Page 64 of One Pucking Chance

The interior of the theater has had a Hollywood makeover, feeling as glitzy and glamorous as the red carpet. We’re guided to our guest of honor seats as the rest of the cast, crew, film critics, and invited guests are led to their seats.

We chat with our friends seated around us as the servers deliver food and beverages. The director stands at the front of the theater with a few of the producers and talks for a few minutes about what it meant for him to make this movie. He gives a shout-out to the cast, Anna especially. When his speech is over, we take our seats, and the lights dim.

The movie is two hours and twenty minutes of greatness, and I don’t say that just because I’m sleeping with the star. It’s a fantastic movie. It’s one of those films that make you think, but unlike some artsy type films, it carries a message while telling a really enjoyable story. It’s incredible, and Anna’s performance was mesmerizing.

The premiere goes off without a hitch. Everyone in attendance loved the movie. We enjoy food and drinks afterward and have an amazing time.

“Do you want me to retrieve the gift?” Miranda pulls me aside as Anna chats with her costars.

“No.” My gaze stays locked on Anna. “I don’t want to pull focus from her night. Look at her.”

“Yeah.” Miranda smiles. “She’s so happy. She deserves this. For what it’s worth, I don’t think you would pull focus.”

“Nah, I’ll give it to her when we’re home. I thought this would be a great setting, but I think at home with just the two of us will be better. Do you mind putting it in our limo for me?”

“Sure.”

“Thank you so much, Miranda. I really appreciate it.” Anna’s best friend really is terrific at everything. I went to her with my idea, and she made everything happen.

“Of course. I’m a little bummed I won’t see her open it, but I’m sure she’ll tell me all about it,” she says.

“Oh, I have no doubt she will.”

CHAPTER

TWENTY-NINE

ANNALISE

I’m floating. At least it feels like it. I can’t feel my feet as I step into my house with the best boyfriend in the world coming in behind me. Is this what unadulterated, guilt-free happiness feels like? Had I known this level of euphoria existed, I would’ve faced my demons and cut out my father years ago.

I’ve never experienced a premiere without his dark presence casting a shadow of melancholy and doubt over the whole event. I’ve never left a premiere thinking about all the parts of the project I was proud of instead of what I could’ve done better. I honestly think I’m experiencing true happiness for the first time in my life.

Entering the house, I extend my arms out to my sides and spin into the foyer, causing Jaden to laugh.

“Happy?” He chuckles.

“So happy. What an incredible night.” I throw my arms around him.

I release a contented sigh, the adrenaline of the night seemingly dispersing with the expelled air because, in a matter of seconds, tears wrack my body as I sob against his tuxedo. In an instant, I went from flying on cloud nine to an emotional basket case.

“Hey.” Jaden runs his hands over my hair. “It’s okay.”

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” I swipe at my tears. “I don’t know why I’m crying. I’m happy.”

We exchange a knowing look. “That’s why you’re crying, babe. You’re happy.”

He’s right. I’m overwhelmed with joy. It’s intense.

“I’ve never been this happy. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop or something, I guess. My body’s in shock that nothing horrible happened tonight. It was perfect.” I raise my hand and cup his cheek. “You made it perfect.”

He kisses my forehead. “That’s all you.”

My tears of relief cease, and I take a step back, noticing a long black box wrapped in a golden ribbon in Jaden’s hand. “Hey, what’s that?”

“It’s a present.”

“For me?” I splay my hand across my chest and give Jaden a coy smile.

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