Page 18 of The Location Shoot
“My answer would change daily, but for today I’ll say Colette, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Simone de Beauvoir, and Mary Magdalene,” Ella replied.
Finn smiled so widely, it caught everyone’s attention. Ella raised an eyebrow and said, “What are you thinking?”
“It’s just such a great answer. You want to be around people who innovate—artists, creators, and thinkers.”
She smiled. “Of course. That’s why I’m here with all of you.”
CHARLOTTE WAS THE FIRST TO EXCUSEherself to her room, followed shortly by Michael and Willow, who wanted to speak privately about a scene they were working on later that week. Jean finished his drink and announced, “Well, I’m heading up. I have some details for tomorrow to obsess over.”
“Always the artist,” Ella said. “Or a lunatic, perhaps.”
Jean chuckled and kissed her on each cheek.
Albie grabbed the bottle that the waiter had left on the table and poured himself another three fingers of bourbon. He held the bottle up to offer the others a refill.
“No, thank you,” Ella replied.
Finn shook his head.
“Albie, are you all right? You’ve had quite a lot to drink tonight,” Ella said.
“I’m fine. No need to worry about an old-timer like me. I’ll finish this and head off to dreamland.”
“I can stay and walk up with you,” Finn offered.
“I’m okay. Get some sleep. With my wrinkled face, no one will notice the bags under my eyes, but you’re still a leading man,” Albie replied.
Finn chuckled.
Ella walked over and pecked Albie on the cheek. “Do get some rest, my friend. Good night.”
“I’ll walk you up,” Finn said.
She smiled, and they headed upstairs together.
“You seem worried about him. I can pop back down in a bit and make sure he’s okay,” Finn offered.
“That’s sweet of you. Get some sleep—you’re filming tomorrow. It’s just that Albie and I go way back. There’s something going on with him. His answer to my silly game was so kind and sentimental. He’s usually such a crusty old bird.”
Finn laughed.
“The heavy drinking concerns me too. He gave that up years ago, or at least I thought he had.”
“I’ll keep an eye on him,” Finn said.
She smiled.
“Did you see Charlotte’s face when Jean complimented her tonight?” he asked. “I know that was because of whatever you said to him.”
“I was glad to. He has a good heart; he sometimes just needs a nudge in the right direction.” She paused and added, “You were truly kind to Willow. Your words meant a lot to her. She needs that kind of encouragement and compassion until she finds her way.”
“It was my pleasure,” he said, smiling.
“You’re a good person, Finn Forrester.”
He blushed.
Finn realized they were standing outside of Ella’s room. They stood facing each other, so close they were practically touching. After a long, electric moment had passed, Ella said, “This is me. I should probably turn in. Have a good night.”
