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But the weirdest thing is howIhave now somehow garnered celebrity status. Tabloids don’t just write stuff about Ellie, they write about Ellieandme, as though we’re a hot Hollywood couple and not just normal people living in suburban Connecticut.
And as if that isn’t strange enough, I was even offered a contract as a male lingerie model. Obviously, I turned that down though. Principal Gregson might have been understanding about the leaked video and then Ellie and my little TikTok protest, but I doubt he would have been happy about me pursuing a side career as an underwear model. And considering I’m in no way prepared to give up my day job, it was a firm no.
But the best thing to come out of the video—at least from a personal point of view—is the amount of straight, cis men who have been getting in touch with me to thank me for inspiring them to open up about their own preferences for things like lingerie, and cosmetics, and high heels. I was never hiding because of any sense of shame or embarrassment, but I know that’s not true for a lot of men. The vast majority of them, I’d say. So I’m glad to know I’ve helped inspire some of them to live a little more freely.
“We’re here,” the limo driver announces, pulling up to the curb behind another sleek, black limo.
We have to wait about ten minutes for the cars in front of us to let their passengers out and then move away before Ellie and I can get out and run the press gauntlet.
Once we’re right in front of the hotel where the awards ceremony is being held, I move to open the door.
“Wait a moment, Mr. Kelly. I’ll get that for you,” the driver says, and then he’s climbing out of his seat and rounding the front of the car.
Okay, I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to this celebrity thing.
The driver opens my door and I climb out, turning back around and holding my hand out to help Ellie out of the car.
I can barely take my eyes off her as she stands up; she looks so unbelievably beautiful in a blood red gown, her golden hair falling in soft waves down her back. She looks spectacular in everything, of course, butred…just…wow. The dress looks like it’s made of liquid silk that just flows over her and down to the floor, clinging to her body in all the right places.
Yeah, I’m definitely going to have a lot of fun tearing this dress off her later tonight when we get back to our hotel room.
Just before we step onto the carpet, Ellie turns back to me, an amused smile on her face. “Did you justgrowl?”
I shrug. “It was my first good look at you from behind. My mind went places.”
She throws her head back in a tinkling laugh that lights her whole face, and I can’t resist ducking down to briefly press my lips to hers. Then I thread my hand through hers and we start making our way down the carpet.
It’s so weird hearing my name called along with Ellie’s, as though I’m somehow worthy of the recognition.She’sthe superstar here. Her show has been nominated for three awards tonight, including Best Host.
That’s an award Aidan has won a a couple times in the past for his old show, but this year Ellie’s the one who’s been nominated. I love my brother and all but considering the bullshit the producers at their last show pulled by forcing Ellie off-camera after he transition, it’s pretty damned vindicating that she’s received this nomination and not Aidan. And, fortunately, Aidan doesn’t have any ego issues and is more than happy to see Ellie finally getting the recognition she deserves. It’s too bad he can’t be here in person for the ceremony since he and Ben are on their honeymoon right now.
After a bunch of interviews and pictures, we manage to make it through the red carpet and into the venue. The event itself isn’t exactly my idea of fun entertainment, but this is Ellie’s night so I sit proudly beside her and clap politely as all the awards are handed out.
Unfortunately, Ellie doesn’t win the Best Presenter award, but being beaten by Bear Grylls isn’t exactly something to be upset about, is it? The show does with the award for Most Outstanding Travel, Adventure, and Nature Program though, and as I watch her walk up to the stage to accept the trophy, I honestly couldn’t be prouder.
It’s crazy to think how much has happened in the past year; this time twelve months ago, Ellie and I were locked in a stupid stalemate because of that bet. God, I’m such an idiot; I can’t believe how long it took me to admit my feelings for her. It’s a good thing I finally came to my senses, though. Because being with Ellie is seriously the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
I glance down at my fingernails, which Ellie convinced me to get professionally done for the occasion. Gold. The color of champions.
