VIP

by Jackie D.

  “How lucky I feel right now. I love you.” Harlow kissed the top of her head and breathed in Audrey’s smell.

  Audrey slid her hands under Harlow’s shirt. “I love you too, and if you think you feel lucky now, just wait until we’re alone.”

  Harlow allowed herself to be pulled into the living room to join the others. She sat on the couch next to Audrey and loved how her hand immediately went to her thigh. There were countless days and nights like this in her future, and although the road hadn’t always been easy, she wouldn’t change a single thing if it meant ending up here.

  Epilogue

  Two years later

  Audrey paced, staring out the large windows that overlooked the valley. “I can’t believe it. I appreciate you calling.” Her heart was hammering, and she was slightly light-headed. “Has Kylie been notified?” Audrey hung up the phone just as Harlow walked into the room.

  Harlow looked fantastic in her blue tuxedo, carrying two glasses of champagne. “Everything okay?”

  Audrey took the glasses out of her hand and placed them on the side table. She ran her hands around the back of Harlow’s neck, loving the way she relaxed at the practiced touch. She only hesitated for a moment before kissing her, not caring if she smudged Harlow’s freshly done makeup. Audrey had yet to grow tired of the way her body reacted to the first taste of Harlow. Her lips tasted deliciously like champagne, and she ran her tongue over Harlow’s bottom lip.

  “Do you want to blow off the Grammys and stay home in bed?” Harlow’s voice was low and husky. Audrey knew if she asked, Harlow would do exactly that.

  “You’re up for Album of the Year, and said album is literally named after me. We have to be there,” Audrey said but kissed her again. She drew this one out—a promise for later that night.

  “I just got off the phone with Jane.”

  “What is she wound up about this time?” Harlow’s tone indicated her amusement.

  Audrey let her forehead rest against Harlow’s shoulder. She was still overwhelmed with the news and hadn’t let it fully hit her yet. “Kylie’s film—our film—has been picked up by all the major distributors. It’s going to be shown worldwide.”

  Harlow cupped her face with both hands. “Oh my God, Audrey.” She kissed her. “That’s incredible. I’m so proud of you.” She hugged her tightly. “Does Kylie know yet?”

  Audrey’s phone rang, and Harlow excitedly motioned for her to answer it. Kylie was already screaming with excitement when she answered. It all felt surreal, and she was over the moon for Kylie as well as herself. Kylie had poured her heart and soul into the script, and her effort was clearly paying off in spades. Audrey was also aware of what this type of notoriety would do for her new production company. This had been the second picture the company had produced, and they’d knocked both out of the park. She was supremely lucky and wanted to shout it from the rooftops.

  She glanced over at Harlow, who held up her phone and disappeared downstairs. She continued her conversation with Kylie and only hung up because the hair and makeup people had entered the room. Her hands were still shaking with excitement as the professionals went to town, preparing her for what she knew would be an extraordinary evening.

  Harlow’s mom, Megan, was waiting with Harlow when she finally walked downstairs. Megan looked lovely in the gown she and Harlow had picked out together. Audrey hadn’t been sure what to expect when Harlow had said she wanted them to meet. She’d been instinctively protective and wanted to be cautious. But it had been important to Harlow and part of her journey to becoming a healthier person. She’d be lying if she didn’t say that Megan had become one of her favorite people. She knew Megan and Harlow still had years of distance to work out, but it was clear that they were both trying. It was also clear by the way Megan looked at her only daughter that she genuinely loved her and was proud of her. That was good enough for Audrey.

  The media coverage regarding Harlow’s mom’s reemergence had been overwhelmingly positive. Megan and Harlow did a formal sit-down interview with one of the more prestigious media outlets and were received warmly. Megan was painfully honest about her mistakes and the circumstances that lead to Harlow and Casper’s onerous childhood. It was difficult to watch Harlow cry in front of the camera but heartening to see her forgiveness and acceptance.

  “My God, Audrey, you look incredible.” Megan hugged her. “I also hear congratulations are in order. I’m so happy for you.” She looped her arm through Harlow’s and pulled her over. “I’m so happy for you both.” She dabbed a tear from the corner of her eye. “Thank you for letting me come with you tonight. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.”

  Harlow hugged her. “I’m glad you could make it.”

  “Honey, I wouldn’t have missed it. I’m sorry Casper couldn’t be here.”

  Harlow nodded. “Me too. He loves getting dressed up and showing off. But it’s good for him to be on tour again.” She stared up at the Stratocaster on the wall. Casper had lied about needing the instrument for a charity event and had sold it to a private buyer when he’d been desperate for cash. It was one of the first things he purchased and returned to her when he started to turn his life around. Harlow kept it over her fireplace.

  Casper had started managing new musicians for Dominic a year before, and the hard work was finally paying off. He had a sponsor with him on tour to make sure he kept on the straight and narrow, and he and Harlow spoke weekly and had made significant strides toward repairing their relationship. He was finally finding his place in the world outside of being Harlow’s brother, and Harlow was learning that she was stronger than she thought.

  Megan smoothed out and adjusted her dress the whole ride over to the theater. It was clear that she was anxious, and Audrey didn’t blame her. This would be her first time being at an awards show with Harlow, and Audrey knew first times like this were terrifying.

  Audrey grabbed Megan’s hand. “I threw up before my first red carpet. So in the scheme of things, you’re doing great.”

  Megan covered her hand with her own. “But you were what, sixteen?” Her eyes softened. “I’ll be okay, thank you.”

  “Just stay with Audrey and me. We’ll protect you,” Harlow said.

  The car rolled to a stop, and the door opened. The screams of excitement were deafening, and Audrey gave Megan’s hand one more reassuring squeeze. Harlow stepped out of the car first, and Audrey couldn’t help but smile at the way the volume cranked up several decibels. She took Harlow’s hand and allowed herself to be helped from the car. Harlow kissed her cheek and waved, then helped her mother out next, and it took everything Audrey had not to shelter her from the barrage of flashes and shouts.

  To her credit, Megan only faltered momentarily. Most people wouldn’t have noticed the brief, stunned expression, but Audrey knew it well. All of this would take getting used to, but Audrey had faith in Megan’s capabilities and her love for her daughter.

  Harlow crooked both arms and indicated for Megan and Audrey to each take one. Audrey stole glances at Harlow as they made the way down the carpet. She looked supremely happy and relaxed. It had taken her some time to figure out the subtlety of changes to Harlow’s face. She hid her unease and discomfort well, especially in public. But Audrey had learned all the tells, and there were none present tonight.

  By the time Album of the Year was about to be announced, Audrey thought she was far more nervous than Harlow, who looked calm as she listened to the names being called. Audrey felt like she was going to jump out of her seat. This album had been the rawest and most revealing of all her music to date, and she wanted the validation for Harlow. Audrey understood intellectually that awards didn’t validate an artist’s work, but she wanted it for her just the same.

  “And the winner is…”

  Harlow turned and looked at her when Audrey squeezed her hand. “I love you.”

  The album artwork flashed up on the screen. It was a picture of Audrey in Harlow’s pool with her back to the camera,
arms hanging over the side, looking at the valley. She’d been unaware Harlow had taken the picture, but she loved it. That had been a fantastic afternoon. They’d made love and drunk wine and passed the time talking about what the future held for them. Her skin flushed at the memory, and her stomach fluttered at the realization of what the picture on the screen meant.

  “Harlow Thorne for the album, Audrey.”

  The first single from the album started blaring through the speakers, and the crowd screamed their delight and approval. Audrey jumped up and hugged her.

  Harlow kissed her. “Thank you for being you.” Harlow hugged her mom and walked to the stage. She took the award from the presenter and turned it around in her hands like she was making sure the inscription was correct. She placed the award on the podium and leaned closer to the microphone. “Thank you all so much.” She waited for the crowd to quiet down. “First, I have to thank my fans. You’re all so amazing and supportive. I couldn’t do any of this without you. My recording company, thank you for always believing in my vision.” She turned her line of sight to Audrey and Megan. “My mom, who taught me that second chances are possible, and my brother, Casper, who was beside me from the start and always believed in me. Family can be messy, but they’re worth it.” She took a deep breath. “And to Audrey Knox for showing and teaching me what love is and that I deserve it. A million lifetimes with you still wouldn’t be enough. I love you.”

  Audrey wiped the tears away while she clapped. The words had been simple, but they were everything. Most importantly, they were the truth. A million lifetimes would never be enough. No matter how much time they had together, she’d always want more. But that’s how it was supposed to be. They suffered their share of cracks, bruises, and missteps. Audrey was sure there’d be more, but none of that mattered. The love she shared with Harlow was rare and pure. The awards, the fame, the money—it all paled in comparison to how rich Harlow made her feel, and she’d spend the rest of her life making sure Harlow knew it.

  About the Author

  Jackie D was born and raised in the San Francisco, east bay area of California. She lives with her wife, their son, and their many furry companions. She earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation administration and a dual master’s degree in management and public administration. She is a Navy veteran and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom as a flight deck director onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

  She spends her free time with her wife, friends, family, and their incredibly needy dogs. She enjoys playing golf but is resigned to the fact she would equally enjoy any sport where drinking beer is encouraged during gameplay. Her first book, Infiltration, was a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award. Her fourth book, Lucy’s Chance, won a Goldie in 2018.

  Jackie is also the co-host of the Podcast, The Weekly Wine Down, which can be found on iTunes, Stitcher, or Podbean.

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