Once we were inside, I introduced her to some people, but we found our table pretty quickly and sat to relax before the awards presentation started.
She leaned over to read the name cards on the table around us.
I explained what they had in common. “They’ve grouped all theCrown of Swordspeople together. It helps for promo when we’re all in pictures together at events.”
“So will Max be here then?” She was eyeing the empty seats on the other side of the table.
“Definitely not. It’s an open secret that Kate and Max can’t stand each other.”
“Why not?”
“Huh. As well-known as their hatred is, I don’t actually know what started it.”
“And she’s a friend of yours?”
“Yeah, but I never thought to ask. It’s kind of weird to ask your fellow famous friends to confirm rumors when you spend your lives surrounded by them. They worked together a million years ago, so who knows?”
“What’s Kate Brannan like? I think I’ve seen every movie she’s ever been in and am possibly going to make a fool of myself if I meet her.” Elena was watching the guest of honor greeting people as Kate made her way to her table.
“She’s formidable and kind and one of the best actresses in the business. She took me under her wing when I was first starting out and opened doors that gave me some big breaks. I think you’ll like her. She’s a genuinely decent person.”
I caught Kate’s eye and gave her a wave, so she came our way.
“Kate, this is Elena.”
Elena blushed. “I’m a massive fan.”
Kate barked a laugh and shook her hand. “Elena, I’ve been hearing all about you. Thank you both for being here! We should all do dinner soon so we can actually catch up.”
“We’d love that.” I gave Kate a gentle hug, consciously avoiding her hair and makeup. Hugs at red carpet events could be tricky.
When she’d walked away again, Elena bounced up and down in her seat. “I just met Kate Brannan. My life is complete.”
“You’re killing my ego here. I’d convinced myself you didn’t get star struck.”
“Kate Brannan isn’t a star. She’s a supernova.”
Melody appeared at our table and introduced Elena to her date, Callum Kent. I didn’t have a good reason to dislike the guy beyond the fact that he was competition, but something about him just rubbed me the wrong way.
Going by the name cards, Callum should’ve been next to Elena, but Melody flipped them around so she could sit next to my date with Callum on the other side of her. I wouldn’t have expected that from her. She struck me as a rule follower, but maybe I was making assumptions based on the Goody Two-Shoes roles she’d always picked. She probably assumed the same thing about me.
Melody leaned in to Elena and they were quickly engaged in a quiet conversation, leaving Callum and me to sit in awkward silence until he decided to make small talk over the top of them.
“So Lucas Steel, huh?” he asked without preamble. “You sure you can pull it off, bro?”
“Elena seems to think so…” I moved my arm to her chair without even realizing I was doing it. It was a mistake as it drew Callum’s attention to her.
“Oh, that’sright. Your girlfriend is a dominatrix.” As though he’d forgotten. “Elena, that’s such a fascinating line of work. How did you get into that?”
He’d spoken over Melody like she wasn’t even there and Elena noticed. She held up a finger. “I’m sorry Melody, what was it you just said?”
Melody waved her hands as though it was no big deal and they both turned to Callum.
Melody explained excitedly, “She was working on her sex therapy certification for her psychology master’s and started working at the dungeon after the owner did a guest lecture.” Apparently my costar was a fan of my girlfriend.
“And anyone can book a session with you?” Callum asked with a charming grin. “Asking for a friend of course.” Was he seriously hitting on my girl while I was sitting right here?
Elena must’ve felt me tense because she rested her hand on my thigh under the table. To Callum, she said, “The dungeon handles all my scheduling and they vet potential new clients.”
