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The lights were down as they started to make their way back to the table. The emcee onstage ran through the teleprompter’s lines, announcing a winner for whichever random category. What had they missed?
Jay appeared from the shadowed side of the hall. “Ella, are you okay? I was on my way to find you.” His eyes shifted to Bishop, who stood to the side, remaining in his job role. “Tara said you needed me.”
The day after the Bishop-Jay run-in at the Bistro had been awkward, but Jay got over it when she eventually, with Bishop’s blessing, explained that she’d had to hire security. With that in mind, Jay appreciated that Titan was on the job. Still, there was no love between the men.
“I’m fine. I’d like to sit and watch.” And avoid more of an awkward scene.
Their threesome moved front and center to their table. Tara’s seat was still empty, not surprisingly, and dinner had been cleared.
“Bishop,” Jay asked, leaning over, as they sat down. “Do you play chess?”
“What?”Ella hissed, surprised. “Not the time, Jay.”
“It’s important.”
“Your timing is off.”
“It’s—”
“Easy answer.” Bishop cut their bickering off. “Not really.”
“Figures,” Jay added.
Ella shot daggers at Jay. “Oh, come on. Really?”
Musicians played a drumroll. “And for the category that everyone has been waiting for… the Best Of!”
Ella’s nerves tornadoed and focused back on the reason for being there. Winning wasn’t everything. It would be amazing. She wanted it. Losing would hurt. Tara would die. Jay would sulk. She would too. But more importantly, the acknowledgment of a win would further her work.
Jay reached for her hand.Shit. God, no.She batted it away, not wanting his support like that.
The names were listed, and the bios were read, including hers. Their video clips played, then the drumroll started. In the dark room, she couldn’t breathe. Her lungs hammered for each breath.Please, please…
Bishop put his hand on her back.
Oh, she wanted this win so badly. Was that wrong?
“Ella Leighton from Eco-Ella!”
“Oh!” She won! She did it! Her hand slapped to her mouth. Really! It happened! Ella threw herself into Bishop’s arms as he hugged her. “Oh my God, I can’t believe it.”
“Good job, babe.”
She pulled back in tears. All around her, people stood and clapped. Suddenly, Tara was by her side, and on the big screen washer. She stood, pushing out of her chair, having no idea what she would say. Tara pressed her speech into her hand.
“Thank you,” Ella mouthed, giving her a hug. “For pushing me.”
Her publicist beamed. “I do it because I love you.”
“I know.” She turned and saw that Jay remained seated. Clapping, but seated. Ella leaned down and kissed his cheek. “Thanks, Jay.”
“I do everything because of you too. I’ve invested too much to forget.”