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The camera crew setup and then left, leaving Stephanie and Bret alone. Stephanie positioned pillows and the flowers in the room so it would be an intimate setting. Bret shifted nervously, pulling down his shirt as he sat in a corner chair and Stephanie sat across from him. Leaning forward, she fanned the magazines out on the table.
Bret squeezed his fingers together and looked about as excited as a mouse at a rodeo. “It’ll be okay. We can edit it later if we need to start over or if you say something you’re unhappy with. You know what they say, a movie star is made in the editing room.”
“Do they really say that?” Bret asked, his cheeks flushing pink.
Stephanie shrugged. “I’m not sure if that’s exactly what they say but it’s close. You’re in good hands. I won’t let you look stupid.”
Bret parted his lips and let out a sigh. “Well, thanks.”
“Why don’t we start with talking about how you guys met and lead into the diagnosis. We can talk about how long everything took and what you felt at the end. I promise you this will go fast. Maybe you’ll even feel better when it’s over.”
Bret looked physically ill at the suggestion. “All I really want to do is grab a pizza, to be honest with you.”
“I can send for one later.”
“Only if you stay.”
Stephanie smiled. “I’ll stay.” She lifted a small device in her hand. “When the red light goes on, we’re on. Ready? Three... two... one.”
*****
“Her name was Jamie and I loved her. I haven’t said that in a long time.” Bret was confident and assured but clearly sad. “I watched her die. Slowly. Her agony was my agony. Once she was gone, I was left with nothing. So I retreated into what seemed like the most forgiving of environments. Nature.”
And the interview went on. Stephanie was proud and excited with the material she got. But she was also proud of Bret. He conducted himself strong and spoke from the heart. Something many people struggled with. Herself included.
“How do you think that went?” Bret asked and shifted in his chair.
“Great. It’s going to be an amazing piece. I’ll run to the studio and cut it. Tomorrow morning I’ll head over and I’ll show it to you.”
“I’d like that. Thank you, Stephanie.”
He suddenly seemed so formal. His tone had changed and his posture more rigid but maybe he was tired and she had worn him out. “No problem.” Stephanie tried to sound upbeat. “Want me to help you into the bed?”
“No, thanks. I’ll ring a nurse. You have more important things to do.” Bret was pulling away from her. Stephanie knew it. Maybe it was a mistake having him feel so vulnerable and talking about such an emotional period of his life. Maybe he thought Stephanie wasn’t worth the effort.
“Sure, well. No problem.” Stephanie collected her things. “The camera crew will be up in a few minutes to collect everything. They won’t disturb you for long.”
“It’s fine.” Bret narrowed his eyes and gave a tilt of his head like he rather be anywhere else than talking to her.
“You will be here tomorrow when I stop by, right?”
“Of course. Where else would I be?” Bret said it but Stephanie didn’t believe it. She was pretty sure in his mind he had already checked out. She was pretty sure they were saying goodbye.