Method

“I told him to circle around and come back.” He slowly approaches before wiping the tears from my face with gentle thumbs. “At least now I know.”

I sniff. “Know what?”

“That you really do love me too.”

“I told you that.”

“Actions speak louder, right? I’m not wrong about you.”

“It’s just a lot to absorb.”

Cupping my face, he presses a gentle kiss to my lips and traces my jaw with his thumbs. “Do you know why I call you Dame?”

“It’s an old generalized term for a woman in show biz, kind of a Humphrey Bogart type term, right, like kid or broad?”

He nods, his fingers gliding along my back to the small of it where he strokes me softly. “That’s true, but it’s also the female equivalent of a knight.” He lifts one side of his mouth. “You told me yourself, you’re no princess.” He presses a kiss to my temple.

“I’m not.”

“No, you aren’t, although you are very much a pain in the ass.” I playfully slap his chest. “But you’re tough and pure of heart, you say what you mean, and it’s the sexiest thing about you,” he grins as he palms my ass, “well, one of the sexiest.”

“So, you think I’m a knight, huh?”

“You’re my knight. You saved me the minute you walked up to me in that black dress looking more beautiful than anything I’ve ever seen.

I’ve never relied on anyone, Mila. Not for anything, not ever, because this life hasn’t given me much to count on. I can appreciate what a gift you are. I think you’re a reward for my patience. I’ve never had anyone there for me, not like this. I feel a sort of peace I’ve never had before.” Tears trail down my cheeks. “You changed my luck, Dame. And for the first time in my life, I feel like if I ever need rescuing, I’ll have somebody there to help save me.”

Any brick or mortar I have left surrounding my heart disintegrates with his confession. He gives me all his trust, and I take it, and in return, I give him mine. Because he is worth it. “I will, Lucas. If you ever need saving, I’ll be there. I promise.”

He presses his forehead to mine. “I’m counting on it.”

“The less someone knows about me, the better, because my intention is to play a variety of characters.”—Joaquin Phoenix

Mila

PRESENT

“Mila,” my mother says my name over the line like it’s a final warning rather than a greeting.

“Hey, Mom.”

“What do I have to do to get a call back from my daughter?”

“How about not putting me on the defensive within two seconds of speaking? That’s a start.”

“I’m irritated.”

“Yes, I can tell from the fire you’re breathing.”

“Such disrespect.”

“Sorry, Mom, I’m tired.”

“Yes, well, I was wanting to take you to an exhibit, but it’s passed.”

“I’m sorry, truly.” And I am. I’ve been neglecting time with my parents in the last few years to travel with Lucas, but it was always for good reason. This time I have left with them is precious, I realize that now more than ever and I’m determined not to waste it.

“I’ve been meaning to take you up on your dinner invite, but why don’t you come over instead, I’ll cook.”