“This is better than dessert, Jo. Trust me.”
Cassie brought Jolene into the room, straight to Sandy. He walked around her, frowning, nodding, talking to himself under his breath. Jolene shot Cassie a puzzled look but Cassie waved it away.
“Well?” Cassie asked.
Sandy placed his hands on Jolene’s shoulders. “How would you like to play Katelyn?”
Astonishment dawned on Jolene’s face. “You mean . . . you actually mean . . . we’re talking Katelyn, right? The one who gets—”
“Yes,” Sandy interrupted. “You’re perfect for her.”
Jolene looked dazed a moment and then quipped, “Well, fuck a duck. I never thought about acting before but isn’t that what I do?” She looked to Cassie for reassurance. “Don’t I get up there and play different parts in my routine? I could really do this.”
Cassie agreed. “I hadn’t thought about it before but you’d be super, Jo.”
Jolene thought a minute. “So, like, do I do some kind of screen test? Read with Rhett?”
Sandy shook his head. “You have natural talent, Jolene. Listening to you speak now, I have no doubt you could play this character.”
She frowned. “I just get the role?” She looked to Cassie. “Can he do that?”
She smiled. “He can do anything, Jo. Sandy Sanderson’s our director.”
EPILOGUE
One year later . . .
“Do I look okay?”
Cassie snapped the small evening purse shut. She walked to Rhett and ran a hand down the arm of his sleek Armani tuxedo.
“You look fantastic, Corrigan.”
Rhett flashed a cocky smile. “I know. Just fishing for a compliment from my girl.”
Despite the accolades he’d received playing Rick Farmer, she knew Rhett still faced moments of doubt.
“Why don’t you tell me how nice I look, Mr. Best Actor nominee?”
Rhett looked Cassie up and down. “Hmm. Body-hugging emerald green dress that makes your hair and skin pop. Slit up to there showing off your amazing legs. Killer stilettos.”
He moved a step closer and picked up her hand. “A bling ring that’s only slightly less dazzling than your smile.”
Rhett paused. “Wait a minute. Something’s missing.”
Cassie laughed. “No way. The legs are shaved, Tanya did a terrific job on my hair and makeup, and the mani and pedi are the best I’ve ever had. Face it, Corrigan. You’re seeing me at the top of my game. It’s all downhill from here.”
He pulled a slender box from his jacket pocket. “I think this might complete the picture.”
Her eyes misted over. She took the jewelry box and gruffly said, “If you make me cry and mess up my mascara, you are so dead.”
She opened it and saw diamond earrings. Besides her engagement ring, she’d never owned anything so lovely.
“They’re . . . I don’t know what to say.” Cassie swallowed hard. “I love them.”
“Put them on.”
She did, her hands trembling. “How did I get so lucky?”
Rhett shrugged. “Beats me.” He gave her a wicked grin. “When the red carpet reporters asks where they’re from, you get to say there all yours, babe. No borrowing from Fred Leighton in this family.”
Cassie laughed. “Okay, sentimental moment just flew out the window as we plot what to say to E! News on the red carpet.”
She kissed him. “Thank you. I will treasure these forever.”
He cupped her cheek. “I’ll cut you a deal. Every time you get a nomination for Best Screenplay, I’ll buy you a little trinket.”
“You’re on.”
“I think it’s time to hit the limo.”
Cassie followed Rhett down the stairs, still feeling like Cinderella at the ball. She had a fiancé she loved, an Oscar nomination for her first screenplay effort, and they were about to attend the most glamorous night Hollywood offered with their best friends. No matter what the outcome, Cassie was living the good life.
Waco, Texas seemed a far and distant nightmare to her. Even the lean years in Hollywood before Rhett didn’t matter anymore. Rhett made her believe in herself and Cassie realized that screenwriting would be her future. Nothing, other than being with Rhett, gave her such a natural high. Writing and Rhett completed her. She would never take either for granted.
They met Breck and Jolene in the driveway.
“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!”