He lifted his chin, his hand on the front doorknob. “Get an agent, Kiddo.”
“I’m not a fuckin’ Kiddo,” I said under my breath, dazed.
“You’d better get used to it. Directors don’t exactly come in women your age. It’s what I call you. It’s what Robello called you when he mentioned you this morning. The Kid. It’s your name in the industry now.”
I punched his shoulders with my fists. “Fuck you, and Robello, and the industry.”
He coughed out a laugh. “Easy, Kiddo.”
I screamed. “I hate you.”
“No, you don’t,” he replied, shaking with laughter.
Damn right, I don’t.
“I’ll send you a list of trusted managers and agents to contact. And when Robello calls you, act surprised, but be ready.”
I blew out a troubled breath. “And I won’t tell Raoul until the results are officially posted.”
He nodded and pressed his lips to my temple. “Congratulations again, vita mia.”
A shiver ran through my body as I felt his breath on my face. “Thank you.”
“I should be thanking you. You’re a wonderful artist.” He turned the knob. “We’re gonna be a great couple.”
With these words he left, leaving me staring at the door in awe. Mike no longer had aneffecton me. He had me in a trance. And it fucking hurt. Saying things likeI love you so muchandour moviesandvita miaanda great couplewas simply painful.
I bowed my head, forcing myself to snap out of it, allowing my brain to grasp the facts his visit had brought to my attention.
A producer liked my work and wanted me to direct his movie.
Mike loved both my scripts, offered to buy them, provided I’d direct them.
Mike was in love with a girl he couldn’t have.
I was beyond doubt in love with Mike Gennaro.
Fuck.
Scene28
Maggie
I felt the texture of the leather on me one more time, admiring every detail of my image in the standalone mirror. The new blonde highlights in my short hair, the perfect shade of red on my lips, the charcoal eyeliner, the cherry blossom bracelet, and the ankle boots, all blended to complement Mike’s gorgeous birthday gift.
“You look so beautiful,” Kyle whispered, wrapping his arms around my waist.
His velvet blazer and the collar of his white sweater appeared behind me. I smiled at his reflection in the mirror. His hair was cut short and left longer on top. It fell forward when he moved to kiss my bare shoulder. “Happy birthday, my love.”
“Thank you. You look good, too.” I couldn’t say it back anymore, not even today. The past three weeks hadn’t been easy on me. I’d spent most of my time either on set or behind the horrible door, torn between my feelings for the man I could never have and those for the man who could never understand me.
Since that Christmas dinner with my parents—especially after Mike’s latest visit—Kyle and I had seemed to grow apart by the day, and that part of me that loved him still wasn’t enough to make our relationship work. I’d given up on passion to be with someone as decent and stable as Kyle. To find peace. But when understanding and harmony left the equation as well, what peace or stability could come out of it?
I twirled and gazed into his deep, blue eyes. “Kyle… Um…”
“Before you say anything, I know we’ve been fighting more than usual lately, and I haven’t been exactly the best boyfriend.” He swallowed. “So I’m sorry for any stress I’ve caused you, and I promise I’ll make it up to you. I love you, Maggie, and I want nothing but to make you happy.”
Shit. “Well, what can I say after that?” My lips stretched with a smile. “Okay. I’m ready to go if you are.”
