Page 72 of A Little Bit Extra

“I’m just trying to understand,” I say.

“Or you can just say, ‘Thank you Marcy?’ ‘You’re the best Marcy?’ Either works.”

Cassie walks over to Marcy and pulls her into a hug. “Thank you Marcy.”

“We should probably tell Tyler, Lane, and Max,” Marcy says as she pulls back from Cassie.

“We can do that tomorrow,” I say, not wanting to add another tense conversation to today.

Marcy just nods, understanding that it’s already been a long day even if it’s not even lunchtime yet.

“Text me if either of you need anything, I mean it. I can talk to Logan if you need,” Marcy offers before we exchange goodbyes and she leaves.

Once the door is closed, I pull Cassie into a hug and sigh into her touch.

She lifts her head off my chest, and her eyes meet mine.

“Have I told you that you’re my favorite person in the entire world?” I say.

Cassie’s eyes go wide for a moment before they soften and a smile follows. She kisses me once before finding my eyes again, shaking her head. “Not unless you’ve been whispering the declaration to me in my sleep.”

I kiss her gently, savoring the sweetness of the moment as time seems to stand still.

It’s been different having Cassie around. I’m used to being alone most of the time, keeping to myself and doing my job when I need to. I questioned nothing. Whatever came my way, I accepted it and occasionally forced myself to leave the house a few times a week. I never saw myself attached to someone like I am to Cassie.

I can’t remember the moment where I accepted being comfortable with where I’m at in life. Maybe it was when I officially moved out and got away from my dad? Maybe it was when my first movie did so well that I didn’t have to worry about judgment from others? Or maybe it was when my agent always had contracts on my desk with offers?

Either way, it’s been a long time before something or someone has come into my life, held it in their hands, and shook it like a snowglobe. All of my thoughts about my life floating around like tiny snowflakes.

Before Cassie, it was easier to remain content and not push myself to grow. Except, that's when life loses its vibrant colors and passion fades away, leaving you stagnant. A sense of unease and discomfort often accompanies growth. So, naturally, I avoided it.

It appeased my dad. I didn’t have to deal with question after question about my contracts and what was next for me. The less I had to communicate with him, the better. I thought it was healthier to ignore the problem than to try to find a solution. If I kept acting, and the films I was in did well, then I didn’t have to confront my relationship with my dad. It could just be.

Cassie helped me see I don’t have to be an actor to be valued. That there are people out there that love me for me. Not because I’m the son of a famed actor. Not because I can give them something.

I look at my girlfriend, who is now nestled under my arm.

After finally warming up our cold pancakes and eating breakfast, we move to the couch where we stay for hours. Her head rests on my chest. Our hands intertwine. A romantic comedy movie she picked is currently on the television.

I dip my chin and give her a kiss on the top of her head. She smiles and looks up at me.

“What’s that look for?” she asks.

“I think I know how I want to announce that I’m done acting next week.”

Her eyes go wide. She pushes off my chest, sitting up. She readjusts how she’s sitting, tucking her legs under her butt, and placing her hands on her lap. I wait to say anything more until she is ready, because she’s too cute trying to look all proper and serious.

“You ready?” I say, lifting an eyebrow.

She nods but says nothing. She’s waiting for me to continue, giving me time to process. Somehow she’s managed to know me better than anyone in the time that we have been dating.

I take a deep breath. “I think I want to do an interview, and I want you to be there with me.”

If I thought her eyes went wide before, that was nothing, because they’re currently about to fall out of their sockets. Her jaw drops. I’ve rendered her speechless.

I reach out with a hand, grab hers, and give it a squeeze.

My lips curl upwards into a contented smile. “Is that okay? I know it might be a little much to be in the spotlight. I know we haven’t had to worry about paparazzi or anything. If I’m being honest, I haven’t thought about this at all, so this is more of a conversation between the two of us. So, this could easily be not the right decision.” Oh boy, I’m rambling now and talking with my free hand because she’s not saying anything. She stares at me, her expression unreadable. “I promise I won’t push you if you’re not ready. I just figured it’d be good timing, ya know? And I’m tired of hiding you and—”

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