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Spencer nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. “You make a valid point.”
“Thank you for understanding,” I said, squeezing his hand.
He looked down at our entwined fingers, a fire in his eyes. “Just promise me one thing - if things ever get to be too much for you to handle, you’ll come to me.”
“Agreed,” I replied after a moment of consideration. “If the situation reaches the point where I would need help, I’ll come to you first.”
Spencer leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to my cheek. “Perfect.”
I looked up into his eyes, feeling a flutter in my stomach as he gazed back at me with an intensity that took my breath away.
“You know,” I whispered, “I’m lucky to have you.”
He grinned, that devilish twinkle back in his eyes. “No, my dear, I’m the lucky one.”
We both chuckled, the tension from earlier dissipating as we wrapped our arms around each other and shared a comfortable silence. I knew we would face challenges in the future, but with Spencer by my side, I felt like I could take on anything the world threw our way.
THIRTY-THREE
SPENCER
“This week has already soldout, and next week is hot on its heels,” Stan informed me with a broad grin as the waiter took our lunch order.
“That’s bloody marvelous, mate. I hope the board isn’t too concerned about the recent press,” I said with a cheeky grin.
“Well, they weren’t exactly jumping for joy,” Stan chuckled. “But I assured them that the thing between you and London did not affect casting decisions, and that the choice for her in the lead wasn’t solely yours.”
“Thanks, I suppose,” I replied with a smirk. “But I’m not sure that was much of a comfort.”
“I know you well enough, you wouldn’t let your...er...bits make any important decisions,” Stan quipped.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, old chum,” I laughed.
“So, how are things going with London?” Stan asked once the waiter had brought our food and left us to our conversation.
I leaned back in my seat and let out a sigh. “There’s been a bit of gossip floating around at work.”
“Behind your backs or to your faces?” Stan asked, his eyebrows raised.
“A bit of both, I’m afraid,” I shrugged. “But London asked me not to do anything about it.”
“That’s a tightrope to walk,” Stan said, nodding.
“And the worst part is,” I added, “I can’t even regret it because I would go through worse to have her.”
“She’s getting rave reviews,” Stan said with a grin. “People love her, critics and theatergoers alike. And if she can survive turning down Russ Hayworth, she’ll have no trouble weathering this.”
“I’ve been avoiding reviews like the plague,” I admitted. “I can handle the bad ones, but I’m not sure I can handle my personal life being dragged into the production commentary.”
“Honestly, there has been little since the two of you answered questions outside that restaurant,” Stan said with a reassuring nod. “Don’t worry about her career. She’s got this.”
Stan’s words were a much-needed shot of confidence, and I felt my anxiety ease. He was right. I had to believe in London, and it was good news that they have written little about the incident since.
The West End might’ve been England’s equivalent to Broadway, but American and English cultures were two different things, no matter what. Stan knew how the New York theater scene worked far better than I did. I could trust him.
Now I could stop worrying about London and focus on something special for Valentine’s Day. I knew of romantic places in the city, but I didn’t want to take her just to any old random place. I wanted to do something that she would know was just for her. Since I already had plans to meet with Carson a little later today, I intended to ask him for some help in the matter.
With a farewell nod to Stan, I set off toward Carson’s studio. It was only a short walk from the restaurant, and as I made my way, my mind was filled with thoughts of London.
