I nod my head. I place my hands on either side of his face. “Rainer, of course I do.”
He kisses me then, parting my lips with his own.
I think back to his reaction on the phone just now. “What does your father want you to do?” I ask.
Rainer’s arms tighten around me. “Nothing I’m willing to,” he says.
I thread my fingers though his hair. He closes his eyes, pulling me tighter. “I can’t lose you,” he says suddenly.
I turn his face back to mine. “Why would you even say that?” I ask. “Of course you’re not going to lose me. Rainer, I’m right here.”
He buries his head in my neck. I wrap my arms around him and kiss everywhere I can reach with my lips. “I love you,” I repeat.
I think about that moment on the cliffs of Ho’okipa all those months ago. We made promises to each other. We said we’d be there. I don’t know why he doesn’t understand, after all this time, that it works both ways.
The next morning we have a rehearsal for the MTV Movie Awards. Rainer and I arrive at sixAMand are shuffled through stage directions. Jordan is there, too, and the two of them are cordial bordering, maybe, on friendly. At one point Rainer even brings Jordan a cup of coffee, and Jordan comments on how Rainer still remembers how he likes it—black (of course).
I hang with Alexis, who spends the morning coaching Georgina through some drama with Blake. At least she’s not loving up Jordan.
As soon as they stop moving us around the stage like little chess pieces, Rainer has to go.
“I thought we were having lunch?” I ask him.
“Mom needs me,” he says, pulling me in for a quick kiss. “Are you ready? I’ll drop you off first.”
One of the producers shakes her head. “We need Paige for another twenty. Sorry, guys.”
Rainer looks at his watch. “Damn. I guess I could leave the car with you?”
I wave him off. “No need, I’ll call a taxi.”
Rainer looks unconvinced. “You sure?”
“Yes,” I say, planting a kiss on his lips. “Go.”
Actually, they only need me for another five once they realize Alexis is gone. I could have told them that. She left an hour ago with Georgina. I got a text from her that said:Sry. Burning Blake’s things. Plans tonight?
Alexis and I were supposed to present together, but they trade us out for two others. Fine by me. It’s one less thing I have to think about on Awards night.
I’m about to call a car when I see Jordan still standing there, talking to one of the show’s hosts. He catches my eye and excuses himself. I fiddle with my phone in my hands as my nervous system starts to scramble.
“Rainer take off?” he asks.
“Yeah, he had to…” I let my voice trail off. “Family stuff.”
Jordan nods. “I can drop you off, if you want.” It’s a question, but the intonation in his voice doesn’t change.
I slip my phone back into my bag. “That would be great.”
Jordan shoves his hands into his pockets. “Cool. Any interest in food?”
As if on cue, my stomach rumbles. It’s noon, I’ve been up since five, and all I’ve had was a stale croissant from the craft services they put out.
“Yes,” I say. “I’m starving.”
Jordan cocks his head for me to follow him. We sneak up the aisle and then around to the back of the theater where his truck is parked. I get in, and he immediately starts speeding away.
“Where should we go?” I ask, pretending like we have unlimited options, like we could just stroll into Nobu and eat at the window.
