Page 53 of Jace 4Ever
He caught my look. “Oh, did you want something else?”
“No, wine is fine…I just didn’t expect this meal…”
“I just order from the executive catering, and they bring everything over.”
“It looks amazing.” I picked up the knife and fork to dig in, but paused. I put them back down and grabbed my wine glass instead. “Slainte.”
Nelson picked up his glass and clinked it against mine. “Skál.” He took a sip and put it back down. “Thank you for coming with me. I know this is crazy, and I know it’s going to change your life, but I’m really glad you’re going to be there.”
“So am I.”
It wasn’t terriblyhot in LA, but I had to remember that it was February. There was probably a reason they held these award shows in what was technically winter in the rest of the country.
Rolling our bags through the exit of the terminal, we found a limo driver waiting withPowers & Guestwritten on his little board.
The driver stuck out his hand. “Mister Powers. I’m your driver for the week, Mike Ling. Ms. Figuroa insisted I pick you up in the limo.”
“And since you mentioned her insistence, I’m going to speculate that you have other cars at your disposal?” He quirked an eyebrow.
“Yes, sir.”
“Excellent. When you pick us tomorrow, come in something less ostentatious and more maneuverable through the streets.”
“With pleasure, Mister Powers.”
“This is my boyfriend, Jace McIntire. If I have any obligations, I would like it if you were at his disposal. This is his first time in LA, and I’d love to let him roam.”
“Happy to, sir.”
“Good. Let’s get gone.”
Nelson opened the door and motioned me into the back seat. I hopped in, and he was right behind me, pulling the door closed. He took a deep breath and turned to me. “I’m more excited that I get to show you off than I am about being nominated for best supporting actor and best actor and picture of the year.”
I laughed. “You’re crazy. You could potentially be the first actor to claim supporting and actor. No one has, ever.”
“I know, but I’m still more excited about you.” He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my lips. “This is going to be a crazy few days. You need to get fitted for a tux.”
“Do I have to wear a white shirt and plain cummerbund?”
“Do you want to?”
“No.” Sheepishly, I plucked at a string on my shirt. “I always dreamed of wearing something far more colorful.”
“Then we’ll do that.” He took my hand and laced our fingers together. “Whatever you want. We’ll work with the shop.”
“Thank you.”
“Ready, sir?” Mike called back.
“Let’s go,” Nelson answered.
We wound through the not-terrible-at-night traffic of Los Angeles and up some highways I had no idea of the names of. I caught a brief glimpse of the Hollywood sign, but it was gone before I could even think to pull out my phone to send a picture to Noah and the guys.
“Where are we going?”
“My bungalow is up here,” Nelson said. “Up in the hills. It’s just a little thing, compared to my neighbors’ houses, but I don’t live here full time. My home’s in New York.”
“Good grief.” I laughed.
