“Cassie, those earrings are to die for,” Jolene gushed.
“You look wonderful, Jo.” And she did. Confidence brimmed from her friend. Not only had her career taken off with that first talk show appearance, but Jolene had done a Showtime special and signed on for a sitcom in the fall that she and Breck were developing.
And that didn’t count her Best Supporting Actress nod.
They climbed into the limo in high spirits. Cassie and Jolene talked about the after parties and who they might see.
“Is this a dream, Cass?” Jolene asked. “Will it all disappear?”
“Not on your life,” she guaranteed. “We’ve got two great men and thriving careers. This night is the icing on our very large cake.”
“I guess the only downer is Sandy not getting a Best Director nom.”
Cassie nodded. “Rhett’s still upset about that. Especially since Sandy was recognized with one by the Director’s Guild. Rhett feels it’s a part of the old Hollywood backlash against him. He’s apologized to Sandy several times.”
“It’s not Rhett’s fault,” Jolene agreed. “He’s been through a rocky year with all the bad press but this movie and his first Oscar nomination will help repair his image. Sandy’s young and gifted. He’ll have another shot down the line.”
Rhett got their attention. “Ladies, I think we need a celebratory toast.” He poured champagne all around.
“I need a hit of alcohol to get through this night,” Breck added, twisting at his collar. “I hate dress-up stuff.”
Jolene patted his knee. “I’ll undress you on the way home, baby. That’ll give you something to look forward to.”
Rhett cocked one eyebrow at Cassie. “We might need to hitch another ride home.”
Cassie raised her glass. “To the four of us—and everything that’s yet to come.”
They clinked glasses together and drank to their successes, both now and in the future.
◆◆◆
“We’re here,” Jolene said nervously. “Look at that massive crowd. I hope I can avoid those Fashion Police morons.”
“Why?” asked Cassie. “You look terrific. Might as well strut your stuff.”
“I’m still too chunky. They’ll crucify me behind my back the minute I walk away.”
Jolene had gone on a pre-Oscar night diet, but she loved food too much to stick to it. She’d actually gained three pounds in the past two weeks.
Cassie told her, “You’ve got curves in all the right places, Jolene Farrell. Flaunt it.”
Jolene thought a moment. “You’re right, Cass. Why should I let anyone intimidate me? I’m a fuckin’ Academy Award nominee!”
The limo crawled to a stop. Rhett slipped his hand around Cassie’s.
“Ready to run the gauntlet?”
She looked at him with unwavering love and confidence. Rhett thought he might burst with happiness. He finally understood what others had said before. It wasn’t about the win. Recognition through the nomination was enough. With Cassie by his side, he would always be a winner.
“Let’s do it,” Breck said and swung open the door.
Rhett glided from the limo, Cassie by his side. They stopped every few feet for the usual interviews. Everyone wanted to know about his big comeback.
“Like Travolta before me, I never went anywhere,” he told a reporter. “Success comes in waves in this town. Right now, I’m riding the Big Kahuna.”
He was pleased that Cassie shared in the limelight. He’d already read two other scripts she’d hammered out during the past year, one in tandem with Breck and the other a solo effort. He was glad they’d formed their own production company. One screenplay he would star in and the other Ken had agreed to do. Rhett would exec produce on that one.
He looked forward to working on both sides of the camera these days and it was all because of the woman by his side.
“When are you and Rhett tying the knot?” an entertainment reporter asked.
“We’ve been so busy, we haven’t had time,” Cassie admitted. “We plan to get through tonight and then take it from there.”
Rhett maneuvered them toward the doors. “It’s getting late. Let’s get inside and find our seats.”
Jolene’s category was the first of theirs to be announced. She lost but seemed matter-of-fact during the commercial break.
“I didn’t have as much screen time as most of the other women in my category. I knew that would hold me back with some voters.”
Rhett said, “Jennifer Lawrence shouldn’t have been in that group. Her performance should’ve gone into Best Actress instead.”
“It doesn’t matter, Rhett. You and Sandy gave me a wonderful opportunity. I never would’ve thought of acting until you two pressed me. It’s opened a whole new world.”