Your childhood vacations sound like so much fun. It just goes to show that you don’t have to travel far to make lasting memories. My summers were actually quite similar. I spent most of my time from the last day of school until almost Labor Day in the Hamptons. My mother would open the house early in the summer. She and I would stay there—with the nanny, of course—for the summer months, and my father would come in on the weekends. To be honest, I didn’t see much of my mother while we were there. She was always at the country club during the day and going to some fancy party at night. She had no interest in building sandcastles or splashing in the surf. Luckily, most of my friends’ parents also had houses in the Hamptons. Our nannies all knew each other, so we’d get to play on the beach as one big group. There are many times when I miss the sound of the surf and the taste of lobster rolls.
Did you look at the photo I attached? Daniel fools around a bit with photography. We decided to get out of the hotel for a while and ended up at this spot. Daniel couldn’t resist snapping a photo, and I knew I had to send it to you.
As far as favorite song goes, mine is Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” That’s how I want to live my life. I’ll make the next one easy on you. Favorite movie?
Is it too forward of me to say that I miss actually talking to you? Until later . . . sweet dreams.
Yours, Nate
Lily clicked on the attachment. What she saw brought a smile to her face. Daniel had captured Nate as he stood in a crosswalk on Abbey Road—the same crosswalk the Beatles made famous on their album cover. In the left third of the photo, Nate stretched, peering beyond the camera lens, to see if there was any oncoming traffic. He looked casual, but somehow still professional in dark jeans, black boots, black pea coat, and a black and white striped scarf wrapped around his neck. The rest of the street extended in the middle of the frame.
The fact that one small crosswalk on an entirely different continent made him think of her caused her heart to race.
She saved the photo, knowing that she’d view it time and again. Then she hit reply.
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Paris
Nate,
It’s getting close to midnight here, and I should be sleeping as well. Instead, I can’t seem to stop looking at a photo of you. It definitely made me smile!
Your favorite song is an excellent choice. It’s a nice creed to live by. And there is something undeniably sexy about Sinatra.
I’m glad you found a way for your vacations to be less lonely than they could have been. I bet it was fun to have your friends to play with on the beach.
It seems as though Paris is now next on our European adventure! That is more than fine by me. I’d love to see some of the French decadence for myself.
I suppose my favorite movie is travel-related as well. I’ve always loved Roman Holiday. Something about the combination of a journalist, a princess, a beautiful city, and the wistfulness of what might have been is beautiful. I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve watched it. Now it’s your turn. What’s your favorite movie?
Of course it’s not too forward of you to say that you miss talking to me. As much as I like reading your words, I also miss hearing them. Perhaps when you return? For now, it’s time for me to sleep. Sweet dreams to you, too. Until later . . .
Yours, Lily
Nate closed his eyes and sighed as he read Lily’s e-mail. He knew he wouldn’t have enough time to reply before his flight left for Daniel’s last international premiere. He was beyond exhausted, and these few messages from Lily kept him going.
Closing his laptop, he put it back in his messenger bag just as their flight was called.
Daniel moved to take the seat beside Nate for their flight and must have noticed his frustration.
“All right, man. Tell me. What’s going on? You’ve been out of it since we left on this tour,” he said.
Nate had to laugh at his friend’s candor. “It’s nothing, I guess. I just . . . why do good things have to come with complications?”
“Because nothing worth having ever comes easy?” Daniel’s confused look reflected his puzzled tone.
Nate sighed heavily. “Yeah, I guess so.”
“Okay, so what are the complications?” Daniel asked.
“Well . . . it’s Lily.”
Daniel rolled his eyes. “Uh-huh. And what are you two arguing about now?”
“We’re not,” Nate said with a sheepish expression. Daniel raised one eyebrow in question, causing Nate to huff in frustration. “Actually, I took her out on a . . . um . . . date before she left New York.”
Daniel blinked in surprise. “Seriously?”
Now it was Nate’s turn to roll his eyes. “Yes, seriously. I took her out to brunch the day she left.”
“And it didn’t go well?”
“No, it went well. That’s the complication.”
“Okay,” Daniel said slowly. “This sounds like a good thing.”
“It is. But how can anything move forward when the two of us are so far apart from each other? It just seems like there is too much distance.”
Daniel nodded in understanding. “I get that, believe me. First of all, you need to quit trying to stop something before it’s had a chance to start. This situation is not hopeless, so don’t act like it is.” Nate tried to argue, but Daniel cut him off. “Let me give you one important piece of advice. If you want this to work, make her a priority. Find whatever way works for the two of you, but don’t stop communicating. Staying in touch regularly will put both your minds at ease.”
“That makes sense,” Nate agreed. “We’ve been e-mailing since you and I left. I figured that’d be easiest with the time difference while we’re out of the country. I just keep wondering what’s going to happen when we get back. Los Angeles is still a long way from where she is.”
“True, but trust me when I say that things are easier when you’re in the same country. You can call, instant message, text, any of that.”
“That’s what I told her when she left. And I’ve still managed to talk to her regularly since then.”
“Well, then keep doing what you’re doing,” Daniel said. “Just don’t hurt her. Or I will hurt you.”
“Believe me, I don’t want to. I’m trying to prevent that from happening. I care about her, you know.”
“Good.” Daniel grinned, elbowing Nate in the ribs. “So have you kissed her yet?”
Nate smirked. “Before our first date. I kissed her when we got back from the after-party.”
Daniel’s eyebrows rose before he nodded in approval and muttered, “Nice.”
It was several hours before they landed and got settled at their hotel in Rome. Since this was the last stop, the entire group traveling with the film decided to have dinner together in one last celebration. It was a simple meal of Roman-style pizza and Peroni, but the food and drinks were steadily consumed and the conversation was lively. Nate enjoyed their company and was sorry that there was only one more film left in the series.
By the time they returned to the hotel, the hour was late, but Nate wasn’t tired. His mood improved significantly during dinner—perhaps thanks to the Italian beer. Everyone left to get some rest before the last premiere, but Nate couldn’t sleep. He turned on the lamp sitting on the bedside table and grabbed his laptop. He put on his glasses and sat back against the headboard as his browser loaded.
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Rome
Lily,
Funny you should mention that is your favorite movie. I suspect you already know that’s exactly where I am, but it made me smile anyway. I haven’t encountered any princesses, but I have run into more than a few journalists.
None of them have your bright smile.
So you think Sinatra is sexy, huh? Good to know. What about Bogart? It’s hard to pick a favorite, but if I’m forced to choose on
e, I’ll go with The Maltese Falcon. That’s one I can watch over and over again. And I like that Bogie is a real man’s man, you know?
I remember you saying that Rome was tops on your travel list. And I agree, it’s the first stop on Nate and Lily’s European Adventures. You would love this city. It actually reminds me of you. It’s refined and elegant. Sophisticated but not snobby. Serious and playful. Sexy in an understated way. The history and culture are, of course, amazing to see in person. But it has a modern vibe that is refreshing. And the food—oh, the food. My treadmill is going to get some serious use after all the Roman pizza I ate tonight. (Confession: I may have also had a Peroni—or several—with said pizza.)
All right . . . I should try to get some sleep before tomorrow’s premiere. I’m glad that the stress of these events is almost over, but I’m even more excited to be heading home. I wish that I was heading directly to see you. But I’ll settle for a phone call. Being in the same country will make that much easier! What do you say, Lily? I’ll be home and hopefully recovered from any jet lag in three days. Can I call you then?
Yours, Nate
Lily’s smile grew as she read Nate’s e-mail on her phone. She’d stayed at her parents’ for the weekend and was sipping a cup of coffee and checking her messages while she waited for her mom to join her for breakfast.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” Anne said as she entered the kitchen. “What has you smiling like that?”
Lily tried to keep her response casual. “Oh, nothing.”
“Oh, no. You’re not getting away that easily. I know that expression, daughter of mine.”
Lily couldn’t help but laugh as she grabbed the cereal from the pantry. “What do you mean, Mom?”
“You’ve met someone,” Anne said knowingly.
Lily momentarily froze in shock but recovered quickly. “What makes you think that?”
“A mother just knows these things. Besides, there’s a sparkle in your eye.”
A small smile played on Lily’s lips as she poured milk into her bowl.
“I’d love to hear about him,” Anne prompted gently.
Lily rolled her eyes and then grinned at her mother. “Do you remember me mentioning Daniel’s publicist, Nate?” Anne nodded. “Well . . . we went out on a date when I was in New York, and we’ve been talking since then.”
Anne’s eyes widened. “Wow, that’s quite a change of tune.”
“Believe me, I know. But I think he’s different than I thought he was.”
Anne leaned forward, putting her elbow on the counter, and resting her cheek in her hand. “How so?”
“It’s hard to explain. That gruff attitude he exudes? I think it’s a front. That’s just a part of the guy I’ve gotten to know. Yes, he’s short-tempered and sometimes mean and more than a little aloof. But he’s also kind and passionate and caring.” Lily sighed thoughtfully. “At first, I wanted nothing to do with him. And now I can’t stop thinking about him.”
Anne laughed. “There’s nothing wrong with that, honey. So where does that leave the two of you?”
Lily grumbled as she dropped her spoon into her bowl. “Ugh, I don’t know. He’s in Los Angeles. I’m here. We haven’t talked about it other than agreeing to try to make something work.”
Anne placed a comforting arm around her daughter’s shoulders. “I’m not saying this to be negative or because I think badly of this boy. But just be careful, sweetheart. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
Lily smiled as she leaned her head against her mother’s shoulder. “I know, Mom. Thanks.”
“Good,” Anne said, letting go of her daughter after one last squeeze of her shoulder. She looked down at her with a mischievous grin. “So when do I get to meet him?”
Lily groaned then laughed. “We’ll see, Mom. We’ll see.”
Anne chuckled. “Okay, okay. I know you’ve got a message to answer. I’ll leave you to it.”
Before she left the kitchen, Lily hugged her one more time. “Thanks for listening, Mom.”
After she showered and got ready for the day, Lily flipped open her laptop to return Nate’s e-mail.
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Rome
Nate,
Hmm . . . Nate and Lily’s European Adventures? I like it! You realize, of course, that I’m only using you for your promises of glamorous international travel. (Okay, I kid . . . obviously. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say that was a perk!)
Your description of Rome (and me?) made me blush. It sounds lovely and fascinating. I’m more than ready for our adventures!
And by the way, I like slightly drunk Nate. He’s welcome to e-mail me anytime. ;)
I’m not sure if you’ll get this before you leave, but travel safely. I hope your jet lag isn’t too bad.
Of course you can call me. In fact, I’ll be anxiously awaiting it. It’s been far too long.
Until then . . .
Yours, Lily
Chapter Seventeen
Lily found it easy to bury herself in work during the next two days. The holidays were fast approaching, which left her no shortage of stories to write and events to cover. But it truly was the most wonderful time of the year. This was when she got to indulge her playful side by writing about Santa, toys, and the things children looked forward to most about the holidays. It was also her opportunity to remind people to be thankful for their blessings and to give back to others—even if it was dropping their spare change in those red kettles at store entrances.
Wednesday was a long day. She’d had a luncheon to cover and a major deadline. So when she walked in her door at seven o’clock, all she wanted was to reheat some leftover pasta and pour herself a glass of red wine. She had just taken the last sip of her wine and was contemplating pouring another glass when her phone rang. She’d been so preoccupied that she’d forgotten Nate was supposed to call. When his name and photo lit the display on her phone, she grinned.
“Hello,” she said, fighting to keep her smile out of her voice.
“Hello, Lily? This is Nate Brennan,” he responded in a formal tone.
“Hey, Nate. Is everything all right?”
“Everything’s fine, Lily. Why do you ask?”
“Well, you sound so . . . official. Like someone calling with bad news.”
Nate chuckled, sounding uncertain. “No, no. Everything’s fine. I guess I’m just a little . . . nervous? I think that’s the word I’m looking for.”
Lily stretched out on her sofa, making herself comfortable—second glass of wine in hand. “Really? But it’s just me you’re talking to. There’s no reason to be nervous. But I will admit—I’ve been anxious for you to call.”
“Believe it or not, that’s nice to hear.”
Lily blushed and cleared her throat. “So how was the rest of your trip?”
“I think it went well. The premiere in Rome was packed, so I’ll take that as a good sign. It opens here on Friday and internationally in the following weeks. The early reviews look good, so we’re hoping for good opening weekend numbers across the board.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “Nate? Thank you for the professional answer. Now tell me how it really was.”
He laughed, then sighed. “You’re good at seeing through me. It was long. And tiring. And sometimes stressful. But overall, it was okay. Since Daniel was by himself this trip, there weren’t any extra security concerns. The paparazzi got bored when they figured out she wasn’t with him, and the questions were kept to a minimum.”
“That’s good. What you said in your e-mail about the paparazzi being more aggressive but the fans being more reserved was interesting. That’s true?”
“Yeah. Particularly in London. The British paparazzi are notorious for their behavior. But the fans have this politeness about them. They still scream and ask for autographs and all that, but they seem more grateful, somehow. They don’t expect Daniel to spend time with them. They’re j
ust thankful when he does. Does that make sense?”
“Actually, it does. Fans here think they have some kind of right to get a celebrity’s autograph or picture. I’ve even heard fans say that actors owed them at least that much since they spent money to see them. I can’t quite wrap my head around that.”
“It’s a fine line,” Nate said. “I suppose you could argue that dealing with fans is part of the job. I’ve even made that argument myself. And it is, to some degree, especially at public events like premieres. But it’s easy to cross a line. When it’s on a celebrity’s personal time, that’s when it gets a little dicey.”
“It’s funny. I can see both sides of it,” Lily mused. “Part of me would kick myself for passing up an opportunity to get an autograph if, let’s say, I saw someone at dinner, because that opportunity may never happen again. But another part of me understands that they’re at the restaurant for a meal just like I am. It’s their own time, and they shouldn’t be disturbed.”
“I’m glad it’s a problem I don’t have to deal with.”
“Me, too,” Lily agreed. “So have you recovered from your jet lag?”
Nate laughed. “Yes, I think so. I went back to the office today, so that’s a good sign. It always takes me a day or two to get my body back in sync. How have things been with you?”
“Good.” Lily’s answer was cheerful. “Work has been crazy-busy, but things always pick up this time of year with preholiday stuff going on. I spent some time with my family this past weekend. And I’m going to try to get together with my girlfriends, too, before we all go our separate ways for Christmas.”
“Do you have your holiday shopping finished?”
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