Page 83 of Off Script
Miss you too. So much. I’m sorry again for being dramatic this morning. XOXO
Carlisle’s response eases some of the tension thrumming under my skin. I think we both underestimated how difficult this trip would be for us. It’s understandable that she was upset and stressed this morning.
Same, babe. I left you a surprise in the hotel room. Look in the closet.
To comfort her while I’m gone, I wanted to give Carlisle something meaningful to remind her of me. With Jo’s help, I purchased Carlisle a gold charm bracelet with personalized charms: a phone charm because we met on a telephone call, a movie ticket to symbolize my work as an actor, a whisk because she enjoys cooking so much, California, Mississippi, and Texas state charms, and of course, a heart charm to remind her how I feel about her. Along with the jewelry, I included a note telling her that I was leaving plenty of room on the bracelet so that we can add more charms to it as our relationship progresses. I hope that it will soothe Carlisle’s worries and remind her that I’m planning a future with her.
CARLISLE
Ah, Ben! You’re so sweet. I’ll never take it off. I love it! Thank you!
I can’t wait to show you how much I loveit when you get back.
First the shower text and now this one. You’re killing me. I’m sitting on the plane with a boner now, babe.
But I’m glad you like it. I’ll call you when we land… or I might text depending on what time it is in LA.
CARLISLE
Sounds good. XOXO
XOXO back at you, babe.
Hearing how excited she is about the bracelet makes me want to do more for Carlisle. Pulling on my upper lip, I puzzle over what I can do from half a world away to reassure her. I could have more surprises delivered to her throughout the publicity tour. Hopefully those little treats will remind her that she’s in the forefront of my mind, even when separated by distance.
Tapping out a text to Jo, I ask her to arrange a few gifts for Carlisle over the course of the next two weeks: flowers, dinner from her favorite restaurant, and fancy chocolates. I have one other idea for something more personal. It’s cringey to ask Jo to help with this one, but I don’t have much choice.
One last favor. Where do you buy lingerie? And can you look through Carlisle’s laundry and tell me her sizes?
JOJO
I’m the wrong person to ask. All my lingerie is from Target. Ask Brooke.
It feels all kinds of wrong to agree to this, but yes, I’ll rummage through her clothes and get her sizes. I’m only doing this because you pay me.
While asking Brooke about lingerie makes sense, I’m hesitant to text my stylist. Only a select few know about Carlisle and her importance in my life. But since I don’t know the first thing about clothing, especially women’s lingerie, I don’t see another option.
Hey Brooke, quick question. Where do you suggest buying lingerie?
BROOKE
La Perla or Agent Provocateur are classics. Send me sizes and I can pull some possibilities for you. LMK if you have any specific requests too - i.e. color, style, material, etc.
God bless Brooke. She responds quickly, asks no questions, and only provides answers. Life would be so much simpler if everyone could be like Brooke.
Thanks. I’ll have Jo get in touch with you to coordinate the details.
Thumbing over to my exchange with Jo, I shoot her a text.
Jo, contact Brooke with Carlisle’s sizes for the lingerie. Just to be on the safe side, don’t tell her who the lingerie is for though.
JOJO
Obviously.
Smirking, I think of one last text to send to Jo just to toy with her.
Pick out whatever styles you think I’ll enjoy peeling off Carlisle the most.
