“It’s never too much if it’s important to you. Just because they have pigeonholed you into a role for most of your life doesn’t mean you should have to give up what you want.” Preston squeezes my hand where it sits on the armrest. Heat zaps through me.
“I don’t know that I want to act anymore.” The confession breaks free. I can’t believe I am sharing this with him.
“What do you want?”
“More. I’m tired of doing what is expected of me. I’m sick of being the pretty face in front of the camera.” My eyes find his. Compassion and understanding fill them.
“Makes sense.” My eyes widen in surprise at his easy acceptance. “It does. It’s natural to fight against the box. Have you thought about what you want to do if you give up acting?”
“An idea started brewing yesterday. I want to tell stories that others won’t. Inspiration struck and I started writing a new script,” I admit sheepishly.
“That’s great. I’d love to hear about it when you’re ready.”
“I would like that.” My cheeks are hot from a blush.
Preston smiles. Letting me off the hook, he changes the subject.
“Did Taylor get out of New York?” I like that he listens and uses her name instead of just calling her my friend.
“She has a flight tomorrow, thankfully. Hearing how bad the pandemic rates and shutdown orders are back home kind of makes me glad we are stuck here. Is that bad?” Pulling my leg up, turn to face him.
He chuckles, grabbing the back of his neck.
“Not bad. I’ve thought the same thing. My mom was updating me on all the mandates in my hometown. I’m a little worried for her.”
“Because of her health, or…?” I leave the question open ended.
“She’s as healthy as a horse. It’s my dad’s health that I worry about. My mom owns a small business. She’s a florist. Typically, she’s gearing up for wedding season but with all group outings canceled, it’s hitting her hard.”
“Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear that.” That has to be tough. I’ve always been fortunate but know that small businesses can struggle on a good day. I feel for her.
“I’ll help where I can. They will be fine.”
“You’re pretty close with your family, huh?”
Preston’s easy smile returns. He clearly loves his family. “We are. I spent the whole off-season with them this year which isn’t normal. I don’t see them a lot but we talk often.”
“Was it because of your dad’s health?”
Preston’s brows dip, an unconscious reaction to mention of his dad’s health. He clears his throat. “Yeah, he had heart bypass surgery.”
An audible intake of air reveals my shock. “Oh my god, Preston. That’s so scary. Is he okay?”
I can’t not touch him. Reaching out, I grab his hand, not letting go. Preston squeezes my fingers in his palm.
“He’s fine now. Making a full recovery. Driving Ma crazy. He’s not good at sitting around.”
“Sounds like someone else I know.” I smirk, stroking my thumb over the back of his hand. Preston watches the action in a daze. Snapping out of it, his eyes hold me captive.
“Thank you for asking. It’s been a hard few months. Then this happened…and yeah. I get what you’re saying about feeling out of sorts.”
The vulnerability rolling off Preston is endearing. It’s more meaningful because he’s been a rock during this whole transition, readily accepting my own hesitation without revealing his concerns.
I’m happy he let me in. To know I am not the only one feeling this way.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Ivory
