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Aaron
Hearinghervoiceonthe other end of the line soothed my spirit. I have missed her so much. I just could not understand her silence. We have never gone more than a few days without calling or texting one another. I hope she didn't think I was mad at her, but I was concerned. Also, I missed her. I've thought about her all the time since Orlando. I wish she was in my bed, shower, and life. It has been torture not hearing from her.
I call Scott and give him an update. "Hey, little brother, what's up? Heard from Erica yet?"
"Yeah, we just hung up. It was as I thought."
"What did she say about the photos of her coming out of the clinic?"
"She said she had food poisoning, which was why she was at the clinic."
"I'm not sure if I buy that, Aaron. It seems too flimsy of an excuse. Food poisoning?"
"Why else would she be in the clinic?"
"If you want my opinion, there might be someone else. Maybe Erica went to the clinic to get birth control?" My heart sinks at the thought of another man in the picture. It could explain all my unanswered calls and texts over the last few weeks.
"I have known Erica my whole life; I don't think she would do that," I retort.
"You are only fake engaged. Is it such a stretch that maybe Erica found someone else? You both know this is going to end. Maybe she is preparing for the end with someone else." Scott goes silent, and I rack my brain for an answer. What if it's true, and she's found someone else?
Scott's voice is softer when he speaks again. "Listen to me. Do not lose her again. If she is seeing someone else, this premiere might be your only chance to get her back. You are going to have to pull out all the stops. Otherwise, you might lose her for good."
I don't want to believe what Scott is telling me. However, there is a good chance he is right. I can't lose her again. I missed my opportunity in high school. I want to avoid making the same mistake again. If I'm going to win her back, I need the wow factor. I'm in a position to provide that.
"You know, Scott, all this time away from her has made me realize I don't want to be without her. We are only engaged to keep her parents off her back, but I have missed her so much. If there is another guy, I'm gonna give him a run for his money. I'm going to win her back from whoever it is."
Determined, I hang up with my brother and plan a weekend she will never forget.
I make a hundred calls over the next few days. The florist, the car service, and other amenities are reserved. I called my beach house staff and told them to prepare the house for me and one guest. I order my tux for the premiere, and I call the jeweler.
***
My phone rings, and the caller ID says it's my parents.
"Hey, Mom and Dad, how are you?" I hear Scott in the background yelling congratulations.
"Is everything okay with Erica? We saw the pictures on the internet." Thank you, Scott, for keeping the drama rolling.
Exasperated, I say, "Yes, Erica is fine. She had food poisoning, so she was at the clinic."
"Oh, thank goodness. Those photos made Erica look near death. Anyway, we just called to tell you how proud we are of you, and we hope that your special night goes well. Is Erica there yet?"
"Not yet; I'll pick her up in the morning." My stomach does little flips at the mention of her.
"Okay, well, let us know when she gets there, and have a great time; you have earned it."
"Thank you. Talk to you soon. Love you." I end the call and shake my head at Scott's interference. I know they never would have seen those photos if it weren't for him. Sometimes he can be a dick.
***
I wake up energized. I have lots to do before tomorrow. I look at my checklist. Yes, I'm a checklist guy. It's a requirement in my job.
I stop by the studio and review the movie's final cut again. This night is so crucial to the next steps of my career. I have several big-name offers on my desk for the next movie project, and how this film is received will determine the next phase. I made a few more tweaks and sent it back for editing. That should do it. I leave the studio, my hands sweaty, as I just approved a movie that will change everything for me — for better or worse.
The next stop is the florist to confirm delivery to my house later. I stop by my beach house to make sure everything looks perfect. On my way home, I picked up the gift-wrapped box. Everything is in order. Once the flowers arrive, I can get ready for the evening.
Movie premieres are a massive deal in Hollywood, not just for the actors and actresses but also for the production crew and directors. We have reservations at Nobu for the staff to celebrate without the cast. It's their time to toot their own horn in the public eye or have the producers and directors do it for them. It's only fitting that we get to celebrate behind the scenes.
