Page 15 of Stars Collide

Except, at that moment, Eden did feel rather silly. A laugh built in her chest, but she swallowed it. “Anyway, I think it’s awful that Camille was rude about your dress. You’ve taken colors that have meaning to you and incorporated them into your outfit for an important night. I think that’s beautiful.”

Anna blinked at her, seemingly lost for words. “Thank you,” she said finally.

“You’re welcome. And here’s my final clueless question of the evening: Did you win tonight? I know we both lost for Record of the Year, but I missed the beginning of the ceremony while I was getting ready for our performance.”

Anna scrunched her nose. “Nope. No awards for me tonight.”

Eden held up her half-empty champagne flute. “Here’s to being two of tonight’s biggest losers.”

Anna choked out a laugh, then tapped her glass against Eden’s. “I’ll drink to that, although I’d hardly call you a loser.”

Eden made a noncommittal sound. She felt like a loser lately, at least compared to where she was usually. Her career had been on a steady upward climb from her debut at sixteen until last year, andnow ... now she was afraid to see how far she had yet to fall. She looked up and saw Paris watching her from across the room. It was late, and she was tired. “It’s time for me to make my escape, I’m afraid,” she told Anna.

“Same,” Anna said. “Right after I introduce myself to Mr.Braithwaite.”

Eden stood. “I’m glad I bumped into you tonight. It was nice talking to you.”

“You too.” Anna gave her another of those adoring smiles that reminded Eden she’d been Anna’s role model. It was flattering, but it also made her feel ... old. Anna was the future of pop music, but surely Eden hadn’t peaked yet. She was just having an off year.

“I’m sure I’ll see you around,” Eden said. “Good night, Anna.”

“Night,” Anna said.

Eden caught Paris’s eye as she polished off her champagne. In seconds, Paris was at her side, holding out Eden’s wrap. Taylor was right behind her.

“Lawrence is pulling the car around now,” Paris said.

“Perfect. Thank you.”

Minutes later, she was in the car, on the way home ... finally. Exhaustion settled over her, softened by the alcohol so that she felt relaxed instead of sore from her uncomfortable attire. She pulled out her phone, finding a handful of messages. Most of them were from Stella, who had apparently loved the performance and was outraged that Eden hadn’t taken home any awards. The next text was from Zach.

Zach:

Amazing performance tonight!

A smile tugged at her lips. Zach must be the nicest actor in Hollywood. Even their divorce had been friendly. Idly, she rememberedthe scene she’d witnessed between Anna and Camille earlier. Their exes couldn’t be more different.

Eden:

Thank you! And thanks for watching.

The little dots began to bounce, letting her know that he was replying.

Zach:

Hey, are you busy tomorrow? I was wondering if we could grab brunch. I have something to discuss with you.

What in the world did he need to talk to her about? The divorce had been finalized over six months ago. But she wouldn’t mind seeing Zach tomorrow. She did miss him, even if she didn’t miss sharing a bed with him.

Eden:

Not sure I’ll be up for brunch, but I’m around if you want to stop by.

Zach:

I’ll bring brunch with me. Around noon?

Eden: