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“And I acted like an idiot. A jerk. If she’s watching, I just want her to know that… I’m sorry. And I’m in love with her. If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, Tessa, I’d love for you to be my date tonight.”
The audience applauded wildly.
So did everyone in Auntie Athena’s den, except Tessa who had her hands over her mouth, her eyes plastered open wide as she stared unblinkingly at the screen.
“And,” Damon said, “if that’s too much to ask, I get it. Just unblock me, please. So I can at least talk to you one more time.” He cleared his throat, stood up straighter, and said, “I’m sorry, guys. Okay. We have a big award to give away in a very talented field!”
Tessa didn’t hear another word he said. Turning around to face the group, she asked, “Why did he say I blocked him? I didn’t do that! He blocked me!”
Athena rose quickly. “Lissa!”
It felt as if steam might shoot out of Tessa’s ears.
Iris stood too. “Tessa, do you know what this means? There’s still time! Do you have your dress?”
“Yeah. In my room.”
“We can do your hair!” Lana offered. “Nothing fancy. But the ceremony just started. You can be there for most of it if we hurry!”
“We’ve got to get her to the Dolby on time!” Trevon called.
One of the Guard members, Ace, clapped his hands. “This sounds like a job for the Daddy Guard! We’ll get her there.”
All the ladies were up now, tugging on Tessa and whisking her away to her bedroom.
Clearly, they were bound and determined to get her to the Dolby.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The Daddy Guard’s van pulled right up to the red carpet.
The Guard members were former LAPD officers, so they knew most of the higher-ups on the Force. Calling in a few favors and explaining the situation, they’d been allowed past the barricades.
Behind the wheel, Kendrick said, “Go get ‘em, kid!”
The Littles had gone with her, along with Athena, and they all cheered.
“This is your big moment,” Athena told Tessa. “Go get your Daddy!” The two women hugged before Tessa hopped out of the back.
She was probably the only Oscar attendee who arrived in such a fashion, but there wasn’t a lot that could be done about that. She’d made it there; that was what counted.
“And if you need backup with Lissa Keller,” Iris hollered, “call us! We’ll bring water guns.”
Tessa giggled as she waved and then shut the door. Spinning around quickly, she tried to run up the red carpet but had to slow her gait as the heels she wore didn’t allow for swiftness.
Reporters who lingered to cover late arrivals quickly noticed. Cameras spun in her direction. One called out, “Are you here for Damon Drake?”
She nodded as she hurried quickly toward the massive staircase.
Now, all the cameras were on her. The sightseers and tourists who were huddled on either side of the regal walkway began to cheer and clap.
Tessa wondered if this was a dream. This couldn’t be her real life!
But the jittery nerves that gripped her reminded her that yes, she was actually experiencing this.
Life sure could take some unexpected turns.
Ahead, she saw Damon rushing down the stairs toward her.
