In the greenroom underneath the stage, Rachael Quigly watched the Oscar preshow on a monitor, along with other low-ranking members of the crew. She could have watched at home, but it was a thrill just being in the theater, even if she couldn’t see the live show, even if she was just watching it on TV.
And she was nervous, had been ever since she had handled the electrical inspector. In the back of her mind was the nagging doubt: What if something goes wrong and it was her fault? Not that she had done anything, but was there anything she didn’t do? Should she have double-checked the inspection, got someone else’s stamp of approval on the job? Of course not. Her boss was already harried and would have been irritated with her, an assistant who couldn’t even hold a clipboard without instructions.
On the TV screen, Viveca Rothschild was being interviewed.
For some reason she didn’t seem happy.
Viveca was quick to plaster the smile back on her face, but it was clear she was doing her best not to wince.
The interviewer had just said, “Third time’s the charm.”
“That’s an old saying, Judy,” Viveca said, “but it’s different every time. There are five nominees, and there’s no one who doesn’t deserve it. In the end it’s up to the people who voted.”
Judy beamed. “And there you have it. Viveca Rothschild, gracious as ever.”
Jake jumped in. “Viveca, I understand you’re currently filming with two other Oscar nominees. What’s that like, a little friendly rivalry?”
“Accent on friendly, Jake. I have never been in a production where the actors were so willing to throw their egos overboard and work for the good of the film. Don’t be surprised if you see some of us back here next year.”
“Nice,” Jake said. “A prediction for next year’s Academy Awards. Remember, you heard it here first. Thank you, Viveca.”
Viveca escaped from the clutches of the interviewers, and pressed on into the theater. Being a nominee, her seat was near the front of the house. Her producer, director, and some of the other actors from Paris Fling were already seated in the row. She slipped into her seat, accepting hugs, kisses, and congratulations.
Bruce wasn’t there yet.
Viveca wondered if he’d gotten lost.