"Yes, there's no question about it," I confirmed with a definite nod. My mind was made up. Besides, I needed to do this for myself, not for him. That drive alone was something he could relate to.
He gave a reluctant nod, supportive though quite reserved about it. Dark eyes probed into me. "Just don't do anything stupid, okay? Everyone knows what actors get up to filming those kinds of movies-most of them end up together." He flinched at uttering the last words.
There was some truth to his statement-Bass and Emma for one, and a few more I couldn't name-but I wasn't one of them. I wasn't available like those people when they had begun filming.
"My heart is yours, always and forever. You already know that."
"I know, but shit happens. I just hope you're up for it."
"I am." I was ready, come what may.
"All right. I trust you, petal."
"Thank you. I know this is difficult for you, and I appreciate you even more for supporting me, even though you don't fully agree with it."
He grimaced. "I'm not sure if I can stomach watching it. Don't think I can make it. You'd think being an actor would make it easier for me, but I'm a man through and through. My mind isn't that malleable, babe, not when it comes to you. Sorry."
Typical River. "I swear I won't force you to watch it." I laughed then tapped his washboard abs. "Dinner's almost ready. Why don't you relax while I finish things up in the kitchen?"
Right on cue, his stomach made a loud, growling protest, evoking a riotous laugh from the both of us.
"Dinner sounds good," he murmured as we trudged into the kitchen.
River took care of setting the table before he resigned to channel surfing while I finished making my baby potatoes to go along with my pot roast. In the midst of it all, I heard him yawn a few times, clearly showing how fatigued he was.
My heart reached out to him. He worked hard and played harder, but tonight, he ought to rest, switch his phone to silent, and sleep until his heart's content. I understood that he had work commitments, but I didn't want him to jeopardize his health along the way.
So, after dinner, we lounged around the living room, catching up with events. He also revealed that they were already working on tour dates. Primarily North America and Europe. Since I would be on an island off Spain for eight weeks, he promised that he would start his tour in Europe. That way, I'd get the opportunity to see him open his tour and obviously to cheer him on. He would know the definite dates for the first line-up tomorrow.
Basing off his hits, I was sure the tickets would sell like hotcakes. He already had a massive fan base. Since it was music, it was safe to say all those screeching, screaming, hysterical teenyboppers have quadrupled in no time.
River and I were in a great place. Though our work commitments were bridging a gap between us, we were resilient enough to know that, though it was tough to find time together, we could manage to compromise in certain areas. We both agreed that as long as our communication was open, we could conquer whatever came our way.
The next few months didn't seem grim as I thought it was going to be merely a week ago. River and I could do this. We were tough as nails. We always found our way to each other. Come what may.
Chapter Eleven
Packed and ready, I was beyond excited for my eleven-hour flight to Madrid. From there, I had to catch a connecting flight to Barcelona, then another short one to Minorca.
River had to leave yesterday for an award show in Las Vegas so we already said our goodbyes. Kells had to fly out to the Caribbean from New York, but she had called and wished me well on this new adventure.
Beyond saddened to leave home again, the prospect of working on a major production thrilled me to no end. This was entirely a whole new level for me. I was sure the demanding hours would test me at all fronts, yet I was ready to put myself to work. Embodying a new role took a lot of effort. And after two years of working on my skills, I knew this role would surely make or break me.
It was a thrilling prospect-to be pushed to the edge.
It was nightfall when I arrived on the beautiful island. It was hot, though the sun wasn't out. The first couple of weeks would be filmed around the area of Cala Galdana. There would be a few more locations to shoot around the island, but that was the main place. I came in a few days early, wanting to be prepared and not too overwhelmed by being in a new country and the jet lag … I wanted to scout and get the feel of things.
The crew had already been here for a couple of weeks now, so I wasn't completely alone. I intended to have a hot shower, order room service, then spend the rest of the evening going over the manuscript. I should've done more effort before leaving, but I had a chance to gloss over it.