Trust Fall 1

Laura Conaway
Chapter 1:

Lacey stared at the rack of dresses in front of her, wishing that the perfect one would

jump out. She never had trouble finding an outfit to wear to a premiere until this movie. 

“Lacey, darling. How’s it going?” one of the sales clerks asked as if she’d known Lacey

her whole life.

She would never get used to everyone knowing her, no matter where she went. Sure,

Lacey had grown up in a small town where people knew each other and their business, but this

was a different type of acquaintance. The kind where creepy old men tried to take advantage of

her status. She shuddered at the thought. She supposed Alex West was to thank for that. He was

Hollywood’s heartthrob, Lacey’s boyfriend, and the man she also happened to be co-starring

with in America’s next major motion picture. Her popularity skyrocketed when she was cast in

the movie and then even more when she became Alex’s girlfriend. She enjoyed her job, although

sometimes she wished for a little more privacy, but every dream came with inconveniences.

“Are you looking for any style dress in particular?”

Snapping back to reality, she looked at the woman and smiled.

“Actually, I could use some help. I’m having a lot of trouble finding a dress I like this

time around. I don't really have any ideas in mind.” 

“Oh, darling! Let’s get started. We have some gorgeous dresses by Alexander McQueen,

Valentino, and Tommy Hilfiger. Come, come. We must find you a dress that fits your exquisite

figure.” 
Trust Fall 2
Laura Conaway
Lacey chuckled under her breath at the woman’s excitement as she was pulled to another

row of dresses, and the woman started piling options on Lacey’s two outstretched arms. 

After about thirty minutes of trying on different styles, colors, and textures of dresses,

Lacey stared at her reflection in the mirror, knowing this was the dress for the premiere. 

Stepping out of the dressing room, she heard the sales clerk gasp. “Oh, my. That is

beautiful on you.”

Lacey stood on the pedestal gazing at her reflection in the mirrors. The pale pink dress

had long, sheer sleeves that sparkled with glitter and synched at the waist and hips, fitting her

curves, then flowing down into a small, yet tasteful skirt. The dress was beautiful. It was perfect

for the premiere. Lacey absolutely loved dressing up whenever the opportunity arose. It made her

feel like a princess, and who didn’t love pretending for a day? Or even a night? 

She thanked the sales clerk for her helpfulness as she rang up the dress. Lacey took the

bag it was in and walked to her car. 

On the drive back to her apartment, Lacey soaked in the warm sunshine that had heated

her car’s interior. Windows downs, Lacey turned up the music, enjoying the peacefulness of it

all. It may have only been April, but the weather in L.A. was gorgeous. 

After a few minutes, she saw the exit sign for Alex’s house appear in the distance. Today

was turning out to be a wonderful day. Why not stop by for a short visit? Glancing down at the

car’s clock, she saw it was only 3:30. Maybe they could sneak in an early dinner together,

too. She flipped on her turn signal and got off the exit. Spending one-on-one time before the big

premiere and press conferences would provide much needed solace before life got even busier.
Trust Fall 3
Laura Conaway
She pulled up to his house and punched in the security code; the gates opened, and she

pulled into his driveway. A black sedan sat idle, but she couldn’t place whose it was. She stepped

out of her car, peering into the driver’s side of the sedan as she walked to the doorstep.

Knocking, she heard footsteps approach and Alex opened the door — shirtless. 

“What are you doing here?” his tone was sharp, each word punctuated, which caused

Lacey to tense. 

“Hello to you, too,” she immediately regretted her decision to stop by unannounced. 

“Sorry. I—” Alex paused and ran his fingers through his hair. “Wasn’t expecting you.” 

“Obviously. I was driving home from dress shopping and thought I’d swing by. Maybe

even get an early dinner together?” She tried to step inside the house, but he blocked the

entrance.

“Can I take a raincheck? That sounds like a lovely idea, except I’m…” he was interrupted

by another person’s voice echoing down the hall. 

“Who's here?” a woman rounded the corner and stopped abruptly when she saw Lacey. 

Lacey’s face felt hot. Standing in Alex’s foyer was Meg, one of the makeup artists from

set, holding a wine glass in one hand and a brush in the other. She stood there, looking at Meg,

then Alex. It took her legs a minute to cooperate, but then she swiveled on her heel and stormed

out towards her car, refusing to let the lump in her throat betray her emotions. 

“Lace, wait. I can explain,” she could hear Alex’s footsteps behind her.

“You know I don’t like when you call me that.” 

She wanted to punch something.

Trust Fall 4
Laura Conaway
She stopped mid-stride, fists clenched, turning white. Taking a deep breath, she turned

around. 

“Oh, really? You think you can explain this? It’s obvious what is going on. You’re

clearly busy.”

“She came over to discuss outfit options for the premiere next Saturday.” 

“I think she did more than discuss that,” Lacey gave a humorless laugh. She knew

better. Makeup artists didn’t show up at someone’s house for a makeover session. More like a

make-out session.  

“You—” 

“No, just stop. I don’t want excuses. You’re half-dressed and she’s enjoying a nice

Cabernet,” Lacey pointed at Meg, her eyes wide.

And with that, Lacey got in her car, fumbling with her keys as her hands shook. Then,

she drove off, managing to keep her emotions at bay until she closed the door to her own

apartment. The hot tears brimmed to the surface, cascading down her cheeks as she sank to the

floor, burying her face in her hands.

Trust Fall 5
Laura Conaway
Chapter 2:

Climbing into the limousine and careful not to rip her dress, Lacey tried to keep a smile

plastered on her face. No one aside from her agent and producer of Haven needed to know

anything about her quickly crumbling relationship with Alex. Especially not until after the movie

premiere and its debut in theaters. 

Her body tensed up as Alex climbed in beside her, and she looked out the window on the

other side. It had been a week since she encountered Alex and Meg having a friendly meet up at

his place. She hadn’t exchanged more than a few words with him except regarding the schedule

for tonight. Trying to be cordial, she kept her hands in her lap and stared at the view of the streets

passing by.  

“You’re biting your lip,” Alex said. “Can we just try to make it through the night without

any problems?” 

Lacey ignored his comment. She looked down at her hands, trying to keep the tears from

welling in her eyes. Of course, now would be the time he started taking notice to her emotions

and body language. It was probably an act to try and win her over again, like that would ever

happen. After tonight, she planned to make it very clear that whatever they had was over. She

wasn’t some girl to be played.

For tonight, though, she’d suck it up and put on a façade. After all, acting was her

specialty.

Giving herself a pep talk always cheered her up. She was strong, independent, and

capable.
Trust Fall 6
Laura Conaway
Before she had mentally prepared herself, though, she heard the sound of people cheering

and screaming well before she saw the blinding flashes of cameras. 

“Let’s do this,” she mumbled more to herself than anyone. 

“Just follow my lead.” Alex gave her that don’t-you-dare-ruin-this-for-me look and took

her hand in his the moment she stepped out of the car onto the waiting red carpet. 

How could he be so selfish? It wasn’t just about him all the time. Even though that’s how

their relationship always went. He’d be sweet and charming one minute, and then in the next not

give any consideration to her needs. But this premiere was a big deal for her, too. It’s what

would put her on Hollywood’s top radar. 

“Alex, Lacey, over here!”

“How did you feel co-leading with Hollywood’s heartthrob, Lacey?” a woman asked as

she shoved a microphone in Lacey’s face.

“Did the romance in the movie spark your off-camera romance, too?” another man asked,

jumping around in the crowd of reporters trying to get his recorder close enough to catch a

response.

Questions bombarded them every which way and for most new actors, a red-carpet walk

was overwhelming. But she’d gotten used to answering some questions and ignoring others,

smiling, and walking into the building. 

At the end of the carpet, Alex stopped and drew her to him. Fear flashed for a second

across her face, but Lacey quickly plastered on a smile. Through clenched teeth she whispered,

“What are you doing?” 

Trust Fall 7
Laura Conaway
“Giving the people what they want.” 

And with that smug look on his face, Alex kissed her, long and slow, his hand firm

against her back as he dipped her. Everyone around them cheered and clapped. Before she had a

moment to regain her composure, they were inside, being offered champagne and receiving

hellos from countless cast members. 

After everyone arrived and a few words of appreciation were given by the producer, they

were ushered into the screening area. Elation and fear filled Lacey as they sat down to watch the

movie for the very first time. All the months of hard work were about to be displayed on a

screen. Very soon, the entire world would see it. Would people love it? Would they love her?

She’d given quite a bit of thought lately about how this film would determine her future. Even

though America knew of Lacey Michaels, she was put on this film starring with Hollywood’s

heartthrob to boost her own ratings. If she didn’t make the cut, her career as an actress would be

in jeopardy. Closing her eyes, she took in three deep breaths. Feeling slightly more relaxed, she

opened her eyes and focused them on the screen in front of her. She felt Alex’s hand rest on her

thigh. She looked over at him, grabbed his hand, and placed it on the arm rest between them.

The house lights went up as people stood, giving a loud round of applause. 

Lacey had to admit, the movie was really well done. Not just her and Alex, but the entire

cast and crew were phenomenal. The story line was amazing and the chemistry between her

character and Alex’s definitely didn’t disappoint. No wonder they’d quickly become a couple in

real life. 
Trust Fall 8
Laura Conaway
Everyone filed out of the room, mulling around as waiters passed by with hors d’oeuvres

and more champagne. The food at premieres was always delicious, and this was no exception.

The hotel itself was beautiful, grand. 

Lacey had always been cautious about overindulging at these parties, especially with

drinking. She never wanted to make a fool of herself and warrant bad publicity, but she was livid

at Alex and needed a way to relax, to distract herself and make it through the rest of the night.

She grabbed her third glass of the evening off the passing waiter’s tray and made her way over to

a group of cast members.

“You did a fantastic job,” Zac, who played the antagonist in the movie, said as she

approached everyone.

“Thanks. So did you. The whole cast did amazing. Viewers are going to love it.” 

“I couldn’t agree more,” he said before leaning in and whispering in her ear. “You know I

heard about the slight fiasco with Alex. Anytime you need to get away, my place is always

open,” he said, a slight smirk playing on his face. 

Lacey’s eyes widened, and she quickly snapped her lips shut. How did Zac hear about

Alex? She was repulsed at his comment. Scanning the crowd again, she spotted platinum blonde

hair. Sure enough, Meg was standing with Alex, laughing at something. 

“Excuse me, I have to go.” She headed towards the restroom and stood looking at herself

in the mirror. Lacey tried to focus her eyes, but everything felt hazy, and she couldn’t say for

sure, but the room felt as if it was moving, and her legs hurt from all the standing. She looked

down at the four inch heels she was wearing, wishing she’d chosen more comfortable shoe attire.
Trust Fall 9
Laura Conaway
She needed to find a place to sit for a moment, and she could use something else to drink

—her lips were parched. Walking out of the restroom, she spotted a couch in the corner of a

small alcove. Another tray made its way through the sea of people, and Lacey grabbed a drink

before sitting down on the couch. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, sipping the

bubbly pink liquid.

Lacey couldn’t believe Alex had discarded her so easily. The sting of betrayal hurt. Two

weeks ago, she was the one talking and laughing with him. How dare he associate with Meg

publicly when Lacey and he were still supposed to be an item to everyone else’s knowledge.

No, Lacey would not let him get away with kissing her an hour ago on the red carpet and

now sidling up to Meg. Lacey gulped down the rest of the drink and stood up, smoothing her

dress, immediately regretting the decision as she swayed and had to brace herself with the wall.

She could feel her breathing becoming more labored, but she didn’t care. Alex was about

to realize he couldn’t play games with her.

As she walked back into the crowd of people, voices mixed with one another and she

couldn’t focus her eyes. The room was definitely moving now and bile began to rise in her

throat. She reached the group of people where Alex and Meg stood. 

“Hi, darling.” Alex said. 

“Don’t call me that,” for a second Lacey didn’t recognize her own voice. It sounded

distant, like it didn’t come from her lips. 

“Drinking too much, are we?” Alex chuckled and Meg turned around, her eyebrow lifted

as she eyed Lacey up and down.  

Trust Fall 10
Laura Conaway
That was enough. Before she took a moment to think, Lacey swung her arm connecting

with something hard as Meg let out a scream. Meg was bent over holding her nose, blood

trickling through her fingers. 

“That’s what you get for stealing my boyfriend.” Lacey said as loud and coherently as her

tongue would allow. Her hand was now throbbing, and the room swayed back and forth again.

She couldn’t believe she actually punched the make-up artist, but it felt good to release her

anger. 

“Lacey!” Alex yelled.

Lacey went in for a hit at Alex’s face, but he grabbed her wrist and started to drag her

across the room to the nearest door. “This is not the place to make a scene,” he hissed. 

A crowd had started to form as observers pulled out their phones to capture everything

that was happening. The paparazzi who had access to the ballroom were snapping pictures like

they had caught a cheetah devouring its prey. 

Lacey protested, trying to writhe her way out of Alex’s grasp, but he was too strong for

her on a normal day, let alone a night where she was clearly intoxicated. She tried scanning the

crowd, looking for Meg, but all she could see were the faces of people going in and out of focus. 

All of a sudden, a gust of cool air hit Lacey’s face, and it looked like Alex was

approaching a car. But, her eyes wouldn’t focus and nothing was making sense. A moan escaped

her lips, and she turned to the side heaving, everything she’d eaten now on the sidewalk. Then

her eyes grew heavy, and she gave into unconsciousness. 

Trust Fall 11
Laura Conaway
What seemed like only five minutes later, someone rubbed her arm vigorously. “You

need to wake up, Lacey. We’re back at your place, and you need to get cleaned up. I don’t think

any paparazzi followed us, but please try to walk until we get inside.” 

Lacey thought it sounded like Alex’s voice speaking, but she was still groggy and having

a hard time focusing intently on what was happening around her. Allowing herself to be escorted

out of the car and into the house, she quickly retreated to the inviting and soft couch that sat in

the center of the room. She thought she heard someone say something and then heard a door

close, but her brain wouldn’t let her process what was happening. Instead, she gave into the

sweet heaviness of sleep.

Trust Fall 12
Laura Conaway
Chapter 3:

The sun shone through the curtains, brightening the room and illuminating dust dancing

in the light. Lacey rolled over, using a pillow to cover her face as she let out a moan. Her head

pounded and she gingerly touched her forehead, wincing at the pain that followed. Slowly

opening her eyes, she tried to make out her surroundings. A TV was mounted on the wall across

from her and there was a coffee table with magazines in front of it.

Her apartment. She must have fallen asleep in the living room.

She pushed herself to a seated position, rubbing her eyes. “Hello?” No one responded.

Someone must have dropped her off last night. Probably Alex.

She looked down at what she was wearing. Oh, her dress! The events from the previous

night started to dance their way back into her memory. Bits and pieces reminding her of

unpleasant circumstances she’d rather forget. The premiere, drinking too much champagne, the

argument, a car ride, falling asleep. She was a complete idiot. She couldn’t remember all the

details of the night, but she knew they weren't good.

Lacey stood up but quickly sat back down. Letting the wave of dizziness and nausea pass,

she took in a deep breath. After another ten minutes when she was sure she wouldn’t fall over,

she stood up again, changed into sweatpants and a t-shirt, and made her way to the kitchen area.

An unwelcome rhythm still pounding in her head, she got out the coffee maker and a mug from

the cabinet, desperately hoping it would alleviate her headache.

  The smell of the coffee was tantalizing, and she poured herself a cup, grabbed her phone

off the counter, and sank back on the couch. She saw there were ten new voicemails. Deciding
Trust Fall 13
Laura Conaway
she needed more energy first before talking to people, she headed for the shower. She was

physically and emotionally drained and her body cried out for a hot shower to ease the aches. 

Once she changed into a pair of leggings and an oversized gray shirt, she grabbed her

phone again and her now lukewarm coffee and retreated to the couch. 

Lacey hit the playback button on the first voicemail. Nine were from her manager, his

voice distraught and frustrated, telling her to call him back immediately. The other one was from

her brother, Matthew. The last time they had spoken was six months ago.

His message was succinct. Hi, how are you? I have something to discuss, please call

back. Odd though, considering he hadn’t mentioned anything when they had caught up a few

months prior. He’d probably seen headlines about the fiasco and was concerned.

Whenever she talked to Matt, home felt far away. A distant memory. She’d be turning

twenty-four in a few months. Almost six years since leaving Bristol, truly a life time ago. And,

deep down, she missed it. Playing with her brother on sunny summer days. Running through the

forest and coming out on the edge of the lake. Splashing around, catching frogs. She smiled at

the thought. Sometimes she missed the old way of life—a quaint town filled with simplicity.

People knew about everyone’s life, but there was still privacy, unlike L.A. and living in

Hollywood. Like the pressing issue right now of everyone knowing about her confrontation at

the premiere.

Regardless of the reason for Matt’s call, she decided he could wait. The bigger issue was

her job and speaking with her manager. 

Palms sweaty and her breath coming in short gasps, she pressed the redial button. 
Trust Fall 14
Laura Conaway
“Dan Woods.”

“It’s Lacey, Dan,” she barely finished the sentence before he was rushing to speak again. 

“What in the world? Actually, I… Lacey, I need you in my office ASAP. Have you seen

the tabloids?” 

“No, I haven’t.” She let out a long, slow breath. “Look, I still feel sick. Can you just tell

me over the phone what you need to say?”

“I’m not surprised you’re still hungover.” His laugh came up short and Lacey grimaced. 

She looked at the clock and saw that it was already one in the afternoon. 

“Listen, what you did last night was bad. Very bad. For the movie, for the industry, for

you, for Alex. Producers are considering pushing back the release date of the movie until this

blows over. And then there’s the team who’s thinking of cutting your contract.” 

Lacey sat in silence, unsure of how to respond and knew that if she tried, her voice would

betray her. 

The silence lengthened. 

“I think you need to take a few weeks to fly low on the radar. Regroup.” 

It sounded like a good plan to Lacey, but there was just one problem. 

Verbalizing her thoughts, she said, “Where would I go, Dan? My life is here, in L.A.” 

“I don’t know. That’s for you to figure out. Don’t you have a friend you could stay with,

family to visit?” He sounded irritated, like it was his job to solve the mess she’d brought upon

herself. 
Trust Fall 15
Laura Conaway
“I’ll figure something out. Just promise me you’ll make the team reconsider withdrawing

the contract? I can’t lose that. It’s my entire career. My life.” She pinched the bridge of her nose

not wanting the emotions to resurface. 

“Let me see what I can do. But in the meantime, take a vacation, Lacey. Lay low. I’ll

keep in touch.” 

How had her life gone from cloud nine to the darkest valley in a matter of twenty-four

hours? She didn’t even know who she was anymore, because the girl she knew rarely drank or let

anger become uncontrolled. 

It had taken one slip and now her whole life was in jeopardy of collapsing around her. 

All she wanted to do was curl up in a ball and rewind time. She couldn’t feel sorry for

herself, though. She needed to pick up the pieces and move on. Yes, that’s what she was going to

do. She’d come back stronger and soon everyone would forget about last night. All Lacey had to

do was come up with a plan.