by Lynn Ames
“Okay. But that still doesn’t answer the question.”
“Carolyn reintroduced us a while back and we had a nice chat. She apologized for everything and I accepted her apology. We’ve been mending fences ever since. She’s nothing like what she was as a kid.”
“Good thing.” Rebecca gave her best tough look and made a fist and Dara laughed.
“Now that we’ve got all that squared away…” Rebecca ran her fingers through Dara’s hair. “Let’s get back to the business discussion. If this deal with the studio is what you truly want, then I say go for it. I’m with you. Now and always. Wherever you go, I’ll be there beside you every step of the way.”
She kissed Dara softly on the mouth. “Plus, Carolyn’s right—this would give me the perfect cover to spend lots of time with you without arousing any suspicions.”
Rebecca tried to ignore the pang she felt in her gut every time she thought about them having to hide their love for each other. She wondered if Dara felt the same way.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
“I wish you were riding in the limo with me. I wish I could walk arm-in-arm with you right up the red carpet.”
“I know you do, and that’s all that matters.”
“Not to me.”
Rebecca walked into the bedroom from the bathroom. “What are you doing under there? Not that I’m minding the view.” Rebecca tilted her head to one side to stare at Dara’s ass as she crawled around under the reading table in the sitting area near the window.
“I’m looking for my earring.”
“As in the borrowed-for-the-night, Harry Winston, two-million-dollar earring?” Rebecca got on the floor with her.
“Yes, that one.”
“How did you lose it?”
“I was having trouble getting it in my ear because my hands were trembling too badly, so I dropped it.”
Rebecca pulled Dara into her lap. “Come here.”
“I have to find it. The limo will be here in less than an hour and I’m not even dressed.”
“Have I told you how adorable you are when you’re nervous. When you win that Oscar tonight—”
“Oh, my God! How many times now have I told you not to say that?”
Rebecca laughed and kissed Dara on the nose, careful not to spoil her makeup. “I love you so much. Since I imagine you’ll be swallowed up in crowds for most of the night, let me say congratulations right now.” She held Dara fast as she squirmed.
“Congratulations for being a winner in my book. Congratulations for an unbeatable performance. Congratulations for being, I’m confident, the only Pulitzer Prize-winning author who is also an Oscar nominee for Best Actress. I am bursting with pride for you.”
Tears pooled in Dara’s eyes. “I will not cry. I will not cry. I will not cry.”
“How’s that working for you?”
Dara cleared her throat. “Just fine, thanks.” Dara hugged Rebecca tight. “How did I ever live before I had you in my life? I love you beyond all measure. I am so looking forward to working on Love Above All Else with you.”
“Me too. But first you have to finish the Speilberg movie, and I have to finish writing the script.”
“Details, details.”
“Speaking of details, were you looking for this?” Rebecca held up the missing earring.
“How did you…? Where did you…?”
“Chalk it up to magic for a magical night.” Rebecca let go of Dara so that she could get up. “Now you really do have to hustle. You need help getting into the dress? I mean, what there is of a dress.”
Dara poked her in the arm. “You said you loved it.”
“And I meant it. Classy, elegant, and sexy all at the same time. You’re a triple threat tonight.”
“You’re not too bad yourself.”
“Well, my dress isn’t custom-made.”
“No, but it’s custom fit.” Dara winked.
“I’m glad you like it. Now hurry up. I’ll go get the shoehorn to help you into the dress.”
Rebecca turned on their TV to watch the coverage of the early red carpet arrivals. Since she wasn’t a celebrity, she didn’t need to arrive for a couple of hours.
“Good evening and welcome to the red carpet outside the Dolby Theater in sunny Hollywood, California, where the 87th annual Oscars will be presented tonight. It’s a crisp, clear day here in Hollywood, and the stars are out to shine tonight. Let’s get started…”
Rebecca watched the parade of A-list stars step out of limos and walk the carpet. All of the nominees looked lovely, but there was only one arrival she cared about. And there she was.
“Here is the ever-stunning Dara Thomas. Hi, Dara.”
“Hello.”
“You look amazing. Our fashion mavens are saying you’re the best-dressed woman so far.”
“Well, thank you for that.”
“What are you wearing?”
“This is Donatella Versace.”
“Beautiful.”
The camera caressed Dara’s curves like a lover, and Rebecca tried not to think about the millions of male and female viewers everywhere who were tweeting and Facebooking about what Dara was wearing and what they wanted to do about it.
“You’re up for Best Actress tonight for your performance as Celeste in On the Wings of Angels. What do you think your chances are?”
“What kind of question is that?” Rebecca asked. “What do you think she’s going to say to that?”
“This has been an extraordinary year for movies. I’m just thrilled to have been nominated in the same category with these fabulous actresses.”
“Thank you, Dara. Good luck tonight.”
“Thank you.” Dara turned and walked away, and Rebecca turned off the television.
The theater was packed and the night dragged on. Dara continued to smile brightly in case any cameras were trained on her. All she wanted was to find Rebecca. She texted her.
Where are you?
I’m here. Don’t worry. Almost your category. I love you.
I love you too. Give me your location.
Balcony, stage left. Don’t worry about me. Turn off your phone. You’re up after the commercial break.
Reluctantly, Dara turned off the phone and stowed it in her pocketbook. So far, it had been a good night for the movie. It took awards for Best Film Editing, Best Production, and Best Original Score. What it hadn’t taken was any of the acting awards.
“And now the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. The nominees are…”
Dara was so nervous she couldn’t hear the names. She knew they must have mentioned her, because there was a camera about two feet from her face.
“And the Oscar goes to… Dara Thomas, On the Wings of Angels.”
The crowd erupted in a huge ovation and George and Sam lifted Dara out of her seat. Sam hugged her. “You won. Go get it, girl. You deserve it.”
The announcer was saying, “This is Ms. Thomas’s second Oscar nomination and her first win.”
Dara covered her mouth with trembling fingers and made her way to the stage. Well-wishers—some of the best actors in the world—grabbed her hands on the way by to congratulate her.
Someone took her elbow and guided her up the stairs. Vaguely, she was aware that she’d brought her purse with her and wondered why.
When she reached the microphone, last year’s winner for Best Actor handed her the statuette and the winner’s envelope. She tried to see out into the crowd, but the lighting made it nearly impossible.
“Oh, my. I honestly never expected to win this. The actresses in this category are of such extraordinary caliber and the performances this year were exquisite. Thank you to my fellow nominees. I salute each and every one of you. Thank you to the Academy and to my fellow actors. This is an incredible honor. Thank you to my team, my business manager and best friend Carolyn Detweiler who has been there for me since kindergarten, my agent, Rick Church, and my PR guru Colin Lafferty. You all rock. Thank you to 722 Films, and to
my fabulous director, George Nelson, and my wonderful co-star Sam Rutledge. Thank you, as well, to the rest of the cast and crew.”
Dara took a deep breath, the first one since she’d stepped to the microphone. She hoped she appeared far more composed than she felt. “Thank you to Constance Darrow, the author of the novel from which this film was adapted, for creating a dynamic, deep character like Celeste.” She smiled, wondering if Rebecca just fell off her chair.
“And one more, very special thank you. You know, in this business, script doctors, as we call them, don’t often get recognized. You’ll never see their name in the credits. They toil in near obscurity, and yet they play such an important role. Well, believe me when I tell you I noticed the script doctor on the set for this movie. When she started, she was a professor of American literature—a scholar without an ounce of filmmaking experience. But her knowledge and understanding of the characters is part of the reason I’m standing up here right now.”
Dara hesitated. If you do this, there’s no turning back. She glanced up toward the balcony, stage left. The lights were blinding.
“She’s sitting someplace up there.” Dara indicated the area. “Her name is Rebecca Minton. I hope you’ll remember that name, because she’s writing the screenplay for my next movie. More importantly, after next week, she’ll be my wife. I love you, Rebecca, with all that I am and all that I ever will be. Thank you.”
Dara’s heart pounded as she blindly made her way off the stage. Backstage, she was accosted by several media outlets. She posed for pictures with the statuette, did interviews with the stars of the top television entertainment programs, and accepted congratulations from several presenters and other award winners.
In truth, she had no idea what she was saying. Only one thing mattered. Only one face mattered. Dara exited the backstage area and shouldered through a set of doors into the lobby. She needed a plan, and she had none. It’s not like you can go charging up to the balcony.
The brightness of the lobby was in such contrast to the darkness in the backstage area that she paused for a moment to allow her eyes to adjust. She did a double take. She could’ve sworn she saw…
“I love you.” Rebecca swept her up in her arms and held her tight. “I love you so much. I’m so proud of you.”
“I love you too. And now the whole world knows it.”
“Yes, they certainly do. No question you did that with style and panache.”
“I always say, if you’re going to do something, go big or go home.”
“You’ve lost your mind, you know that?”
“No. My mind is just fine. What I lost is my heart. The first time I read the very first line in your very first letter. Thank you, for coming into my life and seeing me—all of me. You show me what it means to live every day. And I’m forever grateful.”
“Thank you, for teaching me what it means to really be loved and cherished. My life is so rich and full because I have you in it.” Rebecca stepped back for a moment. “Which reminds me…” She fished in her purse. “I was going to save this for later, but since you’ve made discretion a moot point…” She took Dara’s purse, the winner’s envelope, and the Oscar, set them down at her feet, and handed her a small jewelry box. “Originally, I was thinking that at least you could wear this when we were alone. But now…”
Dara opened the box to reveal a spectacular diamond band. She swallowed hard. “This… This is…”
Rebecca removed the ring from its nesting spot and slipped it on the ring finger of Dara’s left hand. “I hope you like it.”
“Like it? I love it.” Dara launched herself back into Rebecca’s arms.
“I know I’m a week early, but tonight is a magical night I know we’ll both always remember. Dara Thomas, you are the love of my life. This ring symbolizes my promise to you. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you always. I promise to spend all the rest of my days by your side, reminding you who you are and how much you are loved. Now and always.”
“Always and forever,” Dara agreed. As she kissed Rebecca passionately on the mouth, a photographer’s flash went off in her face. And now the whole world is a witness to our love. Well, you did say that was what you wanted. Dara smiled as unrestrained joy filled her heart and soul. For the briefest second, she could’ve sworn she saw her mother applaud.
The End
About the Author
An award-winning former broadcast journalist, former press secretary to the New York state senate minority leader, former public information officer for the nation’s third largest prison system, and former editor of a national art magazine, Lynn Ames is a nationally recognized speaker and CEO of a public relations firm with a particular expertise in image, crisis communications planning, and crisis management.
Ms. Ames’s other works include The Price of Fame (Book One in the Kate & Jay series), The Cost of Commitment (Book Two in the Kate & Jay series), The Value of Valor (winner of the 2007 Arizona Book Award and Book Three in the Kate & Jay series), One ~ Love (formerly published as The Flip Side of Desire), Heartsong, Eyes on the Stars (winner of a 2011 Golden Crown Literary award), Beyond Instinct (winner of a 2012 Golden Crown Literary Award and Book One in the Mission: Classified series), Above Reproach, Book Two in the Mission: Classified series, and Outsiders (winner of a 2010 Golden Crown Literary award).
More about the author, including contact information, news about sequels and other original upcoming works, pictures of locations mentioned in this novel, links to resources related to issues raised in this book, author interviews, and purchasing assistance can be found at www.lynnames.com. You can also friend Lynn on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
Other Books in Print by Lynn Ames
The Mission: Classified Series
Beyond Instinct – Book One in the Mission: Classified Series
ISBN: 978-1-936429-02-8
Vaughn Elliott is a member of the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Force. Someone high up in the United States government has pulled rank, hand-selecting her to oversee security for a visit by congressional VIPs to the West African nation of Mali. The question is, who picked her for the job and why?
Sage McNally, a career diplomat, is the political officer at the US Embassy in Mali. As control officer for the congressional visit, she is tasked to brief Vaughn regarding the political climate in the region.
The two women are instantly attracted to each other and share a wild night of passion. The next morning, Sage disappears while running, leaving behind signs of a scuffle. Why was Sage taken and by whom? Where is she being held?
Vaughn’s attempts to get answers are thwarted at every turn. Even Sage does not know why she’s been targeted.
Independently, Sage and Vaughn struggle to make sense of the seemingly senseless. By the time each of them figures it out, it could be too late for Sage.
As the clock ticks inexorably toward the congressional visit, the stakes get even higher, and Vaughn is faced with unspeakable choices. Her decisions will make the difference between life and death. Will she choose duty or her own code of honor?
Above Reproach – Book Two in the Mission: Classified Series
ISBN: 978-1-936429-04-2
Sedona Ramos is a dedicated public servant. Fluent in three languages, with looks that allow her to pass for Hispanic, Native American, or Middle Eastern, she is a valuable asset to the super-secret National Security Agency. When she accidentally stumbles upon a mysterious series of satellite images revealing activity at a shuttered nuclear facility in war-torn Iraq, somebody wants her dead.
With danger lurking at every turn and not knowing who among her colleagues might be involved, Sedona risks her life to get the information to the one person she can trust—the president.
The implications of Sedona's discovery are clear and quite possibly catastrophic. Potential suspects include foreign terrorists, high-ranking Cabinet members, and assorted others. Whomever the president picks for this mission must be above reproach.
Vaughn Elliott is enjoying her self-imposed isolation on a remote island, content to live in quiet anonymity. But when old friend Katherine Kyle brings an urgent SOS from the president of the United States, duty trumps comfort.
Time is of the essence. Vaughn, Sedona, and a hand-picked team of ex-operatives and specialists must figure out what's really going on outside Baghdad, stop it, and unmask the forces behind the plot. If they fail at any point along the way, it could mean the loss of millions of lives.
Will Vaughn and company unravel the mysteries in time? The trail of clues stretches from the Middle East to Washington. The list of people who want to kill them is long. And the stakes have never been higher...
Stand-Alone Romances
Eyes on the Stars
ISBN: 978-1-936429-00-4
Jessie Keaton and Claudia Sherwood were as different as night and day. But when their nation needed experienced female pilots, their reactions were identical: heed the call. In early 1943, the two women joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots—WASP—and reported to Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, where they promptly fell head-over-heels in love.
The life of a WASP was often perilous by definition. Being two women in love added another layer of complication entirely, leading to ostracism and worse. Like many others, Jessie and Claudia hid their relationship, going on dates with men to avert suspicion. The ruse worked well until one seemingly innocent afternoon ruined everything.
Two lives tragically altered. Two hearts ripped apart. And a second chance more than fifty years in the making.
From the airfields of World War II, to the East Room of the Obama White House, follow the lives of two extraordinary women whose love transcends time and place.
Heartsong
ISBN: 978-0-9840521-3-4
