“Ask him and tell me.”
“Why did you tell him you were going to cry too if he didn’t stop?”
He might never know it, but his tears lead straight to my soul still. Make me, just like he once told me, wanna hold him and never let go.I shrugged. “I just can’t stand his tears as much as he can’t stand mine.”
Scene 93
Maggie
At the end of the ceremony, Jim and I took an elevator, holding our statuettes, to the Governors Ball. We pushed through to the back of the ballroom, down a hallway swathed in red velvet, and found the little corner room where the winners get their statuettes engraved; a corny Oscar formality we both enjoyed.
“From now on I’m gonna call you The Maker,” he said as he ushered me back to the ballroom.
“What?”
“You make winners, Maggie. Your movies made me a winner tonight.” He looked across the room, where Mike was standing alone, a drink in his hand. “And Gennaro before me.”
“Your talent made you a winner, Jim.”
He shrugged. “I was never nominated until I worked with you.”
“You think very highly of me.” I shook my head. “I’m just…”
“Beautiful in every way possible.” He gave me his industry smile. “Would you like to dance?”
“How can I say no to that smile?”
His eyes moved along the line of my throat and across my collarbone as we danced. “I’m going to miss you.”
I tilted my head to the side. “Going somewhere?”
“You are.” His lips stretched with a sad smile. “I see the way you look at him.”
I stilled. “Jim—”
“Don’t.” Placing his hand on the small of my back, he sighed and made me move with him again. “I’ve always hoped you’d look at me that way, but tonight I realize that day will never come.”
I blinked, struggling to find the right words to say.
“I’m thankful for every moment you allowed me in your company and the hope and the friendship, but I’d like to be looked at the same way you look at him.”
My chin dipped to my chest. “I’m sorry. I really tried.”
“Don’t apologize. I knew what I was getting myself into. I have no regrets.”
“Jim…” My tears betrayed me.
“Don’t cry, please.” His thumb was gentle on my face as he wiped away the tears. “Just go to him.”
My arms fell to the side. “You’re a better man than he is, Jim.”
“But you’re dark and twisted, and so is he. He understands you better than anyone. Better than I ever could.”
I sighed as I nodded. He could never be more right.
A beat of silence passed before we both could say our goodbyes.
“Friends?” I asked.
