We’re both quiet for a moment.
We haven't defined what we’re doing, although I made it quite clear the night I took her virginity that Gigi and I were exclusive. I guess putting a name to it makes it all that more real and fine by me.
“I really am,” I say in agreement as I pull away to head home.
“And guess what else?”
“What?”
“I will actually get paid for this role. It will be my first paid acting gig! I'll even be in the actor's union.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep.”
“So you can finally quit the med student actor thing?”
Celebratory rockets and fireworks shoot off in my brain. I’m so happy she can finally put her official notice in. Working as a real actress is what Gigi should be doing and the smile on her face is all the confirmation I need that me putting in a good word for her was the right thing to do.
Jensen is the older brother of a girl I once hung out with when I was in high school. And like I told Gigi, he owes me one (or maybe even two favors) because I convinced my father to give him a loan back when he was in jeopardy of losing his theater to the IRS. There’s no need to give Gigi all those details through, because he wouldn’t have offered her the part if she wasn’t right for it. At the end of the day, he is quite serious about his art and wouldn’t compromise his shows for anyone.
“I don’t know. My year of living rent free is ending soon. My parents and I had a deal and I’m not sure the paycheck from the theatre is going to totally cover my rent and expenses.”
“Gigi.”
“What?”
“I can pay your rent,” I say, as if it’s the most obvious solution.
“With your father’s money?”
“It’s complicated to explain but I’ve been working for my Aunt Kat for a couple of years. I have a decent savings.”
“Why is it complicated to explain? What did you do?”
“I helped her with odd jobs here and there. She manages a lot of celebrities.”
“You helped with security?”
“Sometimes.”
“I appreciate the offer, Knox, but I can figure it out. If the schedule conflicts with the standardized patient gig, I can always find something part time somewhere else.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Work?”
“Why would you work at a goddamn mini-mart when you can simply accept some help?”
“I don’t want to take any more handouts from my parents. I’m a big girl. I’ve got to figure out this life thing on my own.”
“Not from your parents, Gigi.” I’m losing my patience with her. “From the man you’re fucking!”
“You’re in a bad mood.”
“I wasn’t fifteen minutes ago.”
“Let’s talk about this another time.”
