Page 56 of Unscripted with Mila

She followed me in and sat at the table, glancing at my notes. “Research,” she mused. “I should have known you’d be looking into addiction.”

“I need to know what I’m fighting against.”

“Are you prepared to fight this?” she asked quietly. “Does Nicholas already mean that much to you that you want to take on this fight? It can be painful. In fact, it is painful.”

“Yes.”

“I was afraid you’d say that.” She sat back. “He’s been in rehab four times in three years. Erratic behavior is a standard for him on set. It’s a slippery slope, Mila.”

“I want to hear his side of the story. There’s more than we know, Andi. I’m convinced of it.”

“Not everyone who is broken can be fixed.” She met my gaze. “Not everyone wants to be fixed.”

My heart thudded hard in my chest. “I know.”

“I don’t want you hurt, kiddo.”

“I have to make my own mistakes, Andi. I need to talk to Nick.”

A ghost of a smile crossed her face. “You get to call him that.”

“Better than Nicky boy. He hates that.”

“His agent is a piece of work,” she scoffed. “I did some checking. Quite the ballbuster. He’s been her client since he started. She has a few others, but he is her main focus. She has a reputation for bulldozing.”

I frowned. “I get the feeling she is behind some of his problems. Can you really sign a contract that locks you in permanently?”

“They are rare. I would really love to see the wording. I bet Jacob could find a way to break it.” Andi paused. “But then again, he’d have to want that.”

I nodded. I had no idea what Nicholas wanted. What he was thinking. What he would say tonight. I only hoped I was strong enough to listen and to accept.

* * *

Nicholas appeared around seven. He had let me know he was on his way, and I waited anxiously. He looked apprehensive when I let him into the room.

“How was filming?” I asked.

He shrugged. “Making a movie is a lot of hurry up and wait sort of thing. I was only in a couple shots, but it was a whole day of sitting around.”

“What do you do to fill in the time?”

“I like to draw. I keep a sketchbook handy. Lacey knits. Bradley works out a lot. And he writes poetry.”

“You draw?”

He nodded. “Yeah.”

“Would you show me one day?”

He smiled, looking pleased. “If you want.”

For a moment, there was silence. “I wasn’t sure what to get for dinner.”

“How about something simple?” he suggested. “Sandwiches and salad?”

“Sounds good.”

“I’ll order.” He winked, trying to lighten the tension between us. “I’m good at ordering room service.”