Page 77 of Take It Till You Make It
Giving in, I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my head more comfortably against his chest. “Forgive me while I remain confused as to why. I still think you can do way better than me.”
Sally scoffs like I just threw paint on the Mona Lisa. “Never! The opposite, actually.”
I smile at her. “I thought you liked this big oaf.”
“I do. He’s a lovely person.”
“Thank you, Sally.” Crispin looks honestly appreciative.
“But you’re a warrior goddess with a wicked sense of humor. It’s no wonder he’s in awe of you.”
“He’s not in awe of me, Sal.”
“He is,” Crispin says against the crown of my head. “He really is.”
It sends shivers down my spine.
“That’s the wrong sister, Jeff.” Chandra steps up next to us. “It’s honestly a little creepy.”
Crispin laughs.
I shake my head, extricating myself from his embrace. “I don’t think you should laugh. I’m a little worried that people will truly think you’ve fallen for someone too young. I mean, technically, you have. I’m underage.”
“For two more days.” Crispin’s gaze is intense again, and suddenly I realize he’s been holding off because of my age.
Somehow, that means even more to me. It’s like he’s telling me he’s serious about a relationship with me, without saying it aloud. If he started dating me when I was underage, the press would go wild. My eyes grow huge. “Oh my gosh. We’re going on our “first” date on Wednesday, aren’t we?” I use my fingers to indicate air quotes around the word first.
Crispin bobs his head and looks sheepish. “As far as anyone else is concerned. Yes.”
“It’s going to be public?”
“Only if you’re comfortable with that.”
Chandra is watching our exchange with interest. “Are you two actually dating?”
“No,” I say.
As Crispin answers, “Yes.”
I wrinkle my nose. “It’s going to take me a minute to recategorize those outings as dates.”
“That’s so sweet.” Chandra grabs both our hands and squeezes. “I love the idea of the two of you together. Ari, you don’t fall for his charm and are strong enough to call him on his crap. But also, you are in a vulnerable place, and who better to help you through it than a generous and thoughtful young man? Really, this is good for the both of you. Congratulations.”
Crispin looks around at all of us. “What crap?”
Hank calls us to our places, so Crispin doesn’t get his answer.
Everybody is in this scene. I follow Sally and Chandra to our spots next to the grave. Crispin and Trent stand just behind us. At this point in the movie, Chandra’s character has just started seeing Trent’s character, which is one of the major contributors to the drama between my mom and sister. My sister doesn’t like that Mom is dating her boyfriend’s dad.
“Okay, everybody, we’re shooting two separate takes of this scene because we don’t know which take will fill the tension better.” Hank settles behind his view screen and gives some instruction to shift people around, though the main players stay where they were originally placed.
I only stand in this scene and maybe sniffle or cry. I don’t have any lines in either version of the scene, so my mind keeps circling around Crispin’s behavior today and the revelation that he’s been waiting for me to turn eighteen. The thought fills me with a strange giddiness. Knowing he likes me enough to wait for me is a big deal. I want to turn around and grin at him as the idea fills me with joy and confidence.
“Stella, stop smiling. You’re sad about your aunt, even if you are bored. Yeah, why don’t you act bored?” Hank says.
I stare at him like I just came up for air. Was I really smiling? Whoops. “Got it. Bored.”
“Christa, I need you to give your mom the side-eye when the minister says “…wonderful sister, aunt…” so that camera two can cut to your expression.”
