, avoiding direct eye contact with Matt. She was too embarrassed and also didn't know if she could handle whatever expression he was making by now.

"Of course I got angry and pushed him away from me. I told him what he was doing was inappropriate and that I wasn't going to sleep my way to the top. He got angry with me then. Said, if I kept up that attitude, I would have no future in this business. That if I didn't fall in line, he could make sure I was never hired for another movie or television show again."

She paused then, unable to continue due to the sheer weight of her words. They hung heavy in the room. She was seconds away from breaking into uncontrollable sobs when she felt Matt's arms wrap around her.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that. He's a piece of shit."

His voice was dangerously calm and she could tell from his tone that he was barely containing his rage. "I almost want to head back over there right now and take care of this situation myself."

"Matt, no. Don't." She shook her head, finally meeting his gaze. His expression was somehow sad and furious simultaneously and she felt a swell of guilt. "I don't need you risking your own livelihood for me."

He caressed her cheek, then, gently swiping at a tear still tracking down her face. "I appreciate your concern, but there's no way I could just let this go. It's sexist, misogynistic, and overall disrespectful to you. But right now, I have to help make this right, if only to give you some peace and to remind you that you're not some object."

Then he tilted her chin up so her tear-stained face was looking directly into his. "This isn't your fault and it isn't okay. I know that all of us as actors and actresses are objectified to a certain extent, but this...this is despicable."

She suddenly felt cold and wrapped her arms around herself with a shudder. "I know it was wrong but what if he makes good on his threat? What if he does ruin what little career I have?"

"Hey, hey. Come on. Don't go there, okay?" He pulled her toward him then, his hand cradling the back of her head and his other arm wrapped around her. She leaned into him , grateful for the contact and buried her face in his neck.

"He may be a Hollywood bigwig but he doesn't control you. People will continue to hire you and love you because of what a talented actress you are."

She sighed softly against his neck and he gave her a gentle squeeze as he continued. "I know this is scary and that you have had the worse day imaginable. But don't let that turn you powerless. You're one of the strongest people I know."

She sat up wearily, shifting from leaning against his chest to his shoulder. "I don't feel strong. In fact, I've never felt more weak."

"Then let me be strong for you right now. Just until we get through this."

She gazed deeply into Matt's eyes then, not even trying to hide the emotion there. She had figured out shortly after meeting him that he was more than just a pretty face that she'd once dreamed of in her teens. He had a tender heart and wore his emotions on his sleeve. He had always been sweet, charming, and open with compliments for her. But now she was starting to see another side of him. A side that was willing to endure the tough stuff right along with her. A side that was more able to assert himself and display anger when necessary. A side that would stop at nothing to protect her. It made her feel even more lucky to have him in her life.

During her moment of being lost in thought, she hadn't noticed his expression cloud over until he finally spoke.

"Did I say something weird? I did, didn't I?"

She shook her head instantly, squeezing his hand. "Not at all. I was just surprised that you used the word 'we'. I guess I've never really been sure of where we stand and if I could consider us...like that."

Matt grimaced slightly. "Yeah, and that's partially my fault. I'm still working on letting people in and at the same time, I want to keep my private life private. But at the premiere of our movie, I told Leland that I was spoken for. Do you remember that?"

Her face warmed as she swallowed hard and nodded. She remembered that moment vividly because her heart had leapt into her throat at his words. She couldn't help but wonder back then if she was the object if his affection.

He intertwined his fingers with hers as he spoke his next words. "Well, I was talking about you. I know we hadn't committed to anything official, but I care for you so much, that I wanted to make it known, in my own way, how I feel about you. But, I should have discussed that with you first and I'm sorry if that put you in a weird position."

He shifted his gaze downward but it was her turn to tilt his face up. "No, Matt. There's nothing to be sorry about. Because, I would love nothing more than to be the person who 'speaks for you', if you get my meaning."

"Really?"

"Really."

A wide grin split across his face as he took her into his arms.

"So, I get to call you my girlfriend now?" He wiggled his eyebrows playfully and she chuckled despite herself.

"You are such a dork. And yes, you can call me that."

He gave her a tender kiss before pulling away, his expression sobering.

"That makes me so happy. From the moment we met at the pool party, I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to be with you. I just got this feeling we could become something great. So, this is like a dream come true for me."

She blushed as she looked down at their clasped hands. Then, she chuckled lightly and he tilted his head to try to capture her gaze.

"What is it? Was that too sappy?"

She returned his gaze, shaking her head. "Not at all. I just still can't believe all of this is happening. I mean, I was a major fangirl of yours for so long. I had your posters on my walls and saved your magazine covers. I bought all your movies. My mom was worried I'd never find a real life boyfriend because I spent so much time focused on you. And now...well...you're my real life boyfriend. It's just, so crazy to think about."

He smiled gently, cupping her cheek. "I know, it's wild, right? But, even though you've seen me from afar in the past as some famous actor, I'm an actual person with strong feelings. And all of those feelings are for you. So you don't have to question whether or not this is real or if my feelings for you are real. Okay?"

She nodded, sniffling slightly. Somehow, his words had brought up raw emotions that she didn't know were there.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry." He frowned and she waved off his words.

"It's fine. I'm kind of an emotional mess today."

He squeezed her shoulder and continued.

"Fair enough. I just wanted to be honest with you. I get that our relationship may have challenges. We're both famous now and so we're going to be under a microscope. And my family's hollywood history makes me a target for extra scrutiny and gossip."

She nodded. "I can imagine. As soon as we step out together officially, rumors will fly. They'll be hunting us down for pictures on dates, speculating about us getting married if we pass by a jewelry store, looking for baby bumps…" she trailed off, suddenly horrified at the words she'd just said. Her hand flew to her mouth in alarm.

"Matt, I'm so sorry. I wasn't trying to make it sound like...ugh...nevermind."

She hadn't felt this embarrassed in years, but Matt simply smiled. "I get exactly what you're saying. And you're not wrong. Plus, as I've said once before, none of those rumors would bother me one bit."

She timidly eyed him as he leaned down, playfully kissing at her neck. She giggled and he grinned.

"So, going back to the topic at hand. That asshole clearly has his own issues to deal with. I hope you don't let him and this situation define you. You're worth so much more than that."

She grinned widely, leaning in to him for a warm embrace. Momentarily they parted and she sighed, her smile faltering.

"Thank you, Matt. For showing up at the meeting to check on me, for whisking me away to your place to let me blubber in private, and for this pep talk. I do feel better..." she began.

"But..." he interrupted, as if knowing she was headed down a negative path.

She blew out a breath in frustration. "But, I still don't know what to do about him. What if he really does make my life a living hell? I know in theory he doesn't have control over me but could I actually stand my ground against someone so powerful and still be able to do the work I love?"

He intertwined his fingers with hers. "Just call me. I'll come with you and be intimidating. I'm sure I could take that ancient jerk, right?"

She stared at him in shocked surprise before bursting into laughter. Matt nudged her playfully.

"What? Why are you laughing?"

She finally caught her breath long enough to respond. "I'm absolutely sure you could take him. I mean, look at you." She gripped his muscular bicep and then trailed her fingers along his strong chest, slowly drifting downward toward his chiseled abdomen. He raised an eyebrow with a knowing smile.

"But, one of the things I like most about you is how sweet, caring, kind, and gentle you are. How you can still be firm and protective without resorting to violence. So, though I appreciate the offer, I can't let you beat up that horrible old man."

He leaned down, his lips softly grazing hers and she parted her lips slightly in a contented sigh. After several moments, he pulled away, his gaze focused on hers.

"Once again, you're right. But I will be there for you. If you ever want to talk to him, I'll go with you. If you ever want to share your experience, I'll be there, cheering you on. Just live your life, be the amazing actress you are, and know that if it comes down to a fight, I'm in your corner."

She beamed, feeling an invisible weight lift off of her. "There he is. The adorable, heroic Matt I know."

Still holding her hand, he stood to his feet, pulling her up with him. He held her close, his arms encircling her waist and gazed into her eyes for a long moment. She returned the gaze but was the first one to speak up after a while.

"You look like you have something on your mind. Wanna share?" she questioned and he shrugged.

"I'm just enjoying this moment. Having you, my girlfriend, here in my arms. Seeing you smile and looking less…"

"Shell-shocked?"

"Sure. Or devastated. Either way, this feels right. And I'm just really...happy." The expression on his face was so inviting and serene that she couldn't help but grin.

"I know exactly what you mean. I'm pretty sure I haven't been this happy in...well...forever."

She leaned in, resting her head against his chest and they both began to subtly sway back and forth. She closed her eyes and inhaled his fresh scent, a smile drifting across her lips.

Just as she was enjoying the peaceful moment, she heard her phone buzzing from the table. She walked over to grab it, unsurprised to see it was her agent and close friend.

"That would be Chazz. I should get back to him. He sent me a text a while ago and I never responded."

Matt nodded, reaching for her hand and squeezing it tenderly.

"Just come back to me soon, okay?"

"Promise."

He pressed a kiss to her forehead before she excused herself. Then she disappeared into the foyer to make her call.

As she stood there, waiting for Chazz to pick up and thinking about how she would explain the meeting to him, her mind wandered to Matt. Never in her wildest dreams would she have imagined one day they'd become this close. But here they were in a committed relationship and she could already tell that something deeper was brewing behind her current feelings.

She couldn't get rid of the grin on her face. Even in light of the events earlier that day, she felt giddy with excitement. Because, as long as they were together, she knew she'd be alright.