Behind the Screen

Chapter 25

Two weeks later

I have been with Marshall for two weeks now. While I am still having issues coping with what happened with Eric, I do feel much safer here with Marshall. I just can't shake the nagging feeling that I am not "good enough" for him anymore. Because of this we or rather I haven't kissed or shown any romantic overtures to Marshall since I have been here. Marshall even gave me my own room, I know he offered not wanting me to accept, yet I accepted anyways.

Maybe subconsciously I am trying to set him free.

Although I sleep in my own room, there have been many nights that Marshall has come in when I woke up screaming from nightmares and held me until I calmed down. He has even offered to get me therapy to deal with this, but I decline. I have already accepted too much from him.

Today I need to start looking for my own place. I decided to stay in this area, New York holds too many bad memories for me, yet I don't want to keep living off of Marshall. Hopefully, after the Holidays I will be able to locate a job that will be suitable for my lifestyle.

I walk downstairs to start to prepare breakfast for Marshall and myself. I feel it is the least I can do since I am staying in his home. I walk to the fridge and pull out bacon and eggs and begin cooking.

"Morning Lilly Pad" Marshall enters the kitchen and gives me a kiss on the top of my head.

"Good morning Marsh" I smile. "Hungry"

"Of course baby" he smiles. "What do you have planned today?"

"I am going to look at some apartments" I reply.

"What? Why are you doing that?" he asked stunned.

"Because I don't feel right living off of you" I sadly state.

"You are my girlfriend Lilly, you are not living off of me, I am taking care of you that is what men do when they love their woman" he raises his voice. I tense up. "Sorry baby, I didn't mean to yell, but no you are not leaving here, and don't feel like you are living off of me, I want to take care of you baby" he places his hands on my shoulders and smiles down at me.

"I just don't----"

"Can you at least put it off until the new year?" he then asked.

"OK" I smile. "I should be finished with breakfast soon" I turn back to the stove.

"Lilly baby, wanna come to the studio with me today?" Marshall then asked.

"Won't I be in the way?"

"Hell nah, plus I need something beautiful around to inspire me," he smirks.

I blush. "OK". Secretly I was super excited to be able to see Marshall work in the studio. After all, I was still a Stan at heart.

At the Studio

"Fucking accountants" Royce throws his phone as we enter the studio.

"What up man?" Marshall asked him.

"Fucking accountants can't give me a straight answer on my money dawg. I've been after them for weeks. They just sent me over this Greek looking spreadsheet or some shit"

"I could look at it and see if I can figure it out" I offered. "I mean if you want me to"

"Yeah you're into all those numbers and shit, would you? Maybe then I will know what the hell is going on" Royce smiled. "I will just forward this to you"

"OK, I didn't bring my laptop"

"You can use mine in my office baby" Marshall smiled. "Let me show you where it is"