Page 49 of Vain (Tempest #2)

MATILDA

“Do you think you’ll need anything else?” I ask Zoe as I stare into our overflowing basket.

“Milk Duds. I don’t think you can have a movie sleepover without Milk Duds, right?”

“I didn’t go to any sleepovers when I was a kid,” I tell her, crouching in front of her.

“This is my first one,” she admits.

“I know. That makes it special. I can see you’re nervous. But I bet Mia is even more nervous than you are.”

“Really? Why?”

“Because you’re older than she is. You’re funny and smart and she looks up to you. She gets to brag to all her friends that she has an awesome friend in the fourth grade.”

“You think?”

“Zoe, you’re the coolest kid I know.”

“You have to say that. You’re my next-gen mom.”

My stomach flutters when she calls me that. There isn’t a single second I’ll ever take it for granted.

“Next-gen?” I laugh.

“My other mom was the OG. She was pretty awesome. She’d have really liked you. She loved your movies.”

“I’d have liked her too. She had to be pretty spectacular to make someone as wonderful as you.”

She grins shyly, ducking her head. “Maybe we could have a sleepover when you get back? I’ll know how it all works then,” she suggests, sounding so grown up that it gives me a lump in my throat.

“I’d love that. We can camp out in the front room and have pizza and snacks. And you can invite whoever you want.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“What’s this? I see a princess and a movie star in their natural habitat, which, of course, is the candy aisle.” I look behind me and spot Banner and Felix heading our way.

“You’re so silly, Uncle Felix.”

He winks at her before scooping her into his arms and snatching the basket off me. “I am a professional sleepover…er.”

I snort at that as Banner murmurs under his breath, “No lies detected there.”

“I’ve gotta leave to get ready soon, Felix,” I call out, knowing what these guys are like when they get their hands on my kid.

“Is your bag all packed?” he asks Zoe, who nods. “I just have to add my snacks.”

“How about you and I finish up here, and then I’ll take you over to Uncle Wade and Aunt Olivia’s house. I’ll even swing by the ice cream place on the way.”

“Yes, can I, Mom?” Zoe looks at me eagerly.

I huff out a laugh and roll my eyes. “Who’s the bigger kid here?” I look at Felix, who grins.

“You already know the answer to that.” Banner laughs before stopping abruptly.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I thought I saw someone. I’ll be right back.” He’s gone before I can say anything else, leaving me staring at Felix with a frown.

“He’s Banner. He’s weird,” he tells me as he dances with Zoe, twirling and dipping her, making her laugh.

“Oh sure, he’s the weird one,” I mutter, walking closer.

“Alright, honey. Give me a hug, and I’ll leave you with Felix, if that’s what you want.”

She wraps her arms around me, squeezing me tight. “You’ll be back tomorrow?” she asks nervously. One day, she won’t worry that I might not make it home to her. I’d love nothing more than to erase that sound of fear from her voice, but everything takes time.

“I’ll be here. Just don’t let your uncles kidnap you again.” I glare at Felix, who picked her up from school last week and forgot to tell me. I nearly had a damn heart attack in the pick-up line when they told me she was gone.

“It’s not kidnapping when it’s family.”

“I’m seriously questioning leaving my kid with you right now.”

“Shoo, woman…begone. We have snacks to buy and ice cream to eat.”

I say my goodbyes and leave them to it. I don’t worry about them getting in, all the guys have a key to our place, though Kellen is the only one brave enough to use it whenever he damn well pleases.

I walk up the street, enjoying the cool breeze coming off the water. Humming softly, I let my mind drift to Marley. I still miss him every damn day, but I find comfort in the fact I’m living the life he always wanted for me.

I think of Greyson. His trial begins in a few months, which will drag me back into the spotlight.

I’m no closer to figuring out my feelings for the man than I was before.

Mostly I feel betrayed and angry. I’m never going to be the bigger person here.

I won’t find peace in forgiving him because I don’t—forgive him, that is—and I never will.

I collide with a body and nearly fall on my ass.

“Ooof.” Thankfully, I stay on my feet but the poor woman I just walked into isn’t so lucky.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I was in a world of my own.

Here, let me help you up. Are you okay? Did I hurt you?

” I babble as I offer her my hand. She reaches for it and lets me pull her up.

She barely reaches my chin in height, making me feel even worse. “Please tell me you’re okay.”

She looks up at me, her eyes wide, her red hair falling haphazardly out of its ponytail. “You’re Matilda Carson. Of course, you already know that. Aurora. Me, I mean. Not you. I’m Aurora. Oh god.” Her shoulders slump in defeat.

I bite my lip to keep myself from laughing. “It’s really nice to meet you, Aurora. I’m so sorry I knocked you on your ass. I got caught up in my thoughts for a minute.”

“It happens to me all the time,” she admits with a shy smile.

“I’ve gotta go, but I’ll see you around, okay?”

“Um…okay sure. Bye.” She looks a little dazed as I leave her. For the most part, people are used to me being here, so much so I forget I’m famous sometimes, until someone reminds me.

I glance at my watch and curse. “He’s gonna kill me.” By the time I make it all the way back up the hill, I’m cursing myself for not driving.

Aiden is waiting at the front door with a smirk on his face. “And what time do you call this, young lady?”

“I know, I know. But we got a little overwhelmed in the candy aisle, and then Felix swooped in and saved the day.”

“Is Zoe okay?” he questions, his face a mask of worry.

“She’s fine, I promise. Just a little nervous about her first sleepover. She’ll be okay.”

“I’ll call her from the plane, just to check in.”

I reach up and kiss him. “You’re a good dad, Aiden.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Enough to give me more?”

“One day. I want to enjoy Zoe for a little while first. I don’t want her to have to share us. Not yet. She deserves to be solely and wholly loved by us.”

His hands cup my ass. “I’m good with that. Plus, practice does make perfect.”

“Hmm…” I kiss him again before he pulls back.

“Dammit woman, you distracted me again. We’ve gotta go. You have everything packed ready?”

“Yeah, it’s on the bed. I just need to grab my charger.”

“Hop to it and let’s get this show on the road.”

“We have Hollywood royalty here tonight. Matilda Carson and her soon - to - be husband, Aiden Church, who I have to say looks very handsome in his suit. Matilda, of course, has been nominated for an Oscar here tonight for best director for the movie Vain . Vain did exceptionally well at the Golden Globes this year and they’re hoping to walk away with at least one statue tonight.

“Matilda has largely disappeared from the limelight to focus on her new family and I can’t say I blame her after the tragedies she has had to deal with of late.

And can I just say, the dress she is wearing tonight, a simple black Oscar de la Renta, is stunning.

But it’s what the dress isn’t covering that everyone is talking about, Dale. ”

“Yes, that’s right. After she told the world in that now infamous interview that she had multiple scars and surgeries following an acid attack, I think the world stood still in shock.

But to come here today and show us all that scars are beautiful no matter what?

Well, I think this might be the beginning of a new mindset that people will adopt. ”

“I agree, Dale. I spoke to her briefly earlier and asked her about wearing her scars for the world to see. And you know what she told me? She said, ‘I used to hide my scars because I was ashamed. But one day I met a little girl who showed me what it really means to be brave. She made me realize I have nothing to be ashamed of. I never did. Now I think of my scars not as something shameful but as armor. Something I earned when I refused to stop fighting.’”

“Wow, beautiful.”

I tune out most of it, holding onto Aiden as he helps me navigate the red carpet.

The evening passes in a blur of well wishes, and for once, I feel warmth emanating, not just from the press, but also from my fellow actors and nominees.

I felt like an impostor coming back, not sure which world I fit into anymore, but maybe the answer has always been both.

We haven’t won any of the awards yet, and that’s fine. Just being nominated is such an honor. I still can’t wrap my head around it.

Aiden nudges me.

“ And the nominees for best director are… ”

I take a deep breath as the actor reads out the names and smile gently. My face and reaction will be plastered all over the news tomorrow. I’m so focused on whether my smile looks natural that it takes me a second to realize that they’ve announced the winner.

Aiden yanks me into his arms. “I’m so fucking proud of you, baby. Congratulations.”

I jolt at his words. “Wait. I won?”

He nods, grinning wildly. “Yes, honey, you won. Now get up there and get your statue.”

I stand up on shaky legs, all thoughts of my smile going out the window as shock makes my brain misfire. I focus on getting up the steps without tripping on my dress and breaking my neck before thanking the actor who hands me the statue.

I turn to the crowd, which is cheering and applauding, and feel a few tears slip free. That makes them cheer even more. I find Aiden’s face in the crowd. He has his hands over his heart as he mouths, “I love you.”

His words and his presence help center me as I open my mouth and wing it.

“It’s not often I’m left speechless,” I begin, making people chuckle.

“As many of you know, life has thrown me quite a few curve balls in recent years. I’ve experienced the highest highs, and the lowest lows.

” I let my eyes fall on Aiden before looking around the room at my cast from Vain .

“I’ve realized that people will always surprise you.

Some in awful hideous ways, and some in ways that will nurture and enrich your life in ways you could never have imagined.

“Vain was a passion project for me. My first movie as the director and my first foray back into the world as this new version of myself.” I touch my shoulder to emphasize the scars.

“This movie was the first step on my road to healing and I was fortunate enough to find myself surrounded by my most wonderful cast and crew. I mean, I seriously lucked out.” I smile as my cast blows kisses and smiles back.

“I found pieces of myself I thought I lost making this movie, and then behind the scenes, I starred in my very own romantic suspense.”

There are more laughs before I get around to my thank yous.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in this movie, from the actors to the catering staff. I really couldn’t have done this without you.

Thank you to the studio for taking a chance on me and to all the fans and critics who embraced this story and took it into their hearts.

I want to thank my partner Aiden for showing me fairytales can come true and everyone at Price Security for sending me a hero when I so desperately needed one.

A big shout out to Zoe, my warrior princess, and finally, to my dearest friend, Marley.

” I pause when my voice cracks and press my fingers to my lips as I steady myself.

“Marley taught me how to love big, and loud, without limits or boundaries. He taught me that real love is selfless.” A tear slips free as I find Aiden in the crowd once more.

“I’d like to dedicate this to him because, without Marley Williams, there would be no Matilda Carson standing here in front of you all today.

Thank you.” I blow out a shaky breath as people stand clapping, and head backstage. Aiden finds me, moments later.

“How do you always know when I need you?”

“It’s my spider senses.”

I smile and look up at him. “I love you so much and can’t wait to become Mrs. Matilda Church.”

“Woman, you cannot say that shit when there is no broom closet around here for me to fuck you in.”

I laugh all the way back to my seat.

Eighteen hours later, we walk into our home on top of Lavender Hill to find our front room all set up for a sleepover. Little tents and a dozen mattresses have been set up. Pillows, blankets, and cushions cover every square inch of the floor. Someone has even rigged up a movie projector.

“What’s all this?” I ask, catching everyone’s attention. I squeal as everyone charges me at once, offering me hugs and congratulations.

Eventually, Zoe manages to squeeze her way through. “Now you can have your first sleepover. You like it?”

“I love it, and it’s just what I needed. So who did you invite?” I ask. It looks as though half the town is here.

“Nan and grandad,” she points to Kelly and Mark at the back of the room. “Wade, Olivia, and Mia. I asked Tom and June, but they have a date tonight. Oh, and all of the calendar boys, of course.”

“Callie!” Blake yells.

“What did I do now?”

“Why is Zoe calling us the calendar boys?”

“Did she? Huh? How strange. Who needs a drink?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “You did good, baby.”

“I just thought about the people that matter the most, you know. Our family.” She smiles brightly before throwing herself into Aiden’s arms as he sidesteps me.

I look around the room at all the people willing to camp out at a moment’s notice just for Zoe and feel myself getting choked up again. Dammit

“Yeah, family. I have an idea. Why don’t you and Mia pick a recipe from one of Marley’s books and we’ll make something for everyone to eat.”

“Yeah!”

“Ooh, and me. I wanna come.” Kellen jumps up. “Can we make banoffles?”

I look at Zoe who nods excitedly.

“Banoffles it is.”