Page 173 of Rush

I nod, thumb hovering. “Yeah. Just...give me a sec.”

I tapaccept. Pressing the cold phone to my ear. “Mark—hey.”

“You sitting down?”

“Yeah, why?—”

“Good,” he cuts in, barely holding back. “I’ve got two words for you: Grammy. Nominations.”

“You’re serious?”

“Best New Artist.Song of the Year, Elena.” His voice jumps. “You did it—and that’s not all. They want you to perform, too.”

Riley lets out a squeal beside me, half-laughing, half-choking on her coffee.

I press a hand to my mouth, the bench not solid enough beneath me.

“I—what?”

“You earned this. It’s happening.” He barely pauses. “And since you’ll be in L.A. anyway…the Academy wants you to present Best Supporting Actor.”

That yanks me straight back to earth. “Wait.TheOscars?”

“Yes. Oscars. Capital O. Big stage. Hot room.”

I don’t say anything.

Mark sighs, already bracing. “You’re not going to like who’s nominated.”

“Don’t say it.”

“Alexander.”

Riley groans.

“What shall I say?” Mark adds quickly.

I look at Riley who shakes her head. On one hand this would be an incredible opportunity, on the other...it would mean seeing him again, in person. It’s been months and even longer once the Oscars roll around.

He’ll be a memory by then,I hope.

I stare out at the pond. The wind shifts, colder now, slicing across my cheek.

The ache hits fast and stupid, my chest twisting the way it always does when he’s near—or just out of reach.

I bite the inside of my cheek.

Maybe it’s just the season. Or the exhaustion. Or the fact I haven’t seen Broderick in a few weeks. He hasn’t called in days. Caught up with work.

I sigh, “I’m in.”

“You sure?”

No.

“Yes.”

“Alright,” Mark says, voice softer now. “February’s going to be the biggest month of your career.”