Page 82 of State of Grace

“I understand your concern.” Salem nodded, and something in her eyes told Blake that she did indeed understand. It wasn’t lip service. “Look, think about what you want and what you want for Avery. I took the liberty of booking you a plane ticket for Thursday. If things go well, filming will resume within the next few days.”

Her head was spinning. The prospect of leaving Alexis in a matter of days, for god knows how long, made her stomach churn. Never in her life had Blake expected to fall so hard for anyone, and now that she had, she didn’t want to leave. She wanted to pack up her things, grab Alexis and Harper, and fly to a deserted island so they could live their lives together and in peace.

But Blake knew that was impossible. She had obligations, whether she liked them or not.

“I guess I can do that.” Reluctantly, Blake nodded and swallowed the lump in her throat.

“Thank you.” Sighing with relief, Salem tapped the folder between them once more. “The writers did well, in my opinion. I think you’ll like the script, for what it’s worth. But feel free to jot down any notes you have or anything. I’m sure they would love your feedback.”

Nodding once, Salem pushed herself up from the table.

“Hey, Salem?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you think I’m crazy?”

“Oh, that’s a loaded question,” she replied with a wink.

“I’m serious.” Blake waited until Salem looked back at her before continuing. “Do you think me coming here in search of my mother and sister and ending up falling in love is crazy?”

Salem paused, evidently thinking about her response before she answered. Similar to Sophia, it wasn’t something she was known to do.

“You walk to the beat of your own drum, Blake. Always have, always will. Any woman you fall in love with is lucky. I can say that because I know what it’s like to be that woman. I know you’ll treat her like a queen, you’ll bring her random, unexpected gifts, you’ll always make sure her feet are tucked in under the blanket.” Salem smiled sadly. “You’re a catch, Blake. And, as I said, I’m happy you’re happy.”

“You’ll find it one day.” Blake winked back at her. “You’re a catch too, Salem.”

They shared a look of understanding. When they were together, they did love each other. Blake was sure of that. But it wasn’t the way that Blake loved Alexis. Salem always wanted something from Blake; her fame, her money, her free time so they could travel together. Alexis was different. Alexis was happy when she and Blake were sitting beside each other on the couch eating popcorn with Harper nestled between them as they watched a movie. Things were simpler with Alexis; things were wonderful with Alexis.

“I should go.” Salem gathered her bag and slung it on her shoulder. “I’m staying at the inn in town for tonight. I decided to treat myself to a getaway.”

“You deserve it.”

“Thank you.” She blushed and turned away from Blake.

“Why did you come here?”

“What?”

“You could have called.”

“I knew something was up.” Salem shyly shrugged. “I never thought you’d have fallen in love and decided to ghost me, though.”

“I didn’t ghost you, Miss Drama.”

“That may be true.” She laughed, and it eased the tension more between them. “You think about all I said, think about what you want, and I’ll see you on Friday, ok?”

“Ok.” Blake stood, contemplating for a moment if she should hug Salem or not. Deciding against it, Blake stuffed her hands into her pockets. “Enjoy your getaway.”

“I will. Thanks.”

Without another word, Salem disappeared as quickly as she’d arrived. Blake waited until she heard the car pull out of the driveway before she dared move a muscle. Blake hit the back of the couch as she let a few frustrated tears fall. Although she’d been trying to deny it, Blake knew that eventually, she’d have to face the elephant in the room.

She only wished it hadn’t happened so soon.

At the end of the day, Blake felt obligated to follow through on whatever the new studio decided to do with the series. They would need Blake there, whether it was another season or a movie or – she hated to even think – for a whole new spin-off series. And Blake wanted to be there. She wanted to bring her character’s story arch to a close. She wanted Avery Romano to get a happy ending. Finally.

But more than that, she wanted Blake Calloway to get a happy ending.

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