Page 41 of Come Apart
Her makeup is equally simple and pretty.
But she really does look like she's about to bolt.
I squeeze her hand, drawing her attention to me.
"They're going to love the show, love you."
"You don't know that," she counters, but her eyes lose some of that edge.
"Sure I do. I'm a smart as fuck lawyer, remember?"
She rolls her eyes, a grin tugging at her lips.
"Don't you mean smartasslawyer?"
I grin back, happy to see the smile.
"Who says the two are mutually exclusive?"
"Come on guys—it's about to start!" Laurie announces, shushing everyone.
We all turn towards the big screen television.
I feel Alyssa tense once more next to me.
I wrap an arm around her and squeeze, watching the opening credits along with everyone else.
The show starts.
Five minutes into the thing, I know I'm right.
This thing is going to be a hit.
And Alyssa is flat out amazing in it.
Amazing.
I knew she'd be amazing—she was amazing in all sorts of tiny films, and even in the terrible teen soap she was on for years—but she never got the chance to be so fucking hilarious. She's a force of nature. She's selfish, and rude, and completely awful, but lovable all the same. She's never been more on fire, more bright, more brilliant.
This brilliant, talented woman wants me.
And I know I'm the luckiest guy in the fucking world.
When the show fades to black, there's a moment of silence.
For a second, I have a taste of the doubt that must plague Alyssa.
It's not at all fun.
And then everyone starts to clap and whoop, offering their enthusiastic congratulations.
Thank God.
"You were amazing," I whisper to Alyssa as she fields compliments left and right.
"You were so good, Alyssa! I can't believe..."
"They couldn't have cast anyone more perfect for the part! I mean..."
