Page 63 of The Location Shoot
“I want you all to know what a special project this has been for me. Couldn’t think of a finer group to share my final curtain call with. Truly, I mean that.” He raised his glass. “Here’s to all of you and this little film of ours that asks the big questions.”
They all raised their glasses and said, “Cheers.”
Albie took a swig of his drink and looked at the faces of each of his beloved friends. “Thank you,” he said. “Truly, thank you.”
ELLA BRUSHED HER TEETH AND STOODin the bathroom doorway, gazing absentmindedly at Finn.
“Hey, come here,” he said, turning down the blanket on her side of the bed. She slipped into bed and burrowed into his chest. “I just can’t believe it about Albie.”
“I know,” she replied.
“He’s been at the top of his game this whole time. None of us had any idea.”
“He really wanted to make one final film. It’s been a good distraction for him. He’s quite an actor, though; despite how it may have seemed, he’s been in a lot of discomfort. That’s why he’s been drinking at night.”
“I hope he makes it to see the film premiere.”
“Me too. But honestly, I don’t think it matters to him. He got what he needed from this experience. Besides, his imagination is so big, I’m sure he can envision the final film,” she said.
“How long have you known?”
“A while. Couple months, I guess. Since right after you and I . . .”
He kissed her forehead.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you. He wanted to keep it private.”
“I understand. Now I know why you’ve been spending so much time with him. You two are so sweet together.” He ran his fingers down her arm and added, “After the way he spoke about his wife, I’m surprised he didn’t want to spend this time with her.”
“He didn’t want to sit at home, waiting to die. Instead, he wanted to stay busy and make a special piece of art that would live on after he’s gone. When we all leave the day after tomorrow, he’ll head back to London. He plans to spend every last minute with Margaret. Said he’ll pass on in her arms.”
He squeezed her tightly. “Speaking of leaving, I know you didn’t want to worry about it until we had to, and I’ve tried to be very good about not bringing it up, but we leave the day after tomorrow. I want to plan our life together. Have you thought more about coming to LA with me?”
“I need to fly to Paris. Jean can take me on his jet. I . . .”
“That’s okay, sweetheart. Maybe you could go to your place first and then meet me in LA. I’ll take care of the arrangements. I can send my jet or book you a flight, whatever you prefer. What do you think?”
Her body tensed, and she stared at her hands in her lap. “Could we wait until after the wrap party tomorrow night to talk about this? It doesn’t make a difference right now, does it?”
Smiling softly, he stroked the side of her face. “Okay, baby.” He nibbled on her earlobe and whispered, “I know how we can use this time.”
LATE THE NEXT AFTERNOON, JEANhollered, “Cut! That’s a wrap!” The room exploded with cheers and applause. “Thank you to the entire cast and crew for a superb job. I think we have something special here. I’d like to call each of the lead actors up to take a bow,” he said. “Michael Hennesey!”
Michael trotted to the center of the room as the cast and crew roared.
“Charlotte Reed!” Jean called, and she stepped beside Michael to more applause.
“Finn Forrester!” he yelled. As Finn joined the others, Ella jumped out of her seat, hooting and hollering. He smiled at her, blushing.
“Willow Barnes!” She confidently joined the others to rousing applause.
“And last but never least, the one, the only, the incomparable Albie Hughes!”
Albie sauntered up to deafening applause. Everyone began stomping their feet as they clapped and screamed, “Bravo! Bravo!” The other actors turned to Albie, bowed their heads in respect, and joined the chorus of applause. Then all five actors held hands and took a final bow.
“Everyone, we’ve been laboring onCelebrationfor months. Now it’s finally time to celebrate what we’ve accomplished. Go change into your street clothes and meet us in the grand salon for a big blowout bash!” Jean announced. “I’m finally ready to relax, at least until I sit down to edit the damn thing. Plan to eat, drink, and dance until the wee hours.”
Albie turned to his castmates and said, “That was quite a curtain call. Thank you, my fellow actors, my friends.”
