Delaney Rae Cole!
Nick’s staring at me, his eyes narrowed in amusement, while the tiny devil on one shoulder and the tiny angel on the other bicker like they’re in a school yard – they’re even sticking their tongues out at each other.
And then I remember what he told me about his family – his parents in particular. That was two courses ago, but I keep coming back to it.
‘Penny for your thoughts,’ he says.
‘That’s not much – inflation’s a bitch – it’d be more like a dollar.’
‘Or a pound.’
I hold my hand out and he pats down his pants as if he’s looking for his wallet. ‘Dork,’ I say again.
‘I’m going to get a complex.’
‘Sorry.’
I hold his gaze,reallywanting to learn more about his family. I can’t imagine that kind of pressure.
‘Just say it,’ he says. ‘Or ask – whichever.’
‘I feel bad for you.’
He winces and looks away.
‘No, not like that – notpity,’ I add quickly. ‘But I hate that your parents don’t see what I do.’
‘Which is?’ he asks, his eyes darting to meet mine.
On the surface, it’s a simple question, but off the back of three intense days together, it should come with a warning label.
Caution: Nice, hot, creative guy fishing for compliments.
Maybe I shouldn’t have led us down this path. But we’re here now, so…
‘Well, you’re obviously successful.’
He scoffs. ‘Not in their eyes,’ he says.
‘That’s all I meant. I know how hard it is to work your way up in this business – and you’re not just a “stunt guy” – you’re in charge. You’re working with the director, you’re designing the stunts, you’re coordinating entire teams. And your colleagues trust you to keep them safe – you are literally saving lives.’
‘I never thought of it like that. Could you please tell my mum and dad?’
‘Happily,’ I reply. ‘And, not satisfied with killing it in the stunt world, you’re a really good writer, Nick. And they’ll get that – once we make this movie and they’re invited to the premiere and we get your dad a new tux and your mom a stylist. We’ll roll out the red carpet for them – literally – then they’llhaveto be proud of you.’
‘I thought you said “no promises”,’ he teases, the twinkle in his eyes restored.
‘That was before I knew we had to impress Mom and Pop James.’
‘Hah!’ he laughs again, the tautness along his jawline giving way to a smile. ‘Thanks, Delaney. That means a lot.’
I shrug it off. ‘Just doing my job.’
‘What, talking a screenwriter out of his self-imposed gloominess?’
‘Oh, you have no idea the shit I’ve had to do to grease the wheels of progress. But that’s a story for another time,’ I say, stifling a yawn. ‘Sorry.’
‘It’s okay. Should we head off?’ he asks, checking his watch.