Page 89 of Unscripted with Mila

“I am.”

She tossed a bag on the sofa. “I went to your place and packed you some things to save you a trip. Your favorites. You don’t own sweaters, so you’ll have to buy some, plus whatever else you need.”

“It’s not cold there right now,” I told her, surprised by her thoughtfulness.

“Ah.”

I sat down, facing her. “Thanks.”

She dug in her purse and handed me a bag. “I got your prescription refilled. I was worried you’d forget.”

I took it, nodding. It was on my list to do later, but I was grateful she had done it. “Thanks,” I repeated. “I thought I had more pills left than I do, and I meant to take care of it.”

“Part of my job,” she said.

“Haven’t seen you in a while.” I had thought I’d seen her on set a few days prior, but I must have been mistaken. Or if she’d been there, she’d avoided me.

“Been busy. Leaving you to do what you do best, Nicky boy. You don’t need me around to act.”

“I suppose not.”

I looked at her, meeting her eyes. She didn’t look angry today. Or cold. She looked like the MJ I remembered.

“You have time to have dinner tonight?” she asked. “I know you leave tomorrow night.”

“Oh, I already told Amber I wanted to look over the rushes,” I lied. I was leaving early, but I didn’t want MJ to know and risk a crowd at LAX. I’d be on the red-eye flight and in Toronto by morning with the time change.

“Yeah, I heard you’ve been hanging around here a lot.”

“Keeps me busy and focused.”

She nodded, looking disappointed, but she didn’t argue.

“You didn’t go to your audition.”

I shut my eyes, preparing for a fight. “I don’t want the part, MJ.”

“Shame. It would be a great role.”

I shook my head. “I can’t. It feels all wrong.”

She sighed but, to my shock, let it go. “Okay, I’ll let you get to it. Safe travels, Nicky.”

“Thanks, MJ. For the packing, and these.” I held up the bag. “I appreciate it.”

She smiled. “Be safe. Call me if you need something or if they’re mistreating you. Don’t let any of the polar bears eat you.”

“I’m pretty sure they stay away from the cities,” I responded with a smile.

“Well, don’t go looking for them. And don’t do anything foolish. Like fall in love.”

Her statement took me by surprise, and I had no words to respond. No denial.

Our eyes met, hers searching, mine shocked. The look on her face changed with whatever she saw in my expression. It hardened, along with her gaze.

“I guess it’s too late for that.”

She slammed the door behind her.