The red carpet was much redder in person than on TV. I’d watched these pre-awards shows for years, listening to the interviews and candid conversations with my favorite celebrities, thinking how cool some of them were and how I knew we’d be great friends if I ever got the chance to meet them.

And here I was, smiling and chatting with some of those very people—who actually knew me by name and treated me like I was one of them. It was so surreal I kept asking Gavin to pinch me, which he gladly did.

My ass was going to be so bruised in the morning, but I didn’t stop asking. Mostly because I needed the reminder that this was really happening and partially because I liked it when he pinched my ass. What could I say? A little sting can be a good thing.

We made our way through the crowd, stopping to talk here and there, being asked repeatedly who we were wearing—which I thought was creepy and sounded like something you’d ask that guy from The Silence of the Lambs. I almost kissed the one reporter who asked, “Who designed your gown?” instead. Seriously. Buffalo Bill was going to be haunting my dreams in flesh-colored Dior.

When we were nearly inside, we ran into Skylar. She looked amazing, her skin was dewy and tan, her makeup and gown flawless, and her smile was genuine when she spotted us and waved us over. We hugged, careful not to smear each other’s makeup, and I watched with not one iota of jealousy as she and Gavin embraced.

She introduced us to her date—a charming and completely gorgeous man who was quick to mention that he wasn’t in the business and watched Savages religiously. The way she looked at him spoke volumes and I gave her a nod of approval, liking him instantly.

The fact that she was so clearly enamored with someone who wasn’t a Hollywood player showed how much she’d changed.

All of us had changed, actually.

It had been an eventful year, to say the least.

Evie now worked in makeup, so it was no time before she, Jenna, and I were inseparable on the set. The three of us frequently spent time together outside of work, as well.

It took some time, of course, but Skylar and I not only made our peace, we developed an actual friendship by the time we finished out the season. No more animosity, no more scheming, and no more unnecessary drama. That was for the writing department to conjure, not us.

Sky had even taken part in some of our girl’s night adventures before her new leading role had forced her to move to New York.

Michael and Gavin had somehow evolved into friends, though both would deny it if asked. They still butted heads, but it was in that weird way that guys usually did where they ended up totally fine after a few minutes. It was kind of fun to watch.

Our favorite so-called villain was currently shooting a film where he played the dashing hero, and all the buzz around town said he was nailing it.

Evie and Joey were living together in Gavin’s old apartment—and it definitely felt like more of a home with the two of them in it. I’d ordered them their very own booby trap cross-stitch as a house-warming gift. I’d even thrown in several more said, ‘we had sex in here’ and thoughtfully hung them in every room of the apartment.

Joey had definitely come out of his shell, a change that he attributed to watching Gavin and me take charge of our lives. I believed Evie had a lot to do with it too.

Gavin was officially living with me at my place, though we spent our down time between seasons at his beach house in California.

The last time I’d talked to Sky before today—aside from the occasional text and an email or two—was when I’d approached her to support a charity I’d founded that helped provide food to school-age children during summer months when they didn’t have the option of eating at school. I supported several charities that provided food to children but this one—the one I started myself—was the closest to my heart for obvious reasons.

When asked, Skylar had gladly offered a huge sum and we’d spent over an hour catching up like old friends which I suppose we were. Since leaving Savages, she’d moved on and found her place with a hot new show that was holding steady at number one in its time slot. Even I tuned in for it—and made sure my DVR was set so I didn’t miss an episode.

Standing there on the red carpet, she made it clear that she still watched our show when she leaned in close to me and said, “At the beginning of the new season, the big scene where Meadow and Tyler hook up for the first time…” Her hand came to rest on my shoulder and she smiled as she lowered her voice. “I know that was probably hard for you, but I want you to know that it was phenomenal. You were perfect.”

“Thanks, Sky. It required more takes than I care to remember, but I have a great director who gave me the time and encouragement I needed. And it helped that he was under the sheets with me at the time.”

Skylar nodded as we both giggled.

“What’s so funny over here?” Gavin asked as he dropped an arm around my shoulders. Skylar’s date raised a curious brow too.

“Nothing,” we said simultaneously, which made us laugh even harder.

“Women.” Gavin shook his head and Sky’s date joined in, both smiling.

Skylar just shook her head. “Okay, I’ve been dying to know what the deal is with that beach photo of you two.”

Gavin and I both grinned, knowing exactly which one she meant. He and I on the beach in Cali. The photo wasn’t all that unusual, but one element had caught the attention of the media. In the photo, Gavin and I wore similar ball caps. His had the initials KFO and mine said GFL. They were a gift from Evie, who thought it was hilarious when we called each other Gavin-fucking-Lane and Kaiti-fucking-Oliver on-set.

I explained this to Sky. “I guess the media thought it was cute that we had each other’s initials on our hats. Then someone realized neither of our middle names starts with an F. It’s been hilarious hearing the speculation.”

We all laughed and Gavin turned to her date, listing some of his favorite wrong guesses, most of which were extremely perverted. And hilarious.

I nudged Sky’s arm and told her in a hushed voice, “In a few weeks, Gavin’s will have to be replaced with one that says KFL. I’ve ordered it and I’m planning to present it to him at the reception. Hope you’re still planning on attending.”

She gave me a warm smile. “Wouldn’t miss it.” Her gaze strayed to her handsome escort and she sighed happily. “I’ll be bringing a plus-one. Hope that’s okay.”

“Absolutely. The more the merrier. And speaking of the guest list, anyone seen Bryce? I thought he’d be here, and I want to make sure he plans to attend. I emailed last week to remind him but he hasn’t gotten back to me.” I looked around with my newly-patented there’s-a-million-cameras-around-here smile.

He’d been scarce since leaving the show, though he still emailed me and Gavin every so often to check in and tell Gavin how proud he was to see him thriving as a director.

Gavin’s new on-set policy—that douchebags and divas would not be tolerated—had actually proved quite effective and camaraderie between cast and crew was at an all-time high. It made shooting more productive and ended up saving the studio loads of money. Gavin had made a name for himself as a director almost as quickly as he’d risen to stardom in the first place. I loved how involved he was and how happy his new role made him.

Skylar shook her head, her eyes widening. “You didn’t hear? Bryce’s crazy ass eloped last month. He and his wife took off on his yacht for an extended honeymoon. He should be back in time for the wedding, though.”

I gave her a sideways look. “Eloped? Bryce? Where’d you read that? Some tabloid or a gossip site?”

She laughed. “No. I steer clear of those these days. I actually talked to him myself. I called to ask his opinion on a movie script my agent sent me and he was packing for his trip. You should have heard him, Kaiti. He was almost giddy. It was so unlike him I couldn’t help laughing.” She and I both chuckled. “He asked me not to say anything publicly, so I haven’t told anyone until now. I’m sure it’s okay to tell the two of you. He’d want you to know how great he’s doing.”

It made me incredibly happy to know he was off enjoying his life, even if I did kind of miss seeing him. He was a pain in the ass, rude and arrogant, but he was the reason for all of this.

Because of him, I’d found my calling and the love of my life.

Because of him, I’d soon be Kaiti-fucking-Lane.

Because of him, things were better for Gavin and the rest of the cast and crew of Savages.

And when I won the award for Best New Actress an hour later, I dedicated it to him.

To Bryce and Gavin.

And my little, purple taser.