Counting Stars

It’s Saturday afternoon and we just landed in Columbus. When I turn my phone off from plane mode it immediately starts to beep. I have about five missed calls from Brooklyn and multiple text messages telling me to call her. Walking to the bus I dial her number and she immediately picks up. Unfortunately, I can’t understand anything because she just screams. “Brooklyn, slow down please. I can’t understand you.”

“Sidney, you will never guess what just happened.”

“I hope it’s something good at least,” I sit down in an empty row.

“Good does not even begin to cover it,” I hear her take a very deep breath. “I’ve been nominated for a Golden Globe and a SAG award!”

She shares the news with me and I know that I’m supposed to be excited, but I really don’t know why. “That’s great babe.”

Her laughter fills the phone, “You have no idea what I’m talking about do you?”

I rub my forehead as Geno slides into the seats across the aisle from me, “Not really babe, the only award I know about is the Oscars.”

“Well, this is like the road to the Oscars. I can’t believe I’m nominated babe! My first time, this is incredible, absolutely incredible.”

Brooklyn’s excitement is contagious, “I’m so happy for you babe. This is great for you.”

“Not to mention Glimpses of Paradise is nominated for Best Picture. Oh my God I can’t believe this is happening Sidney. I could be nominated of an Oscar, a fucking Oscar!”

“Again, incredible. I think the guys want to see your movie tonight. So where do you go from here?”

“Well, the ceremony is Sunday the 12th, I don’t suppose you’re free?”

I pull out my Ipad and quickly glance through our schedule. Of course I’m busy that night, “We have against Calgary the next day. I won’t be able to make it.” Brooklyn is quiet on the other line and I feel absolutely horrible. “I’m really sorry babe, I want to be there I really do.”

“Sidney, it’s fine. You have a demanding job with a lot of travel, I know this. It’s just nice that I can share this with you.”

My head hits the back of the seat rest, her voice is off and I know she is upset that I can’t be there. Unfortunately, there is nothing that I can do. “Lynn, I love that you share this with me and if I could I would be there in a blink of an eye. What else is going on?”

There is a lot of noise on the other end, “Uh Sidney I have to go. Janet just e-mailed me I have a laundry list of things to do. Good luck tomorrow.”

"Thanks babe and congratulations.”

I hang up and think about what Brooklyn just told me. This is a huge step in her career and obviously a dream of hers. And I’m a horrible boyfriend that can’t be there. I groan and close my eyes in frustration. Geno looks at me from across the way, “What’s wrong?”

“Brooklyn got nominated for some awards,” I don’t bother saying which ones because I know that the guys have no idea what they mean and honestly I couldn’t explain it.

“That’s awesome. Why you so upset?” Geno shrugs.

“Well, she asked me to go to the ceremony with her and I can’t. We have a game the next day.” Geno simply nods and keeps to himself for the rest of the short ride to our hotel. When we get there I decide to do some research while the guys hang out. From what I gather the Golden Globes and SAGs are a big deal and televised. So now I know what I’ll be doing that Sunday night. Even after all the googling I still feel that I don’t understand this aspect of Brooklyn’s world.

I dial my sister’s number and she picks up, “I was wondering when you would call.”

It doesn’t surprise me that Taylor knows exactly what this is about. “Yeah, well I’m a bit out of my element here. I looked on the internet and apparently these awards are important.”

She chukles, “Important doesn’t even begin to cover it Sid. For the next few weeks Brooklyn is going to be swamped. Designers will beg her to wear their clothes, she will do lunch-ins, interviews, promotions you name it. And she will have more exposure than ever and so will her films.”
“How is this going to affect me?”

“People are expecting to her to be the runaway hit of the awards season. News outlets are speculating on what dress she will wear, who she will bring, everything. Odds are that she is going to win. The press loves it; the all-American girl with the ex-boyfriend in rehab wins on her first nomination. Seriously, you couldn’t make up something this good.” She is quiet while I let her little speech sink in. “Vegas has a bet on whether or not you will make an appearance.”

“Well that is part of the problem, I can’t go.”

“What?” I pull the phone away from ear as she screeches. “You have to be there! This is going to be one of the biggest nights of her life, and you aren’t going to go? Really, you’re unbelievable.”

“Hey, it’s not my fault. I have to work and Brooklyn understands that.”

“Fine, but even if she says that you still need to go out of your way to support her. Seriously Sid, do not mess this up. I really like her and I think she really likes you.”

“Trust me, I don’t want to mess this up either.”

“Mom told me you met her family. How did that go?”

I smile thinking back to that day. I was nervous and rightfully so, but it turned out well. And personally I like to think that her family liked me better than Claude. “Good actually. Her parents want to meet mom and dad.”

“Well then, you must have made an impression. Is it true that her sister is dating Claude Giroux?”

“Yep. Really nothing else to say about that.” I don’t know if Claude was involved with all the stuff that happened with Hartnell and Brooklyn, but something tells me he was. And that just pisses me off more. We move on and I take a little while to talk to her and ask about her life. Her classes are going well and everything. By the time I hang up Pascal and Geno are in my room. “What’s up guys?”
Geno tosses me his phone, “Brooklyn’s newest movie is showing at a theater in about 30 minutes. We want to go.”

“Who’s we?” I look at his phone and see that it is in fact showing nearby.

“Me, Duper, Lazy, and the young guys want to come to.”

“Yeah we should go. Apparently it’s supposed to be really good.”
Pascal laughs, “I don’t think the guys want to see it for the cinematography Sid.”
We get to the theater and of course it’s crowded. Luckily the movie starts soon and no one recognizes us. The movie itself is, amazing. Usually I don’t watch films that are critically acclaimed, but perhaps I should start. Everything in the movie is just awesome, but Brooklyn steals the scene. Her character goes through an epic transformation in early 20s Hollywood and she looks gorgeous throughout the film. And her acting is impeccable; I even forget that she is my girlfriend. As the final credits role and her name comes on screen the audience actually claps. I turn to my teammates and see that they’re equally impressed. We let the theater empty before we leave. “Wow, she is amazing.”

I nod in response to Pascal’s statement, “Unbelievable really.”

“Not to mention she was sexy as hell,” Depres interjects. Before I have a chance to respond Geno slaps him upside the head. “Ouch. What? It’s a compliment Sid.”

“I’ll be sure to share your thoughts on her performance when I see her next.”

******


I don’t see Sidney for the next two weeks. We talk and text every day, but I’m locked into a tight schedule. Essentially, I have to campaign for the award a little bit. Believe it or not I enjoy it or maybe I’m just delusional from lack of sleep. Regardless time flies and suddenly it’s Sunday, the day of the show. Since I woke up this morning someone has been next to me at all times, whether it be Janet, David, Emma or my makeup girls. Currently, I’m sitting in a hotel suite with my hair in curlers picking at a salad. Around me Janet, David and Emma discuss the plan for the red carpet, show and after parties when it all hits me. This is my first awards show; I’ve never even been invited before. Gasping, I grab a glass of water and guzzle. Emma sees my issue and comes over to me, “Are you okay?”

“A little overwhelmed,” The goal is to arrive at the red carpet in about two hours and then the real chaos begins. Janet is arguing with David about poses on the red carpet and whether or not we should cash in my plus one on an actor friend.. “Wait, my parents aren’t coming?”

Everyone finally turns toward me and I instantly know the answer to my question. Janet approaches me though and bends down to look me in the eye, “Their flight was delayed coming out of Cleveland. We just heard from them. Don’t worry though, they send their love and will be organizing a watching party with your family.”

David interjects now, “The bigger issue is who will sit next to you. They had a spot for your father and they need someone to fill it. How are you feeling about Richard Madden?”

Pausing, I consider this idea and immediately dismiss it. “Emma, do you want to sit with me?”

“I need her on call all night running errands for you, she can’t take the time to sit and watch the ceremony.”

“That’s just idiotic Janet.” She just looks at me and I realize that she isn’t budging on this. Jacob and Ethan arrive as well dressed in suits to blend in. Unsurprisingly they look good, really good. I need someone who will be able to calm me down during the night and Jacob will probably be a good bet. “Fine. How about Jacob? It’s his job to protect me, what better position than right next to me?”

Janet and David exchange a look and then nod. “Stand next to Jacob for a second Brooklyn.” I do and they give another approving nod. “Put your arm around her waist, for me.” He does and David quickly shakes his head. “Alright, that works. Jacob you will sit next to Brooklyn for the ceremony, but please try to smile every once and a while. No official red carpet photos together though.”

We nod, “Thank you for doing this Jacob.”

“Part of my job,” He shrugs and then walks over to Ethan and they start to discuss security options.

When my dress arrives Janet pulls Emma aside to go over the specifics. I slide it on carefully and the fabric fits like a second skin. My stylist arranges the dress and then steps back. Looking in the mirror I can’t help but smile. The silk is just a shade darker than my skin. The strapless bodice teasingly dips in between my breasts and then wraps around my torso in horizontal ruching. Along my hips and upper thighs the fabric tightly weaves in and out of itself seamlessly. On my upper thighs the silk drapes beautifully to the ground in a trumpet cut. Then I stick my leg out to showcase my favorite part of the dress, the wide, high slit that comes up dangerously near my hip. The dress is the perfect combination of sexy and classy. “Like it was made for you Brooklyn.”

I smile, wrap myself in a robe and then sit in front of the makeshift vanity. Soon the girls finish my hair and makeup. My long, full blond hair is swept to the side and set in large luxurious curls. Finally, I put in my earrings, long gold chains with three large circular diamonds. The earrings match the necklace which is made of three strands of diamonds with each diamond in a gold setting. I run my perfectly manicured hands along it and can’t help but smiling. Sometimes, it’s amazing being a girl. Last but not lease my stylist carefully slides my feet into a beautiful pair of platform stilettos. The dark nude shoes are peep toed with diamond embellishments on the seams. “Are those real?”

“Honey, you are wearing millions and millions of dollars of diamonds.”

I don’t mean to, but I gasp anyways, “Holy shit.”

After my stylist leaves the bedroom and goes to the main room of the hotel suite I stand. Looking at myself in the mirror I almost don’t recognize the girl who looks back at me. Two years ago, I couldn’t imagine this. I walk out of the bedroom and notice that everyone has changed while I was gone. Janet is wearing black of course and Emma is wearing a simple halter gown with some sequins. She looks gorgeous, but I know that Janet chose this gown so Emma doesn’t upstage me. Our little group turns to me when I close the door behind me. “Oh my God. Brooklyn, you look absolutely incredible.”

I smile at Emma’s compliment, “You look great too.”

We go to hug, but Janet intercepts, “Please be careful. We don’t have time to redo makeup or hair.”
Emma and I both just chuckle and take a picture while her back is turned. We are leaving in about ten minutes so I mill around the room for a bit trying to calm my nerves. I make the error of looking out the window and discover that a rather large crowd is gathered. “Who else is getting ready here?”
Janet doesn’t even look up from her phone, “As far as I know, just you.”

“So all those people outside are waiting for me?”

“Yes, not to mention those actually at the red carpet,” She nods towards the TV and it’s on E’s coverage. An aerial shot shows that hundreds of people are surrounding the carpet and people are already walking it. That is a lot of people, plus all the people watching on TV. That sobering thought makes me weak at the knees.
Suddenly I can’t breathe. My dress is restricting my lungs and the necklace feels like a noose. I must make a sound because Jacob is in my face. “Breathe with me Brooklyn. In and out.” In a few moments I match my breath to his. “Good girl. Here is some water.”

I sip slowly per his instructions and slowly the world is right again. “Thanks for that.”

“We need to give you something to take the edge off in the limo.”

I nod. “I want to talk to Sidney.”

Not bothering to check if we have time to I simply dial the number. He picks up in a few rings. “Babe? I’m surprised you’re calling me. Shouldn’t you be, you know at the Golden Globes?”

Just hearing his voice calms me down, “We are about to go to the car. I’m just… I need some advice.” There are voices in the background. “Where are you?”

“I just got to Nealer’s place to watch the show. What do you need from me?”

An image of just James and Sidney sitting down to watch an awards show distracts me from my fear for a moment. It is absolutely absurd and I barely keep from laughing.

“I’m, um, I’m nervous Sidney. I don’t do well in front of crowds and there are so many people around. Like what if I win? I’m going to have to make a speech in front of hundreds of people and then who knows how many people are watching at home.”

“Slow down babe, you are going to make yourself sick. First off you are going to win there is no if about it. I saw your movie and you were amazing.”

“You never told me you saw it. That’s so sweet.”

“I know, I’m a great boyfriend,” I chuckle and Sidney continues. “Second, what are you wearing?”

Does he really want to have phone sex right now? “Sidney, now isn’t really the best moment for that.”

His laugh fills the phone, “As much as I would love to do that, I know we don’t have much time. Just answer the question.”

“A dress.”

“And let me guess, you look absolutely gorgeous in it.” I’m wondering where Sidney is going with this. “You feel beautiful don’t you?”

“I really do.”

“So you’re telling me that my beautiful, talented, intelligent girlfriend is nervous over a few people. Babe, you can take on the world, there is absolutely nothing to be worried about.”

Damn, he really knows what to say. I feel a little better already. “I wish you were here with me.”

He swears softly on the line, “Me too Lynn, more than anything. I’ll be texting you the whole time though. Is your family excited?”

“They couldn’t make it.”

“Is Emma going to sit with you then?” Sidney sounds concerned.

I shake my head, “No, Jacob is.”

“Hand Jacob the phone, I want to talk to him.”

I motion Jacob over and hand him the phone as Janet ushers us to the elevator. Jacob and Emma go down first to coordinate the lobby and the car. Ethan Janet and I wait for the next one. I wonder what Sidney wanted to talk to Jacob about. Hopefully, just small talk, but I truly don’t know. Once in the elevator my stylist finishes the final touches and fixes. The elevator beeps on the final floor but Janet presses the door closed button. She turns to me, “When I release this button you have to be on. Have fun tonight, but you need to stay in character. Charming, sweet beautiful and remember the poses we practiced. Got it?”

I think I smile, “Got it.”

With that Janet releases the button and I step outside of the elevator. Jacob is still on the phone and he walks towards me. Surprisingly no one is in the lobby and I assume that Emma and Jacob cleared them out. Jacob hands me the phone impassively. “Sid?”

“I know you have to go soon. Just wanted to tell you to have fun tonight and not too be too nervous.”

I smile, “Thanks Sidney. I’ll see you soon.” Hanging up I place my phone in my clutch and look at Jacob. “What did you and Sidney talk about?”

He shrugs, “Guy stuff, nothing important.”

Before I have a chance to question him further Janet ushers us outside of the hotel. As soon as the door opens I hear screaming. Police officers are holding back the crowd and I take a moment to wave and smile. I’m not outside for long as Ethan practically pushes me into the SUV. Even from inside the vehicle the screaming is loud. Janet and Emma are in the back with Jacob and I as Ethan jumps in the front. The car drives slowly past the fans and a few bang on the windows. During the drive there I take a moment to tweet a photo of Emma and I from the shoulders up. Then Ethan hands me a small bottle, “You need this, drink it now.”

The small bottle is probably about two shots. Regardless, I down it and Jacob hands me some pop to chase it with. I cough only slightly, “Thanks for that.”

“Don’t mention it, have another.”

By the time our car arrives I am pleasantly tipsy and I know that I can’t drink anything at the awards event itself. Luckily we will have food and water so this shouldn’t be that big of a problem. “Ready for this love?” Janet asks me and all I can do is nod. We stop and Jacob jumps out of the car as does Ethan. Jacob opens the door for me and helps me out. I try to mask my surprise as I take in my surroundings. The noise is deafening. Jacob whispers in my ear, “Brooklyn, you need to walk.”

I shake my head with a smile and move forward. My first step is a little wobbly and I instantly reach out to Jacob. He steadies me, “Thanks for that.”

He kisses me on the head, “Anytime Brooklyn.”

Sights and sounds assault me as we officially step onto the red carpet. Everyone looks gorgeous. I say hi to a few friends as Janet lines me up for the press walk. Jacob and Emma leave me as I walk through. The flashes are blinding and mix with calls for me to look a certain way or smile. I block it out though and focus on the poses I practiced earlier today. My mind is racing to keep up with my body, I’m sucking my stomach in while smiling and sticking my butt out all the while being conscious of my slit. It’s difficult and when it’s finally over I’m exhausted. When I’m back with my foursome Janet makes a few touch ups and then leads me over to the press outlets. The carpet is fairly long and I’m suddenly feeling like this might be the longest night of my life.

*******


“No, Jacob is,” Brooklyn answers my question about who she is sitting with at the Golden Globes and I try not to curse.

This guy, her bodyguard and friend doesn’t like me very much, or at least I don’t think he does. I’m pissed at Janet though, Emma should be with Brooklyn . In addition to that I’m jealous. This guy is going to share this special moment with her and I will have to watch everything from thousands of miles away. “Hello?”

I’m in Nealer’s kitchen pacing when he answers, “Jacob right?” He confirms and I continue. “She isn’t going to tell you this, but she’s upset that her family isn’t there. I know she just claims that she’s nervous about the crowds. It’s more than that though, she feels lonely. This is one of her biggest dreams and her family isn’t there. She needs…”

Jacob cuts me off, “Really man? How long have you known Brooklyn? A few months? I have watched her for years; her safety is and always will be my number one priority. And I already knew everything you told me because I know her Sidney. I know her like you never will.”

Where the hell does this guy get off? I’m angry and pissed now. “Last time I checked Jake, I’m Brooklyn’s boyfriend so let’s not discuss the ways that I know her.”

“You think because you fuck that it’s special. She has told me things that she has never told you and I know that for a fact. So why don’t you sit back down on your couch and watch as Brooklyn wins her first major award while a better man is at her side. Lovely chat Sidney, let’s never do it again.”

“Sid?” Brooklyn is back on the phone and I struggle to sound casual and unfazed. The last thing she needs right now is a pissed off boyfriend.

“I know you have to go soon. Just wanted to tell you to have fun tonight and not too be too nervous.”

“Thanks Sidney. I’ll see you soon.” Judging by Brooklyn’s tone, Jacob must have had our conversation in private.

I’m left speechless in James’ kitchen. That entire exchange just confuses me. What did I ever do to this guy and what big secret does he have of Brooklyn’s? For a little while longer I just stand there contemplating the conversation. Geno walks into the kitchen, “Is everything okay?”

I nod and try to forget the conversation for now, “Yeah. Let’s just join the rest of the guys.”

Yes, a group of seven guys gathered together on a Sunday night to watch an awards show. Personally, I resigned myself to watch the show alone, but Nealer called me earlier today and invited me over. A few of the guys all wanted to get wasted and watch. I like to think that it’s because they all like Brooklyn, but another part of me just thinks they like to look at her. Regardless, I return to Nealer’s living room and grab a bottle of scotch for good measure. The enormous high definition TV that is usually reserved for sporting events now displays fashion commentaries. I almost laugh at the absurdity of it.

“You brought the scotch Sid? Good choice,” Paul Martin greets me.

I pass the bottle around and we all fill up our glasses. We sit in silence watching this skinny woman interview actors and actresses. “Any idea when Brooklyn will show up?”

Shaking my head I take a rather large sip, “Just got off the phone with her, and they were about to leave the hotel, so it can be much longer.”

“Damn, Amy Adams looks good.” Neal mentions and we all agree.

I’m starting to get nervous as time continues to pass and Brooklyn doesn’t show up. The ceremony starts in about a half an hour so she has to be getting there soon. After the show comes back from a commercial break the girl with the purple hair is talking, “Word just got in, Brooklyn Donahue has finally arrived. We aren’t sure yet on who she is wearing, but I think she will be talking to Guilianna in a minute.”

“Excited Sid?” James asks me and I can’t say anything because they show her walking the red carpet and all intelligent thought has left me. “Holy shit.”

Brooklyn looks stunning, everything about her is…I can’t even find the words for it. Really that dress should be illegal. It fits every curve of her body, curves that I know very well. And then the slit, oh my god the slit. My girlfriend is every single fantasy a teenage me had. Geno whistles, “Sidney.”

No one says anything else as the camera goes back to the skinny girl with the microphone who is interviewing Bradley Cooper. They wrap up the interview and Brooklyn steps into the frame. Cooper gives her a once over and they share a quick hug, before he departs. Now it is just Brooklyn and the interviewer. “I’m joined now by the absolutely gorgeous Brooklyn Donahue. Hello dear, how are you?”

She smiles and I sit back speechless, “Pretty well thank you, mostly nervous actually.”

“Understandable, understandable. This is your first major awards ceremony correct?”

Brooklyn nods emphatically and tucks a stray hair behind her ear, “Yes, yes. As if this wasn’t nerve wracking enough right?”

“You are doing wonderfully so far. I mean look at the fashion.” The camera pans down her body and I feel somebody slap me on the back. She looks sexy as hell. “We all want to know, who are you wearing?”

Her hands run up and down her sides, “The dress is Valentino with Cartier jewels.”

“And was this your first choice?”

“Surprisingly yes. I only tried on this dress and I absolutely fell in love with it.”

“Now, I have to ask because the internet was speculating on this. Your extremely attractive boyfriend did not attend tonight correct?”

Brooklyn frowns slightly, “Right, Sidney has a game tomorrow so he had to stay in Pittsburgh. I talked to him just a few minutes ago though and he wished me luck.”

“Is he watching tonight?”

“Believe it or not he is actually watching with some of his teammates.”

Both women laugh, “He must really care for you.”

“God only knows why.”

“I’m sure there are many reasons why. We have to let you go though, good luck tonight hun.”

They hug and then Brooklyn turns to go. My teammates and I groan, she looks unbelievable from the back as well. “Life just isn’t fair.” Beau laments and I just laugh.

We flip to sports center to waste sometime until Brooklyn’s category comes up. As much as we wanted to support her, we really didn’t care about the other awards. Unexpectedly, I receive a few texts from friends and family members about how great Brooklyn looks and berating me for not being there. I roll my eyes and refuse to respond. The one text I do send is to Brooklyn complementing her on her outfit and wishing her luck one final time. Of course she doesn’t respond, but I like to think that when she saw it made her smile.

James switches back to the awards and it’s just in time. Leonardo Dicaprio walks out and makes a short speech about the actresses. The other women in her categories are huge names like Kate Winslet, Judi Dench and Sandra Bullock. For a moment I’m nervous that Brooklyn isn’t going to win. “And the Golden Globe for best performance in a motion picture drama goes to,” He opens the envelope and I’ve literally stopped breathing. “Brooklyn Donahue, Glimpses of Paradise.”

The seven of us all jump up and cheer. Brooklyn is all smiles on screen and is hugging people around her table. Meanwhile, we pass around high fives, like we just scored a hat trick. I focus back on the TV as she approaches the podium. Leonardo hands her the award and she pulls him into a huge hug. She approaches the podium and the applause starts to settle down. “Oh my God. I can’t believe this, really truly. I know everyone says that, but I really think someone is playing a horrible trick on me.” The audience laughs and she pushes some hair behind her ear with a shaky hand. Besides that no one would notice that she is a bundle of nerves. “That being said, I have a huge list of people to thank because I by no means got here alone.” She takes a deep breath. “But oh my God, seriously? Leonardo Dicaprio just gave me my Golden Globe.” We hear chuckles from the audience again. “Anyways, I want to thank first and foremost the Hollywood Foreign Press and then my mom and my dad for always supporting this crazy dream of mine even when it seemed hopeless. My manager Janet, god bless you. You’re amazing at your job. To my best friend Emma, I’m so glad that we met at that stupid party our freshmen year. And to all of the amazing people in my life who aren’t here physically tonight, thank you for all the support nonetheless. Thank you all so much, this is amazing.”

Brooklyn exits the stage and my phone immediately starts blowing up, you would think that I won the award for God’s sake. Regardless though I send a long text message to Brooklyn congratulating her and all the guys do as well. We don’t even bother watching the rest of the ceremony. It’s pretty late so I have to head out.

“Congratulations man.”

I look at Nealer a little confused, “It’s not like I won.”

He smiles his signature, up to no-good smirk, “Maybe not, but something tells me that post award sex is stellar.”

“Shove it James,” He just laughs and I walk into the cold January air and drive home. Reflecting on the evening it resurfaces that Jacob claims he has a huge secret from Brooklyn that only he knows. Part of me wants to ask Brooklyn about it, but what if Jacob was just fucking with me. I groan, Brooklyn will be back in Pittsburgh on Tuesday for a few days. Maybe she will share whatever the secret is herself. As I continue to drive I realize that I want to know more than anything.

Notes

Writing this chapter was so much fun and a good break from exams. It's about to get messy in the next few chapters. Who doesn't love drama though? Enjoy!