The Beginning, page 13
part #0.50 of Off Screen Series
“Addy?” Emma called out sheepishly from the bedroom.
Emma’s voice roused Addison from the memory. “Yeah?”
“Can you come in here for a minute?” Emma requested.
Addison closed her eyes for a second before answering. “Be right there.”
Emma stood facing the full-length mirror at the far side of her bedroom when Addison entered. It gave Addison a full view of Emma in her gown which was still partially unzipped.
The mirror gave Emma the ability to see Addison’s expression as she approached. Emma was certain she was going to lose control of her emotions and start crying. She felt her gown tighten around her chest as Addison raised the zipper. Addison’s hands came to rest on her shoulders, caressing them lovingly. Emma’s eyes captured Addison’s gaze in the mirror. Emma knew Addison was hurting under the surface. Right now, the only emotion displayed in Addison’s eyes was love. It left Emma breathless. She leaned back into Addison and closed her eyes.
“There isn’t a soul who could compare to you tonight,” Addison said honestly.
Emma smiled and took hold of Addison’s hand. She turned to face her lover and cupped Addison’s cheek. “I wish—”
Addison shook her head and placed a kiss on Emma’s lips. “Don’t. You are going to turn every head in America when you walk up there to get that Emmy.”
Emma smiled and kissed Addison. “There is only one head that I’m interested in turning,” she said sincerely.
Addison nodded. “Listen, your folks will be here soon, and so will Bryce. I should clear out.”
“No,” Emma said.
Addison touched Emma’s cheek. She needed to go. As much as she wanted to stay, the thought of watching Bryce help Emma into the limousine was more than she could bear. “I told Tamara we could get ready at her place,” she made her excuse.
Emma looked at Addison and then toward the ceiling. She look down at the floor and shook her head. “Addy, I—”
Addison placed a finger under Emma’s chin and guided Emma’s eyes to meet hers. “No more apologies. This is your night, Em. I’m so proud of you,” Addison said.
Emma placed her forehead against Addison’s.
“I’ll be waiting to watch you walk into that party with that golden statue,” Addison said.
Emma tried to hold back her tears. “I love you so much,” she whispered.
“I know that,” Addison replied. “I love you too.” Addison kissed Emma’s forehead tenderly. “I’ll see you later tonight,” she promised with a wink.
***
Addison sat with Tamara at a large table toward the back of the room. Tamara was star gazing and Addison started laughing.
“What’s funny?” Tamara asked.
“You.”
“Me?”
“Yeah. You need to pop your eyes back into their sockets,” Addison advised. She nodded in the direction of a table a few yards away.
“That’s Christie Shelton,” Tamara said in awe.
“I know who she is,” Addison replied.
“Addy, it’s Christie Shelton! The Christie Shelton.”
Addison rolled her eyes.
“Oh, come on. She’s talented and she’s hot.”
“I suppose,” Addison said. Her eyes kept drifting to the large screens at the front of the room. She wanted to see Emma walk the red carpet.
Tamara glanced up at the screen and sighed. “You shouldn’t be watching her on television,” she said.
“You promised,” Addison turned to her friend.
“I know, but it’s still fucked up.”
Addison pursed her lips. Sitting in this room full of strangers, waiting to catch a glimpse of the woman that woke up beside her earlier that morning on a television screen was surreal. It was surreal and painful.
“Hello,” a woman’s voice called.
Addison turned to see Tamara’s mouth hanging open and a tall, familiar redhead standing in front of her.
“I promised Emma I would introduce myself,” Christie Shelton explained.
Addison smiled. Emma had mentioned the actress a few times. The two had worked together when Emma first moved to Los Angeles. Christie’s career had taken off immediately after that. Addison didn’t know all the details, but she did know that Emma regarded the woman as a friend. And, Emma did not use the word friend liberally. “Addison,” Addison introduced herself with an extended hand.
“Yes, I know.” Christie smiled.
“This is my best friend, Tamara Wilson.” Addison said.
“Nice to meet you, Tamara,” Christie said.
Tamara nodded dumbly.
Christie smiled. “So, would you mind terribly if my friend Elle and I joined you?” she asked.
“Not at all,” Addison said genuinely.
“Terrific. I just have to find her. People disappear at these things. I think these were parties were invented as a plot for science fiction movies or something,” Christie joked. “I’ll see you before the show starts.”
Addison nodded. “Close your mouth, Tam. You’ll be catching flies.”
“That’s Christie Shelton.”
Addison laughed. “Think we covered that.”
“How do you know Christie Shelton? How did you fail to mention that you know Christie Shelton?”
Addison shook her head. “I failed to mention it, because I don’t know her. She’s a friend of Emma’s.” Tamara’s mouth was still open, and Addison closed it with her fingers. “She’s just a person like Em, Tam.”
“She’s Christie Shelton.”
Addison started laughing. “I give up,” she said before the large screens at the front of the room captured her attention.
“Well, look who is headed our way! The one and only Emma Bronson.”
Addison’s gaze immediately traveled to the large screens at the front of the room. “Jesus, she is so beautiful,” she whispered.
Tamara looked at Addison and took a deep breath. Addison’s eyes had glassed over, and Tamara thought Addison might start to cry.
“You okay?” Tamara asked.
Addison’s focus remained on the screen. She swallowed hard and nodded.
“You look amazing!” the interviewer complimented Emma.
“Well, thank you.” Emma pointed to the woman’s dress. “You are looking fabulous yourself,” she said.
“Well, thank you. This is your first nomination. What does that feel like?”
“I’m just thrilled to be here. Found was an enormous part of my life for a long time. This is certainly a wonderful way to say a final goodbye to Devin Stone.”
“Any nerves?” the woman asked Emma.
“Only good ones,” Emma answered.
“That necklace is stunning. Embracing those butterflies?” she asked.
Addison watched as Emma’s hand took hold of the pendant.
Emma forced a smile. “It is beautiful isn’t it?” she commented.
The interviewer nodded.
“It reminds me of transformation,” Emma said.
“Profound words from Emma Bronson. Good luck tonight.”
Addison smiled as the camera cut away. “She’s going to win,” she said softly. “I feel it.”
***
“Are you nervous?” Bryce asked Emma.
“No.”
“Really?”
“Only that I might trip and fall,” Emma joked.
“You won’t, but look at it this way, if you do it will be memorable,” he offered his support.
“Thanks—I think,” Emma chuckled. She liked Bryce. He had been easy to work with and so far he had proved to be enjoyable company. Emma was thankful that the event did not require much in the way of conversation. When the opportunity to begin conversing with her escort did present itself, someone inevitably walked over or leaned over Emma’s seat to offer congratulations on the nomination or to network with Bryce. Emma had the fleeting thought that Addison would have been bored to tears, but it was quickly silenced by the knowledge that Addison would have delighted in watching Emma. Emma knew that for a fact. She painted on her best smile, but she missed Addison. Her category was due to be announced shortly. She half-hoped she would be able to remain seated. What on earth was she going to say if she won?
***
“And now, please welcome from She’s Home, Mariah Stephens and from Oppositions, Glenn Bell.”
Tamara put her hand on Addison’s back.
“She’s got this,” Christie whispered to Tamara.
“I hope so,” Tamara whispered back.“
“The nominees for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series are…”
***
Everything felt eerily familiar to Emma. She sat still in her chair. The knot in her stomach pulled tighter and rose higher into her chest as Mariah Stephens spoke. She kept reminding herself to relax and breathe. She took a deep breath. No matter what you are here, Emma.
“And the winner is,” Mariah Stephens read the words. “Emma Bronson: Found.”
Emma froze.
“You won,” Bryce whispered in her ear. Emma turned to him in disbelief and he placed a chaste kiss on her cheek. “Go get your Emmy.”
Emma smiled as realization hit her and she headed for the stage.
***
“Holy crap!” Tamara let out an excited yelp.
Addison closed her eyes and nodded.
“Addy, she won!”
“I heard,” Addison replied. Her focus remained on Emma as she walked up the steps. Emma was elegant. She carried herself with grace and Addison wished more than anything that she could kiss her. She took a deep breath as Emma stepped in front of the microphone. Addison could see the slight tremble of Emma’s hand, and whispered her encouragement in spite of the distance between them. “You deserve it, Em. You do. Shine, babe. Shine.”
Tamara smiled as she listened to Addison and wished for the millionth time that she could find someone to love as much. She looked back up just as Emma began her acceptance speech.
“I—Wow!” Emma said.
The audience laughed.
“Well, I didn’t expect this. Sitting here among all these talented people—I’m so honored to share your company.”
Addison nodded. “Classy, Em.”
“I want to thank everyone at Deer Run Pictures—Michael Hedges for creating such a wonderful show. The wonderful cast I got to work with every single day—Finn Scott, Robert Gray, Denise Manson, and Steven Stansfield. And, Dean Pincer and Jeffrey McManus for writing Devin Stone and creating such an incredible character. Of course ,my family—It’s funny,” Emma said.
Addison watched as Emma’s hand drifted to her pendant.
“The show is ending, and I am standing here. One thing ends, and another world of possibilities opens up. That’s what we do as writers, directors, and actors—we open up worlds. Thank you so much for giving me the chance to keep doing that,” Emma said as she left the stage.
Addison smiled. “I’m so proud of you, Em,” she said. She wiped a tear from her eye and retrieved her phone. “I’ll be right back.”
“Where are you going?” Tamara asked.
“To make a call.”
“Addy, she won’t be able to answer,” Tamara said.
“I know. She’ll hear it later. I need to say it now.”
Chapter Ten
“Addy, relax,” Tamara said. “Have a drink. She’ll be here soon.”
Addison nodded. She kept her eyes on the post awards coverage that was rolled on the screen. She was tired, and she was anxious to see Emma. Tamara had finally calmed down and had been engaged in a thoughtful discussion with Christie for most of the night. They had attempted to draw Addison into their conversation, but Addison couldn’t seem to concentrate on anything at all. Addison smiled when she finally caught another glimpse of Emma on the screen. Bryce was walking beside her, and Addison felt a flutter of jealousy in her stomach. “That should be me,” she muttered as he slipped his hand around Emma’s waist. Perhaps it was reality—that didn’t make it hurt any less.
Addison swallowed hard and bit down on her lower lip. She couldn’t hear what Bryce was saying over the noise in the room. Emma smiled at the reporter, but it was Bryce talking. He steadily pulled Emma closer.
Tamara looked up and froze at the scene unfolding on the screen.
Addison was finally able to make his words out clearly. She wasn’t positive if she had actually managed to hear him over the music and conversation in the large ballroom. It didn’t matter. She understood.
“She is amazing,” Bryce gleamed. “How lucky am I?” he said as she pulled Emma to him and kissed her cheek. This kiss lingered. Emma just smiled.
Addison’s face morphed into an indistinguishable expression. Tamara wasn’t certain what she saw in Addison’s eyes. “Addy?”
Addison couldn’t move. She stared stoically at the screen as Bryce ran his hand down Emma’s back just as a lover would. The ache that started in her stomach swiftly lodged in her heart. She felt nauseous. Addison shook her head with disbelief. It was painful enough to sit and watch Emma at a distance. Now, Bryce Cannon seemed to be marking his territory. She wasn’t sure what upset her more, the fact that he was acting like Emma was a fire hydrant he could piss on or the fact that Emma went along with it.
Tamara looked at Addison and sighed. “Addy?”
***
Emma smiled politely. She made her way through the ballroom with Bryce at her side. She acknowledged a few familiar faces and then pulled him into a small hallway. “What the hell was that?” she asked.
“What?” Bryce asked.
“That display back there with Kevin Green.”
“Emma, come on—I just gave them something to nibble on. Calm down. What’s the big deal?”
Emma shook her head. “The big deal, Bryce, is that I am involved with someone.”
“So, am I,” he answered.
“Okay, and your someone is all right with—that?” she asked.
“Probably not. Look, she’s in Canada. She knows it’s in my best interest to appear available.”
Emma nodded. “I see.”
“I’m sure your boyfriend will understand,” he said.
“Well, you might be wrong there—at least on one count. It doesn’t matter. I’m not okay with it—not at all.”
“I don’t understand.”
“What did I not make clear?” Emma asked pointedly.
“Well, I mean why isn’t he here?”
Emma sighed. “Boundaries, Bryce. Okay?”
“Whatever you say. They got their nibble already.”
“Yeah. Great,” Emma groaned. “Just great.”
***
“Addy?”
Addison needed a moment to steady herself. She was ready to turn to Tamara when she heard a familiar voice approaching. “Terrific,” she muttered.
“Addison!” Sherry Bronson was standing in front of Addison and had enveloped her in a hug before Addison had a chance to flee or speak.
“Sherry,” Addison greeted Emma’s parents cordially. “Tom. Good to see you.”
Sherry was immediately concerned by the formality of Addison’s greeting. Addison was usually demonstrative.
“This is my friend, Tamara. Tamara.” Addison turned to Tamara. “This is Emma’s mother, Sherry and her dad, Tom.”
Tamara smiled. “Nice to meet you. You must be so excited.”
“Well, we are very proud of her—and, happy for the direction her life is taking,” Sherry said, casting a glance Addison’s way.
“If you’ll excuse me for a moment,” Addison said. She nodded politely and headed toward the bathrooms.
“Is Addison all right?” Sherry asked Tamara.
“I don’t know,” Tamara replied honestly.
Sherry sighed. “Did something happen or is it just the obvious?”
Tamara smiled. She instantly liked Emma’s mother. “Both, I think.”
Sherry listened for the next few minutes as Tamara explained Bryce’s actions, Emma’s perceived inaction, and Addison’s reaction to all of it. Sherry shook her head and looked at her husband. “I’m going to go find Addison.”
“Sherry, this is between Emmie and Addison,” he warned his wife.
She kissed him on the cheek. “Yes, it is,” she agreed as she headed off to find Addison.
“What’s she going to do?” Tamara asked.
Tom chuckled. “Whatever she can, I would imagine.”
***
Sherry searched for Addison for nearly twenty minutes with no success before returning to her party.
“How is she?” Tamara asked.
“I couldn’t find her.”
A young waiter approached Tamara. “Excuse me?”
“Yes?”Tamara replied
“I was asked to give you this,” he said, handing her a notecard from the hotel.
Tamara nodded her understanding and opened it.
Tam,
I’m sorry I split on you. I have a horrible headache. I just need to get out of here. I’m going to head home and lie down for a while. I know Emma will be disappointed, and I know you will be furious. It’s not her fault. Please remember your promise. Just tell Emma I’m sorry, and that I went home because I wasn’t feeling well. I owe you, Tam. Please keep your promise. Please.
Addy
Tamara looked at Emma’s parents. “She went home.”
Sherry nodded. She hoped it was not too late for Emma to see the handwriting on the wall.
***
Emma walked into the room with Bryce a few paces behind her.
“Emma!” a voice called to her.
Emma cringed. Great.
“Congratulations! You two look terrific. Everyone is buzzing,” Gary Larson said.
Emma steeled herself for a moment. She looked over Gary’s shoulder and scanned the room for any sign of Addison. “Well,” she said, returning her gaze to him momentarily. “If you two will excuse me, I have some people waiting.”
“Why don’t you take Bryce with you,” Gary suggested.
Emma’s forced smile served as her answer.
“Actually, I have a few people here I need to see as well,” Bryce said.
