Page 30 of Love in Times of Contempt

"Yeah," Liam said while Ana nodded. "We talked about it on the flight here."

"Excellent. As you know, the festival is Thursday through Monday. You came here a day late but that should work well, you don't need to rush for opportunities. Social media shows people are waiting for you so that's great."

"Any thoughts on the film yet? Reactions to the trailer and stuff you've seen?" Ana asked.

"More of the same. People are focusing a lot on your relationship more than on whether it's a fair portrayal of Hollywood or not. That's actually good. We really want to put you two at the center of attention whenever you're in public. Make you look strong but also a mystery, because you never talk about your relationship. That could romanticize any negative reactions from the documentary which, in all honesty, we hope won't be too bad. Just be ready for the paparazzi and fans; remember everyone has a camera with them and assume someone will be taking pictures."

"I thought the plan was to make a clear separation between our relationship and the film?" Ana leaned her shoulder against Liam's arm. "To bring the focus to the themes rather than the romance."

Becca lifted a shoulder in a dismissive manner. "That's the official response, yes, and definitely keep to that when talking to people, but it won't actually manage what people are saying— they'll say whatever they want and what they seem to care about is the romance. So it's better if we have a plan to use it, rather than be at the mercy of it."

"I don't want people thinking Liam's initial bitterness makes him entitled, or ungrateful. Have you seen anything like that?"

"No. We've been trying to frame all of that as something in the past, and so far most people are taking it at face value."

"And it is the truth, that's in the past." Liam let go of Ana's hand and put his arm around her shoulders. "People will keep doing what they've been doing for the past year. So we let them and hope it'll drown any negative comments."

Becca nodded. "Reviews will likely have a mix of both, but word of mouth? It should be mostly positive."

Ana sighed. "Okay."

They fell into silence as Becca got busy with her tablet. The city passed them by, the car keeping a decent speed.

Becca closed her tablet in its protective folder. "Then we're good. Everything seems to be going smoothly, all events confirmed and the documentary premiere is going well on schedule for Sunday. I recommend you two go out for dinner tonight, get seen."

"We plan to." Liam checked his watch. "Mo said he'd get us reservations."

"He did." She got to her tablet again, just as their car drove into the hotel's parkade. "He probably sent you the info already, but I'll send it again so you have it readily available."

"Thanks."

"Any questions?"

Liam and Ana shook their heads as the car parked next to the elevator. They all got out and into the lift in silence; Becca left them at the Lobby level, assuring them that Mo had made it to Toronto earlier and had checked in for them already. They went up to their suite directly.

After Mo helped them set up, gave them keys, and did a general check in, he left to give them privacy.

Ana gave a big sigh; she slumped a bit as she approached the big windows overlooking the city.

He came close to her, placing a hand on her lower back. "You okay?"

"I am… for now."

"It's a lot, I know."

"You've told me, but… I managed to keep away from the worst of it over the last year and I was— I am— looking forward to this fest. I hope the busyness of it doesn't rob me of what I want from it."

"Yeah, me too. My experience is that these events are like a blur but… maybe we can have something different together."

She opened the window and stepped onto the small terrace. He followed her.

She nodded as she studied the sights. "Connect with the fans, take the publicity opportunities for you to keep your success and for my name to get better known. Networking for the company and helping each other survive it all. We can do this."

Wind lifted tendrils of Ana's hair, messing it up. With his free hand, he pulled it back and kept it away from her face with as much gentleness as he could.

"We're gonna do fine," he said, giving her a kiss. "We're gonna be fine."

She gave him one of her glorious smiles, eyes soft. Surprising him, she took her phone out and took a picture of them against the city skyline.