Finally, the moment arrived and I was backstage, ready to make my entrance. Any nerves I might have had had been dampened by the alcohol and distraction of Alice.

“Please welcome, to present the award for Most Promising New writer of the year, Ms. Dana Fairbanks!

I went to the podium and gave the audience my most winning smile, then paused while the applause died down.

“Thank you. It’s an honour for me to be here this evening.” I read out the nominations then paused while I opened the envelope, hoping it wouldn’t be Ethan… but of course it was. “And the award goes to – Ethan Rayne!”

I saw Ethan and Alice embracing then he was bounding up onto the stage, a huge grin on his face. I went for the handshake and he went for the kiss, resulting in an awkward moment before he planted two hard kisses on my cheeks and took the glass award from me.

“Thank you, Dana!” I smiled without meeting his eyes and stepped back to allow him to take the podium.

He ran a hand through his shaggy hair. “Wow. It’s so great to be acknowledged in this way by my peers. It’s been an amazing year for me. I’d like to thank my editor, Sam Black, my family and most of all my gorgeous girlfriend, Alice Pieszecki: I love you babe!” He blew her a kiss. I followed his gaze and saw Alice was looking a little uncomfortable. Then he leant on the podium in a mock-confessional way. “You know, I could be modest here but I gotta be honest with you: I fucking deserve this!” He brandished the award, as scattered laughter rang out around the hall. “Thank you!” He stepped down a little unsteadily, and this was the part I was dreading – we had to walk off together, he took my arm. As we made our way off stage he said, slurring slightly:

“It’s good to finally meet you, Dana. I’ve heard a lot about you. Not all positive I have to say.” He laughed. “But I guess Alice would be a harsh critic wouldn’t she?” I ignored him and pulled away as soon as I could; meeting his amused eyes with a look that could shatter glass. He held his hands up. “Hey, no offence, I mean I think you’re hot you know?” I couldn’t fucking believe this guy.

“You’re a real asshole, Ethan.” I spat, before I could even think about it.

He laughed again, and then sniffed, coming closer to me.

“Alice doesn’t think so.” The corners of his mouth turned up mockingly.

I walked away, leaving him smiling his shit-eating smile. I didn’t need this.

I finally found my way out of the building, via the restroom and called a cab on my cell. It was late but not too late I thought. Maybe I could salvage what had been a pretty horrific evening. I wrapped my arms around me trying to keep warm and told myself it was the wind making my eyes water that was all.

“Dane?” I closed my eyes at the sound of Alice’s soft voice beside me.

“What do you want?” I said, not looking at her.