Free The Pages We Forget by Anthony Lamarr

Leatrice promised. “As soon as you’re done shooting this video, we can take care of that other matter. So, don’t give up.”
    Meanwhile, it was Alex who wanted to give up. Each day he was more distressed and fed up, but the thought of not having her in his life was even more unbearable. There was so much he loved about her. Her unquenchable passion. Her beauty. Her amazing voice. He loved her smile and the softness of her lips. The heart-shaped birthmark on the back of her right thigh. And her sense of humor before she started recording The Pages We Forget. He even loved her frailty at that very moment.
    â€œWhat can I do to help?” he asked from the director’s chair.
    â€œI’ll talk to you later,” June told Leatrice.
    â€œAre you sure you’re okay?”
    â€œI will be,” June answered.
    â€œBe strong,” Leatrice encouraged as she walked off set.
    â€œWhat can I do to make this easier for you?” Alex asked from the darkness as soon as he heard the door close behind Leatrice. June could barely see his face from where she sat on the bed, but she knew he was having as difficult a time with the video as she was. He was furious when he first learned that her concept for the video was to recreate the night she made love to Keith. Whether it was jealousy or the insane need to be there with her, he insisted on directing the video. June objected. Bernard warned. And Leatrice pleaded. But all to no avail.
    Now, he wished he had listened.
    â€œTalk to me, Junie!”
    â€œI’m sorry I put you through all this.” She pulled the comforter tighter around her. Her apology sounded sincere, so he softened his tone. He was willing to do anything to find a way to be closer to her when he felt she needed him most.
    â€œJunie, I’d do anything for you. I’d find a way to walk across the sun if that’s what you needed me to do. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Junie.” He stared into her tear-filled eyes. “It doesn’tmatter what it is. Whenever you need me, I’ll be there. Always.”
    â€œI know, Alex. I know.”
    â€œThen why won’t you talk to me?”
    â€œI can’t. At least not now.”
    â€œWhy not now?”
    â€œI just can’t,” she cried. “Please, Alex. Believe me, if I could tell you now, I would.”
    â€œWhat am I up against, Junie?” Alex begged. “What is it about him?” He wanted to run to her, take her in his arms, hold her and make her world right, but he needed to know the answer to his question first. “What did he do to you or give you or say to you that I haven’t?”
    â€œThis isn’t about him, Alex!”
    â€œStop lying!” Alex marched on the set. “Don’t try to tell me this isn’t about him. He’s the reason you did this album. And he’s the reason we’re standing in this room now.”
    June stood and tried to walk away, but Alex grabbed her by the arm. “Let go of me,” she snapped.
    â€œNot until you tell me what’s going on.”
    â€œYou’re hurting me, Alex.”
    â€œI want to know and I want to know now! Sit down!”
    June reluctantly sat down on the bed.
    â€œI’m sorry about grabbing you. I’m sorry about a lot of things right now,” Alex said and walked over to the window. “But I know you, Junie. And I know that something’s not right. You’re not yourself, baby. If it’s me, I mean, if you want me to leave, all you have to do is tell me. It’ll probably kill me, but I’ll go if that’s what you really want. But if you want me to stay, Junie, you’ve got to trust me enough to talk to me and tell me what’s happening with us.”
    â€œAlex, you already know what I want,” she said. “I’m not with you because I have to be. I’m here because I love you.”
    â€œDo you?” Alex turned