I think of Shane all night.
I think of all the time we spent together.
He was always so kind to me.
And he laughed at my jokes.
And how open I thought he was being.
And applauds my best qualities.
Even when I try to keep parts of myself hidden.
Even when I’m not proud of myself.
And the next morning, I call my mother.
Lulu
It was wonderful, but…
I quickly tell her all about the date…
And what happened afterward with Sadie.
I can feel her disappointment in me over the phone.
Mom
You let that woman run you off like that?!
Lulu
You don’t understand.
Mom
And the daughter I raised wouldn’t have run scared.
Lulu
It’s just been hard lately.
Lulu
With Chad and now this.
Lulu
My confidence has been taking blow after blow.
Mom
Then you stand and face it.
Mom
You can’t keep running away.
Mom
It doesn’t solve anything.
I get to the real heart of the matter.
The thing that’s really bothering me.
Lulu
She was just so beautiful, mom.
Lulu
She seemed perfect for him.
A growl comes over the line.
Mom
According to their conversation, she wasn’t perfect for him.
Mom
And from what I hear, you’re the one he wants.
Mom
YOU’RE beautiful, Lulu.
Mom
And Shane thinks so too.
There’s silence on the line before my mom speaks again, quieter this time.
Mom
Because that’s the question that actually matters.
Mom
The Lulu I raised knew she was perfect.
Mom
That’s how it was, before that Chad came around.
Mom
And if you can’t get back there…
Mom
If you don’t learn to love yourself…
Mom
How do you expect anyone else to?
Maybe it’s because I finally feel something real for someone else…
But something clicks in my head.
It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.
It matters how I feel about myself.
Self-love comes from within.
No matter how much I weigh.
It’s something I’ve always known.
When did I lose sight of that?
And after I hang up the phone…
I head to Sandy’s Sweets.
The words in my heart are threatening to burst out…
And I’m so anxious to get something special for Shane…
I yank open the door to Sandy’s Sweets…
And run smack-dab into a brick wall.
I’m about to topple over…
But a familiar hand reaches to steady me.
It takes me a moment to get my bearings.
Lulu
What are you doing here?
He gives me a sheepish smile.
Shane
Giving you the cupcakes didn’t work the first time…
Shane
But I’m hoping second time's a charm.
I put a hand on my chest.
Lulu
I was going to bring you cupcakes.
His eyes flash with intensity.
He pulls me away from the front door.
Shane
Listen, I want to apologize about last night—
Lulu
Let me say something first.
His lips flatten, and then he nods.
I take a deep breath, and gather my courage.
Lulu
I had a great time on our date last night.
Lulu
So I’m done running.
Lulu
It may take me a little time to get over some of my confidence issues…
Lulu
But…I’d like you to take a second chance on me too.
He stares at me for a moment.
Then he lets out a breath.
I peer over his shoulder.
Lulu
As long as Sadie isn’t around here waiting in the car or something.
Shane
No, I sent her away for good last night.
My heart lightens and I take a step forward.
He reaches out to squeeze my hand.
Shane
I can’t believe she showed up like that.
Shane
She knows it’s over between us.
Shane
She just can’t stand to see me happy without her.
Shane
It’s always been that way.
I wait, prompting him to speak further.
Shane
I left L.A. because I couldn’t stand the superficial lifestyle.
Shane
And let’s just say, it’s the perfect place for Sadie.
Shane
To be frank, she’s shallow and manipulative.
Shane
She probably didn’t even quit her job.
Lulu
I shouldn’t have run away.
Lulu
It was the coward’s way out…
Lulu
And I’m going to try my hardest not to do that anymore.
Lulu
If you’re staying, that is.
The look he gives me feels like a caress.
Shane
I’m done with her, Lulu.
Shane
And I’m done with L.A.
Shane
This is where I belong.
Shane
You’re what I want.
Shane
I want to live and laugh, and actually enjoy myself.
Then, Shane suddenly grabs one of the cupcakes he bought…
He brings it to my mouth…
I’ve barely swallowed when he suddenly leans in…
And takes my breath away with a soul-stealing kiss.
We don’t break apart for several minutes.
He leans in again and whispers against my lips.
Shane
But that was sweeter.
