Page 113 of The Last Second Chance
“It sounds like a big deal,” Joey corrected.
“Oh, it is. There are writers who’ve been doing this for decades and never see a nomination. Jax is one of the youngest nominees in guild history.”
“Is it one of those big awards ceremonies?” Joey wondered.
“It’s strictly for writers, so the ceremony’s more low-key than the Oscars or the Emmy’s. But it’s still a very big deal,” Didi said. “So what brings y’all to town?”
“Two café cubanos,” the barista called from the counter.
Jax like a man who had just been offered a reprieve. “Oh, what a shame that’s our order I should—”
“Oh, no,” Joey shook her head at him. “I’ll go grab them. You two catch up.” She snickered the whole way up to the counter where she picked up two recycled paper cups filled with a creamy looking liquid. She snagged lids and snazzy cardboard sleeves and made her way back to Jax and Didi.
Didi punctuated every word with a facial expression and a matching hand gesture. The woman had to be an actress.
“Oh my gosh, Jax was just telling me you’re in town for the premiere. How exciting is that?”
“Very?” Joey guessed. “Are you going?”
“I’ll be the very sparkly date of a certain handsome actor. We’re just friends, but we’re working on a project together,” she said proudly. “So who are you wearing?”
“Huh?”
“I sound like one of those entertainment hosts on the red carpet. I mean who’s the designer who did your dress?” Didi giggled and somewhere Joey imagined a unicorn just got its wings.
“I don’t have a dress yet. We’re going shopping now.”
Didi gasped. “Jax! No dress yet! Do you not know how things work around here?”
“Relax. I’m taking her to Brigid’s place.”
“Who’s Brigid?” Joey asked.And had Jax dated her too, she wondered.
Didi clapped her hands together. “Perfect! Maybe you’re not such a putz. Brigid is a costume designer who is planning to launch her own label. She’s amazing!”
“So who are you wearing?” Joey asked.
“Dior,” Didi sighed, clasping her hands together.
“Uh, awesome. Dior is…great.”
“Now what about hair and makeup?”
Shit. “I guess I’m doing my own?” Joey looked at Jax who shrugged.
“Yeah, I’m sure that will be fine,” he said encouragingly.
Didi looked at him as if he’d suddenly squatted down in the middle of the café and started quacking like a duck. “No, it will not be fine. Don’t worry, Joey. I’ll take care of everything,” Didi announced, whipping out her cellphone. “Where are you staying?”
“The Cyprus,” Joey said. Jax stepped on her foot.
“Perfect, that’s even closer to the theatre than my place. I’ll bring hair and makeup to you and we can get ready together. What’s your number?”
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“What just happened back there? Did I imagine the whole thing? Am I in a coma?” Joey asked, blindly reaching for Jax’s hand.
“I’m not really sure what just happened. How many apologies do I owe you for this?” He steered her down the block and called for an Uber on his phone. “Drink your coffee. You’ll feel better with some caffeine in you.”
