And it’s worth it, when we stop in front of the store. When his face twists with shock. When we step inside, and I reach up, taking the glasses from his face and pocketing them.
“We’re going to find you frames that fit,” I tell him.
And he laughs, disbelieving, as we look at a variety of frames. Different colors and shapes and sizes.
“I never would have done this on my own,” he says as one of the employees goes to the back to find the exact ones he likes. “Thank you.”
And I smile, taking his hand in mine. Something soft and tender builds in my chest when the employee returns with frames that look identical to the ones Jacob always wears. Except this time, when he puts them on, they don’t pinch at his ears or nose.
They’re new, but exactly who he is.
He grumbles when I pull out my credit card faster than him. “They’re my gift,” I say. “I want to do this.”
His eyes narrow playfully. “Count your days,” he says. “I’m going to find a way to get my revenge.”
But when we get home, I catch him looking in the mirror, adjusting his glasses, his expression open and pleased. “I really like them,” he says when he notices me watching.
I swallow, that same tender, vulnerable sensation forming in my chest. “Good,” I say. “I’m so glad.”
We settle on the couch, eating dinner and watching another episode ofLove in the Sun. Jacob’s hooked now, wanting behind-the-scenes information, now understanding the work that goes on beyond the story on-screen. He knows which contestants I produced this season, and sometimes he pauses, asking me what questions I asked to elicit a particular response from them.
I don’t think I’ve ever dated anyone who’s been this interested in my work, and I tell him so.
“You enjoy it,” he says simply. “And it’s interesting. What you do.” He waves at the screen. “You’re telling a story here. You’re not on-screen, but you’re making these things happen. You’re bringing these people together.”
He smiles then, wide and certain. “I can’t wait to see what you do with the new show.”
“Thanks,” I say. “I hope it’ll work.”
“It’ll work.” He stretches his legs out, bringing an arm around me, pulling me close, and I settle against him.
Because he’s seen me, he knows me, and it feels hard to believe, but it doesn’t look like he wants to run.
27
Maggie has texted me occasionally over the past week, pictures of her and my father on a hike and at dinner, a selfie of the two of them on the car ride home. Jacob’s received the same ones, our phones often chirping at the same time.
They’re back in the city now. We gave them a few days to settle in, and I used that time to prepare. I have my interview questions typed and printed, and I picked up a cheap phone tripod from a store down the street, so I’m all set for tonight’s dinner at Maggie’s house. Jacob and I decide to stagger our entrances, so I arrive a few minutes after him, waiting a couple seconds before knocking.
My father opens the door, blinking under the porch light.
“Neelu!” He steps forward as if he’s going in for a hug, but he stops when he catches sight of the tripod I’m carrying under one arm. “Can I?” he asks, and takes it from me.
“Thanks,” I say.
“Thank you for coming,” he says. “How’s the research going?”
“For the show?” I shrug off my coat, placing it on a hook in thehall. “Good. It’s all going well.” I didn’t exactly extend my time here forresearch,but that is the reason I gave my father. And the time here has been helpful, inspiring. It’s been a lot more fun doing the prep for next season here, with Jacob, instead of back in L.A. in my apartment alone.
“Neelu’s here?” Maggie’s voice calls.
“Yes. Hi, Maggie.”
She comes out of the next room, her features warm. She greets me with her arms outstretched. “So happy to welcome you home,” she says.
I don’t mention that I’ve been here before, when Jacob and my father and I were looking for her.
“Jacob’s here,” she says. “He’s just putting something in the oven. I think it’ll take a little bit, so…” She sweeps a hand over her short gray curls, tucking one behind her ear. “Food first, or do you want to do the interviews first? Is there anything we need to know about it? Or anything we need to prepare?”
