NEPO BBY

28

The following day, I made reservations for Carmen and me to have dinner at Nobu in Malibu. In my mind, we were dating, but I knew in reality that it was so far past the truth.

We met at Nobu Malibu, our table perched atop a breathtaking bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I arrived earlier because I was too anxious to see her. My body was pulsing with adrenaline. As she walked towards me, our eyes met across the candlelit terrace. A spark ignited between us as we exchanged warm greetings.

Over a selection of delectable appetizers, we spoke about our recent travels, attending Coachella, and the new menu items at Nobu. Carmen's infectious laughter and my witty observations created an atmosphere of ease and camaraderie.

"Do you think that's their first date?" I asked Carmen, gesturing towards the couple sitting diagonal to us.

She glanced over, "Oh. She's too giggly for it to be anything other than a first date."

"So are you saying girls stop laughing at our jokes after dating for a while?" I asked.

"No, but once you get more comfortable with someone, you feel more at ease relaxing on dinners with them. She's not relaxed..but she is..." Carmen said, pointing to a woman sitting behind me. She was probably in her mid-30s and relaxed in her chair, sipping a glass of wine. The man across from her spoke enthusiastically about something I couldn't hear.

"What do you like to do for fun? I mean, other than star gaze," I said jokingly, causing Carmen to grin.

"Is that even a thing?" She asked, sipping her ice water.

"What? Having fun? Yeah. Aren't you having fun right now?" I replied.

"Yeah, but that's not what you're asking. You're asking about what I find fun in my free time. And I rarely have free time to do anything fun," she said.

"You don't have any secret hobbies? Non-famous friends?" I asked. She shrugged. "Nothing?" She shrugged again. "Oh my god, this is pathetic," I said with my mouth agape.

"What?" She retorted back.

"We're changing that," I declared.

"And how are we doing that?" She asked.

I gestured for the waiter to come over to our table. Once the tall, thin guy stood over us, I said, "Sorry, we're quite full. Can we get the check, please?"

"Sure, Mr. Depp," he replied.

"Where are we going?" Carmen asked with a slight glimmer of excitement in her eyes.

"You'll see," I said, signing the check.

As the sun descended, we strolled along the sandy beach below. The sound of crashing waves and the salty breeze filled the air. Our walk led us to El Matador State Beach, renowned for its dramatic sea caves and stunning sunsets. We found a secluded spot on the rocks as the sky erupted in a kaleidoscope of colors. We watched in awe as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape.

"My friends and I come here sometimes," I told Carmen.

"To do what? Gawk at women in clad bikinis," she joked. I laughed.

"What? No! You think I'm that sort of guy?" I questioned with a sly grin.

"Uh... absolutely without a doubt!" She exclaimed.

"Okay, maybe just a little bit," I smirked. "But we smoke," I said, gesturing with my fingers. "If you know what I mean."

"Oh...Oh..I see," she nodded. "You get high, and THEN you gawk at women in clad bikinis."

"Yes! You're getting it!" I exclaimed. "So tell me about your friends...the non-famous ones."

"I don't have any," she said with a hardened expression.

"None?" I asked, surprised.

"No," she said softly.

"Okay, what about the famous ones?" I asked.

"I wouldn't call any of them friends. I prefer to be alone," she replied.

"I thought you said you rarely have alone time," I recalled.

"I'm always working is what I mean," she reiterated. I knew what she meant.

"Have you ever been in love?" I asked her.

"No," she answered. "Have you?"

I thought for a moment. Had I ever been in love? "No," I answered honestly.

"Why'd you have to think about then?" She questioned.

"I don't know. Maybe I thought I was in love with someone at one point, but I don't think so," I replied. "I don't think it was real love."

"What's real love?" She insisted.

"I don't know," I replied. "I heard when you come across it, you'll know."

"What is that? Some line from an up-and-coming script?" She chuckled softly.

"What? No. I'm being honest," I nudged her arm with my elbow.

"It sounds scripted," she said.

"It's not scripted," I said back.

"It sounds that way," she insisted.

"Well, maybe I'm in the wrong profession," I confessed, "Maybe I should join writers at the table."

"No," she said back boldly. "I'd lose you as my co-star."

"And you're saying you wouldn't want that to happen?" I smirked at her. She didn't reply. But I knew my answer.

As we stood there, the city's noise faded into the background. It was as if the universe had orchestrated this encounter, creating a space where two souls could connect. We talked for hours, sharing stories, dreams, and laughter.

With each passing moment, our connection grew more assertive. As we parted ways, excitement and anticipation filled the air. We had found someone who understood us and made us feel seen and appreciated. And so, our serendipitous encounter catalyzed a journey that would forever change our lives.

Author - Dear readers, I hope you're enjoying this story as much as I am enjoying writing it. I am trying to make up for lost time and I have so many prewritten chapters that have to be edited and published for you all. I have began another JD fan fiction. The teaser has been uploaded - PLEASE check it out and let me know what you think. MUCH LOVE & APPRECIATION.