Page 54 of Stay for Me
“Are you sure you want to do that?”
It’s a risk, but Noah most likely has concerns as well. The one thing that sets him apart is his ability to see a script and just know. Now, we’re all sort of contractually bound to this series of movies, but that doesn’t mean he can’t send a script back to the writing room.
“I think it’s the right thing.”
“I agree.” Catherine takes a pause. “How are things in Sugarloaf?”
“Fine.”
“Fine?”
I know better than to hide things from her. Not to mention, if she doesn’t know about the dumb things I’m thinking, she can’t protect me from them. It’s a lesson she drills into all her clients.
“I met someone. Someone who I really shouldn’t like, but I can’t seem to stop myself. She has two kids, and I like them too—so much so that I’m directing the middle school play.”
There’s a silence, and I look down at the phone to see if she’s still there.
“Hello?”
“I’m here,” she says softly. “What’s she like?”
Brenna’s face comes into my mind, so perfect, so clear that I’d swear she was in front of me. Her long red hair falls around her shoulders, just grazing the tops of her breasts. Those blue eyes with flecks of yellow staring back at me, begging me to kiss her and yet not at the same time. I can see her smile, the way her face bunches up when she’s truly happy.
Fuck. I’m in so much trouble.
“She’s beautiful. She has the most gorgeous red hair, freckles so light on her face you have to really be close to see them, and her eyes are ones you get lost in. But that’s not even the best parts of her. She’s funny, smart as hell, and has been through a lot of shit but isn’t jaded.”
“Well, that was descriptive. I meant more like . . . is she crazy?”
I laugh. “No, she’s not crazy. She’s actually a therapist.”
“Please tell me not yours.”
“Fuck off.”
“I’m just asking. Anyway, what about your timeline?”
“What about it?” I ask.
“Just . . . you know that you can’t get involved with anyone, Jacob. I’m not saying that to be mean, but you know the way these things go. You’re the hottest new actor in Hollywood, and the only reason you’re getting this respite is because they think you’re off the grid in Canada to prepare forForced Landing. If they find out you’re in the States and seeing someone? The press will hound her and the kids.”
“I know.”
“I know you do, but this is reality.”
“And what about my life, Cat? Am I not allowed anything anymore?”
“Of course, you’re allowed a life.” She sighs. “I just don’t want to see you hurt. My job is to protect you. That said, it sounds like you really like her.”
It’s not a question. Catherine has known me long enough to hear it. “I do.”
“Then, who cares what I say? Go for it. You only get one life, Jacob. I’ll be here to mitigate whatever the fallout is.”
“I don’t care aboutmyfallout. I care about hers. She’s a widow. She has two kids, and I’m not moving back here. Ever. I have four and a half months before I leave Sugarloaf, and I’m not going to end up like my brothers and put roots down in this godforsaken town. She’ll be the one broken, so there’s no going for anything.”
“Famous last words.”
I roll my eyes. “Look, I don’t even know why I’m arguing because it doesn’t matter. I’m going to focus on my career and not get involved anyway.”
