I zip up my suitcase and take a look around the room. I'm starting to pack for my trip back to California in a few days. Tomorrow I plan on talking to Lennox. I have to get up the courage to text her. Maybe a trip to Jones Beach with mom will somehow summon my courage. A band mom likes is playing and I was able to get her some tickets with my hard earned money I made this summer.

The last few days mom and I have been all over, from Manhattan to Montauk Point. This island really is beautiful and I think mom has fallen in love.

Someone knocks on my door. "Come in."

I expect to see Rob or mom, but instead it's Dan. I haven't spent much time with him this week. I hate to admit it, but I was avoiding my friends too.

"Hey man, leaving without saying goodbye?"

There's an edge to his voice.

I shake my head. "I'm not leaving for another few days. I'm taking mom to the beach today."

"So that's what you've been up to all week."

I toss my suitcase to the floor, and take a seat in the computer chair. Crossing my arms I carefully observe Dan's behavior.

"Yeah, I just needed to clear my head. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, I get it. Do you want the good or bad news first?" he asks.

He strolls across the room and kicks off his shoes, then throws himself on the bed. I smirk at Dan being Dan, making himself at home. There's an ache in my chest over the fact that in just a few days I'm leaving and I don't know when I'll see him or Maya again. It most likely won't be until next summer. I hate the dreaded feeling I get just before I leave. I always spend my last week with them doing everything we can think of to celebrate the end of summer, but this year was different.

"I'll tell you the good news," he says, not allowing me to answer.

"What's your good news?"

His cheeks flush a deep pink, and the smug look says it all. He throws his hands behind his head and leans up against the headboard..

"I told Maya that I love her. I've loved that girl since we were kids. It felt weird to say it outloud, but it felt so good."

My head drops and I stare at my hands. Lennox had tried to tell me that she loved me the day of the premier. Every time she spoke I didn't give her the chance, and now I may never hear those words from her mouth.

"I'm happy for you Dan." I look him in the eye to let him know I'm serious. "I've been rooting for you two since that first summer. I'm so happy you both decided to finally come clean."

"Thanks, that means a lot to me," he says. "So, here's my other news. Do you want to hear it?"

"I guess." I sigh.

"Okay, so Lennox is doing a stream in like thirty seconds." He hands me the phone.

"And that's the good news or the bad news?" I ask, staring down at the phone.

"I don't know, you tell me."

Dan puts the phone in my hand. He already has her Instagram page up and ready to go. The live feed pops up and Lennox's face appears. I gasp at the sight of her. She's paler than normal, and even through her makeup I don't miss the purple bags under her eyes.

"Hey everyone Lennox Taylor here. I know there's been radio silence on my end since the season finale and I just wanted to address some of the rumors floating around."

Lennox as usual is putting on her game face, as mom had called it. She smiles and although her voice sounds bubbly to the untrained ear, to me, I can hear the tremble and hesitation as she speaks. In just a short amount of time I've picked up on so much about her and how she is under certain circumstances.

"Firstly, I'm not quitting acting. I love it too much to just give up. I'm taking a small break so that I can finish up my senior year of High School. However," she says with a huge smile. "I am going to be doing some auditions in the New York City area, and possibly will be auditioning for a new Netflix original that is set to film here."

She sincerely looks happy about that.

"I'm also under new management, Walker Taylor has decided to take over for me and I couldn't be happier to have someone by my side who believes in me."

She takes in a deep and steady breath then looks directly into the camera. Clearing her throat she stares into the camera, her eyes glistening.

"This is a bit of a personal matter, but I wanted to reach out to someone who over this past summer has become a big part of my life. Max, if you're watching this." She pauses to lick her lips, and get a grip on her emotions.

Dan hasn't said a word since the whole thing started. I have a slight feeling that he had something to do with it.

"I know sorry won't take back whatever it is you thought you saw, but I'm sorry it looked that way. I was having a bad night," she sighs.

Her eyes dart around the room for a moment like she's trying to hold back tears.

"Haven't you ever wished you could have a do over with something in your life? You already gave me one do over, but if it's possible I'd like another. Max, you're the first boy that I've honestly loved. What happened the other day hurt more than anything I'd ever been through. I don't know how I can make it up to you, but I want to try. If there's anything I can do please let me know. If not, I've just embarrassed myself in front of millions of fans."

Lennox lets out a small laugh, and then her face goes serious again. I watch as the comments light up with more hashtags. #FindMax #LennoxTaylorInLove and things of that nature. Fans are shouting out to her from the comments that they love her. Some guys make rude comments, and I wish I could reply back to them and give them a piece of my mind. I don't.

"Well, that's what's happening with me. I really hope you all continue to follow my journey in acting. Thank you all for the overwhelming support with the show, my career, and with the Orbit Theater. Keep following for updates, you'll see me on the big screen again sooner than you think."

The screen goes blank and the feed dies. Dan is staring at me waiting for me to say something. Only, I'm not sure what to say. He takes the phone.

"She's a mess dude. Maya and I have been checking in and it's not pretty. I'm not taking sides, but you guys should talk before you leave. I love you, and I hate seeing you so down."

He sits up, adjusting his legs to dangle off the bed facing me.
"I know and I appreciate it. I'm planning on talking to her. I just have to get the nerve to do it."

"I get it man," he says with a smile. "You got this. Don't let this one slip by like I almost did with Maya."

***

A few hours later I'm walking around the parking lot of the theater with Mom. We had an early dinner and I brought her over early to show her the beach. The bright orange sunlight dances behind us. It's a beautiful sight all around. Lennox was right about this place, there's something magical here.

Dan's words linger in my head as mom and I walk over to check out the amphitheater. She's in awe of it. I thought being here would upset me, but it's actually quite calming and I'm enjoying my time with mom. I've never seen her laugh as much as I have today. It's nice to see this side of her, my only worry is if she'll be like this when we go back home.

"You've got something on your mind," she says, nudging me as we walk barefoot down the beach that touches the theater.

"You just seem happier. I like seeing you like this again, and I fear California is going to be another downward spiral for you."

She stops to take in the view.

"I love you Max. I love how you care for other people the way you do. I'm proud of the man you've become. There's no need to worry about me. This trip was just what I needed. I feel refreshed somehow."

A soft breeze blows through her hair as she stares off at the water and theater.

"This place is amazing Max," she says. "Wish we had something like it at home."

"Maybe we can come back here next summer. You and I together," I suggest.

Mom looks around bobbing her head up and down. "I'd like that."

We stand at the water's edge looking at the amphitheater. Seeing the theater again brings back all of the memories here with Lennox. I still remember the moment I realized that I actually really liked her. She had been talking to that fan and her face lit up. She was kind to that girl and in my heart I knew that was the real Lennox that I managed to miss before we shared that kiss.

I think about what Uncle Rob had said back when I was afraid to talk to Dad. He basically said to do it before it's too late. I don't want it to be too late with Lennox. I want her to know how I feel about her, because tomorrow is never promised and if I don't live in the moment - Uncle Rob's famous words, then am I really living?

"Hey, Mom, is it okay if I..."

"Go, message her. Tell her to get her butt over here."

I don't know how she knew, but she did. Mom smiles, and bumps her hip into mine. I can't help noticing the subtle changes mom has made since coming to New York. Like all of the demons that haunted her have finally let go. She's laughed and smiled more times in the last week than she has in years.

"Thanks Mom. I'll be right back."

I give her a quick kiss on the cheek, before running over to the box office to purchase one extra cheap nosebleed ticket for the show.