Page 21 of Off Script
“Well, it wasn’t entirely the truth either.” Carlisle barks out a sarcastic chuckle. "Here I’ve been worried this whole time that you might be a crazy psycho, but it’s me. I'm the crazy one. I’m crazy to keep talking to you!”
“No, you’re not crazy, Carlisle.” I stand up from my bed and cross the room, pacing with anxious energy. “Fuck,” I mutter, raking my fingers roughly through my hair.
“I am though,” she argues. “I should delete your number and forget about you. I’ve used our friendship as an emotional crutch, but if nothing more will ever come from this, then I need to move on.” She scoffs. "Like you said, I deserve better."
“I hope you won’t do that. I wasn’t lying when I told you that talking to you is the highlight of my day.”
“I always look forward to talking to you too,” she admits reluctantly, followed by a lengthy sigh that fills the void between us. Without words, her sigh communicates a lot of feelings—frustration, sadness, anger, and maybe even longing.
It tugs at my conscience and makes me wish that my circumstances were different. I can’t bring someone else into my life, especially someone who isn’t accustomed to the downsides of being famous. Living with the media scrutiny is something that I signed on for, but it isn’t something that I want to drag Carlisle into unknowingly.
Besides, Becky and Jada have been up my ass to maintain my squeaky-clean image. No booze, no drugs, and no women. Especially after that stupid article ran in a tabloid claiming that I was caught on a coffee date. The studio wasn't thrilled, assuming that I'd lied to them about my relationship status.
“I wish I could offer you more, but I need to be upfront with you about the parameters of our friendship, Carlisle. My life is complicated currently, so for the time being, this is all it can ever be between us. Just talking and texting.”
She’s been honest with me, so I owe it to her to be honest about my intentions and the limitations on our friendship. There’s so much I can’t be honest about, but I owe her this much at least.
And if that isn’t enough for her, then she’s right—it would be better to end it now.
Lyonsfilms Acquires Film Rights toLosing Love
Lyonsfilms Studios announced this morning that they have acquired the feature film rights tothe NY Morning News bestselling book,Losing Love.
Highly evocative and poignant, Losing Lovechronicles the ways in which a terminal diagnosis tragically divides a married couple, forcing them to reconsider long-held beliefs and unearthing family secrets.
Lyonsfilm Studios and Power Pictures will produce the project, with Dave Howell, Glen Bowers, and Catherine Sloane serving as producers. Reportedly,Losing Loveis being fast-tracked with pre-production to begin on the film in late spring of next year. Casting announcements are expected soon.
“Like a modern-dayRomeo and Juliet,Losing Loveis a powerful love story that is sure to captivate audiences, and we are thrilled to have secured the opportunity to bring it to the big screen,” said Peter Petrini, president of Lyonsfilms Studios.
Written by Tom Hubbard and published in 2020,Losing Loveis an international bestseller, having sold more than twomillion copies since its release. The novel debuted at #4 on the NY Morning News Best Sellers List and reached #1 during its third week on-sale.
7
Ben
I know I shouldn't ask this of you, but please be patient with me. Please keep talking to me.
I have my reasons for needing to move slowly. And those reasons have nothing to do with you or my feelings for you.
As a sign of good faith, here are some things about me.
My favorite cheat meal is spaghetti carbonara.
My favorite color is light blue.
I love to cook, but I don’t have much time to devote to it anymore.
I’m readingThe Prince of Tidesby Pat Conroy. Really good, BTW. What are you reading?
I love to salt water fly-fish.
On my next vacation, I’d love to go to Italy or theBahamas.
If I could live anywhere, I'd love to live on a ranch in Montana.
After our conversation last night ended awkwardly, I want to reassure Carlisle that I’d like to continue getting to know her—as long as she’s agreeable to the terms I laid out. Phone calls and texting only. Kind of like a modern-day pen pal.
To reassure her that I’m not blowing her off, I woke up early and called her first thing this morning, hoping to catch her before she went to work, but she didn’t answer. When I didn’t hear back from her, I also called her mid-morning. Again, no answer, no call back. So, I did what any pathetic, desperate guy would do, and I started sending texts.
