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Tessa laughed too. “I know you’re the Auntie and I’m the Little, but like you said last night, I’m still a grown woman. And speaking of, do you have any wine left?”

“Always.”

Tessa nodded. “Good. Because I’m going to need it tonight.”

“And this is where you’ll sit, Mr. Drake,” a young usher told Damon as he showed him to his seat in the impressive Dolby Theater. “And this one is for your plus-one, sir.”

Damon winced before saying, “Just me tonight.”

“Of course. Well, that seat will remain open. Now, when you go up to present and then in the event that you win, myself or another usher will come to occupy your seat for you.”

He droned on about how the night would go, but Damon didn’t catch much of it. His brain was occupied by thoughts of Tessa.

Had she blocked him? Why wasn’t she answering his calls? And why weren’t any of the others, either?

He supposed it made sense. Damn, he’d been such a douche yesterday. They had that moment—or encounter or whatever you’d call it—at the studio and then he’d practically told her he was still crazy about Lissa.

More or less.

He’d blown things with Tessa. And ruined some great friendships in the process.

Maybe he could go over there later and just explain things. He was in love with her! Surely that counted for something. They’d forgive him and all understand. Right?

“Sir?”

Damon snapped out of his thoughts. “I’m sorry. What’s up?”

The young man smiled graciously. “I just asked if you needed anything before I leave you?”

“Oh. No. Thanks, man. I’m good. You’re doing awesome.”

Damon had served as an usher once himself. Lots of folks trying to break into the biz did it. It was a good way to make connections and simply attend the Oscars. Not many people out there could say they’d done that.

“Please just let me know if you need anything else.”

Damon thanked him again and then plopped down in his seat.

He was ready for the show. Hair done. Tux on and fitted properly. All there was left to do was wait.

He was presenting one of the first awards, so he’d have to go backstage soon. Checking his watch, he realized there wasn’t enough time between now and then to rush over to Athena’s.

It would just have to wait until after the ceremony.

Damn. That was going to seem like forever.

He just hoped Tessa and anyone else at Athena’s would even talk to him whenever he was able to go.

“First one of the night.” Tessa admired the wine in her glass before raising it in a toast. “To Damon’s win. And then forgetting him.”

Iris, Cami, Samantha, Lana, and Annika were all there, along with their respective Daddies.

Having so many strong, handsome, protective men there just reminded Tessa what she didn’t have, but she didn’t fault anyone for it.

You don’t blame others. You don’t wallow in pity. Mourn. Feel the feelings. And then move on.

It shouldn’t be too hard, she told herself. She’d done that her whole life.

“It’s starting!” Cami called out.