In all my years after Don, all my movies, all my marriages, I had never once wanted to go back in time in the hopes that Don and I could get it right. My life since Don had been a story of my own making, a mess and a joy of my own decisions, and a string of experiences that landed me with everything I ever wanted. I was OK. I felt safe. I had a beautiful daughter, a devoted husband, and the love of a good woman. I had money and fame. I had a gorgeous house in a city I had reclaimed. What could Don Adler take from me? If I had come to see if I could stand him, I found that I could. There was not a bone in my body that was afraid of him. And then I realized: if that was true, what did I have to lose? I did not say the words I forgive you to Don Adler. I simply took my wallet out of my purse and said, “Do you want to see a picture of Connor?” He smiled and nodded, and when I showed him her photo, he laughed. “She looks just like you,” he said. “Tl take that as a compliment.” “I don’t think there’s any other way to take it. I think every woman in this country would like to look like Evelyn Hugo.” I threw my head back and laughed. When our Reubens were half eaten and taken away by the waitress, I told him I’d do the movie. “That’s great,” he said. “Really great to hear. I think you and I could really ... 1 think we can really give them a show.” “We are not friends, Don,” I said. “I want to be clear on that.” Don nodded. “OK,” he said. “I understand.” “But I think we can be friendly.” Don smiled. “I'd be honored by friendly.”