Page 70 of The Location Shoot
“He told us about you too,” Ella said.
Lauren smiled shyly, tilting her head down. Michael put his hand on the small of her back and pecked her cheek, careful not to smudge her makeup.
“Our daughter is back at the hotel,” he said. “We’ve made a family vacation out of it.”
“I’m so happy for you,” Ella said.
“Speaking of family, have you seen Charlotte?” Michael asked, gesturing down the carpet.
They turned and saw Charlotte in a flowing rose-colored gown, proudly showing off a baby bump.
“Oh my goodness!” Ella exclaimed.
“She’s five and a half months pregnant,” Michael said.
“That’s fantastic. Are the others here?” Ella asked.
“Willow is halfway down the carpet, speaking with reporters. They’re all dying to hear about her upcoming starring role on Broadway.”
Jean smiled. “I always knew she was a real actress. Wait until you see the final cut of the film. She’s going to be the darling of Tinseltown, just as Albie predicted. There will be a slew of award nominations in her future.”
Ella smiled, her eyes darting around and scanning the crowd. She turned back to Michael and asked, “Finn? Is he here?”
Michael shook his head. “Not yet.”
“Oh,” Ella said, looking down.
Jean squeezed her hand. “He will be here,ma chérie. Come, the press is waiting.” He took her hand and they walked slowly down the line of media, stopping along the way so Jean could answer questions about the film. Ella stood back, casually glancing down toward the entrance. They were halfway down the red carpet when she saw Finn arrive, looking more handsome than ever in a black tuxedo. He noticed her immediately and they made eye contact. He began making his way toward her, stopping several timesto pose for obligatory photos. Before he reached her, the reporters began hollering for the stars ofCelebrationto pose together.
“I’ll walk ahead a bit,” Ella said to Jean. “Go do your thing. Celebrate this magnificent cinematic achievement.”
Jean, Willow, Michael, Charlotte, and Finn joined each other in the middle of the carpet. They stopped to greet one another with hugs and handshakes before posing in a line to a flurry of flashbulbs. When the press gallery was satisfied, Jean, Willow, Michael, and Charlotte each walked over to different reporters for on-camera interviews. Finn made a beeline for Ella. She reciprocated, and they met in the center of the carpet.
They stood for a moment, staring deeply into each other’s eyes, neither quite able to exhale.
“Uh, you look beautiful,” Finn stammered, pecking her on the cheek.
“Thank you. I’m so happy to see you.”
“You’re wearing the necklace I bought you.”
“Yes. Finn—”
He cut her off. “It’s great to see everyone again. Seems like they’re all doing well. You were right, Michael did make things right with Lauren. And now I see why Charlotte was so emotional during our big scene. Obviously, it worked out for her.”
She smiled. “Yes, it’s wonderful. I only wish Albie were here.”
“I know. It’s hard to believe he’s gone. It was such an honor to work with him, to get to know him. I’m sorry he never got to see the final film.”
“In his mind, I think he saw it,” she said.
“I sent his wife flowers since there was no public memorial.”
“I know,” she said. “They were gorgeous.”
He looked at her quizzically.
“I checked in on him after the shoot ended. When he was at home in hospice near the end, I visited him and Margaret. After he passed, I stayed for a few days to help.”
