Page 53 of Cat's Outta the Bag

“But, I thought, I thought you would stay…” she pauses, her face twisting in pain, “I’m too late, aren’t I? You’ve moved on.”

Let me tell you, I was way too happy over her thinking she was too late. Not because she looked devastated, but because it means I have a chance to win her back.

I kneel, taking her hand, and brushing back her hair. "No, you haven't lost me. I’ve been working really hard to be the man I want to be. Not just for you, but for me too. I don’t want to just rush right back in, without us talking it out. Right now, your emotions are shot. You need rest and to come down from the emotional day. Then we can talk it out. I’ll stay until you fall asleep, then I'm returning to my apartment to finish what I'm working on. Ok?"

“This is stupid.”

"I know it is, sweetheart, but it's what I need to do to feel like I'm worthy of your love. Do you understand?"

The fact that she came to me first makes my heart soar, it gives me hope that things will work out for us. But despite that, I’m not quite ready. As stupid as it sounds, I want to finish what I started first.

She frowns, but nods. "I don't, but I'll allow it. Just don't take too long."

I lean forward and kiss her brow.

"I won't, I promise." I climb in next to her and let her snuggle in close, wrapping my arms securely around her. It doesn’t take long for her body to relax and her breathing to even. It’s pure torture, but I know I’ll regret it if I don’t finish what I’ve started.

When I go to bed, I feel hope, real hope. I’m getting my girl back.

Chapter 39

Alexis

TWO DAYS.

That motherfucker makes me wait two entire days before he starts his 'plan.'

He did text me multiple times, but it's not the same.

And a “patience is a virtue” text isn't really something that would inspire more patience. The exact opposite, really.

So, when I get home from my shift two days later and see a package in front of my door with a note, I shriek in joy and do a happy dance. I honestly don't care what he has planned; I just need him to come home.

I haul the gift inside and shut my door, ripping off the note like I’m She-Hulk or something.

Alexis,

The night we met, all I could think was, 'who is this crazy beautiful woman wearing a unicorn onesie and chasing her maniac cat? I like her.' I never thought we would build the relationship we did or that I would find myself missing Slinky almost as much as I've missed you.

I hope you like what's in the box. I have one too, so we can match during movie marathons.

I love you so much; it hurts sometimes.

Jason

P.S. Please tell Slinky I have a monthly order of her treats set up; she deserves a lifetime supply for being the reason we met.

I don't even know what's in the box, but I'm already sobbing. I know I'll love it. When I finally get it out, I cry even harder. He had onesies made with Slinky's face printed all over it. It's dorky and obnoxious, but it's perfect.

Underneath the onesie is a thick envelope. I pull it out, a little startled by how heavy it is. When I pull out the contents, it’s another spiral-bound book, with a note taped to the front.

Alexis, light of my life,

You were right that night. I did give in to my insecurities and fears. I didn't stand up for myself, and it nearly cost me the only thing that truly mattered. You.

I've spent every day since building myself back into the man I want to be so that when I look at you, I'll know I'm worthy. I told Steven I'm not taking on a new project for the foreseeable future. He's not happy, but I think he understands I'm not kidding around. I even told my parents. Everything. I thought they'd try to talk me out of it or be disappointed. But you were right. They love me and thought I loved acting as much as they did. They're probably waiting by the phone right now, hoping to get the call that you've taken me back. They love you already. How could they not?

In this envelope is what I've been working on. I wrote a script. A movie script, and I'm going to try to get it made. It was hard at first. I was so depressed after you ended things; I wasn't sure I could write at all. But once I started, I suddenly couldn't stop. I'm forcing Steven to help me shop it with some production companies. Who knows, maybe this is the start of something new?

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