Star Struck(77)

Garrett took the champagne bottle from her and placed it back in the silver container. He picked up her hand and kissed the back of it. “Baby, you don’t need another drink. We don’t want you tipsy when you walk on stage to accept your awards.”

“I need something to calm my nerves,” Hailey said.

“How about this?” Garrett asked, right before planting a kiss on her lips.

After moaning and kissing, Hailey said, “I’m more than calm. In fact, after a kiss like that, I can conquer the world.”

Garrett laughed. “What am I going to do with you Hailey Barnes?”

“Love me and kiss me like you just did,” Hailey responded, as Garrett gave her what she wanted.

Soon they were pulling up in front of the auditorium. Cameras were flashing and the noise level was so high, it was hard to hear your neighbor talk. “Are you ready for the pandemonium?” Hailey asked, as Garrett escorted her out of the limousine.

“Baby, I’m just your supporting cast. Lead the way and I’ll follow.”

Hailey couldn’t help but love Garrett. She threw her hair back with one hand and flashed her kilowatt smile as Garrett followed her up the red carpet. Hailey stopped and poised for a few pictures. Several reporters from different media outlets vied for her attention.

“How does it feel to be up for several awards?” one reporter asked.

Hailey smiled and looked directly at the cameras and said, “I’m just honored to be nominated.”

“I love your dress. Who are you wearing?” another reporter asked.

“This is Fabio. It’s a one of kind,” Hailey said, as she twirled around slowly so the camera could get a view of her dress at all angles.

Hailey heard the reporter say to their audience, “Don’t be surprised if you see Hailey on the best dressed list for tonight.”

Garrett leaned and whispered in her ear. “I told you that dress was hot.”

Hailey blushed. Some people in the crowd chanted, “Hailey! Hailey!” as she and Garrett finally made it inside.

“After we locate our seats, I’ll go back stage so I can get ready to make one of the first presentations,” Hailey said.

“I miss you already,” Garrett said, as his hands lightly grazed her back.

Hailey posed for more pictures as she watched the monitor of the opening ceremonies. Jackie peaked in the room and said, “They’re calling for you.”

Hailey wooed the crowd as she took center stage and presented the award for best children’s animation. After handing out the award to the winners, Hailey exited the stage and made her way through the crowd backstage. She said, “Excuse me,” several times before taking a seat next to Garrett.

“You did good,” Garrett said.

Hailey did her best to enjoy the ceremonies; although she couldn’t help but wish the show would move faster so she could learn the outcome of her categories. The camera stayed glued in Hailey’s direction. Garrett held her hand, as she sat nervously in her seat waiting for the presenter’s announcement. A soap opera star said, “This year’s Daytime Emmy Award for The Best Talk Show host goes to.”

The other presenter stepped in and said, “Wait. Let me.”He said, “Hailey Barnes.”

Garrett nudged her. “Sweetheart, you won.”

“I won.” Hailey sounded shocked. She sat for a few seconds before the realization hit her. Once she did, she jumped out of her seat with excitement. She kissed Garrett on the lips and John on the cheek as she made her way to the stage.

“Thank you. Needless to say I wasn’t expecting to win. I was just happy to be nominated.”

A few chuckles were heard. Hailey went on to say, “I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to share with you my views every day. I want to thank my super producer John Woods and my staff. Of course my parents for instilling in me early that I could do or be whatever I wanted to be as long as I put my mind to it and worked hard at it.”

The music started playing, alerting Hailey it was time for her to leave the stage. “Okay, they’re playing that music. To the love of my life,” she said, as she looked in Garrett’s direction. She was led to the back of the stage where she took pictures and answered questions in the winner’s corner.

Before Hailey could make it back to her seat, she heard her name called for another award. She was overjoyed. She didn’t take as long to accept the second award. She dedicated the win to her fans. After the show, Hailey did short interviews and took pictures. Garrett seemed to wait patiently for her on the sidelines. “I’m ready,” Hailey said, after interviewing with one of the national morning shows.