Page 14 of After the Red Carpet
He feigned a smile and picked up his fork.
“‘FINN’S HOUSE.’ THOSE WERE HERexact words,” Finn said to Michael. “That’s how she thinks of it, as my house, not hers.”
“Relax, she’s only lived there a couple of weeks. She’s just getting used to things.”
“I hope so, but you said yourself that Ella’s never been one to settle down. Maybe . . .”
“Didn’t you say she’s mentioned having kids someday?” Michael asked. “She must be in this thing for real if she’s making plans for a family.”
“Yeah, but we talked about that in Sweden too, and she still . . .”
“Listen, I saw her on the red carpet in Cannes before you arrived. She was a nervous wreck, waiting to see you. The next day, when we all hung out, she said she’d never been happier, that she couldn’t wait to marry you. She’s completely head over heels for you.”
Finn exhaled. “You’re right. I trust what we have. I just want to do everything right this time. I have to make things perfect for her.”
“I’m telling you, relax. She just needs to adjust.”
“Yeah.”
“But if you’re really worried that this thing could blow up at any minute and you’ll look ridiculous after that whirlwind of an engagement, I’ll get the press to back off on the questions about Ella.”
Finn sighed and his shoulders slumped.
“Yes, but even Aristotle recognized that art cannot be a slave to reality,” Dante said.
“That cycles us back to the nature of representations,” Jade mused. “Ella, what do you think?”
“I think I need some more fuel. Who wants a refill?” she asked.
“Ooh, I’d love some more green tea,” Jade said.
“I’ll take more oolong,” Marni added.
Ella refilled each cup. “Would anyone like another slice of cake?”
“Uh, I will. The cherry, please,” Marni replied, holding out her plate. “I still can’t believe you made these from scratch.”
“I’ve always loved baking,” Ella said as she served her a piece of cake with a dollop of homemade vegan whipped topping.
“I wonder if the world would be surprised to learn that the woman who reimagined women’s sexuality spends her time at home baking,” Marni said.
“As far as I’m concerned, baking is all about the pleasure principle,” Ella quipped. “Besides, it can be erotic. You should see me lick the bowl.”
Everyone erupted into laughter.
“And you’d be amazed by what I can do with a rolling pin,” Ella added. They were laughing so hard they were clutching their stomachs when Finn walked into the room.
“Well, this sounds like fun. I hope I’m not interrupting,” he said.
“Not possible,” she replied, rising to give him a kiss. “Finn, these are my friends, Marni, Dante, and Jade.”
“Nice to meet you all,” he said.
They all nodded and smiled. “Thanks for letting our little club crash your house,” Marni said.
“Any time. Ella and I are always happy to have guests in our home.”
“Why don’t you join us, my love?” Ella suggested. “I made a sour cherry–vanilla cake and a flourless chocolate torte. Indulge with us.”
