I’ll write up a more specific order and email it to the parties.”
He rapped his gavel and that was it. Skye was free.
Skye walked down the ramp of the courthouse with her friends surrounding her as Henry pushed Olivia’s wheelchair down the ramp. The front of the courthouse had been empty when they’d arrived but now it was jam-packed with news vans and reporters.
Gina and Mason each took one of her hands as Morgan and Miles joined her. “You ready?” Morgan asked.
“I am.” Skye took a deep breath and stepped before the cameras, and with her friends behind her, she broke free of the Hollywood spotlight and turned them to focus on predatory agents, directors, and unfair pay. Then she stepped away from it all as Gina took over, speaking for the female actors in attendance before handing it off to the next speaker.
Skye was ready to go home to Shadows Landing and begin her time away from the spotlight.
“Skye.” She heard Mason say her name and turned to see him join their group. He hugged her tight. “I was so worried about you. Are you okay?”
Skye finally had her answer. “I’m free to do the movies I want and I’m madly in love. I’m wonderful.”
“Ah, so that’s where you’ve been. With your woodworker?”
“Yes and all we needed to do was talk it out. Even going through this nightmare, I have had my dreams come true,” Skye said before hugging him tightly again. “Thank you for being such a good friend.”
“I’m always here for you. Now, get ready to hit the road with me for some press tours. I’ll see you soon.”
“Skye?”
Skye’s jaw dropped in surprise before she schooled herself. Marie Lockend, the director of the drama she wanted the lead role in, stood there with Gina beside her. “Ms. Lockend!”
“Gina told me you’d be here. She also just told me you’ve been spending time in South Carolina. You know my drama is set in Charleston.” The director of Skye’s dream movie handed her a business card. “I wrote my personal cell phone number on the back. Send me a clip of your best Southern accent. I’ve emailed Karri the script. And, Skye, good job in there today.”
Skye watched Mason give her a thumbs-up from where he stood among the crowd of supporters as Ms. Lockend walked away.
“Oh my gosh, Gina!” Skye happily cried to her friend.
“Sorry, I know you told me not to tell anyone where you were staying, but I knew that was your dream role, so when she met with me just now to tell me she was going to cast me as the sister, I told her about you. I hope you’re not mad.”
Skye hugged her friend and smiled, knowing she now had the freedom to pick and choose her parts. “I’m not mad. It would be amazing to be in a movie with you. Thank you for all you did in such a short amount of time to help me.”
“Women help women. It’s what we do.”
Gina headed back to stand with the speakers and Skye joined her Keeneston guardian angels. “Let’s get out of here. I’m ready to go home to Shadows Landing.”
25
Trent felt as if he could finally take a breath when he saw the media coverage finally show Skye getting into the SUV and leaving the courthouse. She’d won and she’d be in his arms soon. The reporters were showing Gina Toussaint and Mason Hemming speaking, along with other industry leaders. They also commented on the fact that famed director Marie Lockend was seen talking privately to Skye.
It had been tense in the luxurious tower. Goodness knows how much money it was going to cost to repair the wall Granger punched a hole through when Olivia was wheeled into the courtroom.
Trent couldn’t sit still. Excitement bubbled up. They could finally move forward. They could finally look to the future. “I’ll be right back.”
Trent headed out onto the floor and found the assistant. “Where’s the back entrance?” As soon as he was told, Trent was off. He wanted Skye in his arms and he wasn’t going to wait a second longer than he had to.
Trent shoved open the back door to SA Tech and waited. He didn’t have to wait long. The second the first black SUV stopped, the door was open and Skye was flinging herself into his arms. A town car was next, but Trent wasn’t paying attention. He had Skye and that was all that mattered.
“Skye.”
Aiden and Blythe were already in