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I explain, I want him, and I want him, in my mouth.

We kiss under the cascading warm water, and I drop to my knees.

I want him to come in my mouth, and then I want him to take me against the warm marble, and to make me come.

“No, babe,” he says, pulling me up, “I’m sorry, I can’t.”

“Are you alright?” I ask, unsure, and confused.

Lorenzo nods, and he looks frazzled. “Sorry, I’m just distracted.”

I look at him, worried, and I hope all is fine. I know he has more deals on now, than ever, and I know in this single week of the year, he must sell his movies, fast and hard.

It does however send alarm bells ringing, and I’m new to being turned away. I know a release will be good for him, to relax him, and also me.

It’s just confusing because he seems so very distant. And all of a sudden.

We dress in silence, and I put on the crisp black Dior gown. It is not over the top design wise. It’s more of a classic.

I do my eyes, and I paint them slightly cat-like. After, I do my hair, and I put on a basic Cartier necklace and matching earrings. It helps some, but I don’t care about the fancy clothes and diamonds.

I just wantus.

After Lorenzo dresses in his tux, he puts his gold cufflinks on in silence. He is not the man from NYC, and I don’t know what to say or do.

I look across the French Riviera, and through the billowing curtains in silence. I stare at the yachts on the harbor, and the moonlight reflects off the water. It is a stunning evening, and I mutter a few words to myself.

I remind myself to stay strong, and I remind myself to have faith. I also tell myself to not fear, and to believe inus.

Only, us has happened so fast. So very fast…

As I turn and watch Lorenzo lock our safe, our eyes meet. He does not smile. He does not even acknowledge me. He is somewhere else, and I hope not thinking about someone else.

39

LORENZO

I’m exhausted, and I’m completely over the yearly movie market. It’s always intense, and even if I have several media companies, movie companies, and solid staff, I have likely invested in way too many movies, and streaming projects this year.

It’s hard to keep up with, and I’ve wanted to spend more, and real time, with Storm.

I just have to close on some complex deals, and I must discuss some upcoming productions. If I don’t complete a few complex moves with several parties, I could lose billions.

The timing is complicated, but it is what it is. It is partly out of my hands, and that has been making me nervous.

Attending a party is the last thing I want to do. I just need to catch up with two people, put some deals to bed, and see Dante.

The billionaire has become a good friend, and we need to discuss the planned entertainment business.

I’m glad Dante and Storm get on. I like that, and I hope we all get some time together tonight. Even if I don’t want to go this evening, I force myself to get in the zone.

I have way too much on, and if I do not stay in control of the movies and companies, I could lose it all, everything.

I’ve been asked by a Wall Street fund manager, if I want to spread some of my business risk. In exchange for capital and billions from him, I would simply allow him to invest in ten movies I have in production and postproduction. If I agree, I can breathe.

I just have a few complex questions.

In reality, he and the deal are really why I am attending tonight, and on edge.