Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
“Then we’ll talk about it again once everything settles. But my future contains you, Mila.”
Her eyes glowed. “Okay.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
NICHOLAS
Amber stared at me. “Nick, that is horrible.”
“I know. I’m still reeling from it all.”
“How are you coping?” she asked.
I took a sip of coffee, looking around as grips and set decorators ran around. The ABC offices were perfect for the scenes when Duncan confronted Roxie at work. They were putting the finishing touches on the rooms, and we would start filming tomorrow.
“I’m settling. Luckily, it was discovered before too much damage was done. Thanks to Mila.”
“And MJ?”
“Will be gone soon enough. She texted last night to see how I was doing. I couldn’t help grinding in her failure, so I called her and gave her the whole story of how I tripped and the pills landed in a sink full of water, and I had to go get a new prescription.” I grinned at Amber. “It was a stellar performance.”
“How did she react?”
“Let’s say acting will never be her strong point. She was furious but trying to hide it. She hung up not long after, and I haven’t heard from her since.” I finished the coffee, thinking it still wasn’t as good as when Mila made it for me. “Nothing will happen until we wrap. I won’t jeopardize this film.”
She waved her hand. “I’m not worried. Frankly, I’m glad you’re going to leave her and the bigger studio behind. You’ll have more freedom.”
“Exactly. I’m thinking of trying my hand at directing.”
She nodded. “You’re a natural.”
“I have a lot to learn.”
“We all have to start somewhere.” She sat back, crossing her legs. “Another change for you.”
“Yep.”
She eyed me speculatively. “Will there be a change of residence in your future?”
“I think so.”
“I figured. You and Mila are perfect for each other. I watched you on set. She lights up, and you relax. You’re both so aware of the other one.”
“I know.”
“I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks, Amber.” I cleared my throat. “Mila wanted me to extend an invitation. They do brunch at the Hub on Sundays. I gather it’s a bit of a free-for-all. You are welcome to join the party.”
She grinned. “I’d love that. I can meet all these men I’ve been talking to.”
“I think Aiden wants to discuss his character arc.”
She laughed. “I can’t wait to meet him.”
“They’re amazing. The entire family. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
She smiled. “You deserve that, Nicholas. Believe it.”
“I’m beginning to.”
“Good.”
I leaned close to Mila. “I don’t think I’ve ever been in a room with this many people who are related to one another.”
She grinned. “Mostly by love, Nick. My uncles didn’t have families, so they created their own. It grew beyond anything they imagined. But it’s wonderful. They’re my safe place.”
“You’re mine.”
She touched my cheek. “You’re my rock.”
I liked being her rock. I had never been that.
“My mom would have loved you,” I murmured. “I wish you’d met her. She always supported me. When I started acting, she came to auditions with me, made sure I had money when the roles didn’t pay much.” I paused. “She treated MJ like a daughter. I think at one point she thought we’d get together, but she figured out it would never work and we were best as just friends.” I frowned. “I’ve been wondering how much influence MJ had on Mom’s decision not to tell me how sick she was. When I think back, I have a lot of questions I’ll never have the answers for.”
“I’m sorry,” Mila whispered. “But I don’t want you to dwell.”
I kissed her. “I know. I’m not. It’s just nice to be able to say what I’m thinking for a change.”
“You can tell me anything.”
A shout of laughter interrupted us. I looked over, a smile pulling at my mouth. Aiden and his sons were wrestling. Five large men acting like kids, rolling around, laughing, and talking trash. Bentley observed them, shaking his head.
“Don’t break the furniture this time!” he called.
Mad Dog slapped his shoulder. “Good luck.”
Beside Mad Dog stood Richard VanRyan. He was a tall, good-looking man with an engaging smile. His very presence commanded the room. Amber had taken one look at him and decided he needed to be in the wedding scene. That made Aiden pout until she told him she was using him as well. In fact, she wanted all the BAM men and women in the wedding scene. But Richard got a speaking part. He was the minister marrying Duncan and Roxie.
He had grinned, delighted. He nudged his wife, Katy, and winked at her. “I’m still a big deal, sweetheart. You prepared to be married to Hollywood’s next superstar?” He ran a hand down his torso. “The ladies will be lining up for a piece of this.”
She had scoffed loudly, chuckling as she walked away. “Go fuck yourself, VanRyan.”
They made me laugh.