Virtuous(98)

Hayden does the talking this time, thanking the Hollywood Foreign Press as well as the Quantum team and everyone involved in the making of the film. “Flynn, my oldest and dearest friend, you were beyond amazing in this film. You were our heart and soul, and I can’t thank you enough for everything you did to keep me sane during the shoot.”

Flynn pats his friend on the back. He’s glowing with pleasure at seeing their hard work rewarded.

The show comes to an end, and I’m beginning to wonder what I should do, when Flynn comes for me, taking me by the hand and leading me backstage to be with him for the press interviews. Before we proceed to the pressroom, he takes me into a dark corner of the stage and hugs me.

I wrap my arms around him, overcome with the emotion of the moment—the thrill, the excitement, the pride.

He takes a deep breath that he releases slowly, and I suspect it may be his first deep breath of the day.

“I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you for being here with me.” He punctuates his words with a sweet kiss that makes my head spin with the pleasure and connection I share with him.

“Let’s get this press shit over with so we can party.”

“I’m with you.”

He tucks my hand into his arm. “Yes, you are.”

Every reporter asks about me, but he deftly dodges the questions and keeps the focus on the film.

An hour later, we’re finally free to leave for the parties, which are epic and packed with celebrities. Everywhere I look, I see another famous face. Flynn is an attentive date, introducing me to everyone, including Elton John, making sure my glass is never empty and that I get some food. Though the party we’re currently at is insanely crowded, a table is made available for us so we can sit and have something to eat.

“What a night,” I say to him when we’re alone for the first time. My legs and feet are aching from standing so long in heels.

“It’s so much better because you’re here.”

“I loved being here, and I couldn’t be more excited if I’d won the award myself.”

“We’ve got to make an appearance at two more parties, and then we’re out of here. Okay?”

“Whatever you want. It’s your night. I’m just along for the ride.”

He smiles and kisses me right there in front of everyone.

I’ve never been happier in my life than I am in that moment.





Chapter 21





What a night. Only now that I have the statue in hand can I admit to myself how badly I wanted it. And having Natalie with me to share in the magical evening only makes it that much sweeter. Liza has been texting me relentlessly, wanting to know more about Natalie, who made herself into a star with the kiss after Tina and Amy’s good-natured ribbing.

Everyone wants to know who she is and what she means to me after I further “outed” us during my acceptance speech. But I stick to the script and decline to answer questions about her or us. I instruct Liza to do the same and tell her to stop texting me and go have a drink.

She’s not amused.

We finally meet up with my parents at the third party, and they’re thrilled with my big win. They greet Natalie with hugs and treat her like she’s already a member of our family. I love them for that and a million other things. I love that I’ve made them proud, which has always been so important to me.

The four of us spend an hour together celebrating and getting drunk on champagne. I’ve never seen Natalie so excited and animated. She’s loving every second of her big night in Hollywood, and it’s thrilling to watch her reactions to every new person she meets.

I wanted to claw out Johnny Depp’s bedroom eyes when he hugged my girl for a little too long before, a reaction I’m not proud of in hindsight. He’s a friend and didn’t do anything wrong. But I hate that Natalie finds him attractive. And yes, I know that’s totally unreasonable because most women—including all three of my sisters—think he’s irresistible.

As the clock strikes two a.m., my mother decides she’s had enough. “Take me home, Max.”

“As you wish, my love.” He winks at me. “And that, right there, is the secret to a long and happy marriage.”

They offer to drop us back at The Beverly Hilton, where I’ve booked a two-bedroom suite for the night. In light of my colorful dreams the last couple of nights, I plan to make use of that second room. I can’t sleep next to her and not touch her. I’m not made of stone.