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“A lot of fun, actually. They were both really nice.”
“That’s great.”
As we returned to the kitchen, I asked, “For future reference, when do I know it’s okay to ask a professional photographer if I can post their photos?”
“You can always ask. The worst they can do is say no, but most won’t because as a star on the rise, you’re offering them great exposure. I basically just invited that guy to ride your coattails to fame and fortune.”
“Thanks for the information. I feel so clueless half the time.”
Phoenix flashed me a smile. “That’s why I’m here, to help you navigate your new-found celebrity status.”
I couldn’t even begin to think of myself as a celebrity. As I refilled our coffee mugs, I asked, “What happened to Riley and Lorenzo?”
“Riley’s out with a few guys from the crew, and Lorenzo is upstairs. I think he’s sulking.”
“Why would he be sulking?”
He broke eye contact and said, “I don’t know.”
“You obviously have some theories, though.”
“Yeah, but this is none of my business.”
“Please, Phoenix? Tell me what you think is going on. You know what I just said about being clueless and needing your help? That’s doubly true here. I don’t have much experience when it comes to relationships.”
He glanced at me, and after a pause he said, “Lorenzo probably thinks he’s watching you outgrow him. Each of your successes, like that high-profile interview, must feel like another nail in the coffin of your relationship to him.”
“Why would I outgrow him? I’m the same person I’ve always been.”
“No, you’re not. In the last few days, you’ve become a successful actor on the brink of international stardom.”
I insisted, “That doesn’t change who I am.”
“It does to everyone around you.”
“Why?”
“Because of the way our society puts celebrities on a pedestal. Yesterday, you were just some guy from rural Louisiana. Today, you’re a star. Everyone’s going to start treating you differently and acting like you’re something special. The question is whether you’ll let it go to your head.”
“No. Definitely not.”
A sad smile curved his lips. “Everyone on the brink of stardom says that, Will. Absolutely everyone. They swear fame won’t change them, and they won’t start believing they’re better than the rest of us. But they’re always wrong.”
“I don’t accept that. I refuse to let this career turn me into someone else, and it’ll never, ever change the way I feel about Lorenzo.”
“I’m not the one who needs to hear that.”
He had a point. I gave him a hug and said, “Thanks, Phoenix.”
“For what?”
“For listening. You know, you’re much more than just the best assistant of all time. You’re also a great friend.” He was grinning as I left the kitchen.
When I got upstairs, I was surprised to find Lorenzo gathering his possessions. His backpack was lined up beside the door with some of the stuff he’d bought over the last few days, and I asked, “Are you going somewhere?”
“Yeah, I thought I’d go back to Catalina for a while. I have some things to figure out.” He wasn’t looking at me.
I crossed the room to him. He’d been collecting his books, and I took them from his hands and put them on the couch. Then I said, “I’m never going to outgrow you, Lorenzo.”
“What?”
“I know the last couple of weeks have been insane. Everything happened so fast, and I’m still trying to make sense of it all. I’m talking about my career here, not you and me.” He finally met my gaze, and I said, “I don’t need to make sense of us, because I’ve always known how I felt about you. That New Year’s kiss wasn’t random. I’ve been attracted to you since the day we met, and then it turned into so much more as we got to know each other. Before I knew it, you’d become the center of my universe.”
“Well, your universe has gotten a lot bigger over the last few days, so—”
“That doesn’t matter. It can expand infinitely in all directions, but it’ll always have the same bright, shining center. That’s you, Lorie.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m trying to tell you I love you. That’s not new, in case you’re wondering, but I used to think it was something I should keep to myself. At first, that was because you were in mourning. Then it was because we’d become such close friends. I knew you didn’t feel the same way I did, so I figured this one-sided declaration would probably ruin everything. But I can’t keep pretending we’re just friends with benefits. We’ve never been that, not as far as I’m concerned. This whole time, you’ve been what I love, need, and want most in this world. I know you aren’t ready for a relationship, and I respect that. I really do. I still just need to put this out there, not to pressure you, but to let you know where I stand, so—”
