Junior Year Box Set

“What he did say was that someone she absolutely trusted needed to know about her needs in times of stress. He said she’d a hard time talking about it at all, so he’d decided to tell me. My dad told me he realized that the knowledge might be a burden to me, but he’d been impressed with how grown-up I’d become. He said he thought I wasn’t just the best candidate, but the only candidate for that knowledge.

“I came to realize my mom and dad never really loved each other, but they were always good friends. Mom said he was someone she could trust.”

Halle looked at me.

“I think you’re starting to understand how hard it is to find someone like that when you’re in this business. What I do know is they’d spend time together every now and again, and when Mom would come home, she seemed to be a lot better. She was happier, a lot less stressed, and a lot more outgoing. I hate to speculate, but I would guess that they were having sex. I know I feel much better after I’ve had some good sex,” she said and blushed.

“So, you think she’s all but asking me to have sex with her? Well, I guess in a way she did when she asked if I’d give her a ‘happy ending.’ I mean, there’s a bit of an age difference, and I’m seeing you,” I said.

“You’re worried about me, aren’t you?” Halle asked.

“Of course I’m worried about you. I care for you very much, and I’d never do anything to hurt you.”

“And I care about you, but we’re a lot more friends than anything else right now,” she said and saw my worried expression. “When you told me you weren’t ready for a girlfriend, I was hurt at first. But it turns out that you did me a huge favor. I’m too young to be in a serious relationship. And I’m sorry, but Pam reminded me that my own mother had Trip when she was sixteen. I love you to death, but I can’t have a hold on you now. It wouldn’t be fair to you, or to me.

“I love the time we spend together. I know you spend time with other girls, and they all have only good things to say about you. Heck, I expected that you’d be out enjoying the Hollywood lifestyle more than you have. All I’ve heard about is you with Leah and the makeup girl. I’m sure you’ve had other opportunities. Trip told me about those girls at the beach and how you could’ve been with any of them if you’d wanted.

“I guess what I’m saying is, I want you to have no regrets about your time here. While this may sound weird, if you can help my mom, I’d be pleased if you did. I obviously don’t want to know about it, but I love my mom and get worried about her. If she trusts you enough to get her release, then please do,” Halle said.

“I don’t know if I can,” I admitted.

“Look, you’re a lot like my dad, as creepy as that sounds. He was someone to be reckoned with.”

Halle looked down at her hands, then back up at me.

“I watched you at the movie today. There were many influential men in the room. What I’ve seen, though, is that you’re the most dominant male in any room. Everyone is aware of where you stand and seems to defer to you, though it doesn’t seem to be conscious on their part. I saw it again today, even when you were among all those powerful movie people.

“What’s more, whatever it is you do, it isn’t an arrogant thing or something you do to hide any insecurities. You wear it like the jeans and t-shirts you love so much, and I think you’d seem clothed walking around a cocktail party nude. My dad was like that. I know my mom was attracted to him because he was a powerful man. I’m sure she’s attracted to you for the same reasons, and I know she trusts you. Heck, she trusts you with me,” Halle said with a smile.

“So you’re telling me that you’re letting me off the leash to plunder all the beautiful women of LA, including your mom in particular?” I asked.

Halle laughed.

“Yes, I hereby release the hound. Go get up to no good and have fun. Just don’t forget about me. I expect my time as well,” she said and then turned serious. “David, I’m half in love with you. Someday it might be different. For now, I want you to be my friend and lover. Do you think you can do that for me?”

I cringed at the ‘someday’ comment.

“Do you think I’m a slut?” I asked.

“Only the best kind. Like I said earlier, in the right light, you’re even cute. And even though we tease you about it, your butt’s just right!”

Halle laughed delightedly, her eyes crinkling in amusement, and I smiled back at her gently.

“I’m glad we talked about this. I just told a friend he needed to have a conversation with his girlfriend before doing things that might be hurtful otherwise. It makes me feel good to know we can talk about stuff like this and have it work out in the end,” I said.

Halle wasn’t done yet.

“Something else I wanted to ask you. Caryn said you have a briefcase full of fancy sunglasses. Where’s mine?” she asked.

“Caryn has a big mouth. That was supposed to be your Christmas gift.”