‘Yep!I grabbed her cell, deleted all the videos and photos she took of you, told her she was toast and that I didn’t want to work with her any more, then had her escorted off the property.’
‘Whoa!’ My eyes popped.That explained why he didn’t come after me.‘Thanks for looking out for me and deleting everything.What did she say when you fired her?’
‘That I needed her.But I know that’s bullshit.It’s gonna be hard, but I believe in myself.I can do it without her.’
‘Too right!Fuck you, Wilma!’ I shouted in solidarity and a wide grin spread across Jake’s face.‘You’ve got this!There’s no way that song won’t be a hit.’
‘Let’s hope you’re right.Wanna hear some more songs?’
‘Yeah!I knew you’d been writing a lot, but I didn’t know they were all finished.’
‘I haven’t been able to record them, but I’ve finished writing them.I told you, baby, I’ve been on fire, thanks to you.Not to sound obsessed, but I’ve written three more songs about you and one about Minnie.’
‘I’dloveto hear them.’
‘Cool.I’ll play them all to you.Including one I wrote in the car to Santa Monica Pier today, called “I Fucked Up”.’
‘You didnotwrite a song called that!’ I laughed.
‘Sure did!’ Jake got up and walked around the back of the screen, then reappeared clutching his guitar.
He stood in front of me, started playing an upbeat melody on his guitar then burst into song.
Hey, hey, what can I say?
It wasn’t okay.
Baby, I know I fucked up.
Please say it’s not too late.
I’m begging you to stay.
Baby, I know I fucked up.
As Jake continued singing, laughter bubbled in my chest.The more he sang, the more hilarious the lyrics became and when he finished, he took a bow.
‘That’s actually genius!’ I giggled.‘I can hear men playing that song to their wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, lovers around the world.That’ll become an anthem!’
‘Why, thank you!’ He bowed again, before resting his guitar on the sofa.‘But the real question is, did it work?Do you forgive me?’
‘Hmmm.’ I dramatically rested my finger on my chin and paused like I was a judge on a talent show, drawing out the announcement of the winner.
‘You’re killing me.’ He squeezed his eyes shut like he was in pain.
‘Of courseI do!’ I jumped off the sofa and wrapped my arms around him, squeezing him tightly.‘Just please don’t lie to me again.’
‘Never.’ He brushed a strand of hair away from my eyes.‘Can I kiss you?’
‘Yes,’ I said, my breath catching in my throat.‘I’d really like that.’
As soon as Jake’s lips connected with mine, everything felt right in the world.
Every doubt, concern and worry washed away and the whole world fell silent.
Nothing else existed.Just us.
We kissed like these were our last moments together.
