Our little Secret {Sequel to Unrequited}

Chapter 18

I was getting ready to leave for the day when I heard a knock on the door.

Kate stood in the doorway, her hands clasped behind her back.

"Mind if we talk?" She smiled, tilting her head. Her red hair was tied into a bun, now wearing a t-shirt and sweats that she had previously came on set with. She must be done for the day.

I nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah, okay." I motioned towards the chair at the table. She rubbed her palms together, walking slowly towards the chair.

I sat down beside her, not entirely sure of why she of all people would want to speak with me. Especially since we had spoken earlier.

She sighed, "I'll just get straight to the point. Leo spoke with me about your guys' break." She started, "I know it's not my place. But I just can't make sense of it." She furrowed her eyebrows at the space in front of her, "You and Leo seem crazy about each other. Why a break now?"

I tilted my head in thought. "It's hard to explain..." I mumbled, trying to make sense of my thoughts. "I just always thought—" I paused, "I mean," I sighed sharply, "Aren't you just supposed to fall in love with someone for a while and then think 'Wow. This is it. I want to marry you. I can't imagine my life without you by my side.' if it's the right person? Aren't all worries supposed to be cast aside when it's a person you plan to love and cherish forever? And why aren't I that person for Leo? Am I that..." I paused, trying to find the right word, "—I don't know, un-wife-able?" My voice trailed off.

Kate gave a small laugh, while shaking her head. "You're not un-wife-able, Haley." Kate said, her accent soft. "Maybe in an ideal world that's what most people think in relationships." She shrugged helplessly, "But people's emotions are more confusing than that."

I frowned, sitting against the table with my hands in my lap as I looked over at her. That really wasn't what I wanted to hear.

She smiled, taking my hands from my lap and squeezing them. "Look, if theres one thing I know, its that Leo is absolutely crazy about you."

I looked away in response.

"Him and I didn't even know each other that long when he began mentioning you as if you two knew each other for your whole lives." She laughed at the memory, "Seriously. He would not shut up." She let go of my hands.

I smiled weakly, my heart squeezing at the information. "I'm crazy about him too. Really." I sighed, "I just don't want to end up hating him when I'm older because he was always gone doing his work. I love Leo. I love him so much. I would never ever ask him to throw away any job opportunities for me. But I'm my own person too, you know? I have wants and needs like anyone else." I shrugged helplessly, "I don't want to have to keep worrying that he'll find another girl and just automatically know that she's the one he wants to marry. I'd be absolutely crushed. I mean, what if that happens and then I've wasted my years being completely in love with him and worrying about him? Then what?" My fingers dug into my palms.

"Haley," Kate nearly cut me off at that, her voice surprised at my vulnerability. She moved to speak again when there was a sudden knock on the door.

We both looked over. Willow paused, clearly sensing that she interrupted something. "Should I leave or?..."

I was her driver for the day since I asked her to come to work with me for my nerves.

"You're fine. We were just talking." I waved my hand, standing up and grabbing my bag. I didn't want to talk about this subject. I felt as if I were going to cry again. And the last thing I wanted was for me to cry in front of Kate Winslet.

"Please don't tell Leo anything I've told you." I looked over towards Kate, "I don't want him to feel bad over something as dumb as this." I gave her a small smile, "Him and I will work through it."