Page 102 of This Changes Everything

“It’s complicated, but I like the company I work for, which is a first. Ken is amazing, even though I’m not technically a producer yet. But that’s okay.” It wasn’t okay.

“You are a producer. Maybe you don’t have the title, but that’s what you are. And you’re a writer. You think I’m not with you when you wake up in the night because you need to write or you won’t be able to sleep? I’m with you, Cains. I know you’ve been through a lot to get to where you are—”

“No, you don’t, Rore. You don’t know.” I started to tear up.

Keep it together. Why am I about to cry?

“But I’m okay, okay? I am. Craig Sinicki and his stupid games are nothing. I’ve had worse.”

Rory chewed on his lip, thinking. He slowly put his hand in my lap, holding mine. “Ellie, you saying that you’ve had worse is like a nightmare for me because I don’t know the bar that’s been set . . . You’ve said that before, and I don’t know what it means.” His face was washed with worry. “I want to know everything, including the long, hard road. You could describe what your shit looks like at this point. I’m not going anywhere.”

I laughed softly as a tear slipped down my face, surprising me. I palmed it away. “Okay, well, I won’t do that.” Rory gave me a soft kiss. My chest heaved as I breathed in as much air as humanly possible. “I’ve got this. I’ve got really thick skin—like, I’m basically all rock. I’ve had to learn how to be pretty tough. I can handle it.” I nodded confidently.

“I know you can. But I’m gonna be here for you anyway.” He brushed his thumb along my cheek. “You don’t feel like a rock.”

“Well,” I said, smiling softly, “that’s because with you, I’m an ostrich.”

“No, you’re not. California condor, all the way. Mate for life, baby.” Rory smiled, then gave me another kiss.

“Hold up.” Craig spun around in his seat, and a wave of recognition fell across his face. “Are you Rory Campbell?”

Rory’s smile subsided and was replaced with a sigh. “Yeah, I am.”

“That’s awesome, dude!” Craig slapped his knee.

“Oh shit. The golfer?” Craig’s friend perked up.

Craig stood and turned to the two people who were sitting next to Rory and me. “Do you mind switching with us so we can come up and sit with our friends? Better seats?”

My mind went blank. My breath shortened, my skin tingled, and I was chilled even though I had started sweating. “Oh . . . umm.” I was about to stammer through a response, but Rory beat me to it.

“No, let’s leave it as is. It’s just us tonight. I’m sure you get it.” Rory placed his hand firmly on my outer thigh so his arm draped over the front of my body like a seat belt protecting me. He was subtly putting himself between me and Craig.

“Oh, yeah. For sure. Maybe we could grab a drink after?” Craig sat back down.

“Not tonight. Enjoy the show.” Rory gave them his million-dollar dimpled smile, not moving a muscle.

“Alright. El, you coming in on Monday?” Craig asked his last question.

“Yup.” My voice was clipped.

Rory held the side of my thigh tighter, securing me in place and reminding me he was there.

“I’ll see you then.” Craig turned back around and bent down to finally settle in and start pouring their drinks.

Rory and I sat in silence for a moment before I kissed his shoulder, which was still in front of me. Rory didn’t let me go for the entire concert, whether we were sitting, standing, or dancing.

Later that night, when Rory and I were in bed, I draped my leg over his and cuddled into him. I kissed his chest and pressed my hand over his heart to feel it pumping. It was my favorite thing to do while he was sleeping, but tonight he wasn’t. He hummed peacefully with his eyes closed. I took a deep breath.

“I once had a boss . . .”

Okay. Here we go.

Four. Three. Two . . .

“ . . . make me watch porn with him.”

Rory stilled and opened his eyes. His heart began hammering under my hand. “What?” he asked quietly.