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“Ooh, I can’t wait to see who wins!” Iris added.

Tessa took a sip of wine and tried not to cry as she turned her attention to the TV.

But it sure was difficult.

Backstage, Damon stood just off to the side, where TV cameras couldn’t see him, but he could see the host as he told a few final jokes.

The show’s producer and a few other assistants stood with him, all dressed nicely and blending in except for the headsets they wore and tablets they carried.

“You’re on in two,” the producer said.

Damon smiled at her. “Thank you.”

He had rehearsed what he was going to say—the cheesy and only slightly amusing jokes the writers had crafted for him, a personal word about those nominated for Best Supporting Actress, and then just opening the envelope. But for whatever reason, the words failed him.

No, it wasn’t for whatever reason.

He knew damn good and well why.

Dude, get your shit together. You’re a trained actor. Memorizing lines is kind of your thing.

The producer tapped his arm. “You’re up.”

Damon heard the host call his name as the orchestra began to play and the audience cheered.

It was time.

“Ooh, it’s him!” Samantha said.

The room fell silent.

Tessa sipped more of her wine. She’d been able to take it slow, pacing herself, but just seeing him made her want to drink more.

Not to mention cry.

Sitting beside her, Auntie Athena squeezed her hand.

Tessa watched as Damon took his place behind the sleek podium and leaned toward the long, skinny microphone. “Good evening. The women… nominated… tonight…” He cleared his throat.

Her heart skipped a beat. “Is he okay?”

The thought of Damon being embarrassed on live TV made her stomach sour.

Auntie held her hand a little tighter but didn’t say anything.

“Excuse me,” Damon continued. “The actresses nominated are masters of their craft. Each one has…” He looked around, as if surveying the audience before him.

“What’s he doing?” Annika asked.

“I wonder if he’s a little tipsy?” Iris’s Daddy, Jack, said.

On the TV, Damon spoke again. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t do this. But, if I may…” He grinned. “I met a woman this week. A beautiful and kind and thoughtful human unlike anyone I’ve ever met before.” He wiped his eyes. “She volunteers delivering meals to seniors, for goodness’ sake.”

There were a few oohs and aws in the audience.

Tessa stood abruptly. “What’s he doing?”

Damon went on before anyone could answer her.