Virtuous(97)

“And check out Flynn Godfrey,” Tina says disdainfully. “They finally did something about his chronic ugliness. I mean, really, how can someone so ugly be such a huge star?”

My heart stops at the mean-spirited commentary until I realize Flynn is cracking up laughing next to me.

“And that smile,” Amy adds. “So gross, right?”

“Ugh,” Tina says. “How anyone can kiss that face. It’s truly a face only his mother could love.”

Estelle Flynn’s laughing face appears on the screen, and the entire theater joins in as she blows a kiss.

Flynn shakes his head at the two women, who are congratulating each other on their successful bit.

I’m not quite sure what comes over me when I lean over to kiss his “ugly” face. I realize the whole theater saw it on the big screen when their applause nearly deafens me. Flynn gifts me with a huge smile that tells me I did exactly the right thing.

The evening takes off from there with award after award, touching acceptance speeches and musical entertainment. I’m dazzled by the gowns, the gems, the gorgeous women and the handsome men.

I can feel Flynn’s body tightening with tension as we get closer to his category—best actor in a motion picture, drama. He leaves me only for a few minutes to present the best screenplay award with Marlowe. They are greeted with enthusiastic applause as they take the stage.

Watching them together, I’m struck by what a gorgeous couple they would make. The same chemistry they’ve demonstrated time and again on the big screen is readily apparent as they banter their way through the award presentation.

He returns during the next commercial break, stopping along the way to shake hands with friends. The stage managers call for quiet as we return from the commercial to the segment that will include Flynn’s category.

I reach for his hand and cradle it between both of mine.

He gives me a squeeze and a smile that tells me he appreciates my support. I want him to win so badly, my stomach is filled with nervous butterflies.

Finally, it’s time, and Dustin Hoffman takes the stage to announce the nominees for best actor in a motion picture, drama. When I hear Flynn’s name called, it takes a second to sink in that he actually won. Oh my God, he won! And then he’s leaning over to kiss me before heading for the stage.

I’m on my feet clapping and crying and hugging Marlowe, who is also crying.

“About f*cking time,” she says for my ears only.

The applause goes on long enough that Flynn finally calls an end to it by beginning to speak.

“Thank you to the Hollywood Foreign Press for this incredible honor.” He pauses for a look at the slim marble pedestal with the golden globe on top and shakes his head as if in disbelief. “I’m really proud of the work we did on Camouflage, and I want to thank the injured servicemen and women at Walter Reed who were so gracious in sharing their stories with us.” From memory, Flynn lists each of them by name and rank, drawing resounding applause. “I owe my sincere thanks to the entire team at Quantum as well as my personal team.” The only names I recognize on the long list of people he mentions are Addie and his publicist, Liza. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t express my profound thanks to Max Godfrey and Estelle Flynn. I’d be nothing without them, and I love them and my annoying sisters with all my heart. Ian, India, Ivy, Connor, Mason and Garrett—Uncle Flynn loves you. Now go to bed. I want to thank Natalie for being here tonight and for changing my life so completely.”

He blows me a kiss that brings new tears to my eyes.

“Finally, we’re all deeply indebted to the servicemen and women and their families who sacrifice so much so the rest of us can live in peace and prosperity. Please don’t ever miss a chance to thank them for all they do or to give a veteran a job. It’s the least we can do for what they do for us. Thank you again for this amazing award.”

We’re on our feet again, cheering as he leaves the stage, and then Marlowe is hugging me and squealing with excitement. “I’m so damned happy for him. He is long overdue. You know what this means, don’t you?”

“What?”

“He’s the frontrunner for the Oscar now.”

“Oh my God, that’s crazy.” I wonder how I’ll ever stand the suspense of waiting to hear if he’s nominated for an Oscar and then to know if he wins.

He’s already told me he’ll be gone awhile if he wins tonight, so Marlowe, Hayden and I settle back into our seats to enjoy the last few awards of the evening. Flynn returns to the stage a short time later and is joined by Marlowe and Hayden and the cast of Camouflage to accept the award for best motion picture, drama.