T/W:

***

So I'm not exactly batting a hundred with Pedro. However, I'm planning something big for him. The next day, I'm up early. I shower, dress and pack a nice picnic lunch. Some brie sandwiches, water bottles, a fruit platter and some chocolate chip cookies I made. Then...I drive over to Pedro's and knock on his door.

He answers, wearing nothing but his boxers and looks annoyed.

"Get dressed. We're going on a field trip," I announce. Pedro glares, but I remain firm. He stares at me and I simply stare back until he relents, stomping back into his room, throwing on a tshirt and jeans.

"I'm still pissed, you know," he growls.

"You should be," I say. Pedro stills, holding one of his shoes. "I've been a total bitch. I wouldn't have been the least bit surprised if you'd thrown me out when I arrived here."

He slips his shoes on, standing up. "Where are we going?" He asks, grabbing his keys and phone, following me outside to my car. I smile.

"It's a surprise."

****
There's this little overlook, halfway up the mountains. Mel found it one time, years ago, when we first came to California. We'd kinda got lost and stumbled upon it by accident. It turned out to be one of the best accidents ever. We'd return several times, particularly if I was under a lot of scrutiny from the press and Mel would remind me how amazing and talented I really was.

I watch Pedro's reaction as he slowly climbs out of my car. He wanders over to where the railing is, looking down. I pull out our lunch and a blanket, joining him. I gaze down into the valley, feeling as free as a bird, all my stupid problems, a million miles away. It's the best feeling in the world. Pedro looks over at me.

"This place is incredible," he murmurs, watching as I spread out the blanket, on a grassy area a few feet away from railing.

"Thanks. I like coming here when I start feeling overwhelmed by life." I settle on the blanket, pulling out the food and setting it down. Pedro joins me. He doesn't look so pissed anymore.

"Charley, you didn't have to do this," Pedro says softly.

"Actually, I did," I murmur. I take a deep breath, slowly releasing it. "You were right. I am self sabotaging myself."

Pity flashes in Pedro's eyes. I look away. "I've always had a shitty life. Ever since I was a kid. My parents weren't the greatest at being supportive. They were old school, expecting me to grow a thick skin. So I did. And ever since, I've always told myself: I don't deserve to a have good or happy life."

"Charley, that's bullshit and you know it," Pedro says firmly. "Everyone deserves to be happy and have a good life."

"I realize that now," I say. "But I'm still working on it. Mel is..." I pause, struggling to keep my composure. "She's the only one who's stuck by me the majority of my life."

"That's why it hits so hard that she's backing away from being your agent," Pedro says, suddenly understanding. "To you, it feels like she's abandoning you, too."

The tears well up and I nod, as they slip silently down my cheeks. Pedro moves, gently wrapping his arms around me. I sob for several minutes before pulling away. I sniffle. Pedro soothingly rubs my back.

"Mel's still in your corner," he murmurs. "As I am." His dark eyes search mine. "I know I haven't been as understanding as I could have. But starting now, I'm all in."

I smile, cupping his face in my hands. "And I promise, if something starts bugging me, I'll open up and we talk about it." Pedro grins, leaning in for a kiss.

"That, Miss Evans, sounds like an exceptional plan."

****
We stay for nearly four hours, just talking. We even hike a little further up, catching sight of some wildlife. Some rabbits, several birds and even a few, young foxes. I smile, watching as they scurry away, then pause, glancing over at Pedro and I, seeing if we're planning on chasing them.

When we leave, Pedro drives me to a secluded area close to the ocean. It's a little chilly, this close to the water, a the breeze blowing a faint spray of water our way as we walk along, the sound of the waves, crashing against the rocks. It plays a melody, mixed with the calling of seagulls.

"I think this has been one of my favorite days," I tell Pedro.

"Even more than when we went to the bed and breakfast?" Pedro teases and I laugh.

"I enjoyed that, too. But this, this seems better in a different way. It's difficult to put into words," I reply. Pedro nods.

"It's all right if you can't."

We walk further down the beach, wet  sand squishing between our toes. The sun is low in the sky, though it's not terribly late. Probably around three or four in the afternoon. I spot a shack, just ahead. Pedro laughingly pulls me over and we pause outside, putting on our shoes, going inside and ordering some seafood.

We take our food to go, returning to the secluded area, sitting on some rocks and feeding each other. Though Pedro and I have been officially dating for weeks now, this feels like the beginning.

****

It's dark by the time we return to Pedro's. He prods and begs until I relent, coming inside. Immediately, he's lifting me up and carries me inside, grinning like someone who has a secret.

We get inside and Pedro sets me down on his bed, still grinning as he crawls into the bed, hovering over me. I smile, reaching out, fingers grazing his face. He tilts his face, those sexy lips grazing my fingers. I shiver.

"It's not fair how beautiful you are," I murmur. Pedro's eyes soften and a strange pang strikes me, deep inside my gut.

"You have such high praise for me," Pedro murmurs. I chuckle.

"Why shouldn't I? You're an incredible human being. I'd sing your praises all day long."

Pedro shifts, tugging me against his chest. I smile, snuggling closer. His fingers trace lazy circles on my back. "You aren't the only one with demons."

I study him. "Anybody who's lived long enough, we all have something that we drag around with us." Pedro nods.

"This is true," Pedro murmurs. I lift my hand, drawing my thumb across his cheek, feeling the softness of his facial hair against my skin.

"This really has been the best day," Pedro murmurs, kissing my forehead. I smile.

"It certainly has."

***

I fall asleep, nestled in Pedro's arms. That's probably the most I've been relaxed around him since we got together. Unfortunately when we wake the next morning, things get start going downhill. I receive a text message from Kristen, telling me to call her immediately.

"Kristen?" I say. "Where's the fire?"

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but apparently news of you fleeing to Hawaii has just hit." I nearly chuck my cell against the wall of Pedro's bedroom  but manage to control my emotions.

"Shit!" I exclaim, causing Pedro to come dashing in from the bathroom, bewildered.

"What?" He asks, but I wave at him to be quiet.

"What's the plan?" I ask Kristen.

"Mariel thinks that you should issue a public statement, saying that the reason behind your disappearing act is because of personal reasons. You do not, I repeat, do not have to give any specifics," Kristen explains. I scowl. Seriously? Why should my personal problems be om display for everyone to hear?

"Fine," I reluctantly agree, though I'm fuming inside. Damn hotel workers. They're probably the assholes who blew the whistle on me. Should have known better than go to a popular vacation destination.

"I know you're upset," Kristen says. "But it's important to be honest and not try to hide things. That just makes you look more suspicious."

"Sure," I say flatly. "So when should I get this announcement out?"

"Can you swing by my office this afternoon around three?" Kristen asks.

"Yeah."

"Perfect. I'll see you at three."

"'Bye." I click off, tossing my phone down on the bed. Pedro comes over, sitting beside me.

"I guess some idiot leaked the news about me running off to Hawaii. So Kristen and Mariel think it's for the best if I issue a statement."

Pedro gently squeezes my hand. "That sucks."

"No shit," I mutter.

"I agree with them," Pedro adds. "We have to control the narrative. By doing that, we're keeping the flames to a minimum."

I snort. "I don't get why we should have to explain anything, to anyone! My life isn't up for grabs! Normal people screw up all the damn time and no one gives a shit about them! Yet the second a celebrity screws up, it's considered everyone else's business? That's bullshit!"

Pedro sighs, releasing my hand and standing up, and moves to start getting dressed, while I sit there, struggling not to completely lose my shit.

"Would you like me to come when you go to issue the statement this afternoon?" Pedro asks. I nod.

"Yes. I'm gonna need you to keep me from completely losing my shit."

****
Pedro and I are walking into Kristen's office promptly at three. We sit down on the couch in her office, while she gives me some ideas about how to word the statement. (Although personally, I think my exact words to the general public ought to be: Kiss my ass, you bunch of nosy assholes.)

"So..what, you want me to apologize and make a statement, saying that I was dealing with some personal issues and needed to get away for a few days?"

Kristen nods. "That would be acceptable."

Air hisses through my teeth as I blow air through it, jaw clenched. Bunch of nosy asholes, trying to pretend that my life is somehow their business.

"All right," I agree. So Kristen writes everything down, assuring us that she will handle this. Pedro and I stand. I'm antsy, eager to get away from here.

"Oh and, Charley?"

"Yeah?"

"Next time you think running off is the solution, I'd appreciate it if you'd contact me first?" I grit my teeth. Pedro hands rests on the small of my back, a silent warning to watch what I say.

"All right," I say, though forcing out the words is almost physically painful.