Episode 75: The Aftermath

"Shit has really hit the fan." Talia blew out, plopping down onto the sofa after handing Emily her phone.

Turning the device horizontally, she watched the two gossip columnists point to a picture of her from an hour ago.

"I mean, can you believe it? Emily Pinault and Nicholas King? Who would've thought? The guy doesn't even mingle with anyone in the film industry despite being a veteran in the business. What do you think makes her an exception?"

The male host folded his hands professionally but the excitement couldn't be concealed by the tapping of his fingers.

"I know right? This is like some Angelina and Brad Pitt shit-" He looked around with wide eyes and a slight giggle. "Oops, pardon my language."

The black female host slapped her thigh, cracking up.

He joined her with a haughty brush of his hair. "But seriously. This was totally unexpected. And the method of announcement? Something out of a blockbuster movie."

"That's exactly what I said earlier!"

"It's true. I can't say what it is about Emily Pinault that caught a guy like Nicholas' interest but we for sure know what got hers. The man's the definition of 'yummy'." He said, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"You're so disgusting!" The hostess gagged and threw a cushion at him.

"Get your heterosexual ass out of here," he countered and leant over to flick her forehead.

"Ouch! You son of a-"

"Anywho," he interrupted, sparing her a fake smile and timid gesture to the screen in front of them.

The woman's eyes followed and widened accordingly.

"I think the most important thing is to congratulate both of them. We've got to realize that even celebrities are human beings and they deserve love too. That's why we don't bash or judge them here on The Talk. For Christ's sake, we make a living off of them! There's no way we can be that ungrateful."

"You'd be surprised by how many entertainment shows bite the hands who feed 'em, cough cough, TMZ." The female interrupted mockingly.

It earned her a subtle pinch on the arms.

"You're always out to get us sued, Abby." He said in a sing-song voice.

"And you're always working for a good beat down from me, Eli." She gritted out, matching his tone.

The guy paled.

Her lips twitched at the sight of it before facing the viewers once more.

"Alrighty then, love is in the air and I can't wait to see more adorable moments from these two. Congratulations once again, Nicholas and Emily. We hope your marriage lasts longer than any other Hollywood couple's do."

Giving up the task of relaxing, Talia stood up on both feet and retrieved her phone as the video came to an end.

On the screen, she showed a search engine of their names and the reaction of those viewing the posts.

"There have been more broadcasts like this since the news broke out. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook- you name it. They're all having a field day! You two have officially broken the internet."

Emily looked to Nicholas.

He gave a reassuring smile before taking a hold of the phone. His eyes followed as he scrolled through several portals. "From what I've seen there have been nothing but positive reactions. And even if there weren't any, I still wouldn't care about what they think of us."

"Oh, you should care. You should really care." The manager mused before taking the poor phone which has been the centerpiece of a game of tug-o-war.

"Here's why."

Nicholas looked at the screen, his eyes gradually sinking in realization.

Emily became antsy at his silence.

"What? What is it?" She asked before taking a look at it herself.

From the top of the screen to the bottom, there was a list. It took a while for Emily to figure out what it meant until she saw familiar directors whom she had never worked with.

Then there were offers for upcoming movies, series, modeling gigs, brand deals...

As the list went on and on, Emily felt her head start to spin.

Were all of these for her?

Out of the blue?

But what had she done out of the norm that attracted this much attention?

Then it hit her.

Ohhh...

"Compared to just having two known figures dating or seeing each other, a family is more marketable in this industry. That's what you two are now that it's known that you have tied the knot already. Wherever there is a chance of having two stable role models represent their brand or any piece of work, these people flock to it. Hence, the development of Emily's itinerary."

"All of this just because we're married?" Emily gasped. "I knew this could influence my career but not to this extent."

"Why do you think people like the Smith's are still married? Not to mention how much the Kardashian's have gained with just a name. That's how it works, Emily. A name is like an empire in Hollywood. The fact that your family already has their own and it is now merged with Nicholas'...whew, that's powerful in and of itself. The quicker you get used to it, the easier your marriage will be."

The actress couldn't help but scoff at that.

Capitalism at its finest, she thought, very much not flattered by all of this.

They were just riding off of their names to gain a profit and despite how much it would help Emily get ahead, the woman really didn't like the source of thought from which such offers came.

"Don't think about it too much," Nicholas advised and took her small hand in his own. He spared his wife's manager a look before continuing. "The entire concept of this is very broad and has been prevalent for many decades. Way before we were even born. It won't change anything if you dislike the idea of it. Some actions are just done in an inherently avaricious manner."

Emily's mouth twisted at the explanation but then she nodded in agreement.

He was right.

These things couldn't be changed overnight and maybe they never will be.

It's what the world has become these days.

Everything has become more centralized on a name or brand rather than the quality of it.

However, Emily was going to prove that her acting skills were much more than something that can be bought over a scandal or used as a marketing tool.

"Apart from all of this, is there anything else you would like us to know about the aftermath of our relationship status?"

Talia shook her head.

"Other than the big uproar you've caused worldwide, no, I don't think anything else is of top priority."

Her sarcasm made Emily roll her eyes.

"However, you have to get prepped for your future activities. The faster you move on from one program to the next, the more work you'll get tucked under your belt."

Emily didn't have any objections.

Her goal was to be a top actress in the country.

That was going to take a lot of hard work and dedication which was the equivalent of being crazy busy.

That wouldn't be such a bad thing if there was a pot of gold waiting for her at the end of the rainbow.

But there won't be.

It's just going to be a lot of toiling.

"I know you've been set on working with Card Entertainment for so long-"

"I know, I know. They still haven't put out any offers to me and I should reconsider my options. Blah blah blah. All that jazz."

Talia shook her head at her, but didn't go into it as she reached for an envelope in her purse.

"Actually, I got this in the mail yesterday. It was sent over amidst all the prepping for the premiere."

With a confused look, Emily took the item from her and began to open it. It didn't take much effort since the top was already torn away thanks to her manager's inquisitive nature.

It was a letter.

Her fingers flattened it out in the palm of her hands before she began to read aloud.

"Dear Emily Pinault, we would first like to congratulate you on your marvelous comeback to the film industry. Hollywood has truly missed someone with your raw talent and genuine love for acting. It's in manifestation that your new series will do well in every which way. Moreover, that you will be given more opportunities to hone in on these skills of yours in new and bigger projects. As it has come to this point, we have been notified of your termination with Starz Entertainment lately and are pleased to offer a spot at our company. We would love to have someone like you on our team. It would truly be an incredible honor. Please consider this and notify us of your answer as soon as you can. Sincerely, Card...Card Entertainment?!"

Emily's wide eyes looked to Talia in shock.

"No way! No freaking way!"

Her manager laughed at her burst of happiness.

She turned to Nicholas who was standing beside her with a proud look. It instantly had her bursting out into tears.

"Card Entertainment wants me to be a part of their company." The woman sobbed while reaching for him with a limp arm.

Nicholas chuckled at how cute she was while doing so.

He wiped at her eyes with amusement shining in his own.

"Congratulations, love."

"Ah," she cried some more at his sincerest praises.

He laughed.

"Stop crying or else you'll collapse. Your heart can only endure so much for today."

Emily sniffed before ceasing her waterworks.

As she looked back down at the letter, something occurred to her. "You said you got this yesterday? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted you to focus on your big premiere. I'm sure Card Entertainment can wait. God knows how long they've been making you do that for. I was starting to believe you'd be a freelance actress if they didn't show any interest in you."

"I actually considered it," she joked.

Talia scoffed.

"That's bold of you to say with entertainment royalty standing next to you."

"Who's that? I only see Nicholas beside me."

Her manager gave a defeated look.

"Okay, you win."

Emily perked up.

"Really? You're letting me win in an argument against you?"

"Consider it my congratulatory gift for getting into your dream company."

"You miser," she pouted.

Talia sighed but then took the girl off guard when she stepped up and gave her a hug.

"You've really been through a lot," she whispered into her hair and the brunette's eyes blurred at it. "You deserve all of the success you get from this point onwards, okay?"

Emily nodded, digging her face into her shoulders but the sweet moment ended abruptly.

"Now tell me, what do you think about an action thriller about three best friends who work for a secret agency and kick ass together for a living?"

"Sounds very Charlie's Angels."

"It's the 21st century remake," Talia said carefully and her jaw dropped.

"Would I happen to be an impressionable side character?"

"More like an impressionable lead."

"Living up to Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu and Drew Barrymore? I think I'll pass."

"But-"

"No buts."

Talia held her hand up, yielding once again because she was in a good mood. "Okay, no angels. Got it."

Emily gave her a curt smile.

"There are plenty more movies where that came from anyway."

The actress groaned.

She ran behind her husband and shielded herself.

"Please do something."

Spellbound by those beady eyes, he looked to Talia with a smile no one could deny. "Maybe you can discuss this some other time."

Seeing what her client did, she pointed at her with a warning. "Next time we'll come to a conclusion, yes?"

Uncharacteristically, Emily stuck her tongue out.

Talia gasped.

"How much more immature can she get around you?" She asked Nicholas.

However, her manager didn't wait for his response.

The woman took her purse and stuffed her phone inside before heading for the door of their home. "Until next time."

Emily's shoulders dropped as soon as she left.

"Charlie's Angels? Are you kidding me?" She breathed.

"I actually think you'd do a good job." Nicholas spoke up, surprising her.

"You in leather sounds like a great idea to me." He finished and it all made sense.

"You perv," she said, slapping him on the arm.

Her cheeks reddened with the thought of him admiring her in a tight-fitting leather bodysuit.

"Say what you want but it seems like you're entertaining the idea as much as I am." He said pointing to her cheeks.

"I am not."

Nicholas kissed the bridge of her nose, making her jump. "Whatever floats your boat, darling."

She huffed.

"Let's talk about something more important...like picking a date for our wedding for example."

Suddenly, her face felt like it was close to the sun.

"Already?"

"No time like the present. Your family has been asking-"

"You mean my mother and grandmother?"

"They've been asking-" She chuckled at his prompt correction.

"And I can't find it within myself to give them vague answers anymore. It would be good to come to an agreement on a day sometime in Spring. Your updated schedule shows you're gonna be even busier in the future so that's also a thing."

Her eyes followed every move of his lips, cheeks slowly raising. "Okay, no need to speak as if you're trying to close a deal."

"Sorry, it's an occupational disease."

"It happens to the best of us," she poked fun of him.

He rolled his eyes.

Emily was quick to take hold of his hands.

"I'd be honored to marry you in Spring, Mr. King."

His heart wavered at the loving look she wore.

"Whatever the date may be."

Nicholas sighed and kissed her cheeks in appreciation. "That's great, love but we really do need to choose one."

"Do you have any in mind?"

"I was thinking May 12th."

"Any particular reason?"

His cheeks slowly gained more colour.

"It's the day my parents got married."

She blushed too.

"Oh."

"Is that okay? You don't have to agree to it if you don't want to."

"No, no! I want to!"

His eyes widened.

"You do?"

"Yeah," she bit down onto her lips.

"I think it would bring us some good luck granted that they've been going strong for so many years. I hope we can love each other for as long as they have."

Nicholas could see the future entailing something along those lines and he smiled softly.

"Me too, Em."

His wife grinned.

"So it's set then? May 12th?"

"Yes, that's our wedding date." He confirmed, making her squeal.

The man stumbled backwards.

"Whoah, what was that for?"

"Sorry, I was a bit excited. It all just seems a bit surreal."

He chuckled.

"I can relate. It's taken a lot for us to get to this point."

Emily exhaled deeply before moving towards him and wrapping her arms around his waist.

"I know. It's all thanks to you to be honest. If it wasn't for your unconditional love for me, I don't think I would have been strong enough to endure all that I have. You really are my driving force."

"It goes both ways, sweetheart. You have no idea how much impact you've made on my life. Without you, I can't imagine it having been this incredible and fulfilling. I never looked towards the future before I met you."

She grinned up at him cheekily.

"Are we already saying our vows?"

He burst out laughing.

"It really sounded like that, didn't it?"

Emily nodded.

"I can't wait to see how you'll top what you just said when the time comes."

Her face dropped.

"Oh no, don't get your hopes up. I'm not that good with words when it comes to stuff like this."

"I beg your pardon? You seemed like a natural a minute ago."

She dug her face in his shirt out of embarrassment.

"Put a sock in it, Nick."

Smiling down at her, he ran a hand through her soft hair. "I love you, Em."

The corners of her lips tugged up automatically.

"I love you too, Nicholas."