Even in those pictures, I look out of place. Gabe’s grin is ratcheted up to eleven, while I’m just trying to seem normal while the flashing bulbs of hundreds of cameras burn my retinas and a crowd of strangers yells at us to “look over here and smile.” That hand I have on his arm? That’s me holding on for dear life, unsure if I’ll be able to see where I’m going when we have to move down the line and very unsure I won’t just fall on my ass after wobbling forward in my uncomfortable heels.

I don’t belong but I don’t care. For one evening, I’m traveling amongst the beautiful people.

And Gabe, beautiful person that he is, is my gallant and charming tour guide.

He introduces me to everyone.

Most important, he introduces me to the man of the evening, the incomparable Oliver Matthias.

Much speculation has been made over The Hildebrand Rarity’s decision to cast Gabe, when his Tommy Jacks co-star seems a much more natural fit. And even further gossip about how the casting choice has driven a wedge between the two co-stars.

The opposite is true.

I experience firsthand the lack of animosity and competition between them. Gabe is thrilled to be attending the Shared Hearts premiere to support his friend, speaking at length about how talented Oliver is.

Like me, Gabe has been watching him on the BBC for years, as Oliver all but grew up in front of us. And this new film is just further evidence of how his talent has evolved. It’s a delight for the senses—a glass of champagne in movie form.

“He’s a legend,” Gabe tells me. “Watching him on-screen can be an out-of-body experience, but acting next to him? That’s the education of a lifetime.”

As a longtime fangirl of Matthias’s Darcy (yeah, I’d choose him over Firth or Macfadyen—fight me), it takes everything in my power not to swoon at his feet when Gabe introduces us.

“It’s a good thing he’s playing Bond,” Oliver says. “He’ll finally be able to show the world that he’s more than just a pretty face.”

“I’m only pretty when I’m not standing next to you,” Gabe makes sure to add.

I feel like Melissa Williams must have on the set of Tommy Jacks, with two of the hottest men in Hollywood, each playing the other’s wingman.

While the two of them catch up—it’s been almost six months since they’ve seen each other last, doing press for Tommy Jacks—I just stand there, trying not to hyperventilate at the absurd, wonderful comedy my life has become.