Page 21 of Wildest Dreams

“It could work out! Crazier things have happened. If it doesn’t, who cares? You’ll be one step closer to moving on.”

“You’ve watched way too many princess movies.”

“That’s not the point.” She raises her eyebrows and gives me her stern mom look. “Consider it. When he calls?—”

“Ifhe calls.”

“No, we’re sending good vibes out into the universe. Manifesting. When he calls, give him a chance.”

I lean forward, gaze at the spreadsheets on my computer screen, and tap my pencil on the desk. Patsy stands up and glares at me, hands on hips.

I sigh. “I’ll think about it.”

PIERRE

Idecide to leave Kendall alone the day after our date. She didn’t say anything after I texted her to have a good night, so I assume she needs time to process.

I hope that’s all it is, anyway.

Ever since that night, I can’t help but feel like I’m living in the ruins of her past life. Despite the gorgeous photography and artful touches here and there, I also note a few empty nails and blank surfaces where I imagine wedding and vacation photos were once displayed. It suddenly feels sterile and cold.

Standing in the kitchen, I envision Kendall beside me cooking or walking down the hall in a bathrobe and slippers. I picture her on the back porch with me or watching a movie together in the living room. I think of all these little scenarios and the house feels warm again, especially when I imagine her lying beside me in bed.

The bed she once shared with someone else.

It’s a strange feeling to occupy the broken dreams of the girl you like. I’m not sure how to feel about it.

I spend the day trying not to think about Kendall and going over the script again. I even have a video chat with my dialect coach in LA. Later, I have another glass of wine on the back deck of the house, and this time I’m prepared when Bertha comes crawling into the yard for her evening snack. Watching her waddle back to the river with a rotisserie chicken in her mouth, I shake my head in disbelief. This is my life for the next several weeks.

My phone has been buzzing since midday with calls from Marina, which I ignore. She must’ve arrived in Magnolia Row. After five ignored calls and three unanswered texts, I ring Harriett to tell her about my date with Kendall.

“Sounds like she has issues,” Harriett says bluntly.

“I don’t think she’s dated since her divorce.”

“Yeah, and it sounds like she’s not crazy about the attention you bring either.”

“No, she’s not.” She has a point.

“Which is part of the appeal for you, I’m sure.” Another good point.

“You’re right. I can’t tell you the last time I had a date with a regular person. It’s refreshing.”

“I take it you are not going to cave in to the studio and let those Marina dating rumors fly?”

“Nope. I refuse to participate in that whole charade. It encapsulates everything I hate about Hollywood. It’s asinine. I shouldn’t have to do that to make art.”

“Good luck telling that to the rest of the industry. Let me know how everything turns out with Kendall. I have to run. There’s a party in Topanga Canyon tonight.”

“I will. Have fun.”

I hang up the phone, refreshed and a little buzzed from the wine. The wind picks up and rustles through the trees. I find myself wishing I had a hammock so I could stay out here all night. Instead, I go back inside and crawl into bed in my boxers. The sheets are soft against my skin and I imagine what it would be like for Kendall to be lying beside me. I close my eyes and drift off to sleep.

* * *

The next day, I wake up in a great mood. Since I’ve been in Magnolia Row, I don’t dread getting up every day. I shower, eat a snack for breakfast, check my email and go over the shooting schedule, then drive into town to see if I can pry Kendall away from her office for lunch.

Once I get to Main Street, parking is somewhat of an issue. The film crew is already setting up and a lot of the street parking is blocked off. Locals have gathered on the sidewalk to watch, and I recognize the two girls from Cattywampus standing in front of Kendall’s office. I roll my eyes. They’re probably staking out the place, looking for me.

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