Page 76 of You. Me. Us.

Julius returned her smile, grateful for her support and encouragement. “I don’t think I know how to rom com hero…any suggestions?”

“Isn’t she shy?”

He nodded.

“Well, that rules out professing your love through sky writing, jumbotron at a game…” Rebecca’s voice trailed off.

“I think I’ve got something. Something where the limelight won’t freak her out.”

Rebecca’s smile widened, her excitement palpable. “I’m all ears, Julius. Whatever you need, I’m here for you. This is so much more fun than our fake romance!”

As Julius began to outline his plan, his words tumbling out in an eager rush, he started to pace the small trailer.

“Come on then, tell me outside before you pace a hole in the floor,” laughing, Rebecca stood and walked toward the door, leaving him no choice but to follow.

He’d no sooner stepped out than a familiar figure approached them from across the set. Someone he rather didn’t see despite having to work with him.

Ethan.

Julius tensed, his jaw clenching as he tried to ignore Ethan’s presence. The wounds from their past conflict were still fresh, and he wasn’t sure he was ready to face him.

“Julius, can I talk to you for a moment?” Ethan asked, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant.

Rebecca glanced between the two men, sensing the tension. She gave Julius a reassuring nod, silently encouraging him to hear Ethan out.

With a sigh, Julius turned to face Ethan, bracing himself for whatever he had to say. “What is it, Ethan?”

“I wanted to apologize,” Ethan began, his eyes meeting Julius’s directly. “What I did, interfering with your relationship with Hillary, it was stupid and selfish. I let my own insecurities get the best of me, and I hurt both of you in the process.” When he said nothing, Ethan continued. “Hillary is an amazing woman, and she’s in a great place right now. But I think she’s missing something, or rather, someone. And that’s you, Julius.”

Julius’ stomach clenched as the words hit him like a physical blow. He staggered back, feeling the weight of the news in his core. Ethan shouldn’t have known those things. Rage boiled within him, ready to erupt. He wanted to grab Ethan by the collar and demand how he knew about her actions. But he restrained himself, his hands shaking with the effort as he struggled to keep his emotions in check.

“How?”

Ethan’s brow furrowed. “How what?”

“How do you know any of that?”

“We kept in touch, sort of.” Ethan shoved his hands in the costume’s pockets. “I went to her office to apologize and to make certain she learned how to properly navigate the waters. I wouldn’t say we’ve spent a ton of time together, but we’ve spent time.”

“Time I should have been with her,” the words were a growled warning.

“I may have fucked up, but I didn’t end things, neither did she. We both know who did that and that she’s far too shy to chase you. So, I’m trying to bury the hatchet to help her.” Ethan shifted, his gaze dropping to the ground. “I know I have no right to ask for your forgiveness, but I wanted you to know that I’m truly sorry. And if there’s anything I can do to help you win her back, just say the word.”

Julius studied Ethan for a long moment, weighing the sincerity of his words. As much as he wanted to hold on to his anger, he could see the genuine remorse in Ethan’s eyes, and if he wasn’t lying, everything wasn’t ruined.

“Thank you, Ethan,” Julius said finally, his voice measured. “I appreciate your apology, and I know it couldn’t have been easy for you to say all of that. That doesn’t mean I accept it. Not yet.”

Ethan nodded, a flicker of relief crossing his features. “I mean it, Julius. I hope you and Hillary can find your way back to each other. I think she’s too good for you, but you’re both a mess without the other.”

With a final nod, Ethan turned and walked away, leaving Julius and Rebecca alone once more.

Rebecca stepped closer, placing a hand on Julius’s shoulder. “That was big of him, to apologize like that.”

Julius nodded, his mind already racing ahead to the task at hand. “It was. And not terribly like him. Hillary could help me be more down to earth she did it for him, too. But now, we’vegot work to do. If he’s serious, this apology of mine needs to be perfect.”

Rebecca grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “You’ve got about a week, that should be plenty of time for us to convince the right people.

Julius’s mind raced as he and Rebecca hurried through the bustling studio lot, the sun beating down on their backs. The anger that had surged through him moments ago began to dissipate, replaced by a growing sense of gratitude toward Ethan. As much as he hated to admit it, the guy had come through for Hillary when she needed someone most.

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