Page 82 of Even Ground

She laughs, shaking her head. “No way. You guys just needed to get your shit together.”

I squeeze her arm. “That’s why I love you. You’re so upfront with me.”

Blushing, she drops her gaze. “Always.”

“Reece.”

I shift my gaze to Josh, walking toward us. He slips an arm around Delaney, and she gives him that look of absolute devotion that I envy so much.

“It’s good to see you, man. Let’s head in,” Josh says.

We get shown to our seats which are right near the front, close to the stage. Josh, Delaney, and I are at the end of the row, with Gabby and Antonio on the other side of the aisle. There are other production staff seated around us, and it feels so good to be part of a solid group that made such a wonderful movie.

We’re up for a host of awards—our movie didn’t just kill at the box office, but it got the critical acclaim we craved for it.

Even if we win nothing, we’ve achieved so much more than we ever thought possible.

My category is first up, and I feel as if I’m holding my breath while they go through the nominees.

“And the Oscar for best supporting actor goes to …”

I clench my fists. There’s no way I’ve got this—not with four other amazing actors who turned in brilliant performances. I’m in what’s basically an indie film I made with my best friend.

“Reece Evans in Coming Home.”

I lean back in my seat.

Beside me, Delaney lets out a yell and grabs hold of my arm. It takes a moment for my brain to register what I just heard, and I grin, leaning over to hug her.

Standing along with Delaney and Josh, I manoeuvre past her heavily pregnant bump and grip Josh’s arm, pulling him into a hug.

“We did it,” I whisper.

“This is just the start.” He pulls back, his eyes so full of joy, and we’re just at the start of the night.

On the other side of the Aisle, Gabby’s clapping for me, tears glistening in her eyes. She’s nominated for best supporting actress, but they’re not presenting that until about halfway through the ceremony. And she deserves to win because I cry every time I watch our film. Although, that might also be because I was in the best condition I’d ever been in for our half-naked sex scene.

I head straight for her. She’s the one who kills it in our scenes, and while she’s up for her own award, I owe a lot to her for being such a great scene partner.

“Congratulations.” Antonio slaps me on the back, and I give Gabby a quick hug before heading to the stage.

Accepting my golden statuette, I look over it in awe. “Err …” I shake my head. “I never thought I’d ever be doing this.” I run my fingers over my chin. “I was sure one of the other guys would win.” There’s a lot of laughter, and I focus my gaze on Josh. “From the first acting class we were in, I knew Josh Carter was special. He had this way of holding the audience in his hand, and we were immediately the best of buddies. I owe way more to that man than anyone will ever know, and, Josh, you are the person I have to thank for this. You pulled us all together, and you made this happen, and now look at us.”

I shift my gaze to Gabby. “And to Gabby Reynolds for just being the best scene partner and making me look good.”

She kisses her fingers and blows the kiss to me.

“I’d also like to thank the academy, and all those friends and family who have supported my career. You know who you are.”

Waving the statuette in the air, I walk off the stage, my chest swelling with pride. I’d never been nominated for an Oscar before, and it took making a movie with my best bud to get this.

It’s the best night of my life.

* * *

I’m going to get drunk. Very, very drunk.

I’m going to celebrate like I’ve never celebrated before and have so many regrets tomorrow.

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