“November, and then we’ll be taking a break to promote the release before shooting restarts again next May.”
“So, it’s definitely going ahead?” I try to mask my distress, but his smile fades, confirming I’m hiding nothing.
He rubs circles on the back of my hand with his thumb. “The second movie definitely is. While I’ll sign a new contract, which includes both films, there is an opt-out clause with part payment if the first movie doesn’t perform as expected at the box office.”
“And when would the third film begin production?”
“Provisionally November of next year with a break for promotion of the second film, and then it will resume in April of the following year.”
That would be the end of the spring semester of our sophomore year. Between promotion and filming, Reeve is going to be extremely busy in the next two years. “What about UCLA?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.
“Babe.” He pulls me over onto his lap, snaking his arms around me. “I’m not going to UCLA.” He tilts my chin up with his finger. His features soften when he spots the upset on my face. “I know we had it planned, and I hate that I’m disappointing you, but this opportunity is too big to turn down. We both knew this was a possibility. Please say you understand?” he pleads.
My chest heaves as I struggle to phrase this in a way that doesn’t come across as selfish. “I know it’s a massive opportunity for you, Reeve, and I am proud of you. You clearly impressed them, not that it’s a surprise. You’re destined for greatness. I still stand by that, but I can’t help feeling disappointed because thinking about college was basically the only thing that got me through these past three months.” I hook my arms around his neck. “You’ve already missed out on so much, and now you’re going to be gone for the next two years, and I’m scared.” Tears cloud my eyes, but I don’t disguise them. I want him to see how difficult this is for me. “I’m scared what this means for us. We will barely see one another.”
Taking my wrist, he presses a soft kiss on my delicate flesh. “Do you love me, Viv?”
My brow puckers. “What kind of stupid question is that? Of course, I love you!”
“And I love you.” He laces our fingers together. “I know it’s been rough, but we’ll get better at it. It’s been a big adjustment is all. Besides, you’ll probably be having too much fun to miss me.”
“Like you?” I snap, as my emotions get the better of me.
A muscle clenches in his jaw, and he drops my hand. “Don’t be mean, Viv. You know I missed you like fucking crazy. If you think I’m out partying every night and hardly thinking about you, you are sorely mistaken. It’s a lot of hard work. I’m up at six every day, and I fall into bed exhausted at midnight. The schedule is punishing, and we had little downtime. It’s not as glamorous as it might seem.”
I slide off his lap and sit beside him, worrying my lip between my teeth. Bile fills my mouth as I prepare to speak my mind. I don’t want to even think about this, let alone put a voice to it, but it needs to be said. “Would it be easier if we weren’t together?” Swallowing over the painful lump in my throat, I peer deep into his baby blues. “Is Bianca right? Are Audrey and Alex? Should I let you go so you can focus on your career?”
“No, Viv. Jesus, no.” He lies down, tugging me on top of him. “That is the last thing I want.” Clasping my nape, he pulls my face to his. “I can’t do this without you,” he whispers, brushing his lips across mine. “I don’t want to be without you. I know it will be hard, but not having you in my life would be infinitely harder.” Tears swim in his eyes. “I hate that you think I’d want that. You’re the love of my life, Viv. You’re my soul mate and the only woman I want by my side until the day I die. That hasn’t changed, and it’s never going to.” Banding his arms around me, he rests my head on his hot, bare chest. “Please don’t leave me,” he whispers. “You’re the one true constant in my life. The only one who fully understands me. The only one who loves me unconditionally. I can’t lose you, Viv. I couldn’t exist without you.”
I lift my head, brushing his tears away. “You’re all that for me too, Reeve, but I need you to promise me something.”
“Anything, babe.” He traces his fingers up and down my spine.
“If that changes, I need you to be honest with me.”
“Always, Viv, but I know my heart, and nothing will change.”
I place my hands on his chest, looking him straight in the eye. “This is going to be a true test of our love, Reeve, and let’s not pretend like the last three months have been smooth sailing. We both know it’s been anything but. We won’t survive unless there is total transparency between us, especially if I have to pretend I’m not your girlfriend.” I almost choke on the words. “I don’t like it, and I still think you should stand your ground, but it’s your career, your decision, and I’ll do my best to support you, but you need to be truthful with me.”
“I will. I promise.” He kisses me softly. “It’s going to be okay, Viv.”
I wish I shared his optimism.
The rest of the summer passes in blissful peace, and it’s just like old times. We spend most days at the beach or hanging out by the pool. At night, we go to the movies or head out for dinner, and there are always several parties to attend. Some paparazzi show up, on occasion, but, for the most part, they seem to have forgotten about Reeve for now. I know it won’t last. I know as soon as the promo starts, things are going to ramp up overnight, but I’m trying not to think about it. To just enjoy being with Reeve and our friends. We have slotted seamlessly back into our easygoing relationship, as if the pain of our separation was a figment of our imaginations.
In the end, Audrey and I decide to take a dorm on campus, and I’m grateful I’ll get to share the college experience with my bestie. It helps to soften the blow of Reeve’s absence.
Most of the undergraduate dorms are in the northwest part of UCLA, called the Hill, and we manage to secure a two-bedroom suite with a private bathroom and living space. It’s not huge, by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s got everything we need. Reeve and Alex came shopping with us, and we picked up lots of things that will help to make the space homey. Reeve will be gone filming reshoots—starting from next Monday—but he’ll be back in time to help us move into our dorm in three weeks.
The guys surprised us this week with a mini vacay to Laguna Beach, renting a fabulous five-bedroom house that is right on the beach. The four of us arrived four days ago, and we’ve spent our days exploring the different beaches, coves, and tidal pools and filling our days with sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. At night, we’ve dined out and returned to our place to enjoy some drinks on the gorgeous deck facing the beach, sipping cocktails under the stars while the gentle ebb and flow of the ocean provides a soothing backdrop to our conversation. It’s hella romantic and just what the doctor ordered.
Reeve and I have taken midnight walks on the gorgeous sandy shore each night, holding hands and stealing kisses, and it’s exactly what we need to remind us of what we have before we are forced to go our separate ways again.