The host rolled into asking standard questions about his latest movie. When he asked Mike to tell everyone what the movie was about, I could hear the lack of enthusiasm in his reply. I felt his boredom. Every one of these talk shows was identical. Only when the host mentioned Mike’s new production company did Mike’s voice teem with life.
Kyle returned with two plates of tuna pasta and resumed his place on the couch. His eyes flickered to the TV as he handed me the dish. “Since when do you like talk shows?”
I rested my feet on his thighs. “I don’t. I’m just watching Mike.”
He stabbed his fork in the tagliatelle. “For the record, this is not what I had in mind when I said I wanted to watch TV with you in PJs.”
I won’t be dragged into another “Mike has a thing for you” conversation.I took a mouthful of pasta, my eyes pinned to the flat screen.
“Look at all these silly girls screaming his name, dying to be his girlfriends.” He snorted. “Has he ever had a girlfriend, one he actually loved and didn’t cheat on?”
“He hasn’t had a girlfriend in almost eight years, so I don’t know.” I labored a smile. “Do you know he has a production company now? The debut project will be the contest winner’s script.”
He grunted, his expression annoyed. Was it because I’d changed the subject? Or was it because he’d failed to provoke me? He seemed to be doing nothing lately but picking fights with me.
The host asked Mike if he was dating anyone. “Oh, the million-dollar question,” Kyle taunted.
Mike chuckled to himself, and then he looked up at the camera, shaking his head. “No, I’m not seeing anyone. I wish I could, but I really don’t have any time.”
“But if you had the time, is there a certain lady in particular you wish to make your girlfriend?” the host asked with a cocky smirk on his lips.
Mike’s nervous twitches were evident. “Um…as a matter of fact, yes.” His lips pressed in a tight line. “There is one.”
The crowd broke out in hysterics.
“What the fuck?” I dropped my fork. Glaring at the TV, I set my plate on the table, sat up, and then bent my legs under me.
“Who’s the lucky lady?” the host pressed on.
“That I can’t answer. The lady doesn’t know yet, and she probably never will.” Mike rubbed his forehead, sweat shining on his face.
“And why is that? You don’t strike me as a shy person, Mr. Gennaro.” The host chuckled.
“It’s not about shyness. It’s about respect.” Mike frowned. “She has a boyfriend.”
My jaw dropped. “Oh my God! The bastard is in love!”
“Like he knows anything about respect or love,” Kyle mumbled.
I switched my glare toward him.
“Why do you even care?” he snapped.
Yes, Maggie, why do you even care? Why are there flames eating up your heart? Why do you feel like you’re gonna pass out?“You kidding me? I spill my heart out to that asshole, but he’s in love and never bothered to tell me. I can’t believe this.”
“How do you know he’s telling the truth? It’s clearly a publicity stunt.”
“Oh, publicity stunt my ass! You don’t think I know the difference? The fucker rubs his forehead when he’s nervous. He’s only nervous when he’s telling the truth.” My fingers scrolled fast through my cellphone.
“What’re you doing?”
“What do you think I’m doing? I’m calling him.”
“And say what?” He yanked the phone out of my hand. “You can’t blame him for hiding things when you’re doing the same thing.”
“Who cares?”Not you, I’m sure.“Give me my phone back.”
“Don’t you think he’d feel the same way when he finds out you made a movie without telling him?”
