Page 51 of Unscripted with Mila

“Your connection is the character. You are both reacting to that. I’ve seen it before.”

“No, it’s more.”

She drained her coffee and sat forward, earnest. “You’re a grown woman and can make up your own mind, Mila. But use caution. Have you asked him about his addictions? I noticed a drink in his hand a few times. I assume, with rehab, he shouldn’t be drinking. His eyes looked red yesterday—is he using again? You need to know what you’re dealing with.” She looked sad. “I don’t want you to lose your heart to someone who can’t love you back. Addicts love themselves the most. Love their drugs or alcohol more than anyone else. I know.” She shook her head. “I went through that with my brother. He refused to admit or commit to a new life. He was in and out of rehab so often and never truly believed he had a problem. Until it killed him. I don’t want that for you.”

I stared at her. “You never told me that.”

She shrugged. “I’ve never gotten over losing him. I don’t talk about it.” She met my eyes. “Please be careful, Mila. Don’t get involved with someone who is going to drain you dry of all the good emotions and leave you with a broken heart and trust issues. Remember what I said before. He is an actor. He can make you believe what he wants you to believe. Tread carefully. Ask him outright about his addictions.” She studied me. “If you can’t, then walk away. I’ll wrap up our time here, and you can go home. Zoom with the actors if needed. Get away from him. Don’t make me regret asking you to come here.”

I saw the worry and sincerity in her eyes. I knew she was only trying to protect me. But I was convinced she was wrong about Nick. That they all were. Something in his eyes held me captive. Something told me I needed to be the one to break whatever cycle he was caught in. I didn’t want to go home. I wanted to stay here with him. I looked down at my hands. Did that make me part of his cycle? Was I lying to myself?

There was only one way to find out.

“I’ll talk to Nick tonight.”

She nodded. “Listen carefully to his words, Mila. My brother was an expert at getting me to believe his denials. There were times he got me to believe it was everyone else, not him. I loved him too much. I wish I had been harder on him. Pushed more.”

“Do you think it would have made a difference?”

“I don’t know. I think he was too far gone. His doctor told me the bottom line was, he didn’t want to change, and nothing I said or did would have made him. But I regret it some days.”

“Maybe Nick is different.”

She stood and bent to kiss my cheek. “For your sake, kiddo, I hope so. I really hope so.”

* * *

NICHOLAS

I had a headache already, and the day had barely begun. I leaned my head back on the leather and tried to shut out the annoying voice beside me. But MJ wouldn’t shut up.

“You can’t give me the silent treatment forever.”

I sighed, knowing she was right. We had a lot of shit to discuss. I opened my eyes and turned my head to look at her. She was unapologetic, haughty, and angry.

Never a good combination with MJ.

I cast a glance over her with a frown. Her hair was brassier than usual. She was wearing more makeup, and her outfit was better suited to a younger woman. She was revealing far too much chest and leg. She always used to wear suits. When did that change?

I realized she was waiting for a response, but I had no idea what her question was. I didn’t care much either.

“You had no right to tell them where I was. You know how much I hate the paps. How much they love to taunt me. Why the hell would you do that to me?”

“You need to be out there more.”

“Then hook me up with a charity or a hospital visit. Something positive,” I snapped. “Don’t fucking throw me to the wolves.”

She laughed, the sound unpleasant to my ears. When Mila laughed, it was soft and sweet. Or loud and full. Honest. It made me smile, not want to cringe and wonder where the cauldron was hidden.

“You are so overdramatic. No wonder you love acting. It’s publicity. It won’t kill you to feed them something.” She snapped her fingers. “You and Lacey should pretend to date.”

“She’s married.”

“You and Bradley, then.”

I gaped at her, and she waved her hand. “Okay, too much. I’ll find another actress who needs some PR. You two can be seen on cozy dates.” She loved to do that—feed the rumors. Get my name out there, no matter the consequences.

“No.”