Page 69 of One Pucking Chance

I smirk. “No less than a hundred times.”

“Well, you do. I’m obsessed with the gold dress. It makes you look like a Grecian goddess.” He pulls at one of my wavy curls, the simple interaction calming my nerves.

“Thank you, babe.” I lean into his side, wanting this night to be over.

He lowers his face and kisses my shoulder. “Anna, you need to get out of your head. Take a deep breath and enjoy the evening. Win or lose, it’s an honor to be here. Enjoy it.” He half covers his mouth as he speaks, the way I taught him. That gesture alone pulls me from the chaos in my head.

I half laugh. “Look at you being paranoid and covering your mouth for me.”

“Well, we all know those TikTok lip readers are on the prowl.” He winks and wraps his arm around my back. His hand rubs against the bare skin of my arm.

I release a sigh. “You’re right,” I tell Jaden, feeling more at peace.

I’ve come too far to allow my emotions to twist into a frenzy and ruin my night. The whole production breaks for a commercial break as they do between awards. The host is on stage going over something with the director and the person in charge of the teleprompter.

“Come on, Simon,” I say to my costar as I stand from the table. I let Jaden know that I’ll be right back.

“Where are we going?” Simon practically skips behind me like an overzealous six-year-old.

“Giving you your introduction.”

I knew where to find Bobby the whole time. He’s one of the best directors in Tinsel Town. Of course he’s here. I didn’t feel like speaking to him because I also knew that more than likely, my father will be by his side.

Bobby and my father stand against the bar at the far end of the venue, each holding a glass of overpriced scotch. I stop and take hold of Simon’s arm when we’re still out of earshot.

“Be careful, okay. Neither of these men are good people. Know your worth, and if they’re disrespectful in any way, walk away. I promise, there are other great directors out there.”

“Um, okay. Yeah, sure,” he says with a nod.

We close in on the two men at the bar. Bobby shoots me a fake smile, but one nonetheless. On the other hand, my father regards me with the annoyance he’d throw at a stranger interrupting his conversation. Oddly enough, it doesn’t hurt because I suppose I am a stranger. The man doesn’t know me at all.

“Annalise!” Bobby sets his drink on the countertop and grips my arms. He pulls me in for an air-kiss on each cheek. “How are you?”

“I’m good. Thanks. Hey, so”—I throw a nod toward Simon—“this is my costar Simon Blackwood. I’m not sure if you’ve had the chance to preview our latest movie, but he really was stellar throughout. It got me thinking that he’d be great for one of your projects.”

“Is that so?” Bobby raises a brow and extends his hand to shake Simon’s. “I’m always interested in meeting the latest talent.”

Simon shakes Bobby’s hand with a little too much fervor, laying his admiration on thick.

I tap Simon’s back, nudging him to calm down and relax.

“Well, I’m sure you will have lots to talk about. I’m going to head back to the table. My fiancé is waiting. It was good seeing you, Bobby. Father.” I dip my head toward them both and turn on my heel, leaving them behind me wearing an enormous smile. The man with emotions of steel flinched at the word fiancé, and the satisfaction I received from that is priceless.

Put it off to following Jaden’s advice to get out of my head and enjoy the night or my jab that put a dent in my father’s armor, but as the night progresses, I start enjoying myself. I celebrate with the winners in the other categories, and my smile is genuine. Some really good people here, like me, just want to make beautiful art.

Finally, the wait is over. Presenters walk onto the stage, one of them holding a golden envelope in their hand with the name of the winner for best actress. The nominees’ names are read, and short clips of their performance are played for the crowd in attendance and everyone watching on their TV screens at home. The clip they chose of me was from the emotional boardroom scene, and seeing it again, I’m proud. No matter what happens, I can hold my head high.

The presenters read the content of the envelope together. “And the Oscar goes to… Annalise Sterling!”

I cover my mouth in shock. A round of clapping ensues. Jaden stands with me and gives me a kiss. I turn back to him for one more glance as I make my way toward the stage. He claps, wearing a smile that radiates pure joy.

I did it.

I really did it.

I’m handed the coveted golden man, and though I’ve held my parents’ Oscars, this one feels heavier.

Standing at the microphone, I look out at a room of peers before me, hold my hand to my chest, and say the most cliché award speech opener. “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe this,” I exclaim.

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