April 1st 2014

Here she was

She had to do this

She could do this

This was her job

Would he even remember her? It's been at least fifteen years and they were in their early thirties now. Melissa Viviane Jefferson readjusted her watch while checking the time she only had five more minutes until he would arrive and she would start the interview.

When Melissa was given the assignment, her co-workers were gushing and telling her how lucky she was to be interviewing Christopher Robert Evans or just Chris Evans to most people. For Melissa though he was so much more than that because she knew him before his huge stardom as Captain America. Even before he played Jake Wyler in Not Another Teen Movie.

It was hard being one of the very few black students at Lincoln Sunbury Regional High School; and he always made her feel comfortable and at ease. Hardly anyone messed with her because they would have had to answer to him. It was also due to the fact that they lived in the same neighborhood too. When she didn't have a date to junior prom he stepped up to the plate.

In the years that followed they of course went their separate ways with Chris of course becoming a traditional actor and Melissa went into journalism. She would hear about what he was up to from time to time but that was about it. To be honest Melissa was surprised that Chris wasn't married with kids by now; then again neither was she.

Melissa peered at the movie poster behind the chair that Chris would soon be sitting in. Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Set to be released on Friday it was sure to be a box office success since everyone seemed love Captain American: The First Avenger. Melissa was happy for him he deserved the success that he worked hard for.

"Right this way Mr. Evans"

Melissa overheard the building security guard guide the actor down the hall as they got closer to her room

"Please call me Chris"

"Oh no" the security guard chuckled in good humor "see I'm not a mega superstar like you"

Chris laughed back in response and thanked him for pointing in the right direction.

Melissa's heart almost jumped out of her chest as she saw the doorknob turn. There was no turning back now. When Chris entered the room Melissa just realized how small and intimate the studio was; not counting the camera man they would pretty much be the only two in the room.

"Missy? Is that really you?"

Melissa looked up to the look of surprise and amusement on Chris's friendly face and she smiled. She had many nicknames from Lis, Lissa, Mel, Mellie to Mells but he was the only one who called her Missy; and she kind of liked it too.

When her eyes met his she knew it was in fact him; she knew those blue eyes anywhere. His were unique because they had of hint of green in them.

"Hey Chris" Melissa greeted bashfully

"Nope I need a hug" Chris insisted "it's been too long"

Melissa was prepared to give him a side hug but Chris wanted the real deal as he brought her into his embrace fully. Giving her a tight and sincere hug Melissa could feel all of Chris's muscles even through his plaid shirt. He was definitely fit with no ounce of fat on him but then again he had to because of his role.

"Let me look at you" Chris said as he gently pulled her back from him and suddenly, she felt eighteen all over again as he looked her up and down. Melissa was wearing her favorite turquoise sweater dress with loose turtle neck collar and her matching brown knee high boots.

"You look beautiful Missy" he said sincerely "it's nice to see you again"

"It's nice to see you too" Melissa replied "you can have a seat in front of your poster"

"You bet" Chris agreed "this should be an at ease interview"

"What do you mean by that?"

"I do tons of interviews and in most of them I don't know the person who is interviewing me" Chris explained "it's that or if I'm being interviewed by a woman, she's flirting with me"

Melissa couldn't help but smirk a little; Chris knew he was handsome and she found it amusing how self-aware he was but he wasn't cocky about it either.

"I'm talking to an old friend" he said smiling at her

"Let's get started then" Melissa said because she swore if Chris gave her another compliment, she didn't think she would be able to contain the butterflies in her stomach. It was time for her to put her professional cap on after all this interview would be streaming live on YouTube.

"Welcome back to Inside Actor's Scoop. Melissa Jefferson here and today we have a very special guest with us today Captain America himself Chris Evans" Melissa managed to say confidently and professionally despite her butterflies

"Chris thank you for stopping by today"

"Thank you for having me"

"Winter Solider is coming out this Friday and everyone's excited about it because First Avenger was a smash hit" Melissa went on to say "was there some pressure in making sure this sequel would hold up to the first or surpass it?"

"Oh definitely" Chris replied leaning back a little bit in his chair "I mean it's like trying to catch lighting in a bottle twice really but for the most part I think it holds up very well"

"Do you think you can tell us about the new suit that you wear?"

"It's awesome" he replied "I like it a lot. I can tell a lot of people like the old suit as well because the World War II aesthetic. So it's there are some things I like about the new suit and some things I like about the old suit"

"Do you find the new suit more comfortable?"

"Yes I do there's actually air circulating through it this time" Chris chuckled "I don't have to wear a separate helmet with my ears sticking out weird; so thankfully the suit has ears"

"Can you tell us where Cap is when the movie begins? He's been through so much and has always adjusted to any new environment he's in. Is he comfortable where he is?"

"Yes in fact I would say that he's comfortable with structure. He loves to serve and loves to take orders. He's kind like a herding dog always needs a task to do. In this movie it's a challenge for him to not only adapt to the modern world but he's caught doing what's right and being of help where he can. It's hard for him to know what's right because things are in a gray area in the modern world whereas in the 40s it was of course Nazis are bad"

"Wow that's pretty complex" Melissa said impressed with Chris's answer

"Well he's a complex character" he replied

"Yes he is" Melissa agreed "and in this movie Cap is involved in a lot of relationships both new and old. Do you think your character has grown in those relationships?"

"I'd say it's definitely made him more human" Chris replied "Cap is a good guy but it's hard for him to be honest about his feelings and emotions. He isn't one to want to burden others with his problems yet at the same time that's what makes his character more dynamic and interesting. So any time he is pushed into a human direction he's able to show weakness and vulnerability to connect with others it grounds him. His best connections are with Natasha and Sam"

"You know your character so well" Melissa admired "so much dedication"

"Well I have to or I wouldn't be able to bring him to life"

"Speaking of dedication after you did the main first Avengers movie and the first Captain America movie you mentioned what a big decision it is to commit to this character and all the movies you would have to do. So how do feel now that you're three films in?"

"I got to tell you Missy it feels great!" Chris beamed "it really is the opportunity of a lifetime and I'd be kicking myself if I hadn't taken this opportunity. It has really been a game changer in my acting career because every actor has that one role that they are mostly known for and for me it's Cap. I'm enjoying this little spotlight for now"

"So it's safe to say that you love what you're doing?"

"I do" Chris said "I love working on these movies because they're good. Let's be honest my earlier movies aren't exactly blockbuster hits"

"Are you referring to Not Another Teen Movie?" Melissa chuckled "people love that movie"

"Well, I think people loved how I was practically naked as a human banana split"

Melissa couldn't help but giggle at that and Chris caught her laugh

"I'm assuming you loved it too" he teased her playfully raising his eyebrows at her

"Well, it was definitely something" she admitted

"I'd be more than happy to go into a tangent about that if you'd like Missy"

"No, no, no" Melissa laughed "let's stick to Winter Solider. So critics have characterized this a reboot in tone but Captain America has been the only superhero in America in the last decade or so that has been truly heroic. Does that change in tone affect him? Or is it more of an identity crisis that other heroes go through?"

"Well, when you get down to it he is a human superhero. He doesn't shoot lighting, doesn't fly,

It's very meat-and-potatoes type of powers. So it's more a human element like I mentioned earlier it's not necessarily fighting monsters or doing crazy stunts. It's about him coping with moral issues; right and wrong, good and bad, things that we can all relate to"

"So, he's not questioning his identity as much and he's comfortable with his identity in a more ambiguous environment?"

"I think he's fine in any environment he just questions how he fits into that world around him"

"How protective are you about the character of Cap at this point? Do you feel it's okay to be vocal if you disagree with something?"

"Yes, I am now. When I first started playing this role, I just felt lucky to just have role but it's nice to eventually come into your own. At first, I was like "Who's that idiot in the suit?" but now that suit feels like a second home and I care a little more now. There are young kids that recognize me and it's a responsibility to be someone they can look up to. And I don't want to make it sound like I'm full of myself it's just that I care more about making good quality content. We still have some other films lined up to do so it's a great contract. I love working with Marvel"

"That's truly remarkable" Melissa said genuinely "well that's all the time we have. Chris thank you so much for stopping by"

"You're welcome" Chris said "and folks Winter Solider hits theaters on Friday and I believe midnight tickets are still on sale for you die-hard fans out there"

Once the cameraman stopped filming the interview already had over a million likes on the streaming on YouTube.

For the first time ever, Chris Evans was relieved to have an interview completed but in a good way. When he entered the studio, he would have never guessed that the person who would be interviewing him would be Melissa Jefferson. Missy. It had been so long since he seen her fifteen years to be exact.

Chris didn't mind doing the interview about the movie and talking about Captain America since he knew both topics like the back of his hand at this point. However, the whole time he wanted to talk about her and catch up with her; he realized how much he did in fact miss her.....he wasn't ready to let her go just yet.

Melissa had just finished letting the cameraman know how to title the interview on YouTube she turned to see Chris still admiring her with a playful smirk.

"Oh I'm sorry Chris don't let me keep you; I'm sure you're busy"

"Actually I was waiting for you" he admitted "I'm free right now"

"You are?"

"Yeah" Chris said "are you hungry? We can grab lunch I know a really great Mexican place near by and it's Taco Tuesday"

"That does sound good" Melissa agreed "I didn't have much for breakfast"

"Let's go" he insisted "my treat"

"Oh" Melissa said a little surprised "are you sure? We can call for delivery"

Chris frowned a little as he noticed Melissa's demeanor change "What's wrong Missy?"

"Would it be okay for us to go to lunch together?" she asked cautiously "I wouldn't want anyone to get pictures of us and make up gossip about you"

"Oh Missy you don't have to worry about that" Chris replied

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah I don't care what those crappy gossip tabloids and blogs say. I've been in the business too long for them to get through my thick skin" he reassured "the real question is will it bother you? I don't want you to be uncomfortable"

"I'll be fine" Melissa insisted

"I'll tell you what if they do make you uncomfortable, I can tell them where to stick or shove their camera up their ass okay?"

Melissa couldn't help but to laugh at that and it made her feel better. Chris always used to make her feel better.

"So tell me Missy. Who are the other actors or actresses you've interviewed?"

It was a gorgeous day out and Taqueria La Raza had all of their windows open to let in the cool spring breeze. The waiter had just taken their orders; Chris requested the four tacos de Birrias and Melissa got three shrimp tacos.

"To be honest you're my first actor" Melissa admitted

"Really?"

"Yes I've only interviewed actresses so far" she went on to say "Keke Palmer, Amber Riley, Janelle Monae, Tessa Thompson, Zoe Kravitz, Kyla Pratt, Emma Watson, Kirsten Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Kiernan Shipka, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, and so many more"

"So I'm your first man?" Chris teased a little raising his eyebrows trying to amuse her with the double meaning

"Yes Chris you're my first actor" Melissa replied refusing to say man. Perhaps it was because she had been celibate for the past four years but when Chris said things like that it made a tingle spread all through her body. She didn't want to give him that satisfaction.

"I see what you did there" he laughed "well regardless I'm glad I was your first actor"

"I'm sure you won't be the last"

"True but they wouldn't be me though" he said playfully "so how have you been doing outside of your career? I want to know how life is for you in general"

"It's good" Melissa said "I live just outside the city in a tiny flat just me and my chocolate Lab"

"You have a Lab?" Chris's face lit up and Melissa thought it was adorable; how could she forget how much of a dog guy he was

"Yes her name is Truffle like the chocolate" she said "I call her Tuffy for short"

"Does she love the dog park? Maybe we should set up a doggie date Dodger loves going to the dog park"

"She loves it I honestly wish I could take her more often" Melissa said "is Dodger spoiled?"

"Oh yeah he's very spoiled then again I am the one that enables it" Chris replied "is it just you and Tuffy?"

"Yes it's just us"

"No man?"

"........no man"

"Really?"

"Yes Chris" Melissa laughed "if I had a man, I wouldn't be here having lunch with you"

"I'm only asking because it's hard to believe a gorgeous woman like yourself is single"

"Well I am" she replied "what about you? You're single too right?"

"I am"

"Well Mr. Evans what's the hold up?"

"No hold up I just haven't found the one yet" Chris said simply "I've got my eye out for her though; for all I know she could be right in front of me"

Melissa did her best to fight back a blush; if there was one thing that didn't change about Chris it was his ability to be charming.

Thankfully to save herself from being bashful in further the food had arrived.

"These are really good" Melissa said in her first few bites

"I'm telling you I don't look any further for tacos" Chris chuckled "this is the place"

"I'm assuming because there's still some time before you have to film again that you are taking advantage of actually eating for now?"

"Definitely" he said taking a bite "in moderation of course when I have to start filming again I'm on a strict diet and workout routine"

"At least you're disciplined enough to stick to that diet and workout" Melissa said "I always try to but end up failing every time; I don't think I was ever meant to lose weight"

The way Chris looked up at her made Melissa immediately regret those last words. When they were still in high school Melissa was considered obese for a teenager. Although she had lost some weight since then she still wasn't considered a healthy weight.

"Is everything okay Melissa?" Chris asked her calling her by her full name

"I'm fine I was just thinking out loud and talking too fast"

"Don't lie to me Melissa" he said gently "you think I forgot about how much you were teased for your weight when we were in school"

Melissa was now pushing around some of the extra rice that fell out of her taco around with a fork on her plate.

"I remember that you were almost suspended for breaking Tyler Edgerton's nose"

"That kid was a prick" Chris shrugged "he didn't have much room to talk about you. With all those pimples he had a face that looked like a pepperoni pizza"

"We were kids" Melissa insisted "it's in the past now"

"They say that things from our youth shape and affect us as adults" Chris said

"As adults though we have the foresight to know that some things we experienced as youth isn't the end all be all"

Chris could sense the stubbornness that Melissa was giving him; he wasn't surprised by it since she had always been that way.

"Adults also know that they aren't perfect either"

"Yeah well we still strive for perfection"

"Keyword being stive Ms. Jefferson"

"Easy for you to say Mr. Captain American" Melissa chuckled

"You knew me way before then" Chris laughed "it was a journey too; if you want to lose weight you can do that Missy but just know that you're beautiful no matter what"

"How are your tacos?"

"Delicious but don't change the subject" he said "in fact how would you like to be my date to the premiere on Friday?"

"Huh?"

"You heard me" Chris said "I'd like to take you to the red-carpet premiere; besides we've been on a date before"

"Chris I'm pretty sure junior prom is nothing compared a red-carpet movie premiere" Melissa insisted "you're literally comparing apples and oranges"

Not to mention adult Chris was on a different level of handsomeness than he was as a teenager.

"You had fun when we went to prom though" Chris said "you were smiling and glowing the whole night; that's the Missy I remember"

"I did have fun" Melissa remembered fondly "but Chris this isn't high school"

"It's not" Chris replied "it's better than high school because they can serve us alcohol"

"That's not what exactly what I meant" Melissa chuckled "besides I'm pretty sure you have plenty of other options for a date"

"Well, the difference between those so-called other options and you is that is that I asked you"

Melissa was now frantically looking for excuses

"People will talk"

"Missy we already discussed this I don't give a damn about the gossip"

"Chris people are going to talk about the fact that you have a black woman as your date"

"Let them" Chris shrugged "Missy I wouldn't have asked you if I didn't want to take you. Your race and ethnicity didn't stop me and neither will people talking about it"

Melissa didn't know what else to say

"Are you speechless now?" he teased her a little "or are you thinking of even more reasons to change my mind?"

"But Chris why me?"

"I want to spend more time with you" he admitted "I loved talking to you during the interview and it made me realize how much I missed you"

"I missed you too Chris" Melissa replied "it's nice seeing you again"

"So it looks like the feeling is mutual"

"Yeah" Melissa said feeling her cheeks heat up "I guess it is"

"So what are you thinking Missy?"

"I'm thinking normally we would probably just take Dodger and Tuffy to the dog park"

"We could do that too another time" Chris said "no more deflecting though Ms. Jefferson I need to know if you'll be my lady to the premiere"

"Okay I'll go" Melissa said "I don't know what I'm going to wear though"

"I'm sure whatever you pick will be just as beautiful as you are" Chris said sincerely

"I don't know about all that" she insisted modestly

"Trust me Missy you'll outshine everybody on that carpet"

"Mells!"  her co-worker Shannon exclaimed "girl that interview you did with Chris Evans is trending number one on YouTube!"

"It is?"

Melissa had just gotten back from lunch to see everyone gathered around Shannon's desktop with the video pulled up.

"How is that even possible it's barely been more than two hours?"

"Hey what the people like they make it trend" Amanda another co-worker said "plus the comment section is practically gushing about the chemistry between you two"

"Chemistry?"

"Um yeah!" Jade laughed "hell the way you two kept looking at each other who couldn't feel it"

"It's kind of hard to do an interview without making eye contact"

"There's eye contact and then there's checking each other out"

"Chocolate Raisin In The Sun says ‘I honestly thought that Chris was going to impregnate Melissa with the way he subtly was looking her up and down'" 

"Look at this comment, Blue Aquarius Moon 88 says ‘Chris is obviously and clearly smitten with Melissa and did anyone catch how he called her Missy? It was so cute'"

"Missy?" Shannon raised her eyebrows up at Melissa "what's that all about?"

"It's just another nickname for Melissa" she tried shrugging it off "it's no big deal"

"Um nobody ever calls you Missy" Amanda pointed out "it's either Mells or Mellie"

"Well he does"

"What do you mean he does? Is there something you're not telling us Mells?"

Melissa took a deep breath she would never hear the end of it but she had to tell them.

"I already knew Chris prior to the interview"

"You did?"

"...........we went to the same high school"

"WHAT?!?"

Melissa should have known that would be the reaction that she would get which is why she never mentioned it in the first place.

"You went to high school with Chris Evans?!?"

"Yes and he was the only one who ever called me Missy again it's no big deal"

"Attending the same high school as Capitan America is a big deal"

"Well when we were in high school he was just Christopher" Melissa insisted "look the reason why I didn't say anything because I didn't want this blown out of proportion"

"Too late!" Jade proclaimed "all this time and you didn't say anything"

"What was he like? I bet he was the most popular guy in school" Shannon added.

"He was like he is now" Melissa said "down to earth, funny, smart, kind, a bit of a jokester too"

"Were the two of you friends?"

"Yes he always stood up for me when I was being teased. He was my date to junior prom"

"Aww that's so sweet" Shannon gushed.

"Mells are you blushing?"

"No!" she replied lying through her teeth "let's just squash this it's not professional anyway"

"Oh Mellie" Amanda said "come on live a little besides it's after hours anyway"

"I'm sorry I know it's just that gossip travels so fast now because of social media gets out I should have just said no---"

Melissa stopped immediately caught herself and stopped but her co-workers didn't let her up

"Should have said no to what?"

"Nothing"

"Kind of hard to say no to nothing"

"What is it?"

"Chris.....he um......he..."

Jesus Christ this was embarrassing she was a thirty-two-year-old woman for crying out loud.

Melissa took a deep breath calming herself down and said

"Chris asked me to be his date to the red-carpet premiere of Winter Solider on Friday"

A shrill of excitement filled the room and Melissa knew there was no backing out now.