Page 47 of Fresh Start
He slid his finger across my screen, going through the shots, and picked the best one. He then went on to pick the filter and the caption.
“Nothing beats pancakes for breakfast. Especially when on a lovely vacation by the sea,” it read. Before I posted, I added some hashtags. It wasn’t my usual tone of voice for my posts, but it didn’t matter. Nothing else mattered now but him.
Leo pulled his hand back so he could eat the rest of his food. But as he did, he knocked a glass of orange juice, which spilled all over his front. He let out a curse and jumped up, also knocking his chair over, getting the attention of the other guests.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
Leo looked back at me and pursed his lips in an attempt at a smile.
"I am. I can't believe I just spilled juice all over me. I’m five apparently.”
I laughed.
"Do you want to go upstairs and change? I can wait down here and then we can go out if you want?" I said.
"You're right. I'll just be two minutes," Leo said and started to leave.
An idea struck me.
"Should we go for a picnic? I saw on the brochure that Melody does picnic baskets to take out. I can order it while you're changing and then we can go as soon as you're ready."
Leo smiled.
"That would be great," he said and sped up the stairs.
I wiped my mouth with a cloth and approached Melody to ask about the baskets.
“Of course you can have one. Let me talk with my chef,” she said and disappeared into the kitchen. While she got the basket ready, I got my phone out and called my agent.
"Hi Alice," I said.
"Hi honey. To what do I owe the honor?" Alice said.
“Can’t I call to check on one of my favorite people in the world?” I said.
“Uh-oh. What have you done now? What do you want?”
I laughed.
"Have you had a chance to think about what I asked you last time we spoke?"
"We've been over this, Alice. I'm not going through the contract ordeal with you over the phone. There’s something else, though."
"And what would that be?" she asked. I didn't need to look at her to know she was bitter about my dismissal of the contract conversation. She was worried about me dropping out of the franchise. How could she not be? She was right to be.
"Rumor has it there is a production for a Death Knight film in the works."
I waited for her to take the hint, but all she came back with was: "Okay, and?"
"Remember how you were asking me if I wanted to get involved in other projects as a producer?" I started.
"Really? You want to diversify? Oh. My. God. Finally!” she said. “And am I right to assume you want to be involved in this production?"
"Well, duh. Why else do you think I'd bring it up?"
"Just double-checking, honey. I never know with you. Anyway. Exciting! Let me see what I can do," she said, and her excitement seeped through her tone and voice. Hopefully, she wouldn't mind me taking this as a next step instead of continuing with Detective Strong. If I got a producer’s role, then perhaps it would soften the blow. And it could help ease Leo’s worry over getting the part. I owed him that much.
I thanked her and hung up just as Leo came downstairs, having changed into a loose-fitting T-shirt and a pair of jeans that hugged his body so tightly, I could see every curve and bulge. I had to look away before I’d have to hide a boner.
