his shoulders as she threw her head back in absolute joy.
When he lowered her to the floor, Elle, who was smiling from ear to ear, looked into Luke’s bright eyes. They were backstage and the production crew was shuffling this way and that. It seemed everyone was moving in fast-forward motion as they stood together, their eyes connecting as Luke beamed with pride.
“I think this is the best and worst day of my life,” Elle said, smoothing down his disheveled hair. Luke took her hand in his and pressed it to his chest. His heart was thumping wildly beneath his tuxedo.
“Focus on the good. Everything else will work itself out.”
Elle wanted to be as optimistic as Luke often was. She wanted to view the world as a place filled with endless opportunities and limitless potential. She wanted to ignore the turmoil building within her as she was torn between the two men in her life. Celebration seemed almost impossible when she felt this way. No matter what she did, someone would be hurt. Wouldn’t he?
As if he somehow read her thoughts, Luke pressed his lips gently to her forehead and sighed. “I’ll stay out of the way. But that doesn’t mean I’m giving up. This was your story, the two of you, and you should celebrate together. So for tonight, I’ll give you your space.”
Luke released her hand and started to walk away. “Wait,” she called after him, her voice urgent and filled with nerves. “Will you be at the after-party?”
He smiled. “Of course. Wouldn’t miss it.”
Relief came over her as she nodded and lifted her hand to blow him a kiss. In a silly, overly dramatic form, Luke pretended to leap in the air to catch it just in time. Elle giggled as he placed it in the pocket of his tuxedo. He patted the fabric, and for just a moment, he looked sad. His smile was replaced by a contemplative gaze. He raised his hand, gave her a subtle wave, and disappeared into the swarm of production assistants and staff who were preparing to announce the final awards of the evening.
“We’re so impressed with you, Elle, and I want you to know we’ve been giving your show ideas much thought.” Saul Greenberg, the network president, had cornered her beside the pool. Troy was seated next to her, his hand on her thigh as they listened to Saul, a tall, portly man, encourage Elle and her success at the award ceremony. Elle knew awards such as these were a major factor in renewed contracts and future opportunities. She was thrilled Saul was pleased.
“Is that right?”
“Indeed.” He took a drink of his cocktail, wiping his lips with the back of his hand. “In fact, I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but since this is my fifth drink, I don’t really care. We like them all—we’re having trouble deciding.”
“Well, maybe you can increase your entire fall lineup,” Elle joked, nudging him in the elbow. Saul erupted in laughter.
“You never know, young lady.” Elle cringed at being referred to as a young lady. She was thirty-five freaking years old. She forced a smile, however, knowing that Saul a) was drunk and b) could make or break her career with just one phone call. “Just keep doing what you’re doing, and the possibilities will be endless.”
“Thank you, sir.” Elle stood and smoothed down her party dress. She and Whitney had changed into shorter, more comfortable cocktail dresses before arriving at Saul’s estate. “I’m going inside to use the ladies’ room. Troy, can I get you something to drink?”
“You know”—Troy stood and took Elle’s hand in his—“my glass is getting low. I’ll get our drinks while you use the washroom.”
“Great.” Elle squeezed Troy’s hand. “It was a pleasure speaking to you, Mr. Greenberg. You have an absolutely gorgeous home.”
Saul raised his glass and winked before leaning back into his soft outdoor armchair. Elle and Troy quickly retreated into the house.
“I don’t really need to pee. I just had to get away from him. He was really making me uncomfortable.”
Troy sighed. “Same here. I’m glad you said something. I wasn’t going to pull you away from him, or anyone from the network. C’mon, let’s get another drink.”
It felt like they had been drinking for almost eight hours, and yet, Elle never reached more than a delightfully steady buzz. Thank goodness she remembered to eat, and food was plentiful at the awards show and now at Saul Greenberg’s enormous mansion. When they reached the indoor bar,