I look back at the audience and see Wyatt with an expression of pride on his face. His attention is latched on me, and I know that smile. It’s the same way he used to look at me any time I won a debate or was passionate about a particular topic. He made me feel special, like my ideas and opinions mattered. I’ve missed that feeling.
“Thank you, Blair,” says Jess. “Thank you for being such an inspiration and making it your mission to advocate to see more women in front of and behind the camera. I know, with you leading the charge, Hollywood is going to change for the better.”
Jess says a few more things to the crowd, but my eyes are on Wyatt as he gets up from his seat and walks out the back door. I’m surprised when my heart drops a bit, and I realize that I was hoping to talk to him.
As I exit the stage, I spot Grant and make my way over to my studio exec friend. I’m encouraged that he’s here for this topic.
“Ms. Bennett, always nice to see you out advocating for women,” Grant says as he raises his glass in a toast and then brings it to his lips.
“Someone has to,” I reply.
“Oh, come on, Blair. You know I support your efforts in this space. I just don’t get pitched that many opportunities to do so. Do you have anything good for me yet?”
I know he’s taunting me because he’s not wrong. He can only support what he’s presented, and as much as studios promote and advocate for more diversity in Hollywood, they are only half of the problem—or solution.
“I will soon. You know I’m working on some interesting changes to my roster.”
He knows I’m hoping to sign Sophia. Until I do, I need to make more time for him so it’s easier to pitch my projects. Almost everything he touches turns into a box office hit or critical success, and it would be amazing to work more with Wonderland Studios. They have the most talent-friendly reputation in the industry, thanks to him.
“Anytime, Blair. You know I’ll always make time for you.” As he reaches out to touch my arm, I feel another arm come around my waist. I look to my left and see Wyatt standing so close that I can see his jaw twitch as he smiles at Grant. I’m distracted by how good he smells, like cedarwood and leather, with a hint of ocean.
“Nice to see you again, Greg.”
Grant has a knowing grin on his face as he shakes Wyatt’s hand. “It’s Grant.” He knows Wyatt knows his name. Everyone knows Grant’s name. “Nice to see you two together again.”
I step away from Wyatt and give him my best professional glare that says, please don’t embarrass me, but also, please make a good impression on the most respected studio executive in town.
“Oh, no, Wyatt and I are just acquaintances. Sophia. Brother. Nothing more.”
Grant looks between us, and a slight grin creeps over his face.
“I remember. I’m one of Sophia’s biggest fans. She’s very talented,” he says, slipping back into his professional demeanor. “Blair, I’ll let you go, but lunch soon. Next week, if you can?”
Wyatt and I say goodbye to Grant. As soon as he’s out of earshot, I turn to Wyatt, frustrated that he gets me so flustered.
“What are you doing here?” I look at him, but his eyes are focused on my lips. I remember his full, soft lips kissing me for the first time and how he would always tuck my hair behind my ears before leaning his forehead against mine.
“I wanted to see you in action.” He steps closer to me like he knows he could have me if he wanted.
“So, this is a professional visit?”
“Sure.”
“Your arm around my waist didn’t feel professional.”
“Good.”
He’s managed to back me against the wall. I put my hands up on his chest to push him back, but he grabs my hands and holds them there. His top two buttons are open, and I can see the light spattering of hair on his sculpted chest. My hands twitch with the need to feel him. He’s staring at me with a longing in his eyes, but I know better than to trust that look. It’s the same one he had back then. Like we were meant to be.
I want to tell him how much he hurt me. I want to ask him what happened. There’s still a part of me that believes everything we shared, our connection, was real. I’m desperate for there to be an explanation or excuse, but I know better. That’s just my idealistic thinking.
I snap back to reality and gently push him away from me.
“I need to get back out there.”
As I turn to walk away, Jess races up to me and pulls me into a hug. “Babe, you were fucking fire up there!”
Wyatt steps back, but Jess sees him and looks at us with wonder on her face.
