Epilogue
Three Months Later
"This is my family’s company..." I lean in, frowning hard. "My father’s legacy. You’re just some guy who showed up out of obscurity, and now you think you can call the shots? Bullshit."
By the end of the line, Blaine and I are practically nose to nose.
He slowly leans back, snorts viciously, and snarls, "Whatever this tantrum is, it’s going to get you nowhere."
I grunt. "It’s not a tantrum, Peter. It’s not even a warning. I’m telling you: get in your spot" —I point to the floor— "and know your fucking place."
His eyes go glassy and crossed, staring daggers at me. That’s exactly how it’s written in the script.
"And cut! Let’s take five."
"He’s here again?" Blaine says, instantly, glaring over my shoulder.
I turn to see Jaxon standing near the director’s monitor. He flashes me a thumbs-up and a wink. I return the gesture.
"This isn’t a football game," Blaine mutters.
"Oh, grow up," I sigh.
Rumor is, Blaine’s days are numbered on this show. Between the bad behavior and the trail of broken hearts he leaves in production, no one’s surprised. Lately, he’s taken aim at his next target, another intern barely out of college. But when Jaxon shows up, he gets extra pissy.
"I don’t even understand why Chris is letting him on set," Blaine grumbles. "It’s a distraction. We’re trying to shoot."
I give him a cheerful, exaggerated smile. "Because everyone loves Jaxon. Just get with the program, Blaine. Let go of your envy and fall in love with him too."
"Envy? And it’s Toby," he mutters the last part like it’s still a secret. Please.
Before I can respond, Pat, the stage director, arrives.
"Toby, I’m going to need you to step over there," she says, hand on his shoulder.
"For what?"
"Chris changed the scene. That’s where he wants you now."
"Nobody told me about any changes," Blaine snaps. "What am I supposed to do with that, huh?"
I groan and tip my head back. He has a point, but his delivery is exhausting.
"Just go, Toby," I say. "He’s the director. Roll with it."
Blaine eventually sulks off. That’s when Joe London, Paige Nelson, and Tillman Ford storm the stage like they’re mid-scene. But there’s something off.
"Then you do it," Joe growls, throwing up his hands.
"I don’t want to do it," Paige snaps, clutching her chest.
Tillman massages his temples. "You’re both cowards."
Blaine and I exchange a confused look. We’re not done with our scene. What is this?
Then, out of nowhere, all three of them drop to one knee in front of me. Their hands extend, palms stacked like a ceremonial offering. Paige’s hand is on top, and resting on it is a small, plush, royal-blue ring box.
My jaw drops.
Blaine huffs beside me like he’s already figured it out. And he has.
Jaxon strides out onto the stage, confident, radiant, completely mine.
He takes the box from my costars, all of whom are grinning ear to ear.
"I’ll do it," he says.
Tears well in my eyes and spill freely. I never imagined this moment. Never thought I’d want to share a bathroom, let alone a life, with someone. But this man—I would go anywhere with him. Forever.
He opens the box. His eyes glisten. "Beautiful, would you marry me?"
"Absolutely," I whisper, not even needing a beat.
"I’m out of here!" Blaine groans, stomping away.
We don’t even look at him. The applause is thunderous. I’m kissing Jaxon again, tasting joy, commitment, and the future all at once.