Page 56 of The Location Shoot
Albie huffed. “One could say the same thing about love.”
“You think so?”
“I most certainly do. We all carry so much shit with us—our egos, our fears, our shame—all that nonsense. When you fall in love, it suddenly isn’t all about you anymore and that’s such a relief. You’re forced to let go, to realize you’re part of something bigger. You come to understand that what you share, and indeed that other person, is more important than you are.”
“But if the other person becomes your world, do you lose yourself?” she asked.
“If the relationship is right, you become their world too. It’s about partnership. That safe, secure bond allows you to become more of yourself, not less.”
“Is that what it was like when you fell in love with Margaret?”
“I made some mistakes in the beginning, no doubt. It took me a little while to adjust. Being a pampered actor and all, I was used to things revolving around me.”
She laughed.
“Margaret is patient. She taught me how to put another person first. Like all good teachers, she led by example.”
“She’s a wonderful woman. I was glad to have met her that time in the Cotswolds.”
“She always speaks fondly of you. She would love it here. When we were younger, we used to vacation in the countryside. She used to make these wonderful picnics for us; every item was homemade and carefully wrapped. She’d even fold our paper napkins just so. She’s so good at the little things, the things that make everything special. We’d sit outside for hours, just being together.”
Ella smiled.
Albie leaned closer and said, “Finn is quite a guy.”
“Yes, he is,” she replied, squeezing his arm.
Albie patted her hand. “Jean thinks the biggest question is: What is the meaning of life? The truth is, that’s an easy one to answer. Human beings want to feel connection—to our work, to our world, and mostly, to each other. Simple, really. Perhaps there’s an even bigger question.”
“What’s that?” she asked.
He chuckled. “Spoils the fun if you get all the answers from an old fucker like me.”
She laughed.
“So, what’s next on the agenda?” he asked.
“A scenic boat tour to a small residential island where I’ve booked lunch at a historic hotel with spectacular water views.”
“THAT CRUISE WAS LOVELY,” CHARLOTTEremarked as they were seated for lunch.
“It’s been such a wonderful day. I didn’t realize how calming nature can be,” Willow said.
“Did you notice those huge estates along the water’s edge?” Albie asked. “My Margaret would have loved all those gardens. She’s been blessed with a green thumb, just one of her many talents.”
“You must miss her terribly,” Ella remarked.
“Every minute. We talk every night, but I can be quite a pain in the ass. It’s a wonder she’s put up with me all these years. She’s probably glad to be rid of me for a while and have some peace and quiet.”
“Doubtful,” Ella said.
The host came by and handed them each a menu. “Would you please take a picture of us?” Willow asked, handing him her phone.
“Certainly.”
“Take a few, please. Come on, guys. Everyone smile! I want a memento to remember this summer by.”
Finn draped his arm around Ella, and the rest crowded around them. When the host returned her phone, she scrolled through the shots and said, “Ooh, they’re good. I’ll send you all the best one. Mind if I post this on my social?”
