Page 66 of The Location Shoot
“Yes, my love. I’m home.”
She hurried over and they hugged tightly. Albie put his hand on her cheek, and they looked into each other’s eyes. “Is it possible you got even more beautiful?” he asked.
She smiled. “Older, yes. More beautiful? Doubtful. Perhaps your eyesight has worsened.”
“You would be wrong, but there’s a first time for everything.”
She blushed and they kissed softly. “Oh, how I missed that,” he whispered.
“Me too,” she said. “How are you feeling, darling? I’ve been worried about you.”
“Life is too short to waste time worrying. I’m so glad to be back home with you.”
“I thought you might be hungry. Lunch is ready. I made a ham and cheese quiche and a green salad so I can get something healthy in you. Can only imagine all the trash you’ve eaten these last three months. Come sit with me; you can tell me all about the film.”
Albie chuckled. “I truly did miss you, my love.”
“Yes, yes, come along then.”
They sat beside each other at the dining room table. Margaret poured their tea and served Albie a slice of quiche with a heaping side of salad.
Albie smiled and took a bite of savory quiche. “The food at the inn was quite good, but nothing compares to your cooking. Seems every time you make me something in a pie crust, I fall in love with you a little more.”
Margaret chuckled. “How did the shoot go?”
“Best film I’ve ever been in, hands down. Jean really went for it. I believe it’s the kind of film that will stick with people and push them to reflect on the big questions in their own lives.”
“I had reservations, but I’m so glad you did it, although I missed you terribly. What a wonderful project. From our phone calls, it sounds like you had quite a lovely time with everyone.”
“I did. Splendid group of actors. It was great fun breaking bread with them every day. Perhaps I even taught them a few things.”
“You’re a gifted actor,” Margaret said. “I’m sure they all learned a great deal from working with you.”
He shook his head. “That’s not what I mean. Let’s just say that they were each dealing with some personal issues. You know young people, thinking they have all the time in the world. Sometimes they lose track of what matters most, can’t tell their ass from their elbow.”
“Yes, well, our bodies might be slowly decomposing, but at least we’ve always had the sense to follow our hearts,” she said.
“Ella did something damn foolish.”
“She’s always been such a lovely girl.”
“She still is, but foolish nonetheless,” Albie replied.
“You told me she fell in love with Finn Forrester.”
“That’s right, deeply in love, but she didn’t trust it. Got scared, I suppose. Fucked it all up.”
“Perhaps she can still make it right.”
He smiled warmly. “On the flight home, I could only think about you, about how I couldn’t wait to see you, and about how blessed we’ve been. It’s such a gift to feel so comfortable with someone that you always want them around because somehow they make things immeasurably better.” He picked up her hand and kissed it softly. “Let’s spend every moment together. I’ll even help you in the garden, my black thumb and all. I know I’ll drive you mad, so I’ll try my best to behave.”
She giggled.
“Really, my love, the only thing I want is to be with you.”
CHARLOTTE WALKED OUT OF HERbathroom in her robe. She was towel-drying her hair when she heard her husband come through the front door of their flat.
“Charlotte, I’m home.”
