Page 91 of From the Moment We Met

Chapter Fifteen

Jacob

Jacob wasn’t sure which he hated more—leaving Lilly’s side or Victoria’s mocking tone when he agreed to meet them at the director’s office. Her voice dripped saccharine when she remarked how she “knew he would come around.”

The director’s name was Albert, a man of about sixty whose decadent lifestyle was evidenced by his portly silhouette. He had a firm handshake and honest eyes. Jacob liked him immediately.

Albert looked surprised when Victoria introduced Jacob as her significant other, but he played it off well. His focus was on the brass tacks of the script—his vision and the adaptation from the novel. Jacob listened with intent, but for the first time questioned if he was the best choice for the lead role.

Jacob’s phone buzzed, and he excused himself to answer. It was Sabina. Jacob and Lilly departed in such a hurry she wanted to ensure neither was lying dead in a ditch. Jacob guessed Sabina cared little about his well-being but was grateful for her effort. He reassured her Lilly was safe, then spent the next few minutes wrangling Lilly’s phone number out of her best friend. He thought it odd that he and Lilly almost made love, but he didn’t have her phone number. Nothing about our relationship has followed a traditional path.

Jacob sent Lilly a text, along with a follow-up message disclosing his identity. He recalled his discussion with Lilly that night after the karaoke pub and her thoughts about his acting roles and choices. Her opinions kept replaying in his mind as he returned to the meeting, spilling out when Albert asked about Jacob’s thoughts on the film.

“I think the lead character in the graphic novel is a bit two-dimensional, even as an antihero, he fails to connect at a human level. I believe it will translate better if he has something that humanizes him, be it a dog or a love interest, something brings vulnerability to his character.” Jacob realized he could be talking about himself, his rise to fame, his sardonic views on love and his tendency to keep everyone at a distance—he was, himself, somewhat two-dimensional.

Victoria threw back her head with a mocking laugh. “I’m sorry, Albert, it’s so amusing to see Jacob embracing sentimentality.”

Jacob’s face remained neutral as he looked at Victoria, but his eyes burned with hostile fire.

Albert scratched his chin, considering Jacob’s words. “I thought the exact same thing. It’s refreshing to hear someone agree with my take on the role. Sentimentality is a dying artform.”

The director’s barb hit its intended target and Jacob damn near guffawed at Victoria’s shocked expression. First person in history to ever shut Victoria up—the man deserves a medal.

After an hour, the conversation wrapped, and Albert promised to update Jacob on any developments.

Jacob realized as he departed Albert’s office that Victoria didn’t have a car; lucky for all other motorists considering the copious amounts of champagne she imbibed throughout the evening.

With a resigned sigh, he drove her to The Lanesborough, extricating himself from her embrace and ignoring her pleas for a nightcap. “Don’t get too big for your britches and think you get to call all the shots here. Remember who set up this meeting for you. You owe me, especially after that stunt you pulled earlier. You’re lucky I’m even considering helping you after that debacle.”

“I stand by my every action tonight.”

“A little graciousness can go a long way, Mr. Edmonton.” Her hand reached across his lap, but Jacob caught it mid-air. “You might enjoy my form of gratitude.”

“I said no.”

Her eyes flashed, a mercurial storm was brewing. “Let me guess. Is your little woman waiting at home? How long until playing house becomes cliché?”

Jacob sighed, shaking his head with a tired laugh. He knew it was pointless to answer her accusatory questions—why poke the bear. “I’m not coming inside with you.”

Victoria surrendered, leaving with a parting shot. “Fine, but if you create one more scene like you did tonight, I’ll make your career disappear.”

“Goodnight Victoria.” Jacob’s jaw clenched as she slammed the door.

∞∞∞

Jacob was shocked by how drained he felt being in Victoria’s presence for two hours. She took the wind out of his sails, and he wondered what he ever saw in the woman. He walked into his house, eager to curl up next to Lilly and recharge his batteries. He paused halfway up the stairs, realizing that Lilly energized him, she made life look new again.

When he walked in the room his bed was empty, save for Charlie, who had taken up residence at the foot. Jacob feared Lilly had left.

His sigh of relief was audible when the bathroom door opened. “You’re still here; I thought you’d gone.”

Lilly smiled, looking a bit embarrassed. “I was going to leave, I felt strange staying, but then I got your text message. I didn’t realize you had my phone number.”

Jacob chuckled, pulling his shirt over his head. “I didn’t. I got it from Sabina and trust me when I say, it cost me.”

“You’re going to owe that woman your soul soon,” Lilly joked, sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Too late, that was my first bargaining chip.” He paused, raking his eyes over her petite form. His gaze settled on a gift box lying on the nightstand. It was the necklace he purchased for Lilly but hadn’t had the opportunity to give her. Nodding in the direction of the box, he asked, “Did you open it?”

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