Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
The lights changed to a warm orange glow, and then a well-known comedian came on to host the night’s proceedings. In his opening monologue, he managed to make fun of many of the famous actors and presenters in the audience. At one point, he turned to Arch and said, “As for you, Archer Davenport, no horsing around this evening.” The camera swung toward their table, and Arch gave a good-natured grin, lifting his cane in acknowledgment of the joke.
And then the awards began. Tessa’s nerves dissolved, and she simply enjoyed watching people celebrate a business they all loved.
Soon, an usher approached the table and told Smith and Arch it was time for them to head backstage. Tessa wanted to kiss him and wish him luck as calmly and easily as Valentina did for Smith, but instead, she gave him a look she hoped communicated how she was really feeling. It was a brave move for him to use only a cane for support, and she was more than a little nervous for him. A public tumble could ruin his prospects of going ahead with his new action movie, and she knew how much it meant him to shoot that film and take his career to the next level.
When it was time for Arch and Smith to present, there was a hush and then a burst of loud applause as the men’s names were announced. Tessa was proud at how warmly the audience was responding. Arch was so well regarded. The applause grew as they walked forward, Smith slowing his pace to keep in line with Arch. Seeing him up there, so determined and dignified with his thrift-store cane, she felt her heart swell with love.
Arch and Smith reached the twin mics. As the applause quieted, Smith turned to his friend and said, “I’ve been upstaged by beautiful women and upstaged by beautiful horses, but I’ve never been upstaged by a guy with a broken leg.”
There was a ripple of laughter.
With his charismatic winning smile, Arch replied, “What can I say? I suffer for my art.”
Tessa knew they were reading from a teleprompter, but the men’s obvious friendship and respect for each other made it feel like they were just riffing on each other’s personalities.
And then Arch said, “Speaking of suffering for art, this year’s nominated filmmakers worked in difficult conditions, often with small budgets, but triumphed over each challenge to produce a spectacular range of unique works that have captured our hearts and imaginations.”
Smith read through the list of nominees, and then, after a video montage was screened and time made for the all-important dramatic pause, Arch announced the winner of this year’s Moonrise Festival best picture award.
There was more applause as the winners ascended the staircase and were presented the award, at which point Arch and Smith exited the stage.
And then the comedian came back to wind things up, and just like that, it was all over.
Of course, Valentina had sat through many events like this, so was used to seeing Smith up onstage, but Tessa felt like her heart could burst with pride.
When the men returned to the table, Valentina kissed her husband and said he’d done a wonderful job. Tessa told Arch how well he’d done.
She couldn’t help reaching out to touch his arm, even though she wanted to touch all of him and kiss him as easily as Valentina kissed Smith. In a soft voice, she said, “Part of me was afraid you might stumble, but you looked so solid and strong up there.”
Arch let out a breath and then accepted a glass of champagne, the first he’d allowed himself all night. “I might well have stumbled if you hadn’t given me my strength back in rehab. I couldn’t have gotten here without you, Tessa.”
She squeezed his hand once under the table to acknowledge his lovely words, then let go so that no one would see. Now that Arch’s part of the evening was over, she could fully relax and enjoy getting an insight into this completely new world.
As the night wrapped up, various movie industry people came by to ask how Arch was doing after his accident and about his next project. She saw how easily he got on with everybody, remembering names and asking after family members. She also couldn’t help but notice how people eyed her with curiosity or outright asked for an introduction. Arch was always charming, but never gave anything away.
A lot of them said, “See you at the after party.” To which he didn’t reply.
Valentina had been drinking sparkling water all evening, and Tessa had caught her stifling more than one yawn. Smith obviously noticed, too, for he said, “Let’s get you home to bed.”
After Smith and Valentina said their good-byes, Arch leaned closer and said, “Do you want to go to the after party? It’s totally up to you. They are a lot of fun, but tiring too.”