Page 34 of Amore
“Just like old times.” She beamed.
Once the pizza was delivered, we grabbed red wine and sat on the couch in front of the TV.
“Tell me about the movie you’re going to be filming in Canada.” I stuck a bite of pineapple into my mouth.
“Well”—she smiled widely—“it’s a Christmas movie that should release this holiday season.”
“You’re filming a Christmas movie in the summer?”
“Yeah. They use fake snow and all that.”
“What is it about?”
Frankie shrugged. “You know, girl meets a boy in a small town, Christmas magic happens, and they fall in love.” She took a bite of her pizza.
“Your dream role.” I winked.
“My dream would be to film a rom-com with Zac Efron.”
“Not Nick Jennings?” Her boyfriend was a heartthrob or some shit.
“Been there. Done that.”
“In more ways than one.”
“Are you jealous, Lucas Davenport?” she sneered playfully.
“Not at all.” I shook my head. “I don’t see him sitting on this couch.”
“Touché.”
“But in all seriousness, I’m glad you’re finally getting a Christmas role.”
“Me too.” She took a sip of wine. “How about we plan to watch it together when it comes on TV like we used to do?”
“It’s a date.”
“And I won’t be mad if you fall asleep like you used to do.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it since you’ll be the star.”
* * *
4 a.m. came early.
I was used to getting up before the sun, but this time, I wanted to stay asleep and spend the day with Frankie again. Even though we had spent the last two days doing shit to keep her safe, I was enjoying being with her again. It was as though we had never spent nine years apart.
Amore was waiting for me as I exited the bathroom. Squatting, I scratched his neck. “Do you need to go outside?”
“Woof!”
“Shh, you’re going to wake her, buddy.”
He followed me to the living room, and while I grabbed my things, I let him out to the backyard to do his business. I had made an iced coffee the night before and grabbed it from the fridge to take with me. Since Frankie had no food besides coffee, wine, basic condiments, and yogurt in her fridge, I snagged a strawberry yogurt and ate it while I waited for Amore.
Once I was done, I let Amore in, ensured the backdoor was locked and grabbed my bag. It felt weird leaving Frankie sleeping and not knowing when I would see her again. We had no plans except for the movie premiere on TV that wouldn’t be for several months. I didn’t want to wait that long to see her, but I also needed to smooth things out with Candace and assure her nothing was going on between Frankie and me.
“All right, Amore. Be a good boy, okay? Keep your mommy safe.”
