Epilogue
epilogue
F OUR Y EARS L ATER
K at sat in her seat and could barely breathe. It might have been the SPANX she was wearing, but most likely, it was just her own nerves. Jake, on the other hand, seemed remarkably calm.
The lights went up for a moment. It was a commercial break. The crowd chatter rose a few decibels as this group of actors, on the night of their largest award show of the year, was never one to stay quiet.
She reached over and laced her fingers with his. “You ready? Your category is up next,” she said, squeezing his hand.
“Yes,” he said. “I’m just happy to be nominated … I’m just happy to be nominated.” He repeated the mantra under his breath, gave her a wink, and laughed.
Kat smiled at his attempt to convince himself that he’d be happy either way. She knew he would be, but it was still okay to want to win. He was no stranger to this moment. It had been nearly three years since they’d been here, at this very same awards show, when Jake was nominated for the first time for Zero Code .
He hadn’t won that night, but Kat remembered the evening as one of their best. It was their first significant public appearance since Copenhagen, and they went late into the night to every after-party, enjoying the experience and each other. They’d watched the sun come up, still in their fancy clothes, from the roof of their LA hotel. They were in a blissful state of new love. She laughed to herself. Honestly, they still were.
It didn’t mean the last four years had been simple. They’d had to figure out how to bring their lives together. Despite their best efforts, the lack of privacy was the hardest for Kat to get used to. It was something they navigated together with the help of a PR team. She was no longer scared of the public scrutiny, mostly just annoyed. Jake was uncompromising with his direction regarding no coordinated press around Becca.
One of things Kat loved the most was watching Jake and Becca’s relationship grow. Jake gave her space and time to let their relationship bloom organically. Over time, it had grown into a beautiful friendship and eventually one of paternal comfort for Becca.
In order to grow as an artist, Jake focused on theater work, which kept him in New York. He did films and animation voice work, focused more on the quality of the script than the size of the role. He often spent weeks, not months, on location. Although Kat wanted him to follow his heart and take any job he loved, Jake was always quick to say that, by sticking close to New York, he was indeed following his heart.
But when Garren had called him for a second film, there wasn’t a question. Despite the required four months in Sweden, Kat had insisted he go. It was the only film in years where Jake accepted a lead role, but at Jake’s request, the majority of his shooting schedule was aligned with Becca’s school break. They all enjoyed a magical summer in Stockholm together while Jake put everything into his performance. Garren and Jake found a strong artistic collaboration, and it showed. Here he was, nominated for Best Actor.
With thirty seconds left of the commercial break, the lights started to fade. Kat saw Garren take his seat right behind Jake. He reached up and squeezed Jake’s shoulder from behind before the lights went dark.
As the announcers read the names for Best Actor, she found herself holding her breath along with Jake. It was a tough category and the predictions were not in Jake’s favor. Kat tempered her excitement and prepared herself to remind him of his earlier mantra.
And then it happened. They opened the envelope and read his name. Everything moved in slow motion. She looked at Jake with tears in her eyes, and he sat back in his seat, stunned.
Garren leaned forward said, “you did it” as he shook both of Jake’s shoulders.
Jake snapped out it, stood up, hugged Garren and turned to Kat. They embraced while everyone patted Jake on the back.
“Get up there, my love. Take your moment,” she said in his ear. And he walked up and took the stage.
“Wow,” he said, letting out a breath. “I didn’t expect that to happen,” he said, and the crowd laughed. Kat knew it was actually true. He hadn’t even brought himself to write a speech, he was so sure he wouldn’t win.
Jake thanked the Academy, his producers, and his family. He was talking fast, knowing he had under a minute.
He looked out into the audience. “Thank-you to Garren Christensen, the world’s best director. Your vision, your drive, and your inability to allow any bullshit on your set”—the crowd laughed—“makes me bring my A game every single day. I just want to be the best for you. Any actors sitting out there … I guess there are a lot”—the crowd laughed again—“if you get a chance to work for this man, don’t hesitate, always say yes.
“I also want to say thank-you to Kat. I have so much to say and so little time. You came to me when I lost myself. I wouldn’t be standing here if not for you. You all may not believe this, but I can be a lot”—the crowd chuckled once more—“but this woman.…” His eyes began to tear up. “She sees me. And you have always made me better, Kat. We make each other better. There is no one I want to have all the moments with more than you.”
Jake paused for a second and took a deep breath. Kat could see he was trying to focus his thoughts. He blew out his breath and a smile lit up his entire face. He looked straight into the camera and said, “And to my favorite girl out there …” He dug into his pocket and held up a small object. The camera zoomed in on an orange Tootsie Pop. “Thanks for sending me with a good luck charm … It worked! I love you, sweetheart.”
The music started playing, and Jake walked off stage. Kat’s face was wet with tears. Tears for the man she loved on his greatest night. Tears for her daughter who was growing up with so many people who loved her. And the tears for herself? Kat’s tears were simply physical drops of joy.