I don’t look at him, I merely stare straight ahead. “Eye on the prize my friend, eye on the fucking prize.”
“Do you want me to give the toast then?” Victor looks at me.
“Maybe.” I shrug.
“Well, it’s time,” he says.
“How the hell do you know?” I look up and scan the room.
I notice Melissa waving at Victor, holding up cue cards like he needs to help get me ready for a speech.
“Sure, go ahead,” I say, and give a defeated look to Victor. “I’ll just fucking screw it up right now in the state of mind I’m in.”
Victor takes a deep breath. “Okay, no problem, dude.”
He gestures for me to stand up, which is the least I can do. This is my fucking party after all.
When Victor is sure he can grab everyone’s attention, he clears his throat and clinks a spoon against the side of his glass.
Everyone stares at him, and at me because I’m standing right there beside him. I know they’re expecting me to say a few words, but I don’t have it in me right now. I still have time to kill before my big speech at dinner.
Victor directs every film I make, so he’s more than worthy for the task at hand.
“Good evening, everyone.” Victor’s voice bellows in the room, capturing the moment.
“I’ll keep this short and sweet, because I’m not good with the words like Owen here.” He chuckles and points a thumb at me.
I put on my best charming smile and wave to the crowd. “Thank you all for coming.” At least I’m able to say that much to the room full of my friends, peers, and coworkers.
“Anyway,” Victor says and holds up his glass, “I would like to propose a toast. We are at the two-year mark for Lone Wolfe Productions. Our success is broad and growing like wildfire. We would just like to thank each and every one of you, for all of you play an intricate part in the role of keeping this operation successful. So, this party is for you, because together, we are one.”
Victor raises his glass high and proud, and the crowd joins him, clapping and roaring with their congratulations and joy.
Once the chatter begins again, Victor and I sit down next to each other again on the couch.
“Thanks for saving my ass.” I give him a chagrined look.
“Anytime.” He slaps my back. “That’s what friends are for.”
“I know I’m still going to have to go on the stage later when everyone sits down for dinner,” I say begrudgingly.
“You’ll do fine,” Victor reassures me.
I just hope he’s right and that Molly shows up before then. Then maybe I’ll be able to fucking focus.
15
Molly
I stare at the two dresses lying on my bed, each one beckoning me to pick them.
I’m down to two choices, and fuck, it’s a difficult one. I analyze the dresses.
One is a sapphire colored halter dress. It’s sexy, yet sophisticated and…well maybe a little on the safe side.
The other is a champagne colored dress that’s a little longer in length, but has a killer, plunging neckline. I mean, the puppies might burst and spill out of this dress if I pick it…
I mentally compare them for at least five minutes, but shit, I still have no fucking clue which one I want to wear to Owen’s party.