Page 78 of Take 2
I groan. “What happened to taking it one day at a time?”
“Does that title have a term length? Why can’t it just be for today?”
We step into the elevator, and I look up at him. “You’re only asking if I’m your girlfriendtoday?”
“Yes.”
“All right. Today, I’m your girlfriend.” I look at my watch. “Does that expire at midnight or when we wake up tomorrow?”
He wraps his arm around me as we exit the elevator. “I’ll check with you when we wake up if you’ll be my girlfriend tomorrow too.”
“What if you don’t want to be my boyfriend tomorrow?”
The lock clicks at the tap of the key, and we step into my room. Preston’s green eyes shift as if he’s about to admit something embarrassing, and he clicks his tongue. “I’ll check with you tomorrow.”
Rafael waves to us from the lobby bar as we walk up. “Mirabelle, you look perfect for where we’re going!”
I smile and thank him, not mentioning that I looked up pictures of the restaurant to know that my bright yellow dress would fit the aesthetic perfectly. It’s a ten-minute walk through the Jardins du Café de Parisand alongside the Jardins de la Petite Afriqueto get there. Inside, the mishmash of bright green, blue, and coral chairs gives a sunny feeling to the small space.
We enjoy Italian wine and food, and Rafael asks about the screenplays I’m working on selling. Talking about my scripts has never been a strong suit of mine, but he asks good questions that help. Still, I don’t feel the excitement for those.
“And what is it you’re writing now?” Preston asks.
I clear my throat. That’s a very good question. I don’t really know what it is. It may be one that goes straight to a drawer, never to see the light of day. It’s not what I usually write, and I’m not sure if it even translates into a good movie. “It’s kind of cheesy…”
“Cheese is my favorite,” Rafael says with a smile.
Preston smirks at me. “Good thing you’re talking to the best writer to ever come out of the dairy state, then.”
By the time we have shots of limoncello in front of us, he’s asked me to send it to him as soon as it’s done.
All the while Preston’s warm gaze has been on me. I’ve known what it’s like to have someone look at me with love in his eyes, but this is different. This is like … I’m the star athlete being watched with pride now. I didn’t think that was something I craved. I like being behind the scenes. I don’t want to be the starlet signing autographs, but even this silent acknowledgement from someone who gets it is like snuggling up in my favorite blanket to watch a comfort film.
“My agent, Danny, and Lisa kill it together, obviously.” Rafael waves a hand between Preston and himself. “I’d love to see what they’d do with our names together on a project.”
“Well, I hope you’re still interested in that once you’ve read it.”
“Oh, I see. You don’t realize how much you’re worth. That’s why you’ve settled for him.” Rafi shoots a teasing smile at Preston.
“I keep trying to tell her she could do better, but how many years of seeing her single could I possibly stand before trying?”
My cheeks heat. “You two are going to make me egotistical.”
“Honey,” Rafael says, “if Hollywood hasn’t done it yet, it cannot be done.” He pushes out his blue chair and stands. “I am going to go make bad decisions at the casino. I don’t suppose you’ll join me?”
I slide my purse onto my shoulder as Preston and I stand. “I’m afraid I’ve used up all of my available bad decisions in coming to this country.”
“I promise I won’t judge you too harshly for the company you keep,” he says as we step away from the table.
“How very generous of you.” Even if it’s all joking, it’s still kind of fun to hear. I’ve never been that girl. I was the girl people didn’t believe was dating the college football player. While I do feel a bit more confident now, there’s still no way anyone would actually think I’m out of Preston Greene’s league.
Rafael splits off from us to go to the casino, and Preston’s hand wraps around mine. I look up at him and smile. “Thank you for all of this.”
“You could land directors like Rafi anyway. This was just a good excuse to get some time with you.”
“Lisa might be able to land me directors. It’s not my area of expertise.”
“Well, that’s why you have Lisa, who is amazing, but this doesn’t hurt either.”
