Page 85 of Unscripted with Mila

I threw out my arms. “Does it look like she’s with me?” I snapped.

She frowned and grabbed another keycard from her pocket. “Calm yourself down, Nick. Why isn’t Mila with you?”

I explained what had happened, pacing and getting more upset by the moment when we saw the suite was still empty.

“Fuck, what if she had a car accident? What if Carmen let her out somewhere, and she got lost trying to get here? What if she’s downstairs getting harassed even now?”

“I’m sure there is a reasonable explanation. Did you call Carmen’s phone?”

“Manny said she’d forgotten it. Neither of them has a phone.” I pulled on my hair, my mind racing, my imagination running overtime. “She’s out there…” I exploded. “Goddamn MJ—this is her. I don’t know where Mila is, I can’t reach her, and I don’t know how to fucking find her!”

Andi grabbed my arm. “Stop it. You’re overreacting, Nick.”

I pushed her away, and I headed for the door, flinging it open, startling Mila, who was on the other side. She gasped, stumbling back, and I reached out, grabbing her arms and dragging her into my embrace.

“Oh, thank fuck, you’re safe. You’re here,” I muttered into her neck. I stepped back into the room, bringing her with me. “You left your phone. I couldn’t call you. You should have been here when I arrived.” I pulled back. “Where were you, dammit?”

She blinked at my vehement tone, and she winced. “You’re hurting me.”

I released her, stepping aside.

“Don’t yell at me,” she said.

“I’m-I’m sorry. I was worried. Upset.”

She cupped my cheek, and I turned my face, kissing her palm. “I’m sorry,” I repeated.

“Carmen had to go home and change before going out. Then we got a little lost. It took us a bit to find the hotel.” Mila smiled ruefully. “I wasn’t much help with directions, and her car is older. No navigation system. We had to ask a few people, and we got turned around. But I’m here now. I’m fine.”

I pulled her into my arms again. “Good. That’s good.”

She let me hold her. “Breathe, Nick. Just breathe with me.”

I realized I was holding her too tightly. Reacting too strongly. I managed to loosen my embrace, and I took in some calming breaths. She pushed at my chest and I let her go, but I was glad when she took my hand.

“What a night,” Andi commented. “I was just going to go grab a drink when Nicholas showed up. He got me worried.”

“I’m fine,” Mila insisted. “Carmen was great. I’m going to send her some signed books.”

I handed her the bag Manny had given me. “I think he put some snacks in for you.”

“Awesome. Andi, the food was incredible.”

“Save me some.” She walked past me. “Try to relax now, Nicholas. I’ll see you in the morning, kiddo.”

She left, and Mila and I stood, staring at each other. I was still anxious, my heart beating fast. I was angry at MJ, frustrated the evening ended the way it had, and strangely annoyed at Mila for being so calm.

“You couldn’t have called from Carmen’s?” I asked. “You didn’t think I’d be worried?”

“She doesn’t have a landline, Nick.” She studied me. “Please calm down. Don’t let this ruin what was a lovely evening.”

“Oh, it’s ruined, thanks to MJ and the paps.”

“No, it took a detour. You’re the one ruining it now,” she said softly. “I’m here and I’m fine. You’re here. We could go for a swim or have a shower and relax.”

“I don’t want to go for a goddamn shower. Or a swim.”

“Maybe you should go back to your room, then.”