“One day, you’re going to tell me this story and more about this mystery man.”
“And where is your hot hunk?”
“Taylor,” I scold. I know what she’s doing. She’ll tell me eventually but it won’t be today.
“Just admit he’s hot and I will stop,” she quips.
Is Preston hot? Yes, absolutely. He’s also very kind, considerate, and funny. Am I going to admit that to Taylor? Definitely fucking not.
“He went for a run or something.”
“He better stay in shape or Daddy Mike is going to beat his ass. Oh! That’s an idea. I’ll have to save that imagery for later.”
“You are the absolute worst.” I gag, and Taylor just laughs.
“How are things in New York?”
“It’s a fucking shitstorm here. Cases are rising and hospitals are reaching capacity. There is a shortage of personal protective equipment for medical personnel. New York and New Jersey seem to be the worst. They’ve issued a travel advisory and told people to quarantine for at least fourteen days if they’ve come in contact with anyone who tests positive or has been to the Northeast.”
“What are you doing?”
“I’m staying in my apartment as much as possible. The few times I’ve been out, I wore a face covering and distanced myself. They put in social distancing mandates and are trying to keep people from gathering. Shops and restaurants are closing. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Can you get out of the city?”
“And go where?”
“If you can fly, you can go to my place.”
“I would just be stuck in your house instead of mine. There is a stay-at-home order in California too.”
“Still, there is more room at my place than in your apartment.Plus, more fresh air. It may be smoggy in places but the beach air helps and Santa Monica is more secluded than your high rise in Manhattan. You can still work from my office. You’re on the west coast half the time anyways because a lot of your clients are there.”
“I don’t know, Ives.”
“Are there still domestic flights running?”
“Yes, but the airlines have been canceling a lot of them.”
“Please? I would feel better about you getting out of New York if things are getting that bad. Better safe than sorry, especially without anyone there to look after you.”
“Okay, fine. I’ll at least check the airline and see what is available.” It’s not an outright agreement but it’s close enough.
“Any news on my flight?”
“Not so far. You’re still set to come home on the next flight out the first of May.”
“Good.” I don’t know what I will do when I get back, but first I need to get to L.A.
“I haven’t brought it up. I wanted to give you a chance to really think, but how are you feeling now about the break?” One good thing about hiding from Preston is the extra time to think about what’s next. Belize has also given me the space to put my situation into perspective. I found it so hard to make the jump behind the camera that I let the studio talk me out of what I loved most about my project.
“You were right. About needing a break and about the project. It wasn’t what I wanted anymore. I had to give up all the good things just to get the green light.”
“You did.”
“But I am not sure how to get it back on track. Or if it’s even what I want anymore. If not, then what’s next?” I’m starting to question whether I was truly happy or if I was just going through the motions.Until now, there hasn’t been an opportunity to sit with my thoughts and dive deep on how I’m feeling.
“What do you want to do?”
