Page 96 of Off Script

Because now I know I already belong there. I’m goodenough just as I am.

Me questioning my self-worth the whole time we weretogether is still no excuse for me tearing you down too.

Jada shoved the page back in her jeans pocket, unable to finish reading what else she’d written. If she did, she’d end up sobbing in front of everyone at the pier.

Turning her attention to her next step, she took in the massive Pacific Wheel. The lights glimmered at her as the small seats rotated. It was the place where she and Tristan had felt like a real couple for the first time, where they’d shared their first real kiss. Here, Jada had faced one of her greatest fears and overcame it because of him. Because of Tristan’s strength, she’d felt safe. She’d been able to take on anything. Now she would use the courage he’d given her one last time.

To say good-bye.

With one last ride, she swore to herself she would let go of the past, of all her hang-ups and fears. One last ride and she would emerge as a new, stronger Jada. She’d be able to fight for her right to participate in Logan’s movie and face whatever else might come in life or with Tristan.

Jada stepped up to the conductor. “One ticket, please.”

“Make that two.” A voice she knew all too well spoke up from behind her.

“Tristan! What are you doing here?” she asked, wheeling around.

“Talking to you,” he said simply.

“I don’t think so.” Jada hurriedly grabbed the piece of paper from the confused ticket seller and climbed into the nearest seat. Letter or not, she was not prepared for a real-life confrontation. But before she could put the bar down, Tristan slid in beside her. She didn’t get the chance to protest or leave as the conductor pressed the lever, sending them up as the ride started.

“I take it you’ve talked to Doug,” Jada said to Tristan, although she refused to look at him. Instead, she stared out at the vast scenery, the ground slowly falling away from them. However, she didn’t mind as much as before. She worried that had to do more with the man beside her than her so-called new bravado.

“Yes, I did.”

“Well, I’m taking that role, Tristan. I’m sorry about releasing the video and everything that’s happened. You have no idea how much I wish . . .” Jada held back the swell of emotions rising in her, unable to formulate that elusive, perfect apology. “I wish things had been different. But I’m not giving up this part.”

“I want you to have it, Jada.”

She jerked back in surprise, “What?”

“You’ve earned that role, Jada. You deserve it.”

“So, you’re backing out then?”

“No. We’re going to do this together.”

Jada searched Tristan’s face for any sign that he’d take his words back and state his real purpose for coming. But when he kept staring at her with open sincerity, her heart began to beat faster, fluttering with what was sure to be ill-fated hope.

“I don’t see how that’s possible,” she admitted at last.

“It’s possible if we forgive each other. If we finally put the past in the past and see there’s so much more to each other than we thought.”

“What are you saying, Tristan?”

“I’m saying there’s potential here. I think there’s hope for us.”

Tristan took her hand, interlacing their fingers. Despite how good and natural it felt, she had to pull away.

“There never was an us, Tristan.”

“I thought you might say that,” Tristan said, heaving a sigh. With resignation, he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the hideous unicorn from the game booth. In shock, she took it from him. The small toy truly was ugly, but right now, she clutched it, touched.

“I may not believe in unicorns, but I believe in you, Jada Berklee. Because of you, I was able to forgive my mother. Because of you, I’ve learned love is not a weakness, but a strength. A strength I’m not willing to let go.”

Tristan wiped her cheek. It was only then that Jada noticed she was crying. As he cradled her face in his hands and looked into her eyes, she knew he was telling her the truth. This wasn’t acting. This wasn’t pretend. This was love.

“You are my magic, reina,” Tristan said.

---