then felt bad for doing so. It was Trent’s first awards show and this was not his thing. However, she was going to take him to every black-tie function imaginable from now on based solely on how sexy he looked in his tuxedo.
“Don’t worry. I’ll hand it to you if it’s necessary. Just smile and have fun. Talk to whoever you want and get as many pictures as possible.” Skye gestured for Trent to get ready.
The door opened and Trent’s wide shoulders blocked part of the camera flashes. He got out and turned around to offer his hand. Skye took his hand in hers and got out of the limo as gracefully as she could in the long gown. It was an ice-blue silk dress with a plunging back that hugged her curves before flaring out at the hem. If she weren’t in Hollywood, she’d be freezing, but January in L.A. was barely chilly and the lights would quickly warm her.
“Skye! Skye!” the reporters shouted as she posed with her group and then posed separately and finally with just Trent. She didn’t answer any questions here. Instead, there was a gauntlet of different media outlets, to stop at. At some she posed only for photo ops, while at others she gave interviews to select television and print outlets.
The carpet seemed to go on forever as she smiled, posed, and made her way to the main interviewer. She stepped up onto the little podium and waved at the fans before turning to her interviewer.
“This is so exciting. I’m here with Hollywood’s hottest actress, Skye Jessamine,” the interviewer named Orchid said. “You are presenting this year, but if all the rumors are true, you’ll be up for multiple nominations next year and the year after.”
Skye gave her a twenty million dollar smile and nodded. “That’s right. Tonight I’m presenting best picture, but after my wedding, I’ll start shooting Marie Lockend’s film. As soon as that wraps, I’ll begin on the Gemma Davies adaptation.”
Orchid looked excited as she practically sparkled with gold bronzer. “And I hear you have a family relationship with Gemma Davies.”
Skye gave a little laugh and turned to hold out her hand for Trent. Trent paused for a moment, but then stepped up next to her on the small podium. “I’m not related to Gemma, but my fiancé is her nephew. It’ll make next Thanksgiving dinner very interesting if she doesn’t like my performance.”
Orchid laughed and Skye worried she would get attacked by a bronzer cloud. “And this is your soon-to-be husband, Trent Faulkner?”
“Yes. He’s the renowned furniture designer and owner of TAF Designs. We couldn’t be more excited for our wedding.”
“Any details you’re willing to share about your big day?” Orchid asked.
“Sydney Davies McKnight, owner of Syd, Inc., designed not only the gorgeous gown I’m wearing tonight but also designed my wedding dress. The rest is a secret for our wedding day.”
“Your dress is stunning!” Orchid announced as she asked the cameraman to get a full 360 view of it. “Now, that clutch is adorable! Tell me about it.”
Skye raised the little clutch covered in lace for the camera to see. “It’s a Syd, Inc., clutch in the same material as my dress. However, my dear friend Mitzy Coburn handmade this lace alligator appliqué for me. Come on up here, Mitzy.”
Trent stepped down and held out his arm for Miss Mitzy who beamed up at him as she slipped her hand onto his arm. Trent turned and held out his other hand for Mitzy’s grandson to take and together they all squeezed onto the podium. Mitzy’s grandson moved to stand in front of Skye and Mitzy. Skye put a hand on his shoulder and looked down at the boy. “Can you tell my friend here who you are and what your name is?”
J.R stood up straight in his little tuxedo and beamed a big smile at Orchid. “My name is J.R. Coburn and I’m turning five next week. Miss Skye is my friend and she even had a cupcake on the plane for me,” he said in his adorable Southern accent.
Orchid laughed as she bent down to interview J.R. “Is there anything else you’d like to say?” Orchid wasn’t stupid. Kids were ratings gold.
J.R. beamed up at his grandmother and then back at Orchid. “Only that I have the bestest Mimi in the entire world.”
Skye thought her smile might explode across her face as Mitzy teared up. Skye put her arm around Mitzy. “She’s not only the bestest Mimi