Inevitable

Chapter 9: Boundaries

Once I recover from our Skype call with the girls, we move to the kitchen to put together a late lunch. He has to do an update call with Leo, so I take advantage of his absence to call Mama. I tell her all about our call with the girls and she gushes to me, "They sound so precious, Coqui. I can't wait to meet them."

I chew a nail as I move to the patio to stretch out on a lounger. "That's the weird thing, Mama, I don't think they ever come here. He always goes there."

"Maybe it's part of their agreement. Regardless, I'm excited to have two new little girls in our family. All of mine are big girls now!"

I giggle at her, "Cart way before the horse, Mama. We had one phone call. I'm planning to go with him on his next visit and we'll see how it goes from there."

"What are you kids doing for dinner tomorrow? Stella and Alexander are home. How about you come over and bring Jamie? I'll call and see if Jesse and Grace can come too."

I sigh, "Isn't that a bit of family overload for the poor guy?"

She laughs at me, "No, baby. I won't invite Daddy and Kelly and the boys this time. We'll get him through the big kids first and then we'll let your Dad have a turn."

"Thanks, Mama. I'll check with him and let you know."

"Sweetheart?"

"Yes, Mama?"

"I'm so happy that you're happy."

"Oh Mama, I am. He's everything and more. I love him with every fiber of my being, but I need to reign it in and let him catch up. With the girls, he's got way more at risk than I do, and he hasn't had the best luck with relationships."

She tuts at me, "Just be yourself and trust your heart, sweetie. You have good instincts. Don't overthink things and don't make assumptions. Love is a language in and of itself. You can show him you love him – even without the words. And you need to pay attention to what he is telling you with his actions."

"I'll try, Mama. I'll give you a call later and let you know about tomorrow. Thanks for the invitation."

Shortly thereafter Jamie comes out to join me. It's a little cool to get in the pool, but it is a perfect afternoon to loll on the patio. He stretches out beside me and turns his face to the sun with a deep sigh. "I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?"

I turn to him, "How bad is the bad?"

He smiles a little without looking at me, "Nothing to upset you, I don't think." He turns to look at me, "We've been in touch with your agent and the film you were supposed to start in two weeks has been postponed for six months."

A little frown creases my brow, "How come you know this and I don't? Why didn't he call me?"

"Because he was on the phone with me and Leo. He just found out. We were calling to work on contract language and a filming schedule and he revealed this information. So we took the opportunity to have your agent lock you in so we can get this film done before you have to start your next one. We need you for about five weeks, so you'll still have a nice break in between."

I sit up and face him steadily. "You had my agent lock me in to dates without giving us time to confer?"

He must detect the tone of my voice because he sits up as well and faces me, "What's to confer about? I know you want this movie and we want you. I was just saving you some effort and taking advantage of the opportunity that presented itself."

A frown creases my brow and I try to choose my words carefully. Before I can speak, he throws out with a snort, "Surely this isn't a problem. You yourself told me every actress aspires to work with Leo DiCaprio." He says Leo's name with a little too much enthusiasm, mimicking my reaction on the phone. "I just handed you a dream, baby."