Page 126 of Lucky 22

“Oh, um…I don’t know. I’m waiting to hear from Nora with apress schedule, so…”

No sooner do I say the words than the schedule appears in myinbox, along with a press release she’s drafted for my approval.

“It looks like a pretty full morning and afternoon,” Imurmur. “And a busy week.”

“That makes sense. You’re a big deal. Everyone’s going towant to talk to you.”

I love his support so much.

“But it looks like my last interview is at four today, so wecan definitely do something tonight.”

“Whatever you want to do, we’ll do it.”

“Really?”

He nods. “Really.”

I say the first thing that pops into my head because it’ssort of our thing, and it makes me happy.

“I want to go to Newport Beach and get a pizza and drinkslushies and watch the sunset.” Just thinking about it makes me smile.

Meanwhile, Christian’s looking at me like I’m insane. “But…”

“Nuh-uh. You said we’d do whatever I want to do.”

He rewards me with a lopsided grin. “Your wish is mycommand, beautiful girl.” He hops off the bed. “Do you have time for pancakes?”

“Always!”

Two months later, I’m dressed in the most beautifulgown—second only to my wedding gown—and sitting next to the most handsome andsupportive husband in the world. I’m dazzled by the sea of celebrities. I’veworked with some of them, admired many of them, and I’m humbled to be sittingamong them all.

How is this my life?

I know my category is coming up, and I feel like I’ve beenbreathing wrong for the last five minutes.

That’s the only explanation for why my chest feels so tight,and my heart is pounding like there’s a drum line inside me. The next thing Iknow, the category graphic flashes across the giant screen, the camera swoops,the orchestra plays something dramatic and elegant, and suddenly, I am veryaware of how small I feel in the giant room.

“Breathe,” Christian whispers beside me, his fingerssqueezing mine. “You’re okay.”

“I’m not going to win,” I whisper automatically, like musclememory. Like armor. “It’s just…really cool to even be here.”

He gives me a look. Warm. Proud. Like he already knows asecret I don’t.

“The nominees for Outstanding Character Voice-OverPerformance in an animated character role are…”

They start reading the names.

Each one is massive. Legendary. Powerful.

Then mine.

“Ella Lucas as Ashla Voss in The Echo Wars.”

The room applauds. A few cheers. I feel heat rush to myface. I smile because I’ve practiced smiling. I haven’t practiced winning.

I’ve watched this moment millions of times from my couch,but never thought I’d be sitting here waiting for it. I never thought ananimated warrior whose voice is mine, and who I helped create, would bring meto this exact second in time where my entire life seems to be holding itsbreath with me.

“And the Emmy goes to…”