He ate his, murmuring his agreement, followed by a sip of the prosecco.
The primo course arrived, burrata with roasted grapes that went well with the rest of their prosecco. While they ate, they chatted about the plan for Ollie. Jason had already sent a text to his ASL coach in L.A. He hadn’t heard back from Mary yet, but he felt sure he would.
“Mary’s the best. Very patient, which was a blessing,” Jason said. “Did you have to take ASL for your studies?”
“Yes, it was required, but just the basics, I loved it though—had a knack for it, so I kept learning after school. I’ve not had many chances to use it because most of my patients have normal hearing. But it’s been helpful with Ollie. His mother and father started with basic signs when he was a baby—before they knew about his CAS diagnosis.”
“It must be hard for them,” Jason said.
“They’ll never give up on him, and neither will I.” She tilted her head, watching him, marveling at the generosity of a man who had no real ties with this family. He hadn’t needed to offer his help, but he did anyway. That was the man he was. “There’s something so sweet about Ollie. Like you.”
“Like me?” Jason’s eyebrows raised. “You think I’m sweet?”
“Aren’t you?”
“I have a reputation.”
“As a player? Right?” Mauve asked, keeping her tone light.
“It’s mostly just a reputation. But I’ve dated a few actresses and models. Nothing serious.”
“Why, do you think?”
This was a subject they’d not broached when they were in L.A. together, even though she was curious to know more than what she’d read in gossip rags.
Jason took another sip of his prosecco before answering. “I’m not the type to settle down.”
That hurt.
“Why?” Mauve asked.
“I’m sure you can guess the outcome of most marriages in Hollywood.”
“Yes, but is that all it is? You think a marriage would end in divorce? Just because of your profession?”
“Yes, that. There are other reasons too,” Jason said.
“Like what?”
“I was raised by a single mother. Our dad just took off, leaving her with twin boys. I saw how much she struggled, even though she never complained. I don’t want to do that to a woman or a child.”
“You think you’re like him?”
He shrugged, looking out the window. “Maybe. I’ve never wanted to risk hurting anyone, so I keep things casual.”
“Like us?” She swallowed the lump in her throat. This conversation was not supposed to be happening. They were supposed to be having fun.
He picked up his fork, then set it down again. “It’s what we agreed on.”
“Yes.”
“Are you having second thoughts?” Jason asked.
“Not about our agreement. But about what happens after.”
He sighed, reaching across the table for her hand. “Being with you isn’t like anything I’ve ever felt before. Yes, you’re fun, but, let’s face it, there’s more here between us. At least it is for me. And, the truth is, we’ve been texting and talking a lot. I don’t do that. Not with anyone else, past or present.”
“Oh.”
