Trihn had designed Chloe’s dress, too. It was a fire engine–red lace creation that hugged her Latina body in all the right places. Trihn knew she had three other costume changes for the night for when she was announcing awards and performing, not to mention the after-party and the after-after-party. But Trihn was grateful to have created Chloe’s red carpet dress. It would help her blooming design career.
Her designs were consistently in New York boutiques right now, playing nice with the rich and trendy—something her mother had thought would never happen. Trihn’s third year of school in the fashion design major had been almost entirely upper-level seminars with Teena as they worked together to make her dreams of becoming a famous designer a reality. Teena wanted Trihn to open her own boutique in New York or Las Vegas, but Trihn wanted to establish herself more before sinking her investment into a store. Between her fashion line and trying to finish school, she was already incredibly busy. She didn’t think she could run her own boutique yet, too.
Chloe stuck around and chatted for a while and then took the seat next to them for the show.
Trihn glanced around at the packed room. She couldn’t believe how many famous people were all in one place. It was disorienting, knowing everyone in the vicinity and listening to their music and having them somehow know her, too. At this rate, she would be designing only for celebrities. She thought that would be an okay gig.
The lights dimmed, and the host came out to begin the show. Act after act went onstage, taking the crowd by storm, and doling out gold record players.
Chloe performed in a scandalously sheer number for her new song, “Naked.” And then she came back out onstage a half hour later in a conservative floor-length white dress that sparkled like the sun with none other than Gates Hartman in a tuxedo.
Trihn hadn’t seen Gates before this moment and was surprised that he was announcing with Chloe. As far as Trihn knew, they still didn’t talk to each other. Maybe things had improved since her rehab stint.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this year, we have the opportunity to announce the nominees for the Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media,” Chloe said.
“As you know, Chloe and I have worked in film together and always applaud the amazing vocal melodies that bring our films to life,” Gates said. He turned to face Chloe with that dazzling smile.
She stared at him a heartbeat too long before realizing she’d missed her cue. “And we’re pleased to announce that we will be working on a new movie of our own and hope that, in the following years, we’ll see our own soundtrack back up for nomination.”
“And now, the nominees,” Gates said.
Trihn raised her eyebrows. Gates and Chloe are working on another movie together. Well, that is not going to be good for their relationships.
“That should be interesting,” Damon whispered.
“Very.”
“She’s going to need to watch out with him.”
“What do you mean?” Trihn asked. She glanced over at him. Per Bryna’s request, she had never told Damon what had actually happened with Gates and Chloe.
“You know.” He nodded his head at them.
“Do you know?” she asked.
“I mean…Chloe told me…if it’s what you think it is.”
“You know!” she gasped.
“I just couldn’t say anything.”
“Does she still like him?” Trihn hissed.
He shrugged. “Who knows? Guess they’ll figure that out.”
Trihn laughed softly and then turned her attention back to the stage.
As the award night wore on, it seemed to take longer and longer to get to the awards that they really wanted to see.
Finally, the time came.
“And the winner for Best New Artist goes to…”
The anticipation was killer.
Damon squeezed her hand as they waited, her stomach in knots.
“Damon Stone!”
The crowd cheered.
They both stood, and he pulled Trihn in for a hug. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” she said, tears shining in her eyes.
Damon accepted his Grammy. “Wow. Thank you so much. You have no idea what this means to me. A year ago, I was deejaying in clubs in Las Vegas, and now…a Grammy. I want to thank everyone who helped get me here—Jason Carlo, Freddie Hope, Carson Cameron, the team at Sony Music, Tiffany Holly, Chester Ambrose, Sage McHugh, and Courtney Lord. Also, Chloe Avana, for discovering me. My mum, Melanie, for always believing in me. And my wonderful girlfriend, Trihn. Without her, none of this would have been possible. Thank you.” Damon hefted the award overhead and then followed the announcers offstage.
Trihn applauded with the crowd. Her heart was in her throat. All those hard times were for this. It was worth it.
Damon reappeared a few minutes later, and she hugged him so hard until the awards started again, and the cameras came back on.
Chloe won Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album, but she lost out for Song of the Year and Album of the Year.
The last category came up for Record of the Year.
“‘We Never Met’ by Damon Stone, featuring Chloe Avana!”
The crowd went crazy. Damon and Chloe went up to accept the award together. Watching them onstage was the most unbelievable experience.
They both gave acceptance speeches that Trihn heard through a blur.