Page 74 of Until Then

“Four days too long.”

“Clingy.”

“Level five, baby.” I wink and slip behind the steering wheel. “Actually, on top of you abandoning me?—”

“I invited you.”

“Semantics.” I grip the wheel to keep my hands busy and my mind focused on anything but the weight stacking in my chest. Change. Fear. Irrational monologues. It all draws the fog and lethargy and heavy thoughts. Hayley doesn’t need to see it. If I can simply get a freaking grip, she might not ever need to. I roll my head on the headrest and glance at her. “I spoke with Chase—Rex Blade, the author—today. He told me it’s the final season.”

I anticipate her making a simple remark. Maybe comment on the length of the show. Maybe tell me it’s time to move on since I already confessed I wanted a slower pace.

Hayley doesn’t do any of it.

Instead, she takes my hand and holds it to her lips, kissing me there. “I’m sorry, Noah. I can’t imagine having no say on such a huge chapter closing. I know you’ve talked about makingchanges in your career, but still, I’m sure it’s going to be difficult to say goodbye to the set crew, the cast, everyone.”

Words dry up. I don’t know what to say. Even Carter—a member of the crew—always talks about the next step with excitement. For me, I’m ready, but it still aches.

I close the space between us and kiss her.

I kiss her until there’s little room to question exactly what I feel about her.

“Noah.”

I snap my eyes open. “Hey, Rob.”

I shake my agent’s hand.

“I’m glad you’re finally open to talking.”

Rob’s a good guy. He works hard, but he’s not the sort of agent who tries hard to get to know the people he represents. I’ve been aware I’m a paycheck to him, but he’s never pretended otherwise.

“This could be a big opportunity,” Rob insists. “I’m sure you’ve heard of Shane, either from his films or directorial reputation.”

I’ve heard of Shane Holston. The man was a nineties heartthrob star. The sort that starred in a lot of goofy comedies with his shirt off, a few gory horror flicks, but when he wasn’t much older than me, he shifted to directing.

He’s won more than one award for movies that come with his name stamped on it.

Mostly historical films or romantic dramas.

Right now, I can hardly find the energy to care. The whole notion of moving on and doing something new is daunting and draining.

I’m going to botch this meeting.

“Shall we?” Rob opens an arm toward the door of a high-end French restaurant downtown.

I stand and follow him, a little slumped. Get it together. I roll my shoulders back and step into the dining room.

There are a few other patrons at distant tables, but surrounding a round table in the center are several guys in nice suits.

I recognize Shane straightaway. Handsome, stands with a smug arrogance, and still has thick auburn hair, styled and picture ready.

This is a big moment, meeting with a renowned director. I can’t summon the excitement. In truth, I don’t know if it's because of my own mind or if it’s more to do with the way the guy sizes me up.

He’s not even attempting to hide it.

Weird.

Once we make it to the table, Shane stands and buttons his suit coat. He holds out one hand. “Mr. Hayden. Good to meet you.”

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