Page 31 of Her Sweet Surrender
Mary scoffed. “Like I would waste my time with that shit. I’m serious. Your documentary is being seriously considered for some honorary award for Most Compelling Living Subjects of a Documentary.”
Brie smiled. “That’s an award I’ll gladly accept.”
“You don’t understand, Brie. Your film has been out for a while. This kind of thing doesn’t happen.”
Brie crinkled her brows. “Why do you think it is happening now?”
A sly smile spread across Mary’s face. “I think whoever your secret admirer is wants to drum up attention for your first film.”
“Why?”
“I’m sure it’s to give the second documentary credentials when it’s released. But I’m telling you, Brie, this move has Greg on a rampage.”
Brie stared at Mary with concern. “Is that the reason for the sunglasses?”
She growled, “What are you implying?”
Knowing she needed to tread lightly, Brie told her, “It just seems a little odd that you’re wearing sunglasses inside the café, that’s all.”
Mary frowned and whipped her shades off. “I already told you. Greg would never damage the merchandise, ifthat’swhat you’re getting at, bitch.”
Brie was relieved to not see any bruises on Mary’s beautiful face, but she didn’t miss the dark circles under her eyes, which Mary had tried unsuccessfully to cover up with makeup.
Worried for her friend, she asked, “How are things going with him?”
Mary glanced around the café before leaning in close, her voice venomous. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Brie nodded meekly. She picked up her mug and took a sip of her latte.
“Anyway,” Mary continued, “even though this is a casual event among peers in the industry, I would still suggest dressing up for it.”
Brie shook her head. “What event?”
“The one where you receive the award, idiot.”
“You mean there’s actually going to be an awards ceremony?”
“Nothing formal, but yeah. You will be recognized for the achievement during the event in front of everyone in attendance. I can’t stress enough how important that is for you right now.”
“Who else is going to be there?”
Mary rattled off several familiar names, including Finn. That was reason enough for Brie to attend, but she was still hesitant. “Is Holloway going to be there too?”
“No, he considers events like these beneath him.”
“Good,” Brie sighed in relief.
Mary grabbed her hand, squeezing it hard. “Don’t be afraid to meet Greg face to face. He may be a powerhouse in Hollywood, but he has nothing on you. Don’t you ever let him make you feel small.”
Brie realized she needed to hear that and smiled gratefully at Mary.
Mary let go of her hand and asked smugly, “You plan to be there, right?”
Brie took another sip of her latte, then set it down before answering. “Only if you promise to go with me.”
“I wouldn’t miss it, Stinks.”
“I guess I better ask when it is,” Brie laughed.
