Holding Out For A Hero

49. Poison Arrow

2 Months After Coming Home - May 7th

The past two months flew by because I was busy working day and night. I barely had a day off now because Gerald had rebooked shooting on my days off the show. I was more exhausted then ever and mainly slept when I was at home. Dave and I switched houses just so that I could get more sleep but he stayed with James and I most of the time. Rufus came to visit whenever I did get a few days off thanks to Marc and Dave would go off to Malibu. I was also exhausted from juggling both of them and knew I needed to change that. I was just getting home after a day on the show and had the next few days off. I walked into the kitchen and saw Dave at the table writing. When I put my purse down on the counter he looked up with a smile.

"Hey beautiful. There's a plate of meatloaf and mashed potatoes in the fridge for you if you're hungry. How was your day?" Dave asked. I opened the fridge and then closed it after grabbing a bottle of apple juice.

"It was ok I guess. Thanks for the plate but I ate at the studio when I got hungry. Sorry I got home late," I responded with as I sat down at the table.

"It's ok. I'll just crash on the couch tonight and drive to Malibu in the morning. You look like you're about to pass out," Dave said as he looked at me over his glasses.

"I feel like it. This non stop working is killing me," I said with a yawn. I put my elbow on the table and my head in my hand.

"Well Marc is helping with that a little bit at least. He doesn't need to give you the days off that he does. Don't fall asleep at the table," Dave said as I closed my eyes slightly.

"I'll try but can we talk for a minute before I do?" I asked.

"What about?" Dave asked back.

"I think we should slow down and keep things quiet for awhile. I'm not saying break up completely but just stop sleeping together for awhile," I said.

"Ok. Do you care to explain why?" Dave asked as he took off his glasses and looked at me.

"I'm going to break up with Rufus soon," was all I said before I started yawning.

"And you want to keep things casual with us until after you do this?" Dave asked just to clarify.

"Yes and maybe for awhile after. Just so it doesn't look like I left him for you," I replied.

"I can handle that. Can we go out on dates once he's out of the picture though?" Dave asked.

"I don't see why not. Hey have I told you I like our new date nights?" I asked as I stood up.

"Yes you have. We could have one tonight if you want. You, me, the couch, a blanket and whatever movie you think you can make it through. If you fall asleep I won't get mad and I'll even carry you to bed," Dave said as he looked up at me.

"That sounds like a good idea," I replied.

The Next Day

"Mama wake up," I heard James say. I opened my eyes and saw him staring at me.

"I'm awake baby but mama needs a moment," I said back. I sat up and rubbed my eyes and realized I was still on the couch.

"Good morning sleeping beauty. Coffee?" Dave asked as he handed me a cup.

"Thank you. I thought you were going to carry me upstairs," I said after I took a sip.

"That was the plan but we both passed out. Rufus called awhile ago but I didn't answer your phone. Might want to call him once you're a bit more awake. He's hanging out with Taylor today because T would not stop talking about him," Dave said as he put James on the couch beside me and sat down in a chair.