"Jen, are you almost ready?" Colin called from the bathroom. "We need to leave in ten minutes."
"Yeah, I'll be ready in a minute," I promised.
I continued rolling up my clothes and stuffing them back into the suitcase. I shouldn't have opened the suitcase. It had exploded clothes all over the place. Or maybe I had just taken them all out trying to find the perfect outfit. My memory was a little blurry.
"Here's your toothbrush," he said.
He peeked out of the bathroom and tossed it at me. I caught it with both hands and wrapped it in a washcloth, packing it with the rest of my things.
"Are you sure about this?" Colin asked, coming out for good this time.
"Yes," I assured him. "I don't know what was going through my head when I just up and left Canada. I owe it to them to finish the season."
"It's only two more weeks of filming," he said.
I finished zipping up the suitcase and sat on the edge of the bed. Colin walked over and sat next to me. He put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me into him. I didn't relax like I usually did when he held me.
"Listen, no one is going to hurt you. I taught that goofball ex of yours a lesson. I don't think he will be showing his face around there again," Colin promised. "And if he does, you've got a line of big strong men, ready to protect you."
I laughed at that. It was true after all.
"And after that we can travel the world," I said. "In between premieres and press interviews."
"Sounds like a good plan," Colin said, kissing me lightly on the forehead. "You're a braver person than I could ever be."
I wasn't quite sure what he meant by that but I didn't argue. Maybe he would elaborate when he felt like it. I stood up and started gathering my few bags. Colin took them from my hands and gestured towards the door. I held it open for him and then made sure it was shut and locked behind us. Everything was already taken care of, so I just deposited the room keys at the front desk and then continued straight out to the parking lot.
I got a text as Colin and I were climbing into the car. Colin started driving while I checked it.
Ginnifer: Colin says the two of you are headed back today? So relieved…
Jennifer: It's only so we can finish filming. Lance better not show his face or I'm going to lose it.
Ginnifer: He won't. I'll make sure of it. Even if that means a 24/7 bodyguard posted outside your door ;)
Jennifer: Ha ha very funny. How's Ollie?
Ginnifer: You and Josh need to stop trying to make that a thing. It's not going to catch on. He's fine.
Jennifer: I am the godmother, I ought to be able to give him a nickname.
Ginnifer: Mother trumps all. I carried that kid in my body for nine months.
Jennifer: Okay… Okay… Don't get all upset.
"Tell Ginny I said hi," Colin said with a smile.
I laughed and nodded.
Jennifer: Oh btw, Colin says hi.
Ginnifer: That man… I don't know what we would've done without him. None of the rest of us could up and leave and come after you.
Jennifer: He does go above and beyond. He's a great example to all of us.
Ginnifer: Some of us more than others :P Text me when you land, ya? I'll come pick you up. It's Josh's turn to watch Ollie so I can have a break tonight.
Ginnifer: Shoot… I just called him that…
Ginnifer: Ignore that. That did NOT just happen.
Jennifer: I'm laughing my head off right now. See ya in a bit.
Colin and I exchanged small talk for the rest of the car ride. I noticed the looks he was throwing in my direction. I knew he was worried. But I was too worried about myself to care that he was worrying about me. Normally it drove me crazy. I was perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I just kind of lost my sanity sometimes. Temporarily.
I shook my head to clear it and pulled my hair out of my face. Colin and I were sitting side by side on the airplane as it took off. He reached over and squeezed my hand. I smiled at him and pulled out my phone to listen to music. We ended up sharing a set of headphones and he made fun of most of my music choices.
"Of course for your sophisticated musician ears, it doesn't strike your fancy," I mocked. "But it's my favorite artist."
"Fine," he teased. "I'm just trying to expand your mind for other options of music."
"I don't need your condescension," I scoffed.
We were still arguing lightly about it when we landed and exited the airplane. I'd shot Ginny a text as we were landing and she'd hurried over from the hotel. By the time we'd collected the bags and walked out through the crowds to the street, she was waiting in the car for us. She beamed as soon as she saw us.
"Welcome back," she said. "I hope they're not too mad about you leaving."
"Great way to welcome us back, Ginny," I replied. "I know they're likely ticked off to the max."
"You'll survive," she laughed.
"Feel like watching chick flicks all night and ordering room service," I asked.
"Sure thing."
"What about me?" Colin asked incredulously. "Am I tossed aside now that I'm not needed?"
"You're still needed, dreamboat," Ginny teased. "I just have first priority with Jen."
Ginny and I high-fived and laughed.