Sylvia pulls the script closer and pages through it. “This is a great choice. I’ve only heard nice things about Emma Thorne.”
“Talking about the female lead,” I mutter. “Do you think you can get me a no-kissing clause?”
Sylvia lets out a groan. “God, I knew my luck was too good to last.”
“I star in actions and thrillers, not romances,” I remind her.
“Still, you have a large female audience.”
I let out a heavy sigh. “They watch my movies for the action.”
Sylvia glances at the ceiling as if she’s sending up a silent prayer for strength.
“There are other ways we can make it look like I’m kissing the female lead. Or we can use a double to stand in for me,” I mention.
She perks up, clearly liking the options I just gave her, but then worry tightens her features. “Have you already shot the kissing scenes forThe Eradicator?” When I nod, she lets out a huge breath of relief. “Thank God.” She spreads her hands open over the script in front of her. “I’ll have Robert send over a new schedule so you can plan ahead. In the meantime, I’ll talk to Steven and see what he says about the no-kissing thing.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
She shakes her head. “This is why I get paid the big bucks.”
Frances comes down the stairs after packing away our clean clothes, and she gives my manager a friendly smile. “Hi, Sylvia. Will you be staying for lunch?”
Sylvia shrugs and looks at me. “Am I?”
Chuckling, I nod. “Of course.” I glance at my housekeeper. “What are we having?”
“Garlic butter chicken with zucchini and corn.”
“Sounds yummy,” Sylvia replies.
I climb to my feet. “Let’s go sit out on the veranda so Frances can have the kitchen to herself.”
As soon as we take our seats in the lounge chairs, Sylvia asks, “How are you holding up?”
I take a deep breath before answering, “The grief comes in waves. Having Nova here helps a lot.”
“How are things between you and Nova?”
I shake my head and glance out over the manicured garden. “It’s going slow. She’s not ready for a relationship yet.”
“But you still plan on dating her?” Sylvia asks. When I nod, she continues, “You’ve managed to remain single for so long. What is it about her that changed your mind about being the most eligible bachelor in Hollywood?”
“Everything.” A soft smile plays around my lips. “She’s selfless and unbelievably good with Lainey. There’s just something about her that calms me, but at the same time, she gets my heart racing just by blushing.” Sylvia stares at me for so long that I mutter, “What?”
“I’ve never seen you in love before. It’s kind of ... weird.”
Laughing at her, I shake my head. “Weird?”
“In a good way. You look happy, though, and it’s all that matters at the end of the day.” She glances at the pool. “How do you think Lainey will feel about you and Nova dating?”
“I think she’ll be happy.” I pause for a moment before adding, “Nova is hesitant about us dating because she’s scared we might break up down the line, and it will hurt Lainey.”
Sylvia raises an eyebrow at me. “She has a valid point.”
“I understand her worry, but you know me. I won’t start a relationship with someone if I’m not one hundred percent sure. I’ve known Nova for over two decades. I’m certain we can make it work.”
“Yeah, but does Nova know that?”
