WALK ME DOWN THE AISLE

* Chapter Twenty *

Despite my reservations, Mr. Belmont continued in his search for a new replacement for Scott and made plans to commence filming the movie in the upcoming months. I made attempts to revise some parts of the script, but David warned me against it, reminding me of Mr. Belmont's and our boss's prerogatives.

However, everything changed when they decided to hire my favorite film director. It was then that we had a chance to talk about the book and the script that I had written. "You know, you can always talk to me, Danni. We're friends here, not just colleagues with profound manifestations," Sid teased, offering a comforting smile.

"I know you've been supportive, Sid. But I'm afraid to express myself openly, in case I say something wrong again," I answered back while sipping my coffee, my gaze fixed on the other actors seemingly gawking in our direction.

"Is this about Scott? You don't have to enunciate it, but I'm mindful of what's been happening in your life. Why do you think we've worked together on three blockbuster movies that you wrote? There's no need to keep anything from me," Sid insisted, letting out a hearty laugh.

"I'm talking about this film," I stammered, my uncertainty evident in my voice. "It's about Scott and this book. You know what I mean?"

Sid took a casual sip of his coffee, his interest piqued. "So Scott is the main man? So I heard he pulled out of the project," he gossiped. I felt a wave of unease as I replied, "You're probably aware of the reasons behind his decision."

The working experience felt completely unfamiliar, and a sense of discomfort consumed me as I witnessed another person reenacting the intimate moments that only Scott and I once shared. With the director's approval and David's help, I found myself making the heartbreaking decision to step away from the project. It became unbearable to witness scenes that once brought Scott and me the utmost exhilaration, and I knew I couldn't push myself to conceal my emotions or hold back the tears any longer.

Leaving the set, I chose to distance myself from the production entirely, allowing David to carry on with the script without my involvement. As the months passed, I desperately tried to divert my attention, hoping to avoid dwelling on the fact that the film was still progressing. Yet, no matter how hard I tried, the consequence of the problem eventually became intolerable, pushing me perilously close to the brink of insanity.

It seemed unreal that this was truly happening, and the incessant thoughts nagging at me about the film's portrayal of our shared past proved impossible to shake off.

Just as I was immersed in my thoughts, a knock on the door interrupted my isolation. I recognized the face peering through the glass panels-it was Andrew, a familiar presence in my life. Holding a bouquet of vibrant sunflowers, he seemed eager to engage in a conversation.

I cautiously opened the door, and there Andrew greeted me with a warm smile. "Hi, Danni, how are you?"

I mustered a disinterested tone, however, as I replied, "I'm fine, Andrew. Why are you here?" I couldn't deny the flicker of nosiness that Andrew's unexpected visit had ignited within me.

"Well, I heard from your brothers that you went home to New York. Do you want to go horseback riding with me?" he offered, displaying a hint of optimism. Suppressing a yawn, I quickly invoked an excuse. "I'm exhausted. Besides, I'm busy," I asserted, though my words were stained with undeniable dishonesty.

My reticence became a ploy to distance myself from anyone who might uncover my insecurities. But Andrew refused to let me revert into my self-imposed fortress of lies. Determined to unravel the truth, he kept on insisting. "Danni, are you going to lie to me? I know what your problems are. Come on, let's talk about it," he urged, his eyes filled with compassion and wisdom.

Feeling cornered, I reluctantly agreed, my resolve crumbling under the weight of his aid. "Fine. I'll just get some things inside," I conceded, unable to deny the pull of his genuine concern.

Seeking consolation in the vastness of my brother's spacious farmland, I found myself free to reflect on the nightmares that had plagued my journey as a writer and as an individual who only seeks the right love there is for me. Among those nightmares was Andrew, a reminder of the various disappointments I had encountered along the way.