“Stella, darling!” Ava approaches us with a warm smile. “You look absolutely stunning. And Brandon, how lovely to see you again.”
“Thank you, Ava. You look incredible yourself,” Stella says, her voice shifting into that client-facing tone she uses so easily—warm, confident, just this side of admiring. “You remember my mother, Caroline Rhodes.”
“Of course! Mrs. Rhodes, what a pleasure to see you again,” Ava says, extending her hand graciously.
“Such a pleasure to see you again,” Caroline says. “You look stunning this evening.”
“You're very kind,” Ava replies, then turns her attention back to us. “And how are you two lovebirds doing? Still in that adorable honeymoon phase, I see.”
Stella's hand grips my bicep as she leans in closer, and her other hand intertwines with mine like it's the most natural thing in the world. “We're wonderful, thank you.”
“Brandon, remind me what you do again?” Ava asks. “I remember Stella mentioning you work in the industry.”
“I'm a stuntman,” I say.
Her eyebrows lift with genuine interest. “How exciting. Actual fire and flips or more of the precision driving and fight choreography side?”
“A little of everything,” I say with a small laugh. “Lately, it's more wire work and fight scenes, but I've taken a flaming tackle or two.”
Stella cuts in, her hand squeezing mine as she speaks. “He's being modest. He's currently working on this incredible action film, doing some really complex stunt sequences. But he's alsolooking to transition into coordination work. That's actually part of why we're here tonight.”
I appreciate how she acknowledges my current work while positioning the transition as a strategic choice rather than a necessity. She makes it sound like I'm expanding my skill set rather than being forced to change direction because of physical limitations.
“Well, it's not hard to see why Stella's so proud of you,” Ava says with a knowing smile. “You two have that lovely glow that new couples get when they're completely smitten with each other.”
Caroline practically radiates approval beside us. “They really do, don't they? I keep telling them how perfect they are together.”
Ava's gaze flicks between us, taking in how Stella leans into me slightly, how my thumb traces across her knuckles without conscious thought. “Young love is such a beautiful thing. You can practically feel the chemistry between you two.”
I see Stella's cheeks redden, but then notice her catch sight of someone across the room. “Ava, I want you to meet someone. Do you see that man by the bar in the red tie? That's Alex Chen. He's a creative executive at Wonderland Studios.”
“Television?” Ava's nose wrinkles slightly.
“Comedy primarily, but he's working on some limited series and prestige projects. I think it would be good for you to meet him.”
“Stella, dear, I'm a film actress. I don't really do television. This was a onetime thing. A favor, really, for Helena.”
“I know,” Stella says patiently, “but we're going to diversify your portfolio a bit. Trust me.”
I watch as Stella expertly guides Ava toward Alex before making introductions with the kind of strategic thinking thatreminds me why she's so good at her job. She's always three steps ahead, seeing opportunities that other people miss.
The lights flash, indicating it's time to take our seats. Stella reappears at my side, and Caroline joins us as we find our row.
“How did it go with Alex?” I ask as we find our seats.
“Good, I think. They're going to have coffee next week.” She settles into her seat, automatically handing me her purse to hold while she adjusts her dress. “Oh, and I managed to get you a chance to say hi to Helena as soon as the show is over, but it will only be a three-minute window. Stay close and follow my lead.”
“You're amazing,” I tell her, and I mean it.
The lights dim, and we settle in just as the opening scene begins to roll. Ava's cameo comes about halfway through—just two lines and a loaded glance—but she nails it. And Helena? I didn't expect her direction to be this sharp. Every beat feels deliberate, like she's got something to prove and the talent to back it up.
As the credits roll and people begin filing out, Stella turns to her mother. “Mama, we're going to say a quick hello to someone for Brandon's work. We'll meet you by the exit in just a few minutes.” Caroline nods approvingly, clearly pleased to see Stella supporting my career.
Stella grabs my hand and navigates us through the crowd toward Helena, who's surrounded by producers and network executives.
“Helena,” Stella says warmly as we approach, “congratulations. The premiere episode was incredible—sharp, compelling, and that final scene? I actually gasped.”
Helena's expression softens just slightly. “Appreciate that. We've pushed hard to get the tone just right.”
