Unexpected Harmony

24. Overriding

One year later

T he crowd milled around the convention center, looking at different booths. Aspen’s arm brushed against Kelsey’s as they walked side by side, making their way to the only booth Aspen cared about. She was careful not to spill the tea she was carrying as she walked around people standing in the middle of the aisle, trying to decide where to go next. Aspen was in disguise, the same one she’d used for their date at the festival, but she was getting looked at closer now than the original day.

Rounding the corner to the largest table, her eyes fell on Zoey. She was talking animatedly with a customer who had the movie score clutched in her hand and a scrawling signature on top.

Falling into place in the short line, Aspen watched her girlfriend interact with the next person. Each customer got a signature and a few moments to talk. One person asked for a photo, which was graciously granted.

Pride burst through her body as she observed Zoey’s work. Over the past year, Zoey had been working hard on different movies. There were a few moments that Aspen had to ensure Zoey was taking care of herself. Therapy had helped a lot in finding a balance between work and rest. It’s not that the whole year had been smooth sailing, but they were both better at recognizing the signs and redirecting if needed.

“Hey, Aspen, you don’t have to wait in line. You too, Kelsey, get back here.”

“Preston’s ruining all our fun again,” Aspen mumbled to Kelsey with a grin, trying to wave off the helpful director.

Not taking the hint, he came around. “Seriously, you don’t have to wait. Come back to the booth.” Preston, with his crooked grin, came to stand next to them.

The line that had started small was now gathering a crowd.

“Shit, that’s Aspen!” a voice excitedly pointed out.

The last thing she’d wanted was to ruin Zoey’s day. Trying to hush the crowd, Aspen looked back at Zoey, whose eyes had zeroed in on hers. At least there was a hint of a smile.

“I was trying to surprise her, but fine. Thanks, Preston. Let’s get back there before this gets out of hand.” Aspen stepped out of line, following Kelsey around the table. “Hi, hun.”

“You came.” Zoey handed the poster for the first movie she scored back to the fan, who graciously took it.

“Aspen? Oh shit, I didn’t even recognize you! Will you sign this too? I’ve listened to “Million Mirrors” on repeat since my last breakup. It’s given me hope.” The young woman handed over the poster. Her voice was soft, recognizing Aspen’s desire to keep a low profile.

“See, you’re helping our movie already.” Preston stood behind them, patting her on the back. “It’s not often the movie scorer signs more merchandise than anyone else, but we’re not complaining.” He gave them a wink before moving to the other side of the table for a photo opportunity.

“It’s been so busy. I can’t believe how many people have come by.” Zoey shook out her wrist, using a lull in the line to kiss Aspen. “Hi. Thanks for stopping by.” She hugged Kelsey before turning her attention back to another wave of people. Aspen slid the tea onto the table, which got her a grateful sigh from her girlfriend.

“I didn’t want to disturb you. I just wanted to get a music score poster signed by the hottest in the industry. Are there any left? I would have come sooner, but parking was surprisingly difficult.” Aspen slid to the back, not wanting to take away from Zoey’s big day.

“Even if there isn’t, I know some people. I’m sure we can get another set,” Zoey teased, leaning in for one more kiss before interacting again with the line.

“She’s come a long way since she first met you,” Kelsey remarked, sliding beside Aspen who had stepped out of the way and was partly covered by a poster stand. “I’ve known her my whole life and can honestly say I’ve never seen her eyes sparkle the way they do when she looks at you.”

“Same for me.” Aspen left it at that, knowing she’d been a lost soul searching for something when they first met. Who knew a random encounter in her house would land her where she was today? Life was funny that way sometimes.

“Oh, there’s Aunt Erin and Uncle Mateo. Oh, Grandpa came for the viewing too! That’s exciting.” Kelsey pointed to a group working their way to the booth. “I’m going to say hi and bring them this way. Then we should get some seats for the movie. It’s starting soon.”

Aspen elected to stay behind in the shadows, the disguise working as she watched her girlfriend interact with everyone. She could tell Zoey was tired, and the little glimpses she heard over the crowd noise indicated her voice was going hoarse. Still, Zoey had a smile and quip for every person who wanted to talk.

It wasn’t like she was that well known from Aspen’s song. Only a handful of people mentioned it. In fact, she was more known for her grandfather than Aspen. It was all Zoey, her charisma with people.

One of the producers stepped up. “That’s it, folks. We’re going to head to the screening now. Afterward, Preston, myself, and lead actors Jacoby and Erica will be around for a meet-and-greet.” People groaned as they dispersed from the area.

“Come on, let’s see this film in its entirety.” Zoey held out her hand to Aspen, who clasped it willingly. “Thanks for the tea. I wasn’t prepared to talk as much as I did.”

“I’m so proud of you,” Aspen whispered as they walked. “It was amazing seeing you interact with everyone. That little girl who looked so shy but was in awe of meeting you was my favorite.”

“She wants to be a singer. I discreetly pointed to you and the poor girl almost fainted. I think her mom had to catch her.” Zoey led them through the maze of hallways. “I think we’re over here. Apparently, this is one of the prime showings. The movie’s got a lot of buzz around it.” Zoey waved to her parents, Kelsey, and grandpa who were being seated a little way away from where they were sitting. Even Geno and Andi had made it, sitting near Zoey’s family, laughing and talking with the group. Everyone in their lives blending perfectly together.

“I’ve been waiting a year for this film. I’m like a little kid on their birthday.” Aspen sat where Zoey indicated, scooting to the edge of her chair, not wanting to miss a moment of action.

“I have to go up for the question-and-answer portion, just to let you know.” Zoey fidgeted with the seam of her jeans.

“I know. You told me a few times already.” Aspen winked, turning her attention back to the screen when the lights dimmed.

When the lights went back up, Aspen quickly wiped away the tears streaming down her face. Thunderous applause broke in around them as the packed room exploded in appreciation for what they had just seen. The movie was poignant, powerful, and impactful in a way she hadn’t been moved by a movie in a long while.

“That was gorgeous. And damn, that music tore out my heart and served it to me on a platter.” Aspen held a hand over her chest.

“That’s—wow,” Zoey said under her breath as she leaned in for a kiss. “Sorry, I’ve got to get up there.” She walked gracefully down to the front, where she was met by a group of people from the film. She stood off to the side, letting the onscreen talent take front and center.

Leaning back in the chair, Aspen took off her disguise, not needing to hide anymore as she tried to process the film, still in awe of what she’d just watched.

Preston tapped the microphone, garnering attention. “Thank you for taking time out of the day to see this film. As promised, we’re here to do a Q and A, but feel free to leave whenever.” Nobody moved. A few sniffles could still be heard throughout the crowded room. “Don’t all shout out your questions at once, we can’t handle them,” Preston joked, breaking the barrier to the audience as a few arms shot up.

Aspen hadn’t been to a viewing like this before. She’d been on the red carpet and at movie premieres, but nothing so passionate as a group of movie-loving people all there, not to make a million dollars, but because of the love of the craft. Some questions were funny or scandalous, but all of them held an air of excitement for the project. A few even mentioned the music, which Zoey answered with a shaky breath.

“Yes, you. This will be the last question from the audience,” Preston said.

Aspen didn’t hear the question, but the audience chuckled. The two leads shrugged, Erica tapping Jacoby with her shoulder. Aspen’s eyes never left Zoey’s, who was inching her way to the front as the answer wound down.

Preston handed Zoey the mic with a hug. “Good luck, go get ‘em.” His words were muffled, but still projected into the room. Aspen scanned the room, noticing Geno’s phone was directed towards her while Kelsey’s phone was towards Zoey.

“I—um. I wasn’t sure this was the best time to do something like this. I’m not sure doing this publicly is the best way to go. Ultimately, the reasoning behind my decision was that I wanted to override a bad memory with a great one. And I’m so proud of this film, and I hope to use this high to ask the most important question of my life. Especially since I’m not sure I’d have enough courage otherwise. Aspen Lake, will you get a dog with me?”

The audience was on the ride, ready to scream with excitement. Aspen couldn’t help but laugh. The question was perfect. Standing up, she walked to the front, her feet carrying her to her future.

“Only if you marry me,” she answered into the microphone. The crowd went wild.

“Of course,” Zoey whispered in her ear, just for Aspen.

Dipping her future wife, Aspen kissed her. Flashes went off around them, but she only cared about not dropping the one person who made her whole again. The pain of her first disastrous proposal was washed away with the sparkle in Zoey’s eyes. It was the perfect beginning to their next chapter in life.

THE END