Holly glanced down at Erin, who pointed toward the terrace doors. Holly turned around and saw him hiding just inside, wearing his favorite tan suit. His face was as familiar to Holly as her own. She knew every wrinkle, every worry line, every gray hair; the browbone that jutted over his eyes like an awning, just like Frances’s; the pinch between his eyes that he’d gotten from his father and passed down to his son. She knew he didn’t want to come out to the terrace. He would be perfectly happy to stay in his office and keep working all night. He wouldn’t mind a bit if their guests thought he was rude or indifferent or superior. Making everyone happy was her job in the marriage, not his. Ted smiled and waved Holly off, but she needed him beside her for this next part.

“Come on out here, honey,” she said, and the audience burst into applause. Ted’s face went stiff as he accepted his fate. He stepped out onto the terrace and she offered him her hand, as if to say, come on in, the water’s fine. Then she turned back to face their guests. Serafina Clark and her cameraman were standing next to Erin, filming.

Holly went on, “I’m also very honored to stand up here tonight as a representative of Genders United. I’m one of the many women in this town, and in this industry, who have listened to the stories of the #metoo movement and felt the need to act. I know many of you are passionate about this issue, too. We’ve cried together and we’ve joined together to fight back. Earlier today, Genders United and the Producers Guild of America announced the establishment of the Persistence Fellowship to be awarded every year to a superlative female or gender nonconforming filmmaker. This year, Stabler Studios is the studio sponsor and will be awarding the million-dollar prize and providing other forms of assistance and mentorship to help the winner launch their film.”

Holly squeezed Ted’s hand and he looked down at her. They hadn’t discussed this, but he seemed to understand what she was about to do. He squeezed her hand back, and she took it as permission. She could swear she saw something in his face, a glint in his eye she’d not seen there before, a newfound respect.

“And so,” she continued, “tonight, I’m thrilled to announce the winner of this year’s Persistence Fellowship. A brilliant filmmaker whose time to shine is long overdue. Phoebe Lee.”

27

Phoebe