“You're wrong. I know how much you love me, because I love you just the same, and I always will.”
I get it now. I get why life and love go hand in hand. People come and go. Things change. The world moves around you like you're a spindle. But true love, a love like ours, it comes once in a lifetime.
My parents weren't in love. They didn't share what we share, and I spent far too many years worrying about becoming them. Doug and I will never be them. It isn't possible.
Because we were never them to begin with.
11
Douglas
“All right, I think we're all set for today.” I stand up from my chair and fix the papers that are laid out in front of me. I shake Mr. Thompson's hand, and his partner Gianna's.
Work has been amazing. Since doing Eileen's movie, the phone never stops ringing. We're working on her second movie now, and Lyllian is still thriving as her production assistant.
Jim pops his head in the door after our new clients leave. “Hey, Eileen and Lyl are here to talk about the final details for her movie. You want me to do this one or you got it?”
“No, I got it.”
“Good, because Neil called, and they're having an issue with the electric on the set. I'm going to go check it out.”
“Sounds good. Let me know how you make out. I know an electrician we can call if you can't figure it out.”
“No problem. I'll send Eileen and Lyl up.” He slaps the door and walks off.
I smile to myself, my stomach turning with a hint of excitement. After clearing off the table, I pull out Eileen's papers for her movie and set them in front of me. My eyes keep glancing at the door in anticipation.
“Knock knock,” Eileen strums her knuckles against the open door.
I give her a big smile. “Hey, come on in.”
Lyllian walks in a few seconds behind her and winks at me. “Hey, you, how's your day going?” she asks.
“It's been good, but better now that I get a chance to see you.” I walk around the table and meet her halfway with a little kiss on the cheek.
Eileen giggles as she drops into one of the chairs and twists the swivel chair side to side. “I need to make my next movie about you two. I swear, if only everyone could have a love story like you guys.”
I grin as I look into Lyl's eyes. “You'd have a hard time writing ours, because our love story is just beginning.”
“Just beginning? You two have been together for how long now?”
“A year officially,” I answer. “But I feel like we've been together our whole lives.”
“Right, me too,” Lyllian says. She presses up on the tips of her toes and kisses me on the lips. “I mean, we have spent a lifetime together already.”
“God, you are two cute.” Eileen leans back in her chair and spins to face the table. “All right, I hate to cut into the cuteness, but we have some final details to get in order. Lyl?”
“Yeah?”
“Can you take out portfolio two and open it up to the rain scene.”
“Sure can.” Lyllian lets her fingers linger on my arm for a second as she walks to the table.
I bite my lip, watching her ass as it sways with each step. Lyl is wearing a tight black pencil skirt with bright red heels. Her blouse is a silky cream color, and she left the top two buttons open.
“Here you go.” Lyllian slides the papers over as she takes her seat next to Eileen. She crosses her legs, drawing my eyes down. Her legs glisten under the lights, and all I can think about is running my tongue from her ankle to the crease of her hip and everywhere in between.
“Doug,” Eileen says as she looks over her shoulder. “You joining us?”
“Absolutely.” I take the seat across from the ladies and rest my hands in front of me on the table. “All right, you tell me what you need us to do, and we'll do it.”
“Now that's what I like to hear from my men,” Eileen says, flashing a big smile. “You know the right things to say. I should have brought my husband today, too.” She chuckles and glances over at Lyllian. “Don't lose this one, he's a keeper.”
Lyllian smiles bashfully, her eyes freezing on mine. “I know he is.”
“Okay, now let's get down to business.”
We spend the next hour going over all the small details Eileen wants us to pay attention to for the set of her next movie. She has a particular vision, and my job is to make it come to life.
I take notes as she talks, but my eyes keep moving to Lyl. I love this girl so damn much and I'm more than ready to show her how much she means to me. I've run out of words to express what I feel inside.