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.
