Page 66 of Finding Her Leading Man

She ordered a small cheese pizza and a glass of red wine. “Wait,” she called out to Rocky. “I’ll take a beer.”

“For you, doll?” Rocky smirked. “One beer coming up.”

Trevor texted back.

Sorry I missed it. I tried to get off in time to catch a flight to see you.

He had? She sighed and rested her chin in her hand. If it was any other man, she’d wonder if he was stringing her along. Playing her. But it was Trevor.

I appreciate the thought, but it’s alright. Maybe the next opening night.

He texted immediately.

Are you at Gino’s?

How did he remember that? One small comment made to his mom, and he knew where she would be. Rocky returned with her beer.

“I wouldn’t have pegged you for a beer drinker, Ms. Nilsson. Salute!”

Why are you drinking a beer?

She paused with the rim touching her lips. She set it down and spun around.

Trevor stood in the doorway. “Hey.”

“Hi.” She didn’t run to him, fling herself into his arms, or break down into a million tears. Her body wanted all that and more. But the shock kept her rooted to her seat.

He crossed the room, pulled out the chair across from her, and sat down. “I didn’t lie. I did try to make it here on time.”

She linked her hands together in her lap. “From L.A.? Surely you hadn’t made it to Australia yet.”

“No. Just L.A. I fly out to Australia Tuesday.”

“You’re here for four days?” She smiled. “With me?”

He huffed and ran a hand over his hair. “If you’re willing to be with me. Like this. I’d rather have you some than not at all, Sam. But only if you’re on board. I don’t know how it will be for you.”

“What about California? Would you still live there?”

Trevor leaned his elbows on the table, clasping his hands together. “Not if I can live here. With you.” His eyes darkened, turning his boyish features into that intense expression she liked. “I love you, Sam. I knew that when I left you in Statem. I’m certain of it now. Time zones won’t change how I feel. I want to be with you every free second I have.”

“You do?” She pushed back from the table and rose. He did, as well. “You want to make New York your home base? With me?”

“If you’ll take me.”

“Yes.” She let the tears come now, immediately finding herself wrapped up in his arms. “Yes. I want you here. I want you to be mine, no matter where you are.”

“I am, Sam. Forever.” He kissed her. “Don’t ever question it again.”

Epilogue

“I’ve never heard of this musical before.” Addie flipped through the playbill, stopping at the headshot of Samantha. “She looks so pretty here.”

Trevor glanced over. “Yes. She hates that picture.” He restlessly bounced his leg as he surveyed the small auditorium. “How long till it starts?”

Addie slapped her hand on his knee. “Stop. You’re annoying me if no one else.” It was cute for him to be nervous like this. Not only was this Samantha’s last night performing in this show, but he had a massive bulge in his front jacket pocket.

A ring box.

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