“I can’t do this today, Virgil, I need?—”
“You’ve caused quite the commotion, haven’t you? I knew you would. Although, I didn’t think Levi would be so affected by you.”
“Affected… by me?”
“Yes, you’ve cast a spell.” Virgil nodded. “But are you a good witch? Or a bad witch?”
“I think, technically, I’d be a wizard…”
“Virgil, who are you talking to—Oh.” Jolene stopped herself, mid-sentence, as her eyes met mine. “Well, if it isn’t the rising superstar himself.”
“Hey, Jolene.” I waved awkwardly. “How have you been?”
“Virgil was right about you. Which pains me to say, because I hate admitting when Virgil is right about anything,” she replied. “But what’s worse is the number you’ve done on Levi.”
“I didn’t mean to?—”
“If you were studying cowboys for your movie, I think your lessons are complete. The one thing about cowboys? They’re total heartbreakers.” She shook her head. “And if you’re looking for Levi, I think it’s best if you give it some time.”
“Well, now, Jolene…”
“What, Virgil?”
“These things have to play out on their own, don’t they?” He looked over at her. “It’s not up to us to decide how it goes.”
“I don’t care. He hurt Levi!” she snapped back. “You know how protective I get.”
“He’s done with that now. No more hurting Levi,” Virgil murmured. “I’m right. Aren’t I?”
“Do you know where he is, Virgil?”
Virgil motioned with his head, pointing towards the back of the main cabin. “Been there all morning. Ever since he found out. You should say something to him.”
“Something nice. Something honest,” Jolene chimed in. “Or else.”
I cautiously walked past Jolene and Virgil as I made my way around the side of the main cabin. Within seconds I spotted Levi, working on what looked like an old car engine or something. His hands were dirty from the work, and he seemed completely focused on it, barely even noticing as I slowly approached him.
“Levi?”
“Cameron Clarke,” he replied, his tone pointed. “Is there really anything you need to say to me?”
“Levi, I’m sorry?—”
“Don’t.” He held up a hand. “You just wanted to be immersed in cowboy culture for your breakout movie role. You never planned on sticking around or ever seeing us again. Why not lie to us? Why not treat us like stage rehearsal? Even though this is our actual lives. The rest of us aren’t playing pretend.”
“That’s not fair.” I took another step closer to him. “Levi, what we have is real. The connection you feel between us. No, I’m not trying to buy a farm, but everything else about me is the same?—”
“Why me?”
“What?”
“Why’d you spend so much time with me, Cameron?”
“Because we got along so well and I?—”
“Is that all? Because we got along so well?” He pressed. “Just tell me the truth, Cameron.”
“That is the truth, Levi. I’ve enjoyed every second I’ve spent with you.” I hesitated to go on, not wanting to see his reaction to my words. “But I also… wanted to base my character in the movie off of you. The way you are. I thought you were perfect, Levi. Made for the big screen. Everything about you… the way you walk, the way you talk, the way you think. You’re perfect, Levi Stratton.”
