The next day I wake up to a text from Dustin.
Do you have anything pressing to do today?
I sit up in bed, and Squint lifts his head to look at me. I should film another watercolor video, but if I do it tomorrow, I can probably get away with procrastinating today. The photo shoot is the day after tomorrow, and then Jera will come home. I can’t believe this week has gone by so quickly.
I don’t have anything. What’s up?
He texts me right back.
You up for a day trip?
Sure. Where do you want to go?
I thought we could take a helicopter to Catalina Island. I know a beach that’s pretty secluded. We could go snorkeling, or swim, or just spend time together. Sound good?
I look at Squint who yawns at me. Can I bring my dog?
Yes. I already checked.
Warmth spreads through me. He is so thoughtful.
I’d love to go.
Great, pack a bag. I’ll pick you up in an hour.
I rush to get ready. As I’m picking out my outfit, my phone rings. The screen says it’s Jera.
Nerves shoot through me, and I hope she doesn’t want me to do another audition. I swipe my finger across the screen. “Hello?”
“Hey,” Jera says, her voice chipper. “I wanted to let you know I didn’t get the part. But don’t worry, it’s okay. I heard Dustin Sawyer got the lead, and I’d rather not work with him.”
Relief cascades over me. I’d rather Jera not work with Dustin either. “Oh.”
“I really appreciate you going over there and reading those lines for me.”
I feel a little bad for messing things up. “Sorry you didn’t get the part.”
“Really, it’s okay. I have scripts come to me all the time. I’m sure something else will come along. Something better even.”
I riffle through Jera’s closet looking for what to wear. “I hope so.”
“Anyway, I just wanted to let you know. And to thank you again for dropping everything for me. You’re the best. Seriously. I’ve already started looking at vacation packages for us. How does Cancun sound?”
I’ve never been to Mexico. It sounds beautiful. “I’ll need a passport.”
“No problem. I’ll pay for it to be expedited.”
I warm at the thought of spending time with Jera. “That sounds good.”
I get off the phone with Jera and finish showering. I find a blue one-piece swim suit that I like and put it on under a pair of jeans shorts and a white cover up. I pack for the beach and get my travel carrier for Squint. I use the kind that makes him look like he’s sitting in my purse, so he can see out and I can pet him. At the last second, I toss a sketchbook and my travel paints in my bag. I’m ready and waiting when Dustin pulls up.
After I get in the car, I look at him. “What made you think of a trip today?”
“I got the part.” He glances at me as he pulls out into traffic. “I’ll be busy soon with publicity shoots and everything the show entails. I just thought a day away sounded good before all of that starts.”
I pet Squint, who’s staring at the moving scenery. “Congratulations. Really. I’m happy for you.”
Dustin clasps my hand. “I heard they cast someone else for your part. I’m sorry. I’m honestly surprised. The way you read it with me was great.”
“Yeah, I bombed the audition. But that’s okay. Something else will come along,” I say, repeating what Jera told me. I’m just relieved that Jera’s not mad at me for sucking at acting.
“You’re right. You’re talented. I’m sure you’ll find more work.”
Thirty minutes later a man buckles me into the back of a helicopter. He gives me Squint, letting me hold him on my lap. Dustin is in the seat beside me.
“Have you ever ridden in a helicopter before?”
I shake my head. “No.”
He reaches past me and pulls a pair of headphones with a microphone off a hook and hands them to me. “Put these on. It will be too loud to hear, so you can talk through these.”
“Okay.” I do as he says, and he puts on a pair as well.
The pilot climbs into the helicopter and closes the door. The co-pilot turns around to make sure we still have our seatbelts on and are ready. The pilot starts the engine, and I understand why we have the headphones.
I’ve seen helicopters on television lift straight in the air but sitting inside when one takes off is a very different experience. It feels like you shouldn’t be able to move in that kind of direction. My stomach drops to my toes as we fly up in the air. The view is amazing. Soon, we’re coasting over the water.
Dustin hands me his phone. “Do you want to take pictures?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
Squint behaves really well as we fly to Catalina Island. I get several fantastic shots using Dustin’s phone. The sky is such a deep blue with just the right amount of clouds, it’s going to be perfect to paint. I hand his phone back to him as we land on a concrete square.
A driver is waiting for us as we disembark the helicopter. He takes our bags for us and puts them in the trunk. I carry Squint in his little carrier and slide into the back seat. Dustin climbs in beside me.
“Did you set all this up this morning?” I ask.
“Yes.”
My heart swells. I don’t know how Jera has been so lucky to have such a sweet neighbor, but he really is incredible. I lean over and give him a quick kiss on his cheek.
He raises his eyebrows. “What’s that for?”
“For being you.”
He smiles and leans toward me. “Then I’ll have to be me more often.”
He brushes his lips across mine. I love how each kiss he gives me seems like the first. Tingles cascade over me as he explores my lips. Unfortunately, we arrive at our beach all too quickly.
Dustin helps me out of the car, and we collect our bags from the driver. Dustin had said we were just going to a beach, but this is a resort with a full restaurant and bar, music playing, and beautiful cabanas with lounge chairs. Squint is happy to get out of his carrier, and he runs on the sand.
Dustin was right about secluded. I glance around and only see a few people. “This is lovely,” I say as we find an open cabana and put our things down.
The view is heavenly with palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, the water a bright aquamarine color. I rummage through my bag until I find my sketchbook. “Do you mind if I take a second to get this down?”
He looks over at my small watercolor set. “Not at all. I’d love to see you work.”
I settle in a lounge chair and pull out my pencil. I sketch the beach and pencil in the trees, drawing Squint out by the water, even though he’s settled down by my feet. Then I quickly get some coloring down so I remember the vibrant colors of the sea.
Dustin leans over and looks at my sketch. “That’s amazing. How can you finish a painting that fast?”
I laugh. “It’s not a painting. I’m just sketching the scene so I can paint it later.”
He lets out a whistle. “You’re so talented. Have you ever thought about painting for a living?”
“That’s what I do.” The words came out before I could sensor them. Panic grips me as I realize what I’ve said.
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