Method

There’s a long pause over the line. “I didn’t…I didn’t mean it the way it came out, not to insult you. Not at all.” Not for one second do I think he meant it that way. “I just want you to be okay. That’s all.”

“I’m fine. But honestly, Lucas, I could never take a dime from you. That’s not how I’m built.”

“Okay, I just want you to be good.”

“I’m more than good.”

“Happy?”

“Yes.”

“God, lady, as mean as you are, you move me.”

I can’t even pretend not to be caught up in the sincerity in his voice. “The feeling is mutual, I assure you.”

Another pause.

“I really feel good about this,” he whispers.

“Me too.”

“Shit’s the same on set, so tell me what’s going on with you.”

“Just working hard. Trying to reel in some clients.”

“You’ll get there.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, but have you drunk any wine lately?”

His answering silence has me laughing.

“Oh my God, do I really want to give my heart to a guy who hates my passion?” I say it with a laugh but get silence in response.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I pull the phone away from my ear and see we’re still connected. “Lucas, are you there?”

“Yeah, I’m here, Dame.”

“The more you call me that, the more I like it.”

“Well, it’s all yours. They’re calling me to set, baby.” My heart explodes with his sentiment. “I’ll call you soon.”

“Okay…and Lucas?”

“Yes?”

“I really do miss you.”

“It’s weird, isn’t it? Two weeks ago, we had no idea what we were missing.”

And then he’s gone. Right after we hang up, I get a knock on my door. I answer to see an older man looking at me while he slides on dirt-covered gloves.

“You must be Mila.”

“Yes?” I reply cautiously.

“I’m Denny.”