~ MANUEL’S VISIT
A few hours later,I woke up to Manuel’s ringtone.
“Hey. Thanks for the cab,” I answered. “I messed up tonight, couldn’t think straight. I shouldn’t have texted you. Sorry.”
Manuel answered, “I’m here, at security.”
“What?” He was seventeen and had a provisional driver’s license. Minors are not allowed to drive from 11 pm to 5 am in the State of California. It was after midnight. I was shocked that he broke a rule even though he had recently kissed his best friend’s girlfriend, an action completely against his rules.
“Cool, okay.” I shot up out of bed and slid on my shoes. I was in my pajamas but just threw on a jacket and hat. I ran down to the security checkpoint. My heart leapt when I saw Manuel and tears swelled in my eyes.
Manuel was more white-looking than Latino. He was absolutely beautiful, not sexy or hot like my co-stars. He was too real, humble, and warm to be classified as a heartthrob. He had that geeky, intellectual nervousness when he talked that charmed me. It took away that stud factor he could have projected if he kept his mouth shut and replaced it with an instant ease that everyone felt from being around him.
I hugged him, instantly feeling relaxed and grateful to have my best friend alleviate the loneliness. I signed him in and held his hand while we walked to my trailer. After we were in the privacy of the trailer, he put his bag on the floor in the kitchen and hugged me again.
“Hi, Marie. It’s okay. Ya know, I love you no matter what, all the time, no matter what happened.”
“Nothing happed. I just freaked out.” I started to explain but my eyes watered and my knees buckled, yet another overreaction to the situation. Manuel picked me up and carried me to the bed, grabbed a blanket, and put it on me.
He got a drink of water from the kitchen, used the bathroom, and reclined next to me on the bed. I cried because I felt like such an idiot again.
He soothed me, “It’s okay. You can cry it out.”
I rolled on to his chest. I felt my drained battery recharge.
“Did he…force you?”
“No.” I admitted, “I must be beyond stressed because crying is so over-dramatic. I’m a fool. I participated until it happened so fast. He stopped before we did it. I’m just a total prude, an idiot. The poor guy is probably so confused right now. I was not turned on, whatsoever. There’s something wrong with me, Manuel. I have absolutely no desire for the hottest guy in Hollywood. And not doing it with Evan was just completely mental. I know I love him. This stupid break-up is too much, and I miss him.”
“I’m so sorry, Marie.” Manuel continued to hold me. He asked, “Are you drunk?”
“No, I only had two beers, but that’s one more than my maximum.”
“Well, that’s awesome!” Manuel turned to face me, smiling. “You stopped at two? No way! I’m so proud of you!”
I grinned sideways and agreed. “Yeah, I guess I did. I also threw my Vicoden against the wall. That’s pretty good. Way better than last time.”
He stretched out again on the bed and I put my arm across his chest. He patted my shoulder. “Yeah, that sucked. I’m sorry Kate was such a bitch about teasing you for dating Evan when you never saw each other. I still remember the look on your face when she told you to dump your phantom boyfriend and hook up with Matthew. I don’t blame you for having a drink. I just wish I knew a way to make you stop drinking and smoking when you get like that.”
I was going to say something but my throat was too tight. I would fall apart if I spoke. We laid there for about thirty minutes. I fought memories about Evan, Matthew, and Byron. I fought the desire to tell Manuel that I was in love with him, that I wanted him to be my boyfriend. But I would ruin everything so I said nothing.
Manuel whispered, “Are you asleep?”
“No.”
“You should try to sleep. Let me tuck you in.” He got out of bed and pulled the sheets and comforter over me. Rejection overwhelmed me.
“This is nice. Stay with me, please.” I begged him to stay in bed with me.
“You need to rest. I’m sure you’ll be booked with talk shows this weekend to promote your Oscar.”
“No. Ira cancelled all my appearances. He’s gonna work Matthew to the bone. I also don’t have to do the Bafta, Spirit, or Kids’ Choice awards since we’re behind schedule. I’ve earned a rest.”
“Wow! That was nice of him…and shocking.” He pinched his forehead and stared at me. “Part of Matthew’s punishment?”
“Yep. He knew the rules. Turns out it was in his contract that he agreed not to pursue me. I don’t think he finds out until his March royalty statement.”
Manuel raised his eyebrows and nodded approvingly. “I’ll use the couch. Is it okay if I take this extra blanket?”
I resigned. “Sure. It’s a sleeper sofa. The sheets are in the coffee table next to it. Anyway, thanks for being here, Manuel. That was really nice of you to drive down.”
“Claro. You’re my best friend and I love ya. You shouldn’t have to deal with life trauma all by yourself. You were there for me with my breakups with Beth and then Kate. I’m here for you now.” He added, “I hope it’s okay that I drove your car.”
I laughed. “Of course.” I added, “Sorry I ruined your date.”
He whispered, “No, it’s fine. Trish’s sweet but you’re much, much more important to me. I forgot there’d be paparazzi. I’ll have to explain the photos.”
He whispered a prayer as he pushed the hair off of my face and tucked the sheet under my chin again.
“You still pray?” I asked. “I mean, I know you pray when you play sports. We’ve all seen it, but do you, like, still believe in everything we learned at church, ya know?”
He whispered, “Yes, mostly.”
I wondered, “Why?”
“Praying helps me be a better person, humbles me. I’m not that great of a person if left to my own devices.”
“I don’t know about that. We all have faults.”
“Yeah, but I doubt you want to pummel Alan just about every day. And want to...” he stopped abruptly and shook his head.
“You’re human, Manuel. So am I.”
He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “I love you, Marie.”
I relaxed into my pillow. “I love you, too, more than words can say.” I lightened the mood. “Thanks for breaking the law to drive down, Señor Self-righteous.”
“¡Claro!I’m cutting school, too.” He turned at the doorway and switched off the light. “I’d break every rule for you, Liana Marie. Buenos sueños.”
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