Now That I've Found You - Kristina Forest Page 0,86

that she refuses to submit herself to her peers for their approval.

I’ve wanted to be like Gigi my entire life, but I’ve been approaching it the wrong way. I was so stuck on her success, the ways I measured up to her and the ways that I didn’t.

I wanted tonight to work in my favor, to give me the comeback I’ve so badly wanted. I wanted to prove to the world that I was worth more than being cast aside. But I don’t have to be a movie star to know my worth. I don’t need to make appearances at fancy award ceremonies or wear wigs or get the perfect role with the perfect director. I spent this week looking for Gigi when she didn’t need to be saved or found. I should have been trying to find myself.

I take another deep breath and start again, this time ignoring the teleprompter.

“My grandmother Evelyn Conaway isn’t perfect. But she is, and always has been, my favorite person. I learn from her even when I’m not expecting to. She’s taught me how to be confident and strong. Through her example, I’ve learned the importance of self-respect and what it takes to persevere. She’s shown me time and again that her love is something I will never be without. I’ve learned more about her this week than I have in years.”

I look at my parents and Kerri when I say, “She isn’t here tonight to accept this award.”

A collective gasp overtakes the audience, but I continue on. “She doesn’t need to be here, and she doesn’t need an award to prove that she’s worthy. She’s always deserved each success that has come her way. And regardless of what I’ve been through, and regardless of what you all have seen, I don’t have to prove anything either. I am proud to accept this award on my grandmother’s behalf.”

Kerri is the first to clap, loudly. She stands, and my parents quickly follow. Kerri gestures to the rest of the audience, and they’re slow to join in, but that’s okay. I don’t care about receiving a standing ovation. I’m accepting the award for Gigi like she asked, and that’s all that matters.

A woman walks toward me, holding Gigi’s award, but she pauses and glances into the audience. I follow her line of sight and watch as everyone swivels their heads to the back of the auditorium. Suddenly they begin to stand and clap, and I have no idea what’s going on until I see Gigi coming down the aisle straight toward the stage, toward me.

She’s wearing one of her white suits and pearl necklaces. Her gray curls frame her face.

She climbs the steps confidently, not bothering to focus on the crowd that’s giving her a standing ovation. Her eyes are on me.

I stare at her, completely in shock.

“Gigi—” I say, and she wraps me in a tight hug.

“I’m not here for them,” she whispers in my ear. “I’m here for you.”

The applause surrounding us is deafening as Gigi continues to hold me in her arms.

Then she pulls away and turns to the microphone. “I’d like to thank the Film Critics Circle for this esteemed honor. I’m forever grateful for my late husband, Freddy Stevens, who started me on this journey. And also to James Jenkins, who is more deserving than I give him credit for.” She pulls me forward. “And I want to thank my granddaughter for reminding me that we all have to start somewhere.”

She loops her arm through mine, and we walk offstage together.

Brianne Thompson rushes toward us. “Oh my goodness, you saved the show. That could have been a complete disaster. Ms. Conaway, thank you so much for being here tonight.”

“Of course,” Gigi says serenely.

To me, Brianne says, “That was perfect, Evie. Just perfect. Everyone will be talking about this tomorrow.”

I look at her and shrug. “You told me to say something good.”

“Please let me escort you both to the audience.” Brianne smiles at Gigi and says, “You have front-row seats.”

Gigi looks at me. “Do you want to stay for the rest of the ceremony?”

“No.” I feel like the heaviest weight has been lifted from my shoulders. “I’d really just like to go home.”

Gigi smiles in the warm and lovely way that only Evelyn Conaway can. “Let’s go, then.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

My parents have a ton of questions, but I don’t have nearly enough answers.

We’re sitting at Gigi’s kitchen table. After we left the ceremony, we came back to Gigi’s town house, and she cooked