Page 106 of Forget It

Me

I think that’s worse

“Are you upset?” Jackson asks, tugging my foot gently. “I’m sorry, I thought I was helping.”

I laugh as he wiggles my socks off. “Am I upset that you just funded an indie short film with the click of a button?”

He looks unsure until I tug him closer by the arm so he’s hovering over me.

“Thank you,” I tell him. “I love that you did it.” I press a kiss to his lips, my hands exploring the warm skin under his shirt.

“You do?” he murmurs against my mouth.

“So much.” I nod as I pull at his waistband.

“If there’s anything else you need funded, just say the word.” He presses a featherlight kiss to my jaw.

“As a patron, of course,” I tease.

“Of course,” he says as he tilts my head back, and I show him just how grateful I am.

39

JACKSON

Last New Year’s Eve,I was in New York with a bunch of people I only see at parties, and we stayed up until dawn drinking champagne and vodka.

This year, I welcomed the New Year curled up with Rosie as we drank a glass of sparkling apple juice and watched the fireworks on the TV, before falling asleep before one am.

It’s crazy how quickly life can change, how quickly priorities change.

Before I leave for my first day back on set, I creep back into the bedroom fully dressed and sit on the side of the bed gently.

Rosie stirs, a small tired noise escaping as she turns towards me.

I lean down and press a kiss to her warm cheek, wishing I could climb back in with her.

“What time is it?” she asks groggily, peeling her eyes open.

I rest my hand on her belly, where my t-shirt she’s taken to wearing to bed has risen up in her sleep. I press a gentle kiss to the swell where my daughter is sleeping.

The last thing I want to do is leave my girls for two weeks, to not be able to fall asleep every night cradling the things that are most precious to me. I should be here with her, not stepping out into the cool winter night and driving away for weeks.

But no, I’ve made a commitment to the job. I have to see it through. One last push before it’s wrapped.

“It’s early,” I whisper. “Go back to sleep.” I brush a strand of hair that’s fallen over her face back behind her ear.

“Be careful,” Rosie says, clasping my hand and pressing a kiss to the palm.

“Always,” I promise before leaning towards her and catching her soft lips in mine.

“I love you.”

“I love you too, pretty girl. I’ll be back in two weeks.”

A few months ago, I’d only see her a few times a week and before that, a few times a year if I was lucky. But as I leave our home, I don’t know how I’m going to cope not seeing her for fourteen days.

The drive to set is a couple hours, so I spend the time reading the script and getting prepared for the stunts. It’s the biggest one of the movie, which is why it’s expected to take two weeks to film.