CHAPTER 12

The launch turned out to be a massive success, with the new magazine getting a positive reception from their audience. The attendees had taken their respective seats at the five-seater round tables spread across the room. Travis Logrham went up on the small stage and fished out the microphone from its stand and delivered his speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he called and the room fell silent. "My name is Travis Logrham for those who don't know me. L.A Today C.E.O." There was an applaud from the guests seated below. "I Want to thank each and everyone of you again for being here, we appreciate." He paused again, pacing from one side to the other. "A few months ago, this lifestyle magazine was just a joke of an idea in our board room. I'll be honest, I didn't really believe we could do it but here we are." He added a laugh. "It's because of our incredible team that we are here today. Starting from our fantastic board, the writers, photographers, editors, partners, I want to thank everyone who contributed in the development of the magazine." He paused and waited for the applauds to die down. "Not forgetting the amazing support from our supporter, we value and appreciate you. This magazine brings together the best of lifestyle, culture and so much more." He continued with the speech for a while longer then invited some board members to join him on stage. "I'd like to recognize two guests whom we are pleased to be with today, Victoria Lane and Hiram Michaelson."

A spotlight shone on them as they got to their feet and walked to join Travis and the board members on stage. On stage, they were all handed a copy of the magazine which the held with broad smiles for the cameras.

Behind them, a countdown started on a large screen. "Ten! Nine! Eight..." Travis led the chants as everybody else joined. Anticipation building as they neared one. At the stroke of zero, there was an eruption of cheers across the room with confetti cannons exploding, filling the air with shimmering flecks of paper.

The party went on, pushing into the night. Chatter and laughter filling the room as pieces of the magazine were distributed.

An hour to midnight, the event was dying off, goodbyes filling the air, hugs and handshakes between friends. A few photographs of Hiram, Victoria, Tavis and one or two board members at the photo booth.

Outside the hotel, cameras continued to flash as chauffeurs brought cars around to pick up their designated passengers. Hiram was in a chat with Victoria when a gentleman walked up to them holding a microphone, a cameraman close behind him.

"A minute of your time," he requested sticking out the microphone to the two who nodded. "I am Neil Adams with People's magazine." He introduced as the cameraman took a strategic spot,

"L.A Today are a massive paper in the news industry. Tonight's event was massive for them, especially with you two walking the red carpet. What are your thoughts on the launch?" He turned to Victoria, moving the microphone to her.

"This was quite a night and I'm proud of L.A Today for the introduction of this lifestyle magazine." She paused for a while, stealing a glance from Hiram. "Hiram and I are honored to have made the red carpet."

"There is a rumor that the two of you might be working with the magazine in future. Is that true?"

That caught both Hiram and Victoria by surprise but they did a good job maintaining the smiles on their faces.

"Like you just Said Neil, it is a rumor." Hiram replied.

"We couldn't help but notice that both of you came tonight without your partners, was this prearranged or a coincidence?" He inquired. "Or are you here together?"

They both laughed at that before Victoria spoke.

"That's crazy," she added another laugh. "I just met Hiram today. Zian would have joined me but he's in London for business." She explained.

Neil turned to Hiram, full of anticipation. Hiram was prepared to say his truth, it was already out there for the world to see. The photos Trisha had uploaded confirmed to the world that things had ended between them although neither of them had made any clarification on the status of their relationship. Hiram took this chance to clear the air.

"I think it's no secret that Trisha Hathaway and I are no longer together."

Neil spoke almost immediately. "Speaking of that, both you and miss Hathaway have been very silent about the breakup, some might even say secretive. Any comment?"

"She and I are grown-ups; the breakup was amicable and honestly there was nothing to be said." The tone with which he answered that question said a lot, he did not fancy talking about that topic, and Neil got the message.

"Miss Lane," he called turning to her. "You've been quiet of late which is unusual. Anything in the making?"

Victoria smiled then spoke. "I've really been busy with my radio show, Tori AfterDark. Filming of the new season to Behind Closed Doors has also kept me occupied." She paused as if contemplating on whether to go on or not. "And a movie may or may not be in the making." She teased.

"I'm sure everyone is excited for this movie that may or may not be in the making." He replied with a grin. "Thank you both for your time." He finished.

Travis Logrhan had been waiting for the interview to end a few steps away. He then joined the two as Neil walked away with his cameraman. "Mister Michaelson, miss Lane, we want to thank you both again for being here tonight." Travis said to them with a smile as he shook their hands.

"Our pleasure." Victoria answered.

"I really hope too hear from you soon about our proposal." He went on.

"We will think about it and get back to you as soon as possible." Hiram replied.

"Have yourselves a goodnight." Travis finished and walked back into the hotel.

Callie joined them a minute later. "Hey you two, congratulations on tonight, you guys did brilliant." She complimented with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Callie," Victoria responded. "I should be going. It was really nice meeting you guys." She announced.

"Oh please, the pleasure was all mine." Callie returned.

"I'll walk you to your car," Hiram offered and Victoria gave him a nod before turning to Callie.

"Have a beautiful night Callie Michaelson, I hope I'll see you again soon."

"Goodnight to you too, and yes, that would be lovely."

Hiram had thought of offering his arm for her to tuck her under but thought better of it, best to maintain the professional relationship they had all night. They went over the night as they walked towards the car L.A Today had provided for her, a black Mercedes GLC.

A uniformed valet standing next to the car pulled the back-left door open for her. They stood next to the car facing each other. He was about to speak but she beat him to it. "Hiram, about the proposal," she began in a low tone. Looking into his eyes, she saw the eagerness and excitement spark. She fell silent for a while, seeming deep in thought, as if trying to find the best words to break his heart. "I can't take it up."

From his eyes again, she witnessed the fire and excitement quickly fade away, replaced by disappointment and gloom.

"Why is that?" He tried to hide away the disappointment feigning a smile.

"There's so much I am doing right now. Adding this contract with L.A Today to my plate will just overwhelm me." She explained, trying to read the emotions in his eyes. She saw it, a pang of sadness that suddenly washed over him.

As she expected, he smiled. "That's totally fine, I understand-" She cut in.

"No, don't say that, it's not fine. A minute ago, I saw how much this meant to you and how excited you were about it-" He didn't let her finish.

"It would be awfully inconsiderate of me not to understand the circumstances under which you are turning down the proposal. Don't stress about it miss Lane."

She was silent for a minute, studying his face, she had not expected him to be that understanding. In her head, she was prepared for him to try and persuade her to take it up.

"Thank you for understanding, I really appreciate."

Hira spoke immediately, almost cutting her short. "Don't mention it miss Lane."

"Please, call me Victoria." She requested with a polite smile and he gave a nod. "I really should be going have yourself a wonderful night."

"Goodnight to you too Victoria."

He stood there and watched her get into the car and watched the car drive off.

"What's with that smile?" Callie's voice came from behind him.

"Whatever do you mean Callie?" He asked as their car came around.

She didn't reply to that, just smiled to herself getting into the car when the valet opened the door for them and her brother followed. What a night that had been for both of them!