Dead Ends // Hugh Jackman

Chapter 22

Hugh and I have become inseparable. That might have a little something to do with me leaving in a few hours, but when he took the day off again yesterday and this morning to spend time with me, I think it's also because he just wants to be around me for as long as possible.

There's a thought scratching at the back of my mind. As it has since we first kissed two nights ago. About our ages and careers, and like then, I'm trying to pretend it's not there, so I can enjoy just a little bit more time with him without having to worry about what happens next.

So, after breakfast, we've made our way to the couch. We're supposed to be watching a movie, but we're aimlessly talking about random things. Our families, stories we had as kids, pets. We go back and forth on what feels like every detail of our lives, just learning more and more about each other and clinging onto every word. Until, finally, we broach the topic of movies.

"What do you want to watch?" Hugh rolls the TV remote in one hand as he asks.

I immediately think of one, but quickly get rid of that thought, because Hugh is a main lead in it and the last thing I'm sure either of us wants is to see a movie he's in with each other.

That would be weird, wouldn't it?

"You have one in mind, don't you?" He says, reading my expression.

I don't want to tell him the one I was actually thinking of. I'd feel too embarrassed about it, so I blurt out the second thing I can think of.

"The Proposal."

Hugh gives me a dazed smile. "Do you like rom-coms or are you a fan of Ryan Reynolds?"

The answer to both of those questions is yes, but that's not why I suggest it. Instead, I grin at him sheepishly, hoping that's enough to appease him.

It's not. He wants a straightforward reply. "Erin, what were you really thinking of?"

"The Proposal," I unconvincingly reiterate.

He looks at me like he doesn't believe me, which he shouldn't. He laughs.

"Has anyone ever told you that you're a terrible liar?"

Several times actually, but I was hoping this once that maybe I wasn't being so obvious about it. Guess that was too much to wish for.

I shift back from where I sit on the couch, slightly away from him.

"Am I really that bad of one?" I know I am, but Hugh is a new person. He has a fresh perspective on this. Plus, I know he'll tell me exactly like it is. No sugarcoating it involved.

He nods quickly after I ask. "Oh, yes. You're so bad. How in the world do you keep secrets?"

"I avoid the conversation entirely," I say it like that should be blatantly clear.

Raising his brows, he quirks his head at me. "Really? So, is that what you've been doing when your friends and family ask you about this trip you're on?"

Is he trying to make sure if he can trust me? Because he can. I thought after everything that's happened between us, that he did, but I know that's easier said than done for someone in his line of work

"For the most part. I tell them bits but never the whole truth, especially where you're involved."

His shoulders relax a bit, appreciating my honesty and that I've respected his boundaries on the matter.

Except, if I'm going to to be completely truthful, I have to tell him about Carlos. I owe it to him, especially since it's about him and his career.

"But," I start, and I see some of that tension ease back into his body, "one of them knows that you're the person I sent the book too."